2025 Vikings Offseason

[TheLeviathan]

1 hour ago, nicksaviking said:

Can't complain about that, but it's making it harder for Dallas Turner to get on the field. At this point, the Vikings are going to have to make a decision about his 5th year option while he's still only a backup.

Not complaining, just saying.

He'll get on the field, I think he's due for a big year.  I bet they move Gink or Greenard inside to rush more often this year.

[Mike Sixel]

32 minutes ago, TheLeviathan said:

He'll get on the field, I think he's due for a big year.  I bet they move Gink or Greenard inside to rush more often this year.

He better. And he better be great..

[nicksaviking]

1 hour ago, TheLeviathan said:

He'll get on the field, I think he's due for a big year.  I bet they move Gink or Greenard inside to rush more often this year.

He'll get on the field, but I'm not sure it will be for enough snaps to make them determine exercising the fifth year option is a good idea.

And I don't want Van Ginkle or Greenard moved inside more often just to get him on the field. Those two were excellent last year; stick with that utilization.

[gunnarthor]

2 minutes ago, nicksaviking said:

He'll get on the field, but I'm not sure it will be for enough snaps to make them determine exercising the fifth year option is a good idea.

And I don't want Van Ginkle or Greenard moved inside more often just to get him on the field. Those two were excellent last year; stick with that utilization.

The way the Vikings rotate players, he'll have his chances. If he makes the most of them, he'll get more. 

[nicksaviking]

48 minutes ago, gunnarthor said:

The way the Vikings rotate players, he'll have his chances. If he makes the most of them, he'll get more. 

I know he'll play and I think people are mis-reading my tone about this; Van Ginkel was great, I'm glad he's being extended. And I don't want him used less effectively just to get Turner more snaps.

I'm getting at this: Jihad Ward was the #3 edge rusher last year and he got on the field for a healthy 41% of the snaps. But even if Turner bumped his numbers up to 50%, I think it's fairly unlikely that's enough for the Vikings to exercise the fifth year option, which they'll need to decide on at the same time Van Ginkel's deal runs out. 

I'm fine with that, just thought I'd point out the timing of the new deal and the option deadline.

[TheLeviathan]

1 hour ago, nicksaviking said:

I know he'll play and I think people are mis-reading my tone about this; Van Ginkel was great, I'm glad he's being extended. And I don't want him used less effectively just to get Turner more snaps.

I'm getting at this: Jihad Ward was the #3 edge rusher last year and he got on the field for a healthy 41% of the snaps. But even if Turner bumped his numbers up to 50%, I think it's fairly unlikely that's enough for the Vikings to exercise the fifth year option, which they'll need to decide on at the same time Van Ginkel's deal runs out. 

I'm fine with that, just thought I'd point out the timing of the new deal and the option deadline.

Turner and Gink aren't the only options for rotations.  We know that Pace is a poor pass defender.  We know we blitz a lot of linebackers.  There is nothing stopping us, on passing downs, from having Gink, Greenard, Turner, and Cashman all on the field.  

He's going to get his reps and opportunities.  It's the beauty of playing such a malleable defense.

[DocBauer]

4 hours ago, TheLeviathan said:

Turner and Gink aren't the only options for rotations.  We know that Pace is a poor pass defender.  We know we blitz a lot of linebackers.  There is nothing stopping us, on passing downs, from having Gink, Greenard, Turner, and Cashman all on the field.  

He's going to get his reps and opportunities.  It's the beauty of playing such a malleable defense.

Agreed. There were times last year when we had 3 OLB on the field at the same time, not counting Ward whi was sometimes a DT. And at times they would blitz a OLB up the middle. Plus they rotate the starters to keep them fresh. I think Turner gets a lot of play time, even if he's not a "starter".

 

[DocBauer]

I did a bit of a breakdown of the UDFA's that might be potential steals for the roster, or excellent PS development options in the DRAFT OP. 

But since it looks like the conversation has moved back HERE, thought I'd toss out a small nugget that some might have missed.

 

CB Tommi Hill from Nebraska is getting a tryout at the next camp. After converting from WR he had a breakout 2023 season and was considered a potential Big 10 honors candidate preseason of 2024. Several pundits/publications had him as a day 2 pick in the 2025 draft. Unfortunately, he missed about half the season with plantar fascitis and was never 100% when he did play. That tanked his projections to a 4th-6th round option by most lists.

I don't know for sure he's at 100% yet. But if he is, or close, he might get signed as an interesting flier. If they see enough to keep him, he could be a 2nd day talent that just needs some time. Could be a steal.

