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David Seelig/Associated Press

Though head coach Mike Zimmer indicated that he was none too impressed with the free-agency class at linebacker, a number of talented players could provide an instant boost to a defense struggling at that position, even though few meet the exacting athletic standards the Vikings have seemingly imposed in the past.

Darren Wolfson of local radio station ESPN1500 has speculated based on his conversations with folks at the combine that the Vikings would look into the linebacker and safety market despite those comments.

Wolfson specified "middle linebacker" in his tweet, and that makes sense given the athletic limitations of the market for linebackers—who often have to possess less lateral range and overall speed in a scheme to be effective.

To that end, the Vikings could sign a number of one-year "prove-it" deals if the market allows them to, or failing that, they can sign cheap contracts with minimal guarantees that make it easy to cut the player—effectively the same as a one-year deal from the perspective of the team.

Despite Rolando McClain's stellar year for Dallas, his overall playing history, multiple head injuries and recent violation of the NFL substance abuse policy should all depress his possible market. But gambling on young talent is something the Vikings are willing to do, and McClain, at 25, is exactly that.

Other than him, former Mike Zimmer linebacker Rey Maualuga should be available. After dropping weight from 260 to 250 pounds at the behest of then-linebacker coach and current Bengals defensive coordinator Paul Guenther, Maualuga improved his game—although, according to Pro Football Focus' player grades, that was from the worst inside linebacker in the NFL to third-worst. But Maualuga cut down on his missed tackles and increased his tackle share, putting together much better seasons in 2013 and 2014.

Though he is limited in what he can do, he knows the scheme well and has become a starting-quality middle linebacker. He could be the veteran presence the Vikings would want if it turns out they do have to part ways with Chad Greenway.

Other options are A.J. Hawk, recently cut by the Green Bay Packers, or Colin McCarthy, formerly of the Titans. Both started their careers in 4-3 schemes and seemingly did better there, although Hawk's career after Green Bay's switch to a 3-4 is nothing to be ashamed of. Hawk was a "Will" linebacker in the Packers' 4-3, but he has the kind of skills that translate to a 4-3 middle linebacker.

The most appealing option may end up being Brandon Spikes, who is the model of a two-down linebacker— absolutely dominant against the run and weak enough against the pass that he consistently comes off the field in passing situations. Just like there is value in a nose tackle who doesn't penetrate—like the Vikings have asked Linval Joseph to be—there is value in a specialist linebacker who can kill the opponents' run game.

Spikes is 27 and doesn't seem young enough to be a surefire target for the Vikings, but he isn't old enough to be completely out of the picture. His instincts are top-notch, and as a middle linebacker, he wouldn't have to cover the field with much range should the opposition choose to air the ball out.

Not many middle linebackers are long-term solutions, but the Vikings have enough holes on the roster that they cannot find all long-term solutions in one draft.

The combination of age, salary and potential might point to McClain as the likeliest target, but the Vikings are keen to avoid the off-field issues of the past, and McClain is one violation away from a four-game suspension. Instead, look for the Vikings to target Maualuga for a short-term deal if the Bengals don't keep him.