Josh

Kline

The team will take on approximately $4.46 million in dead cap space following his release. Minnesota signed Kline to a three-year, $15.75 million contract last March, but he merely played 734 offensive snaps over 15 appearances into said deal before having his contract terminated. Entering his age-30 season, Kline will undoubtedly land as an interior reserve elsewhere.

Kline’s absence won’t help the Vikings #EstablishTheRun against the Eagles’ fearsome front. Overall, the Eagles (2.9) and Patriots (3.28) are the only defenses to allow fewer than 3.5 adjusted line yards per rush this season (Football Outsiders). Fourth-round rookie Dru Samia is expected to start in place of Kline.

Kline was knocked out of the game in the third quarter. His absence is bad news for the Vikings’ offensive line, which doesn’t have a great deal of depth as it is.

Kline was cut after turning down a pay cut in Tennessee. He gives the Vikings a veteran stopgap after losing Mike Remmers and Nick Easton. 29-year-old Kline graded as one of the worst guards at PFF last year but he’s a fit for what’s been a zone heavy scheme. Even with the Kline signing, Minnesota’s interior line remains a weak point going into the draft.

It’s the first team he’s been linked to since his release from Tennessee on Friday. The Vikings have a need at right guard after cutting Mike Remmers prior to the start of free agency. Minnesota has also put an offer out to Nick Easton, who expects to make a decision on Monday. Kline is coming off an underwhelming year that saw him earn PFF’s No. 69 grade among 81 qualifiers at tackle.

Kline was entering the second year of a four-year, $26 million extension. The Titans asked him to take a pay cut, but Kline declined and now gets his walking papers. If designated a post-June 1 cut, Kline’s cut clears $4.25 million in cap space. Kline already had $2 million of his $5.75 million 2019 salary guaranteed. He was Pro Football Focus’ No. 69 guard out of 81 qualifiers last season.

Kline became expendable when the Patriots acquired Jonathan Cooper in the Chandler Jones trade. The 26-year-old will begin his Eagles tenure as a backup guard behind starters Brandon Brooks and Allen Barbre. Kline could vault into the starting lineup if LT Lane Johnson’s PED suspension ever kicks in.

If true, Kline may never play a game for Philadelphia. Kline started 13 games for the Patriots last year but was replaced at right guard by Jonathan Cooper this offseason. No front office has been busier than the Eagles this week.

Kline was expected to head to Philadelphia in a trade for CB Eric Rowe on Tuesday, but he was pulled from the deal. It’s possible there were some concerns over his physical after playing through a serious shoulder injury last season. Kline started 13 games in 2015 and should garner another look.

CB Cody Riggs was waived in a corresponding roster move. It ends a strange week for Kline, who was traded to the Eagles then simply returned to the Patriots. The Pats went on to waive Kline even though he started 13 games last season. Titans GM Jon Robinson knows Kline from his time in New England. He’ll slide in as a reserve along the interior in Tennessee.