2018 Vikings Off-Season Thread

[Vanimal46]

Lots of questions to answer...

 

QB - They need to make the right decision here. I won't claim to know what the right decision is after watching Keenum and the offense last night.

 

OL - I see 2 holes to fill. Berger's most likely retiring and there's another opening at LG. Is Remmers a backup or starting caliber? Depending on the answer to that question there may be 3 holes to fill.

 

CB - Newman is no longer starting caliber as he approaches 40 years old, and Alexander looks below average at best. It sure would be nice to find a CB that can intercept the ball more often.

 

WR - They have 2 great WRs but the #3 WR was a black hole all season. Floyd and Treadwell are busts. Let them both go and find someone else.

 

DE/Pass rush - Griffen was nearly invisible the last 7 games of the season. Hunter has all the talent in the world but can't put it together consistently. Linval Joseph needs a partner in crime better than Tom Johnson next to him.

[SF Twins Fan]

They need to figure out the QB position first and foremost because Keenum proved he isn't a franchise QB. Brees, Cousins and Garoppolo are all free agents this offseason. Brees and Garoppolo will both likely resign with the teams they're on but Cousins might make it to free agency. The other name who might be available is Alex Smith.

 

The Vikings also need to draft an OL and DL in with their top 3 picks because both of those areas need to be improved. Keenum wasn't sacked a ton this season, but I feel like that had more to do with him being a mobile QB who was able to move around in the pocket and avoid sacks vs the OL actually protecting him. The DL got zero push and pressure on Foles in yesterday's game.

 

If the Vikings can figure out those areas they should be in good shape. 

[Mr. Brooks]

I can't disagree with any of that.

I'd add another safety. My dream is a replacement for Sendejo, but others don't think that's likely. So, I'll settle for someone good enough (Not the Harris/Kearse of the world) to be able to step in for injuries, and to take over when Sendejo does leave.

Wouldn't mind a better kicker and a more dynamic returner as well.

[TheLeviathan]

Jarius Wright is fine as your slot guy and third WR IMO.  I'd like to see them take another guy in the 4th/5th round though.  

 

I think we need to be patient with Alexander.  Yes, he was pretty bad most of the year, but in their third year CBs under Zimmer seem to take big leaps.  But if Newman retires they should get some insurance there.

 

They need to draft another pass rusher to rotate into the mix.  Maybe add one in FA as well.  They need a more dynamic 3 technique who can make plays.

 

Remmers is ilkely our LG next year.  So I think we'll need a new RG and RT.  Maybe Easton is the RG, but that leaves the tackle spot open.

 

And go get Cousins.  Seriously - go big or go home at this point.  Keenum isn't the guy, as nice as this run was.

[Mike Sixel]

I go with Teddy one more year. Keenum is not good enough, Teddy might be. But if they sign cousins, I won't disagree.

 

As always, they need OL help. They need interior pressure. I don't think they need more WR, not as any kind of priority. RB and TE rare fine. Oh, agreed, DB is the fourth priority.

[TheLeviathan]

I'd separate them a bit:

 

Draft priorities are OL, DL, and projects for WR and CB

 

FA priorities are QB, OL, and maybe a guy like Sheldon Richardson.

[Mr. Brooks]

Jarius Wright is fine as your slot guy and third WR IMO. I'd like to see them take another guy in the 4th/5th round though.

 

I think we need to be patient with Alexander. Yes, he was pretty bad most of the year, but in their third year CBs under Zimmer seem to take big leaps. But if Newman retires they should get some insurance there.

 

They need to draft another pass rusher to rotate into the mix. Maybe add one in FA as well. They need a more dynamic 3 technique who can make plays.

 

Remmers is ilkely our LG next year. So I think we'll need a new RG and RT. Maybe Easton is the RG, but that leaves the tackle spot open.

 

And go get Cousins. Seriously - go big or go home at this point. Keenum isn't the guy, as nice as this run was.

Curious why they want Remmers at LG instead of RG?

He looked brilliant in his start at RG, awful in 2 games at LG.

[TheLeviathan]

 

Curious why they want Remmers at LG instead of RG?
He looked brilliant in his start at RG, awful in 2 games at LG.

 

That's true, that might be different.  I suppose that depends on where he is most comfortable.  