[DocBauer]

On 4/28/2025 at 10:29 AM, gunnarthor said:

I thought the Vikings draft was pretty good. A few thoughts

1) Before the Vikings drafted the TE from Pitt, they talked to Jordan Addison about him. I thought that was a really good example of the team culture they are creating. Making the WR2 part of the discussion for a 6th round pick? Really cool, makes him feel important. 

2) The Sam Howell trade is really good b/c his salary is only like 1m this year. Earlier we thought we might have to pay up to 10m on a backup. This could let the team add a few more guys in free agency, if they want. Someone like S Julian Blackmon would make sense. 

3) here's some highlights of the 5th round edge rushed who, according to a few people, can play all along the defensive front. Also, his parents must have liked the GOT books.

 

There were a couple TE I thought they were tied to, and a 3rd i kinda liked. They didn't nab any of them. And I confess Bartholomew wasn't even on my radar. But after post draft research, I'm kinda excited about him. He's a willing blocker but still needs a little work. No surprise there. Good hands and decent speed and athleticism. I'm intrigued. 

Howell wasn't my first choice. But they basically got him for nothing except a cheap 1yr deal. And he's got experience...questionable as it may be...but he's got a big arm and some athleticism. He's a combination of Mullens and Darnold in arm talent and attitude, but maybe a bit more athletic. But he's also young enough to really learn and develop in this system with this coaching to be a good 2nd option.

 

[DocBauer]

Sorry if I'm repeating myself from the draft OP, but I really like the selection of Jackson. I really thought we'd slide down a couple spots and stay in the 1st round. But I'm an "inside out" believer and despite the FA signings, I thought we'd be looking at BOTH lines with the 1st 2 picks.

I still think Brandel is a quality OL. But maybe he's best as a 6th man? I'd love to see him play some CENTER beyond a voluntary camp appearance. I've always seen him as a Dave Huffman 6th man for those who can remember that far back.

Why wouldn't you do EVERYTHING you could to protect your young QB? The OL and depth looks pretty great right now. If they didn't grab Jackson where they did, they sure as hell wouldn't have had that high of a quality OL in the 3rd round, and maybe not at the top of the 2nd as well.

The choice of Felton really surprised me. I really thought they'd take a flier on a WR later in the draft. Like Addison he's got speed and hands, but is slight. He might need to add a couple of lbs to fight off defenders. They seem to love Iove Nailor, and they should based on 2024. But they only have him for 1 more season barring an extension. And he does have an injury history. FA signing Moore is EXPLOSIVE if recovered from injury. And there's a couple PS players who might force themselves on to the roster in 2025. But a WR was a sneaky need. My only real concern here is can he beat DB deep? He was used so much on shorter routes with the ability to RUN after the catch. I'm still a little unsure with this pick.

Ingram-Daw is a rough DL/edge that has top of the line athletic traits. Was he a bit "lost" in the depth of Georgia's talent? I think he's just too big to be an OLB, but I can see him bulking up another 10lbs or so to be a dangerous DT with some pass rushers ability with improved technique. Hard to argue with drafting talent and potential in the DL.

King is a "downward" tackling machine who isn't great in coverage. He's a Pace junior who can excel on ST and might turn in to an eventual starter.

As I stated in a previous post, Bartholomew at TE was NOT on my radar. But while he might need to refine his blocking a bit more, maybe add a couple lbs to do so, he's at least a willing blocker who had 4.6 speed and good hands. He MIGHT have TE #2 potential, but he's a possibly the better #3 TE than Mundt, even as a rookie, despite the experience factor, just based on size and athleticism. 

Some serious questions about the potential talent of this limited draft class. But some equally optimism with the upside talent brought in.

 

[Vanimal46]

I don’t mind the 8:30 AM CT start times early in the season. Game is wrapped up by noon and we have the rest of the day to enjoy early fall weather. 

[nicksaviking]

Cleveland and Pittsburgh were the primary road targets this year for my annual boys trip away game. 

I can't go international without brining the wife though, and it's probably too expensive for both of us to go right now. Also, no one really wants to see Americans traveling abroad right now, and for good reason. Pretty unwelcoming time to travel over seas.

[DocBauer]

Just an FYI on a couple guys if anyone missed it. The Vikes signed 2 guys who were auditioning at the recent rookie camp. (I was very disappointed CB Tommi Hill from Nebraska didn't show enough to get signed).

