NFL 2025 Offseason

[nicksaviking]

Crazy that there are currently 9 teams within one game of the 1st overall pick. And I don't think that any of these teams are purposefully tanking. 

The best part is that the Bears have lost 10 straight, only have four wins, and are currently picking 9th!

[Mike Sixel]

I think NE will be disappointed with the offers for the top pick....

[nicksaviking]

42 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

I think NE will be disappointed with the offers for the top pick....

I agree. The QB draft hype this year is going to look more artificial than normal. It's probably not quite as bad as the 2022 class where Kenny Pickett was the default top QB, but it's close. And teams don't give up nearly as big of a haul for any other position.

[TheLeviathan]

3 hours ago, Mike Sixel said:

I think NE will be disappointed with the offers for the top pick....

Probably, but if there are two that are worth taking....they may get someone desparate.  Imagine the Giants do sit at 4....they could absolutely flip 1 for 4 and some nice assets.

It isn't a Panthers for Young situation, but we may not see that again ever.  Pats have the right QB and anything else they add is a bonus for them.

[TheLeviathan]

Since the thread was started......

I'll take DJ Reed this offseason at CB.  Resign Risner, Murphy, Bynum, and Darnold.

In the draft I probably trade down (Add a third.  Let's say 32 for 38 and 83 from the Patriots), take massive space eater Deone Walker at 38.  With the two thirds I take Jake Majors as a C from Texas and the best running back on the board.  I'm partial to Singleton from Penn St but I like Skattebo and Ollie Gordon too.  

In the fifth...take another RB and the most athletic front seven guy you can find.

[Musk21]

Thought this was interesting:

https://www.fansfirstsports.com/2025-nfl-mock-draft-10-blockbuster-trade-shakes-up-1st-round-shedeur-sanders-cam-ward-jj-mccarthy-travis-hunter-news-rankings-update/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=2025-nfl-mock-draft-1-0-blockbuster-trade-in-top-5-shakes-up-1st-round

***PROJECTED TRADE***
Giants receive QB J.J. McCarthy
Vikings receive Giants 1st round pick

4. *Vikings- Will Johnson | CB | Michigan

 

[Mike Sixel]

6 minutes ago, Musk21 said:

Thought this was interesting:

https://www.fansfirstsports.com/2025-nfl-mock-draft-10-blockbuster-trade-shakes-up-1st-round-shedeur-sanders-cam-ward-jj-mccarthy-travis-hunter-news-rankings-update/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=2025-nfl-mock-draft-1-0-blockbuster-trade-in-top-5-shakes-up-1st-round

***PROJECTED TRADE***
Giants receive QB J.J. McCarthy
Vikings receive Giants 1st round pick

4. *Vikings- Will Johnson | CB | Michigan

 

If you can get pick 5 for him, you really, really, need to consider it. It all depends on how you feel about Darnold (and I'm more nervous as I'm reminded of Daniel Jones or Case Keenum looking good, but neither looks this good).

[Mike Sixel]

1 hour ago, TheLeviathan said:

Since the thread was started......

I'll take DJ Reed this offseason at CB.  Resign Risner, Murphy, Bynum, and Darnold.

In the draft I probably trade down (Add a third.  Let's say 32 for 38 and 83 from the Patriots), take massive space eater Deone Walker at 38.  With the two thirds I take Jake Majors as a C from Texas and the best running back on the board.  I'm partial to Singleton from Penn St but I like Skattebo and Ollie Gordon too.  

In the fifth...take another RB and the most athletic front seven guy you can find.

I'm in on signing a DB and drafting a DL for sure.....and an IOL for sure.

[nicksaviking]

18 hours ago, Musk21 said:

Thought this was interesting:

https://www.fansfirstsports.com/2025-nfl-mock-draft-10-blockbuster-trade-shakes-up-1st-round-shedeur-sanders-cam-ward-jj-mccarthy-travis-hunter-news-rankings-update/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=2025-nfl-mock-draft-1-0-blockbuster-trade-in-top-5-shakes-up-1st-round

***PROJECTED TRADE***
Giants receive QB J.J. McCarthy
Vikings receive Giants 1st round pick

4. *Vikings- Will Johnson | CB | Michigan

 

At some point people are going to realize that McCarthy would probably be the top QB in this draft class, I could see this happening.