 

Though I've never understood why NFL linemen have such trouble flipping to the other side.  Either way, we look to need a guard.  I'd prefer Easton slot as the top backup.

[Mr. Brooks]

That's true, that might be different. I suppose that depends on where he is most comfortable.

 

Though I've never understood why NFL linemen have such trouble flipping to the other side. Either way, we look to need a guard. I'd prefer Easton slot as the top backup.

It's because your footwork is all opposite. That sounds silly, but at that level you have to run on muscle memory to keep up, as a half step is the difference between all pro and out of football.

I think they all are capable of switching sides, some guys are just able to commit the footwork to muscle memory quicker.

If they need a new guard either way, I'd rather they just keep him on the side he's played for years.

[TheLeviathan]

 

It's because your footwork is all opposite. That sounds silly, but at that level you have to run on muscle memory to keep up, as a half step is the difference between all pro and out of football.
I think they all are capable of switching sides, some guys are just able to commit the footwork to muscle memory quicker.
If they need a new guard either way, I'd rather they just keep him on the side he's played for years.

 

Well, Remmers has been moving around the last few years.  Carolina had him at RT and so did we.  It's been a long time since he's been a guard, so at this point if footwork is hard for him he'll have to restart either way.

 

I guess I'm just a cynic about footwork for NFL players.  They're all so terrible at it anyway.

[Mr. Brooks]

Well, Remmers has been moving around the last few years. Carolina had him at RT and so did we. It's been a long time since he's been a guard, so at this point if footwork is hard for him he'll have to restart either way.

 

I guess I'm just a cynic about footwork for NFL players. They're all so terrible at it anyway.

The footwork is a problem moving to the other side of center, not between guard and tackle.

 

I agree it shouldn't be a huge deal. I'm just saying, if they have a choice, might as well leave him on the right side, where he's comfortable.

[terrydactyls]

How about adding a full-time defensive coordinator who can figure out how to get pressure on the QB? I don't care how good the defensive backfield is, if the QB has all day in the pocket, he will make big plays.

[DaveW]

 

Lots of questions to answer...

QB - They need to make the right decision here. I won't claim to know what the right decision is after watching Keenum and the offense last night.

OL - I see 2 holes to fill. Berger's most likely retiring and there's another opening at LG. Is Remmers a backup or starting caliber? Depending on the answer to that question there may be 3 holes to fill.

CB - Newman is no longer starting caliber as he approaches 40 years old, and Alexander looks below average at best. It sure would be nice to find a CB that can intercept the ball more often.

WR - They have 2 great WRs but the #3 WR was a black hole all season. Floyd and Treadwell are busts. Let them both go and find someone else.

DE/Pass rush - Griffen was nearly invisible the last 7 games of the season. Hunter has all the talent in the world but can't put it together consistently. Linval Joseph needs a partner in crime better than Tom Johnson next to him.

QB- I'd sign Teddy for 2 years 6 million (incentives to bump up to 2/10) and DRAFT a QB somewhere in the mid rounds. Paying 20-25 million a year for Keenum (no way) Cousins (meh) is simply a waste of money IMO, much better ways to spend that extra 15-20 million...like...

O-Line- I would spend that money on an elite O Lineman (or a very good one), additionally they need to draft at least one o lineman in the first three rounds as well. The line was 'better' this year, but the key is to keep that momentum going. A good o-line makes everyone else look amazing.

RB- It's gonna suck to lose McKinnon, but to be honest, that's ok with Cook coming back. Murray is a good enough backup for sure, and you can always find a pass catcher type in FA or in the late rounds of a draft.

TE- I'd trade or cut Rudolph. Yes, he gets touchdowns, but it's usually because he is wide freaking open. I don't think he is a good blocker...at all. The cap hit is only 1.3 million if you cut him, and I think you could prob convince a team to give you a 4th rounder or something for him. If you trade him you save 7.5 million, if you cut him you save 6.2 million. Spend that money elsewhere.

WR- We are set at WR

D-Line- Definitely need another pass rusher, and I would aim to bring in two guys overall that can rotate in. A big reason why the Vikes wore down and the Eagles didn't was the Eagles were rotating 8 guys in 4 spots, and the Vikes had 6 in 4.

D-Backs- Go find a solid nickelback to replace Newman.

The good news is, this all shouldn't be too hard to accomplish. The bad news is there is a good chance Spielman panics and overpays a meh guy like Cousins or Keenum.

