This week, Mike Zimmer, the former head coach of the Vikings, made his official debut as the Dallas Cowboys’ defensive coordinator. Zimmer, who coached in Dallas from 1994 to 2006, is returning to the NFL after a two-year hiatus, and he takes over a defense that is full with talent. Whether or not Zimmer approaches the Cowboys’ front staff to bring any of his former Minnesota players back to the team this offseason is one interesting storyline to follow. Danielle Hunter, the top defensive free agent available to the Vikings and one of the best edge rushers available this spring, is the player to watch out for the most. He worked with Zimmer for seven seasons before becoming a major star in 2018 and 2019. Hunter
Another is Harrison Smith, a 35-year-old safety who, should he choose not to retire, may find himself cut by the Vikings this spring. If Smith wants to play one or two more seasons under the man who coached him in Minnesota for eight seasons, that would make sense. Anthony Barr, what about him? Having been selected as Zimmer’s first draft choice in Minnesota in 2014, he went on to play in four Pro Bowls and was a cornerstone of Zimmer’s defenses for seven years. Barr, who will turn 32 in a few months, played for the Cowboys in 2022 before being released and signing with the Vikings in November of last year. There might be a chance for a reunion there.
Another is Harrison Smith, a 35-year-old safety who might be cut by the Vikings this spring if he decides not to retire. It would make sense for Smith to play one or two more seasons for the man who spent eight seasons coaching him in Minnesota. Anthony Barr—how about that one? He was a mainstay of Zimmer’s defenses for seven years after being chosen as the first pick in Zimmer’s 2014 draft by Minnesota. He went on to play in four Pro Bowls. In November of last year, Barr—who will turn 32 in a few months—signed with the Vikings after being released from the Cowboys in 2022. There was a possibility of a reunion there.