If they used a top five pick on a corner, I'd probably lose my mind though. I know, I'm the anti-CB guy, but man, this team just cannot keep throwing those picks away anymore.

[gunnarthor]

25 minutes ago, nicksaviking said:

At some point people are going to realize that McCarthy would probably be the top QB in this draft class, I could see this happening.

If they used a top five pick on a corner, I'd probably lose my mind though. I know, I'm the anti-CB guy, but man, this team just cannot keep throwing those picks away anymore.

Yep, articles like this are popping up. From a Raiders blog - https://raiderswire.usatoday.com/2024/12/30/raiders-first-offseason-move-trade-for-vikings-qb-sam-darnold-jj-mccarthy/

"Should the Raiders pick at eight, sending that pick to Minnesota for McCarthy would be preferable to attempting to trade up to get either Sanders or Ward — a move that could potentially cost multiple first round picks.

The Raiders could even sweeten the deal by tossing in a late round pick or future mid-round pick and it would probably still be worth it."

I can't find the link but a Cleveland blog suggested McCarthy for Myles Garrett. And Adam Schefter says what you said - McCarthy probably the top QB in this draft. https://www.on3.com/pro/news/adam-schefter-reveals-where-jj-mccarthy-would-rank-in-2025-nfl-draft-value-in-potential-trade/

[Vanimal46]

McCarthy turns 22 years old on January 20th. We don’t have to rush into anything with him. Teams will definitely call for him when we extend Darnold, and Kwesi should listen. But the other team will need to blow us away with their offer. Premium prices for a QB 

[Mike Sixel]

McCarthy and Hockenson to LV for their first and Bowers? I think I do that?

[nicksaviking]

2 hours ago, Mike Sixel said:

McCarthy and Hockenson to LV for their first and Bowers? I think I do that?

I jump on that, which makes me think it’s a tall order. 
 

Im not even sure what I’d do with a top ten pick this year. Too early for IOL based on most rankings. Mason Graham would be the right choice I suppose, but I’d still like to wait for combine info to come out. Michigans DL is awesome, maybe he’s good because the guys next to him are also studs.

I know it’s not cool to do anymore, but I might just say, screw it, take Jeanty and enjoy the offensive fireworks. 

 

[Mike Sixel]

7 minutes ago, nicksaviking said:

I jump on that, which makes me think it’s a tall order. 
 

Im not even sure what I’d do with a top ten pick this year. Too early for IOL based on most rankings. Mason Graham would be the right choice I suppose, but I’d still like to wait for combine info to come out. Michigans DL is awesome, maybe he’s good because the guys next to him are also studs.

I know it’s not cool to do anymore, but I might just say, screw it, take Jeanty and enjoy the offensive fireworks. 

 

Is there a team in the top fifteen with a center that is good and not expensive that needs a QB? 

I agree, I may be dreaming. But if McCarthy is the top QB available, he's worth two firsts....

[TheLeviathan]

3 hours ago, Mike Sixel said:

McCarthy and Hockenson to LV for their first and Bowers? I think I do that?

They would be fools to part with Bowers.  Plus they have Mayer who is a really talented young TE in his own right.

I do think McCarthy for 8 could be a thing.  

[Mike Sixel]

6 minutes ago, TheLeviathan said:

They would be fools to part with Bowers.  Plus they have Mayer who is a really talented young TE in his own right.

I do think McCarthy for 8 could be a thing.  

If he's the best QB in the draft, he's worth more 

[TheLeviathan]

4 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

If he's the best QB in the draft, he's worth more 

Quite possibly they could get more.  It's really hard to say, but I don't see them getting Bowers.  

I'd love to suggest 8 and Cristian Wilkins but that contract.....eek.

[Mike Sixel]

19 minutes ago, TheLeviathan said:

Quite possibly they could get more.  It's really hard to say, but I don't see them getting Bowers.  

I'd love to suggest 8 and Cristian Wilkins but that contract.....eek.