OLB Matt Harmon from Kent State is about 25yo and played SEVEN years of college ball. Good size but pretty average production in his career. I'm guessing he's athletic enough to show some potential, despite his age, but he's a bit of a surprise IMO.

But the guy to watch is DL Elijah Williams from Morgan State. He was listed on a couple draft sites as a top 30 ish draft prospect. And he was an All American on the small school level and a standout at the HBCU combine. (Historically Black Colleges and Universities). He's 6' 2" and about 294lbs. He's done 30 reps at 225 in the bench and measured 29 1/2" in the vertical. I swear I saw a 40 time in the mid to upper 4.7 range but don't take my memory as gospel there.

In his 4 yeae career he produced 52 TFL and 31 sacks. He had 15 TFL and 11 sacks in his 2024 senior season. He appears to be a fairly athletic small school DL with some tremendous numbers production wise. He might be a sleeper PS candidate who develops and pushes for a spot in 2026.

[nicksaviking]

https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/caleb-williams-wanted-to-spurn-the-bears-join-the-vikings

Change of pace from what we normally feel here in fly-over country.

[Vanimal46]

5 hours ago, nicksaviking said:

https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/caleb-williams-wanted-to-spurn-the-bears-join-the-vikings

Change of pace from what we normally feel here in fly-over country.

When I read an article about this on ESPN, huge red flags were waiving in the air. I really don’t think he has the mentality to be a franchise QB. 

[DocBauer]

5 hours ago, nicksaviking said:

https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/caleb-williams-wanted-to-spurn-the-bears-join-the-vikings

Change of pace from what we normally feel here in fly-over country.

What's interesting about the comments by Williams is that he was really impressed by KOC and the Vikings and really wanted to go there. This is him being impressed by KOC and the Vikings BEFORE the draft took place. So really, Bears fans shouldn't get on him for that.

But if I read it correctly, his father made the comment about QB going to the Bears to die. That could provide a lot of vitriol headed Williams's way. 

[TheLeviathan]

On 5/15/2025 at 4:48 PM, Vanimal46 said:

When I read an article about this on ESPN, huge red flags were waiving in the air. I really don’t think he has the mentality to be a franchise QB. 

Agreed, this reflects amazingly on the Vikings and KOC and horrifically on Caleb Williams.

[DocBauer]

I'm just curious to toss out a general question as to the offseason in regard to FA, the draft, and the signings of UDFA. 

Is there a position group where you DON'T FEEL the Vikes haven't addressed need? Opportunity and $ available is dwindling. But is there a position group you feel they should still try to add to? Or have they made any mistakes in their additions they still need to correct?

As an example:

I'm not saying not drafting a CB was a mistake, but it was on many draft pundits lists for the Vikes to add.

They re-signed Murphy. Our own defensive coordinator pounded the table for Rogers as a CB ready for starting duties. (Hard to dismiss his opinion). Blackmon is coming off surgery, but was scheduled to be a probable starter in 2024. Okudah was a TOP prospect and selection in 2020. He's flashed, had some injuries that curtailed his career, but could be a steal if he's healthy and ready to prove himself. Ambry Thomas was a 3rd round pick by the 49ers in 2021. He played in 42 games and started 11 but a broken arm eliminated his 2024 season.

And then there's McGlothern who earned his way on to the roster as an UDFA. A similar prospect in Vaughn from Utah flashed some in rookie camp.

Is this enough? 

At this point, especially with a re-built DL, I'm trusting in Flores and his staff that his belief in Rogers and others are correct.

Are they wrong?

I think it's the perfect time before additional camps begin to start debating the roster and if they got it right or wrong at all positions.

Your thoughts?

 

 

[Fatbat]

@DocBauer I think they have absolutely nailed free agency. They structured the contracts well and got a mix of high end vets and possible upside high ceiling guys on the cheap/affordable if they stay healthy. 
The secondary is always a concern but we have enough on paper until we don’t. The next two offseasons will likey continue to focus on defense with Safety and CB the highest priority. 
If we make a deep playoff run, there will be a list of FA and college draftees that will be begging to play here and we will need to get younger quickly in several positions. 

[gunnarthor]

12 hours ago, DocBauer said:

I'm just curious to toss out a general question as to the offseason in regard to FA, the draft, and the signings of UDFA. 

Is there a position group where you DON'T FEEL the Vikes haven't addressed need? Opportunity and $ available is dwindling. But is there a position group you feel they should still try to add to? Or have they made any mistakes in their additions they still need to correct?

As an example:

I'm not saying not drafting a CB was a mistake, but it was on many draft pundits lists for the Vikes to add.

