The Next Generation of the Minnesota Vikings Defensive Line

The Minnesota Vikings will be looking a little different on the defensive line next year with the loss of Jared Allen and potentially Kevin Williams.

It's been widely known that Jared Allen is set to leave the Vikings and try his luck elsewhere in pursuit of a Super Bowl. As of now, Allen has still not signed anywhere.

The writing is on the wall for DT Kevin Williams. Williams, who was drafted in 2003, has been with the Vikings his entire career. Now he must decide if he would take a backup/mentor role and a not-overly-appealing salary to stay with the team. Last indication is that he will decide in the next few days.

Whether or not Williams returns to the team, the Vikings have signed DT Linval Joseph to a five year, $31.5 million deal. For those not familiar with Joseph, he was a second round pick by the Giants back in 2010. He accumulated 106 total tackles, nine sacks, and two forced fumbles in his four seasons.

The team now will feature DE Brian Robison, DT Sharrif Floyd, DT Linval Joseph, and DE Everson Griffen on the defensive line. With exchanging three out of four starters on the line for younger talent, the Vikings will look to upgrade production defensively next season starting up front. If the team gets what they want out of that group, they will have all but Floyd wrapped up for at least four more years. Floyd's rookie contract will expire in three seasons.

General Manager Rick Spielman wants to develop a younger team and build it inside out. So far, with the signing of Joseph and Allen/Williams both potentially gone, he has succeeded.

*You can contact Jerry at Jerry@ESPN991.com or on Twitter @Jerrysworld991*