Ya, I'm looking for an upgrade as a second piece. IOL or mid round pick

[DocBauer]

So I'm the kind of "idiot" fan that LOVES recruiting season, spring ball, the NFL draft and preseason, spring training and the MILB season, and even the MLB draft. I'm the guy who scribbles depth charts and lineups for my teams. Yes...I have a sickness. LOL. So this kind of talk is something I love and live for, even while the Vikings are enjoying a WONDERFUL season!

I actually made a rather long "docbauer" post months ago concerning 2025. So here goes nothing! Lol.

I don't want to make this about Darnold, but I must to some degree. After watching the post Packers win locker room scene from the team, I'm really starting to wonder if Darnold isn't "the choice" for the entirety of the team. No slight to the potential of McCarthy. Darnold is the elephant in the room in regard to the immediate future of the club. Without him, the Vikings have a TON of $ to spend on FA and the resigning of current Vikings, and a staff and system that would probably turn McCarthy in to a very good NFL QB. WITH Darnold, they still have $ to spend on FA, and resigns, but it shrinks quite a bit. They might franchise Darnold and keep McCarthy for a year, or hitch their wagon to Darnold and move McCarthy for picks.

VERDICT...to be determined.

Now, simply getting that out of the way, as good and deep and talented as this team is, I can see room to make additions and changes for 2025 and beyond. It would be great to just bring back the current team as is and make a few additions. Problem is, the team has a lot of good players on expiring deals. And that kind of goes back to the whole Darnold speculation/debate.

I see a 2 year plan with an as of yet undetermined amount of $ to spend...Darnold again...and a limited 2025 draft choice situation. 

NEEDS:

CB: Resign Murphy. Then sign the best CB you can to team with him and the retuning Blackmon. But you also need to draft or sign ONE MORE CB to really establish depth. It could be via the draft, or another FA, or it might be as simple as keeping Gilmore for one more year. Griffen wouldn't be a bad alternative. 

SAFETY: At some point, Smith is going to hang it up. I'm not convinced he's done after this season. Either way, they need to keep Bynum and add a safety in one of the next 2 drafts for depth and potential.

OLB: What an embarrassment of riches. I'd love to resign Jones, but it might not be possible. But there's enough here to absorb his loss.

ILB: Just keeping what they have is perfectly fine.

DL: They need at least ONE DL to take this unit to another level. Is that through FA or the draft? It could be a NT to let Phillips slide outside, or an outside guy and keep Phillips inside still. I'd probably resign Bullard, and make that ONE add. Redmond looks like an exciting keeper, and LDR and Taimani look like potential steals as depth pieces.

WR: There's really no need here. The depth is so good there's practice squad players that would be on the roster for many teams.

TE: Bring back Mundt and we're set. But I still like the potential of Muse.

RB: At some point, we need a RB of the future. Recent history has shown you don't have to select one in the 1st round to get a good one. I'm betting Jones comes back, and I really like Akers as a backup, but they need a young back soon.

OL: I actually think Risner's run blocking this season has been as good, or better, than his pass blocking. He's good, loved by fans and teammates. Bradburry is OK, but certainly not great, and has one more year on his current deal. They need a STUD at EITHER G or C to take the OL to another level. I think I'd keep Risner, work he and Brandel at both G spots next preseason to find the best fit, and draft a top center to be Bradburry's replacement. 

NEEDS OVER 2025 AND 2026 FA AND DRAFTS;

IOL

DL

CB× 2

RB

S

IF they can keep most of the current roster intact as is...and that's not necessarily easy...that's what's needed to keep things going. I'd love to speculate on what to do with the limited picks we have in 2025, but how can we until we have clarication on the whole Darnold/McCarthy situation?

 

 

[Mike Sixel]

Jets to interview Flores.....

[gunnarthor]

31 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

Jets to interview Flores.....

And McCown. 

https://www.dailynorseman.com/2025/1/6/24337364/new-york-jets-ask-permission-interview-brian-flores-josh-mccown-head-coach-minnesota-vikings

This isn't really the thread but I do hope we can bring in an offensive guy from Cincy to work with KOC. I like their offense.

