PurplePTSD: FA Fits: Brandon Scherff Is A Luxury The Vikings Can't Afford

Press release from the PurplePTSD:

K. Joudry

2022-03-08

Kirk Cousins and Brandon Scherff have a history dating back to their days in Washington; perhaps their partnership will continue with the Vikings. If it does, the team will get a major upgrade along the interior of their offensive line. Should they commit so much money to the aging RG, though?

Brandon Scherff and The Vikings’ Need at RG

As some of you know, I’ve been an advocate for Austin Corbett in purple. The Rams’ starting RG has put together two-straight strong seasons for the LA offense. With Kevin O’Connell and Wes Phillips hopping over to Minnesota from LA, it’s certainly plausible that the Corbett rumors will materialize.

Scherff is another name that comes up, largely due to his aforementioned history with Cousins and several years of strong play. The concern, though, is threefold: age, injury, and price.

He is 30-years-old and is coming off a year when he played 11 games. In fact, the last time he played every game was back in 2016, Cousins’ second year as a full-time starter. Now, it’s worth remembering that he hasn’t had a bad year in the NFL. The worst he’s done in the PFF grading system is 21st among guards, which goes back to his rookie season. In other words, he was already a strong starter in his rookie year.

We can say, without exaggeration, that he has been an excellent player in every year in the NFL; we can also say he likely won’t play the whole year in upcoming seasons.

Last season, Scherff brought in a gaudy $18 million contract. It’s a massive number for an interior o-lineman, the kind of money that only gets handed out to players who are capable of being elite. Therein lies the issue: Scherff demands huge money because he is elite, but he seldom makes it through the season unscathed.

If the Vikings devote huge money to Brandon Scherff, it would almost certainly mean taking themselves out of contention for this year’s preeminent corners and edge rushers. To my mind, the opportunity cost is too high (and the financial cost, for that matter). Collectively, the offensive line is as important as any position, but a single player along iOL isn’t more important than a high-end corner or EDGE.

Closing Statement

Brandon Scherff is an excellent player, one who will provide a team with stellar play when he’s on the field. From what I can see, that team ought not be the Vikings.

PFF suggests that Scherff will average $16.67 million over three years on his next deal. I’d have a really hard time believing that this would be a wise way to spend Minnesota’s money. The wealthy Wilfs, God bless them, routinely provide management with the ability to spend to the cap. The onus is on KAM and his staff to ensure they’re doing so in a wise manner.

Perhaps the market for Scherff doesn’t develop like everyone expects. If that occurs, then his price could be driven down. A yearly average closer to $10 million may be worth it, but I wouldn’t be holding my breathe on this one.

This press release was produced by the PurplePTSD. The views expressed here are the author’s own.