- The Vikings released starting left guard Alex Boone Saturday, only a year after singing him to a four-year, $26.8 million contract.
- Boone was decent in pass protection a year ago (earning a 79.9 grade), but really struggled as a run blocker. His run blocking grade of 49.3 was a big reason why the Vikings were last in the league in 15+ yard runs (five) and yards per carry (3.2) in 2016.
- Boone’s departure leaves the Vikings interior line with rookie Pat Elflein and third-year player Nick Easton to start alongside veteran Joe Berger.
- Berger has been one of the league’s best centers in recent years (with grades of 89.1 and 83.2 that last two season), but has plenty of experience at guard, playing 180 snaps there a season ago.
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