[caninatl04]

For a 13-3 team, the Vikings are in excellent cap space.

Here’s what I would do.

Re-sign Teddy. Even at 10 / yr, lots of cap space left.

Trade the 1st round for the Jet’s 2nd and 3rd round picks. The Vikings don’t have a single huge hole, but four smaller holes that 2 seconds and 2 thirds would go a long way to filling them.

In no order, RT, DT, G and CB. With their three sixth round picks, get a kickoff returner / WR, safety for depth and a TE for depth. Then a freakish athlete DE who will be a monster in, say, 2021.

 

Two more thoughts:

 

The most important person this off season may be Teddy’s orthopedist.

 

Do NOT draft a QB. If ever there was a time for a buyers market for free agent QBs, it’s this year.

[Mike Sixel]

I believe they have to pay Bridgewater a lot more than that.

[lecroy24fan]

Cousins is going to get massively overpaid. As in highest paid in league. not worth it.

[Hosken Bombo Disco]

I feel there's a fairy tale quality to Case's season, especially with the coordinator leaving, unless maybe the QB coach is promoted there could be some continuity. But Keenum has a gunslinger quality that I love that is lacking in Bridgewater and Bradford. Should be interesting. Not that I care, at the moment.

[Kelly Vance]

Sign Drew Brees

[TheLeviathan]

 

Sign Drew Brees

 

He'll never hit the market.

[Vanimal46]

Sign Drew Brees

If he truly wants to look outside of New Orleans I'd fire up the same jet that picked up Favre at his farm 10 years ago.

 

He's the dream. I'd much rather pay him $30 million a year than Keenum $23 or Cousins $28.

[Mike Sixel]

some really good stuff in here....

 

https://www.theringer.com/nfl-playoffs/2018/1/25/16931792/five-team-building-lessons-season-patriots-eagles

 

[Mr. Brooks]

Colts plucked WR Rodney Adams off the practice squad.

[TheLeviathan]

Cousins or bust.

[Vanimal46]

 

Cousins or bust.

 

Yeah, load up the Brinks' truck and bring him to Minnesota. Doesn't hurt that he already said Minnesota is #1 with a bullet on his preference list. 

 

I think the league figured Keenum out during the final stretch of the season. As a result, he was held back from throwing intermediate/deep passes, and went back to check-down passes. He's not going to be the one who will get this team over the hump. 

 

Cousins with Teddy as the backup is my preference.  

 

[Doomtints]

Cousins is the type of QB that older fans are used to seeing on the field for the Vikings. With the media reporting mutual interest, I think we can bank on this happening. Cousins is the best option.

 

Cousin's character and leadership are highly regarded, too.

 

Let the other three QBs go. They'll all find jobs.

[TheLeviathan]

 

Yeah, load up the Brinks' truck and bring him to Minnesota. Doesn't hurt that he already said Minnesota is #1 with a bullet on his preference list. 

 

I think the league figured Keenum out during the final stretch of the season. As a result, he was held back from throwing intermediate/deep passes, and went back to check-down passes. He's not going to be the one who will get this team over the hump. 

 

Cousins with Teddy as the backup is my preference.  

 

I think this only happens if Teddy's contract tolls.  I really think it should, but the CBA is painfully unclear on the issue.

[Vanimal46]

Jimmy Garrappolo is now the richest player in football after signing a 5 year $137.5 MM contract with the 49ers.

 

Definitely makes me concerned what Cousins' price tag is going to end up being.

[Mike Sixel]

Wow. And, what an awful trade by NE. Awful.

[Vanimal46]

 

Wow. And, what an awful trade by NE. Awful.

 

Yeah it's certainly turning out to be a huge win for San Francisco. I'm usually very weary about anyone New England wants to get rid of, much like Yankees prospects. Turns out Jimmy G is a stud! They should have kept him over Brady, as crazy as that sounds. 

[TheLeviathan]

Rumors were that they were offered picks in the middle of the first round last year too.  Ouch.

 

And 27M for Jimmy actually makes me even more excited about Cousins.  Anything under 30 is easily doable.  Plus, because in football this actually happens, I'm hoping the Vikings give him 45 or 50M for next year and spread the rest of the money out so they can lock in other guys long term. 

 

The team could drop 50 on him next year and still have plenty of room to add a few players.