Checking Boxes

During an NFL offseason, all teams have an agenda. This has been a particularly busy offseason for the Minnesota Vikings. It’s been an offseason of transition. That transition included the quarterback position so it’s automatically an offseason of huge transition. There were a lot of boxes to check.

Minnesota Vikings Offseason

1. Figure out the quarterback position. - check

There was little doubt that Kirk Cousins was going to find a new team. As free agency approached, there was little doubt that team was going to be Atlanta Falcons. Especially with all the tampering. I don’t think that the Vikings put up more than token negotiations. It felt like the Vikings and Cousins were ready to move on. 

Sam Darnold was signed to be the “bridge” quarterback. J.J. McCarthy was selected with the 10th pick of the 2024 NFL Draft to be the quarterback of the future. 

There’s a positive feeling of possibilities around the Vikings. Separating from the huge Cousins contracts and the newness of a promising rookie quarterback will do that. It’s easy to imagine Darnold (now) or McCarthy (later) playing well with the terrific weapons this offense offers. 

2. Keep Brian Flores - check

This one feels very selfish as Brian Flores deserves another head coaching opportunity. As long as rich, white owners continue to blacklist Flores, it appears the Vikings will have an outstanding defensive coordinator. 

3. Add talent to the defense - check

The Vikings did add to the defense but this is a work in progress. Flores did a great job with marginal talent last season. It’s fun to imagine his defense with the holdovers that have been with him for a year and the sprinkling of intriguing talent this offseason. 

Free agent additions:

Jonathan Greenard

Andrew Van Ginkel

Blake Cashman

Shaq Griffin

Jerry Tillery

Draft additions:

Dallas Turner

Khyree Jackson

More than half the defensive starters could potentially be players added this offseason. The most intriguing additions are exceptionally versatile outside linebackers Andrew Van Ginkel and Dallas Turner. 

4. Add a running back - check

The Vikings have often expressed faith in Ty Chandler. He entered his second season last year as the #2 to Alexander Mattison. He ended the season as the team’s #1 back. Despite his emergence, the Vikings needed to add an experienced running back. Who knew that back would be the long-time Packer, Aaron Jones. If he can avoid injuries and stay on the field, the Vikings added an outstanding offensive weapon. 

5. Supplement the offensive line - check

For the first time in a long time, the Vikings offensive line is more of a strength than a weakness. The strength of the group is unquestionably the excellent tackles, Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill. Right guard Ed Ingram is improving. Center Garrett Bradbury is solid but his smarts will be critical as the Vikings introduce a new, young quarterback. While no longer a weakness, there’s still plenty of room for improvement. Gigantic Blake Brandel is penciled in as the starter at left guard. To supplement the group the Vikings brought back swing tackle David Quessenberry and guard Dalton Risner. The starter at left guard last season, Risner will compete with Brandel for the job. The Vikings targeted tackle Walter Rouse and guard/center Michael Jurgens in the draft. Despite being late round picks, each projects as a potential starter in the coming years. Jurgens may even take Bradbury’s center job as early as next season. Rouse could eventually replace O’Neill at right tackle. 

6. A contract extension for Justin Jefferson - check, finally check

With Monday’s announcement that Jefferson and the Vikings have to come an agreement on a contract extension, it felt like all of the offseason’s boxes have now been checked. 

It’s time for training camp.