They re-signed Murphy. Our own defensive coordinator pounded the table for Rogers as a CB ready for starting duties. (Hard to dismiss his opinion). Blackmon is coming off surgery, but was scheduled to be a probable starter in 2024. Okudah was a TOP prospect and selection in 2020. He's flashed, had some injuries that curtailed his career, but could be a steal if he's healthy and ready to prove himself. Ambry Thomas was a 3rd round pick by the 49ers in 2021. He played in 42 games and started 11 but a broken arm eliminated his 2024 season.

And then there's McGlothern who earned his way on to the roster as an UDFA. A similar prospect in Vaughn from Utah flashed some in rookie camp.

Is this enough? 

At this point, especially with a re-built DL, I'm trusting in Flores and his staff that his belief in Rogers and others are correct.

Are they wrong?

I think it's the perfect time before additional camps begin to start debating the roster and if they got it right or wrong at all positions.

Your thoughts?

 

 

I think they did a great job. I would've liked them to have signed or drafted a linebacker who could push Pace for the starting spot ASAP and/or another linebacker with solid coverage skills for when/if Cashman is out. But that's sorta nitpicky. Every team is going to have some issue areas. I think the Vikes did about as good a job on paper as they could have. Now the coaches and players have to deliver. 

[DocBauer]

22 hours ago, Fatbat said:

@DocBauer I think they have absolutely nailed free agency. They structured the contracts well and got a mix of high end vets and possible upside high ceiling guys on the cheap/affordable if they stay healthy. 
The secondary is always a concern but we have enough on paper until we don’t. The next two offseasons will likey continue to focus on defense with Safety and CB the highest priority. 
If we make a deep playoff run, there will be a list of FA and college draftees that will be begging to play here and we will need to get younger quickly in several positions. 

I agree completely. Corner is the one spot I remain slightly leary of. I like the bodies there. I'm just a little anxious to see everyone of those options take a step forward. The potential is there to be pretty solid, if not really good.

Agree a SAFETY and possibly another CB are probably priorities in the next draft.

[DocBauer]

12 hours ago, gunnarthor said:

I think they did a great job. I would've liked them to have signed or drafted a linebacker who could push Pace for the starting spot ASAP and/or another linebacker with solid coverage skills for when/if Cashman is out. But that's sorta nitpicky. Every team is going to have some issue areas. I think the Vikes did about as good a job on paper as they could have. Now the coaches and players have to deliver. 

Honestly, I was a little surprised they signed old friend Eric Wilson instead of bringing back Grugier-Hill, who i thought played well in 2024. I had high hopes that Asamoah would turn in to cover LB, but that just hasn't happened to date.

With a 1st, a 2nd, and a pair of 3rd rounders next year, I could see a LB being a definite selection to back up Cashman. Again, I think SAFETY will be a high priority as Smith is going to hang it up one of these days. 

I also agree that it's up to the coaches to get everyone as good as they can. Again, I like the players at CB, it's just the one spot im a little concerned about until guys step up to make me not concerned. They certainly have some intriguing options there.

[Fatbat]

If there is a missing piece, Kwesi will find it. 
compared to many seasons, it really feels like we are stacked full of a great talent mix of young studs and prime time vets. I honestly haven’t been this excited since Moss was a rookie. If McCarthy comes out and does nothing but win, win, win, We will be in for one hell of a great few years. Maybe beyond any expectations!

[nicksaviking]

18 hours ago, Fatbat said:

If there is a missing piece, Kwesi will find it. 
compared to many seasons, it really feels like we are stacked full of a great talent mix of young studs and prime time vets. I honestly haven’t been this excited since Moss was a rookie. If McCarthy comes out and does nothing but win, win, win, We will be in for one hell of a great few years. Maybe beyond any expectations!

Swapping out players for different players who still work, or even fit better every year, is a waaaaaaaaaay better strategy than the old one, which was, just keep extending and re-working the players we have now until our salary situation becomes unworkable.

[Fatbat]

56 minutes ago, nicksaviking said:

Swapping out players for different players who still work, or even fit better every year, is a waaaaaaaaaay better strategy than the old one, which was, just keep extending and re-working the players we have now until our salary situation becomes unworkable.

We do need to hit on some young cheap guys that can overplay their draft pedigree. We will have dwindling salary cap in ‘26/27.

[DocBauer]

Thankfully we have probably the best cap man in the business!

What's interesting to me when I look at some starters, and most of the backups, how young a lot of this team really is.