[gunnarthor]

Wow, Tyrek Hill is burning every bridge to get out of Miami. His contract puts them in a tough spot. 

https://www.thephinsider.com/2025/1/7/24338220/miami-dolphins-tyreek-hill-out-player-reaction-week-18-new-york-jets-trade-rumors

 

[nicksaviking]

21 hours ago, gunnarthor said:

Wow, Tyrek Hill is burning every bridge to get out of Miami.

 

He's had practice.

But last time he was 28, not 31. 

[TheLeviathan]

39 minutes ago, nicksaviking said:

He's had practice.

But last time he was 28, not 31. 

I don't like his methods, but if I were in his shoes.....I'd probably want to get the hell out of that organization too.

[nicksaviking]

5 minutes ago, TheLeviathan said:

I don't like his methods, but if I were in his shoes.....I'd probably want to get the hell out of that organization too.

Hard to feel bad for him though, because he lucked into the decent situation he was in the prior two years. Before McDaniel got there, Tua was a 'bust' and the offense was terrible. Hill can lie all he wants about knowing things would turn around but he didn't, he took the top dollar and just happed to get lucky that McDaniel was able to turn the QB into a usable player.

[TheLeviathan]

45 minutes ago, nicksaviking said:

Hard to feel bad for him though, because he lucked into the decent situation he was in the prior two years. Before McDaniel got there, Tua was a 'bust' and the offense was terrible. Hill can lie all he wants about knowing things would turn around but he didn't, he took the top dollar and just happed to get lucky that McDaniel was able to turn the QB into a usable player.

Well, his options were Miami or the Jets.....was there really much of a choice there? :)

It did break well, but it's not like he pressured for Miami specifically and no one else.  Not to defend him or his actions, but I tend to sympathize with players who want to be paid fairly and have some autonomy as to where they play.  They lose me (as Hill did) when they go about it like a child.

[gunnarthor]

Sounds like the 49ers are going to get a contract with Purdy instead of letting him play on the last year of a rookie deal. SI predicts he'll get something close to 50m/yr and I suspect that's probably right. SF is in a tough place where they can't just blow it all up but probably also need an influx of talent. 50m for a solid QB is actually about what the market says right now.

[nicksaviking]

9 minutes ago, gunnarthor said:

Sounds like the 49ers are going to get a contract with Purdy instead of letting him play on the last year of a rookie deal. SI predicts he'll get something close to 50m/yr and I suspect that's probably right. SF is in a tough place where they can't just blow it all up but probably also need an influx of talent. 50m for a solid QB is actually about what the market says right now.

Yeah, that's the market. 

I think SF is in for a long stretch of mediocrity. Purdy is fine, but unless he has stud players around him, he's not going to do a hell of a lot. He can't drag a team to the playoffs on his own like the top QBs are capable of doing.

[TheLeviathan]

52 minutes ago, gunnarthor said:

Sounds like the 49ers are going to get a contract with Purdy instead of letting him play on the last year of a rookie deal. SI predicts he'll get something close to 50m/yr and I suspect that's probably right. SF is in a tough place where they can't just blow it all up but probably also need an influx of talent. 50m for a solid QB is actually about what the market says right now.

The minute the ink dries on that will be an albatross/mistake they wish they never made.

I get the move, but what the Vikings did is the more daring and smarter one IMO.  Paying what you could sign 3-4 impact players at other positions for one mediocre QB is a good way to be stuck at 7-8 wins.

Take big swings or save your money.

[nicksaviking]

1 hour ago, TheLeviathan said:

The minute the ink dries on that will be an albatross/mistake they wish they never made.

I get the move, but what the Vikings did is the more daring and smarter one IMO.  Paying what you could sign 3-4 impact players at other positions for one mediocre QB is a good way to be stuck at 7-8 wins.

Take big swings or save your money.

Agreed. If you don't have a Jackson/Allen/Mahomes type who can win you a championship, don't tie yourself to a contract like that. Purdy is much closer to the unsexy free agent QBs like Darnold and Russell Wilson than he is to the upper echelon.