‘The Big Goon’ has been a free of charge agent for months, and he might before long discover work with the New York Jets, a crew 4-2 by six months.
He’s Linval Joseph, and the Jets hosted the nose deal with for a free of charge-agent pay a visit to and exercise session on Friday.
Joseph, 34, very last played for the Los Angeles Chargers in 2020 and 2021 but put in 6 seasons with the Minnesota Vikings from 2014 to 2019. Before his Vikings career, Joseph was chosen by the New York Giants in the 2nd Round of the 2010 NFL Draft and invested 4 years along with Eli Manning. He even gained a Tremendous Bowl with the Giants.
A supporter preferred, Joseph was completely beloved in Minnesota. He was an anchor for the Mike Zimmer-led defenses that pestered the NFC North for about 5 seasons. From 2015 to 2019, proper in Joseph’s breadbasket with the Vikings, Minnesota rated 2nd in the NFL for each details allowed, only trailing the dynastic New England Patriots in the timeframe.
But then in 2020, many Vikings defenders jettisoned in free of charge company, which include Xavier Rhodes, Trae Waynes, Everson Griffen, and Joseph — and Zimmer’s cherished defense under no circumstances recovered. Joseph wound up with the Chargers and is now trying to find his fourth place of work.
In June, Joseph curiously posted a online video to his Instagram account, displaying himself at the Vikings headquarters in Eagan. Individuals spitballed a attainable Vikings reunion, but it under no circumstances materialized.
The Jets recent starting defensive line consists of John Franklin-Myers, Sheldon Rankins, Quinnen Williams, and Carl Lawson. If Joseph indicators in New York, he’ll provide as a depth piece for the abruptly-very good Robert Saleh-led Jets.
In 171 career games, Joseph has tallied 644 total tackles, 75 QB hits, 56 tackles for loss, 25 sacks, 8 pressured fumbles, and 5 fumble recoveries. He’s also a two-time Professional Bowler, with the Vikings in 2016 and 2017.
The Jets already roster a handful of former Vikings — Tyler Conklin (TE), Mike Remmers (RT), Dru Samia (G, PUP), and Chazz Surratt (LB, PS). For every FiveThirty 8, New York has a 38% opportunity of achieving the 2022 postseason.
The Vikings and Jets square off in 44 days at U.S. Financial institution Stadium. The Jets defense ranks 11th in the NFL for every defensive EPA/Perform.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the College of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his every day YouTube Channel, VikesNow. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs each Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sally from Minneapolis. His Viking fandom dates back again to 1996. Shown guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Product, ‘The Sopranos,’ and The Doors (the band).