 

[Vanimal46]

I heard on the radio yesterday that it’s the 20th anniversary of the Wilfs buying the Vikings from Red cheap ass McCombs. 

Since 2005, the Vikings have had a 54.3% win percentage, good for 9th overall in that time frame. 

As far as things the Wilfs can control… They’ve done a wonderful job upgrading the facilities - A grade there. US Bank Stadium is the Taj Mahal compared to the Metrodome at the end of its life. TCO Performance Center in Eagan from what I’ve read and heard is top of the line. 

Hiring for FO I’d give them a C grade. We had the “Triangle of Authority” for a long time, and still kind of do today with KOC, Flores, and Kwesi. Spielman was around too long past his expiration date. 

They’ve made vast improvements over the years hiring a HC. Childress stunk, Leslie Frazier stunk, then they made good hires with Zimmer (stuck around too long) and now KOC. B grade here. 

[gunnarthor]

35 minutes ago, Vanimal46 said:

I heard on the radio yesterday that it’s the 20th anniversary of the Wilfs buying the Vikings from Red cheap ass McCombs. 

Since 2005, the Vikings have had a 54.3% win percentage, good for 9th overall in that time frame. 

As far as things the Wilfs can control… They’ve done a wonderful job upgrading the facilities - A grade there. US Bank Stadium is the Taj Mahal compared to the Metrodome at the end of its life. TCO Performance Center in Eagan from what I’ve read and heard is top of the line. 

Hiring for FO I’d give them a C grade. We had the “Triangle of Authority” for a long time, and still kind of do today with KOC, Flores, and Kwesi. Spielman was around too long past his expiration date. 

They’ve made vast improvements over the years hiring a HC. Childress stunk, Leslie Frazier stunk, then they made good hires with Zimmer (stuck around too long) and now KOC. B grade here. 

I think that's about right. I'd also give them props for spending without interfering. We don't get "sign Rodgers, it's good for attendance." 

[DocBauer]

9 hours ago, Vanimal46 said:

I heard on the radio yesterday that it’s the 20th anniversary of the Wilfs buying the Vikings from Red cheap ass McCombs. 

Since 2005, the Vikings have had a 54.3% win percentage, good for 9th overall in that time frame. 

As far as things the Wilfs can control… They’ve done a wonderful job upgrading the facilities - A grade there. US Bank Stadium is the Taj Mahal compared to the Metrodome at the end of its life. TCO Performance Center in Eagan from what I’ve read and heard is top of the line. 

Hiring for FO I’d give them a C grade. We had the “Triangle of Authority” for a long time, and still kind of do today with KOC, Flores, and Kwesi. Spielman was around too long past his expiration date. 

They’ve made vast improvements over the years hiring a HC. Childress stunk, Leslie Frazier stunk, then they made good hires with Zimmer (stuck around too long) and now KOC. B grade here. 

I think your grading is fair. At least based on their entire 20yr stewardship of the franchise. I might argue the "C" on the FO grade somewhat. Once they got rid of Childress and that whole "triangle of authority" business I think they've been a solid  "B" grade IMO. Spielman did some really good work but seemed to try to outsmart himself at the end, and he and Zimmer didn't get along at the end at all. And if Brezinski isn't the top cap man in the business, his in the top 2 or 3 probably.

It's funny though, I didn't like Kwesi after his 1st year. The poor initial draft sure didn't help his look. But in retrospect, some of the moves he made, or didn't make, were because he was handcuffed and had to remake the roster. I've really come around on him the last couple of years and thinking he's doing a hell of a job.

[TheLeviathan]

On 5/22/2025 at 8:58 AM, Vanimal46 said:

I heard on the radio yesterday that it’s the 20th anniversary of the Wilfs buying the Vikings from Red cheap ass McCombs. 

Since 2005, the Vikings have had a 54.3% win percentage, good for 9th overall in that time frame. 

As far as things the Wilfs can control… They’ve done a wonderful job upgrading the facilities - A grade there. US Bank Stadium is the Taj Mahal compared to the Metrodome at the end of its life. TCO Performance Center in Eagan from what I’ve read and heard is top of the line. 

Hiring for FO I’d give them a C grade. We had the “Triangle of Authority” for a long time, and still kind of do today with KOC, Flores, and Kwesi. Spielman was around too long past his expiration date. 

They’ve made vast improvements over the years hiring a HC. Childress stunk, Leslie Frazier stunk, then they made good hires with Zimmer (stuck around too long) and now KOC. B grade here. 

By far the best ownership group we've had over that stretch of time.  

Low bar....but still!