Vikings Territory: Sketchy Rumor Links DT Geno Atkins To Vikings

Press release from Vikings Territory:

2021-09-03

Around six months ago — when the Minnesota Vikings still considered Shamar Stephen as the solution to their three-technique depth chart spot — Geno Atkins’ free agency was supremely intriguing.

But that doesn’t vanquish the rumor mill. An account known for tweeting gobs of rumors hinted Atkins is currently deciding between the Vikings and Seattle Seahawks for 2021 employment.

September 3, 2021

This account is tricky to adjudicate. They’re dedicated to rumors, so by default, much of the info will be rendered incorrect after the fact. Rumors, at heart, aren’t supposed to be true all of the time — they’re rumors.

August 6, 2021

On Atkins, he tore his labrum in 2020, and the year became a forgettable one. The pandemic season marked the first time in the last eight seasons Atkins missed a single game. Ergo, outside of 2020, Atkins is an iron man.

The alluring aspect of Atkins’ skill set is balance. When his labrum is good to go, he is equally as effective in rushing the passer as he is stopping the run. Normally, a defensive lineman does one trait or the other in a superior manner. Such is not usually the case for Atkins. He stops the run and stalks passers.

In addition, Bill Barnwell of ESPN predicted — four months ago — Atkins would end up with the Vikings:

Indeed, there is a default statute of limitations on predictions like this — Richardson was welcomed to the Vikings after the Barnwell piece — but at least Atkins-to-Minnesota isn’t completely off its rocker.

Then, the Vikings have the cap space. Minnesota currently owns about $7 million in cap space to sign free agents.

Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday along with Raun Sawh and Sally from Minneapolis. His Viking fandom dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ and The Doors (the band).

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