2025 Vikings Offseason

[Fatbat]

@DocBauer You’re welcome 😏

[gunnarthor]

It's not a bad depth move and he will play a lot on special teams, as well.

[Mike Sixel]

12 hours ago, Mike Sixel said:

I don't care who the backup QB is. Of the guys left, no one is winning kits of games.... Maybe Flacco? It's just not important at this point..

WTF was I even trying to type?

[gunnarthor]

2 hours ago, TheLeviathan said:

Agreed, but the longer we go without a backup the weirder this Rodgers thing is.

I don't see how Rodgers works. He's a shell of himself. He can hardly move. There's no way he wants to be a backup. If we weren't going to play McCarthy, I'd rather they had brought back Darnold on the deal he signed with Seattle.

[Fatbat]

1 hour ago, gunnarthor said:

I don't see how Rodgers works. He's a shell of himself. He can hardly move. There's no way he wants to be a backup. If we weren't going to play McCarthy, I'd rather they had brought back Darnold on the deal he signed with Seattle.

I think kwesi planned on signing darnold or jones for 2yr/ 30M but they both want to start. Rodgers needs to be a Steeler. Stay away from MN

[TheLeviathan]

1 hour ago, gunnarthor said:

I don't see how Rodgers works. He's a shell of himself. He can hardly move. There's no way he wants to be a backup. If we weren't going to play McCarthy, I'd rather they had brought back Darnold on the deal he signed with Seattle.

Totally agree....and yet something about this is weird.  Why not sign a backup by now?  Why would Rodgers not sign on to play in Pittsburgh?  (Clearly the best option available to him)

This all feels like leverage but why are the Vikings connected to it at all?  Like I said...weird.  I don't like it.  Sign Drew Lock and end this please Kwesi.

[Parfigliano]

This is not Mr Rogers Neighborhood.

[gunnarthor]

7 minutes ago, TheLeviathan said:

Totally agree....and yet something about this is weird.  Why not sign a backup by now?  Why would Rodgers not sign on to play in Pittsburgh?  (Clearly the best option available to him)

This all feels like leverage but why are the Vikings connected to it at all?  Like I said...weird.  I don't like it.  Sign Drew Lock and end this please Kwesi.

Someone on DN pointed out that the Vikes might not sign anymore free agents that will affect the draft comp formula - so essentially, no more big moves until after the draft. If Cam signs somewhere before the draft, we'll get another pick in next years draft for him, too.

Since Rodgers was released, I'm not sure if he counts toward this comp pick or not. But I'm hoping that we'll just sign a backup after the draft, rather than Rodgers.

[TheLeviathan]

19 minutes ago, gunnarthor said:

Someone on DN pointed out that the Vikes might not sign anymore free agents that will affect the draft comp formula - so essentially, no more big moves until after the draft. If Cam signs somewhere before the draft, we'll get another pick in next years draft for him, too.

Since Rodgers was released, I'm not sure if he counts toward this comp pick or not. But I'm hoping that we'll just sign a backup after the draft, rather than Rodgers.

Agreed.  I think, since he was released, he wouldn't be part of the formula.  So if they actually want him (I hope not - and I'd love to add some profanity to that to make it clear just how strongly I feel!) they could sign him any time.  

Here is the comp formula update if anyone cares.

[DocBauer]

4 hours ago, Fatbat said:

15 hours ago, DocBauer said:

Jeff Okudah just signed a 1 yr contract with the Vikes. Huge signing!!

NOT what I was hoping for. MAYBE he's healthy and ready to soak up new knowledge in Viking Purple and turn a corner. But he's only ever had 1 decent season, 2022, despite his draft pedigree. 

[Mike Sixel]

3 hours ago, DocBauer said:

NOT what I was hoping for. MAYBE he's healthy and ready to soak up new knowledge in Viking Purple and turn a corner. But he's only ever had 1 decent season, 2022, despite his draft pedigree. 

Nothing wrong with the occasional dice roll, imo. 

[DocBauer]

48 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

Nothing wrong with the occasional dice roll, imo. 

Oh I agree. Some guys have injuries, are on bad teams, maybe are a bit immature, etc, and then they get in to their late 20's with a good environment and good coaching and they take off. Maybe that happens here. I sure hope so. I was thinking Douglas, or even bring back Gilmore or Griffen for another year. 

This is absolutely a flier. But I sure can see the potential upside with this move.

[Fatbat]

Okudah has made $38M in 5 years and barely plays. I can’t find his new contract info yet but he better be here to earn his salary! Hopefully incentive laden!!

[DocBauer]

6 hours ago, TheLeviathan said:

Agreed.  I think, since he was released, he wouldn't be part of the formula.  So if they actually want him (I hope not - and I'd love to add some profanity to that to make it clear just how strongly I feel!) they could sign him any time.  

Here is the comp formula update if anyone cares.

I agree that I don't think he's part of the draft comp formula. I also agree that I'm not interested in Rogers.

I GET the idea of this newly deepened and probably better roster being primed to make some real noise, and GOING FOR IT with a future HOF QB. And if you look at Roger's numbers last year, they were pretty darn good while playing for a dumpster fire of a team. But do they really want to delay the future another year? And what if he breaks down physically? You've "wasted" $ that could have been spent elsewhere to continue this augmentation of the roster.

And then you've had McCarthy sit, potentially,  for 2yrs if you tie hopes to add a hopefully healthy Rogers to  having ONE MORE GOOD SEASON. 

I think you keep building the team as they're doing...FA isn't done, and there's another wave coming...hopefully have a good draft, even with limited picks, and turn the keys over to McCarthy. 

I'm really intrigued by Drew Lock. He reminds me a lot of Darnold. He's got a big arm, experience, but has never put it all together. He could be an excellent backup getting a chance to be coached in the system KOC has put in place, and maybe even take a step forward.

[Fatbat]

Undrafted FA WR (2021) signed with the vikes. He has played every game the past 3 years. Also special teams specialist. Great signing!

[TheLeviathan]

https://theonion.com/numerous-teams-express-interest-in-aaron-rodgers-playing-elsewhere/

[DocBauer]

28 minutes ago, Fatbat said:

Undrafted FA WR (2021) signed with the vikes. He has played every game the past 3 years. Also special teams specialist. Great signing!

Cool your jets. Tim Jones is a replacement player similar to Brandon Powell. Might be a notch below Powell. Very limited production. Recent visit Rondale Moore...is he still available?...would probably be a better signing, with more upside.

This is a flier type signing for depth who might have some upside. Honestly, practice squad players Jeshaun Jones and Thayer Thomas might be better options.

 

[Fatbat]

11 minutes ago, DocBauer said:

Cool your jets. Tim Jones is a replacement player similar to Brandon Powell. Might be a notch below Powell. Very limited production. Recent visit Rondale Moore...is he still available?...would probably be a better signing, with more upside.

This is a flier type signing for depth who might have some upside. Honestly, practice squad players Jeshaun Jones and Thayer Thomas might be better options.

 

I expect nothing from him but some tackles and hugging on special teams….

[Mike Sixel]

20 minutes ago, DocBauer said:

Cool your jets. Tim Jones is a replacement player similar to Brandon Powell. Might be a notch below Powell. Very limited production. Recent visit Rondale Moore...is he still available?...would probably be a better signing, with more upside.

This is a flier type signing for depth who might have some upside. Honestly, practice squad players Jeshaun Jones and Thayer Thomas might be better options.

 

Special teams player

[Fatbat]

Any guesses as to who will sign to be the backup qb? It wont be Rogers! 

[TheLeviathan]

Cam Robinson gets us a 5th, maybe a 4th round comp pick.

[TheLeviathan]

Also, the more I think about it.....I think they're waiting on backup QB precisely because of the comp formula.  If they wait until the second Tuesday after the draft, then anyone they sign has no impact on their comp picks.  Since anyone with an AAV of 4M or more qualifies....I think they're waiting on purpose.

Right now they'd have a 3rd from Darnold and a 4th from Bynum.  That seems worth waiting for.

[Danchat]

It has been a while since I have shown off my Vikings depth chart, have a look:

(ratings from PFF, graded over a span of 3 seasons)

Hard to argue that this hasn't been a successful free agency spending spree. Now if some of our draft picks can hit for a change...

[DocBauer]

I really like the Rondale Moore signing! He's been hurt quite a bit in his career, and hopefully he's lost little to no quickness or speed coming off the knee injury that knocked him out of last year. But he is DYNAMITE when on the field. I could see he and Nailor alternating between the #3 and #4 WR spots depending on play calling/situation and the team/defense being faced. 

[DocBauer]

Recent reports have the Vikings talking to Tannahill as the backup QB. Nothing pending. 

I actually like this idea a lot. I believe he's 37yo, and obviously not looking to be a starter any longer. And while his career has had a lot of ups and downs, there have been moments where he's been a solid starter. I could see him as a really solid mentor and fill in starter who's definitely a step up from Mullens. Does missing a season suddenly rob him of ability? Or does it make him healthier and more hungry playing with a top team and KOC?

This might be the best choice for QB #2.

[DocBauer]

Just read an interesting idea at Vikings PTSD, or whatever it's called, LOL.

There's still room to add to the roster pre-draft. Despite improvements to the OL, they still really need another quality body for the interior. And I'm 100% in favor of finding/adding another body at C/G in the draft. But they mentioned the Vikings adding Trystan Colon as a 27yo IOL with experience at all 3 middle spots, including some starting experience. Someone like him could really set up depth nicely. He was around $1.7M in 2024. He's young enough to provide upside, and should be inexpensive enough where maybe $2M-ish can bring him in?

One more really solid IOL deepens the roster, and also furthers the idea of just drafting the BPA available with every, limited, pick the Vikings have in the upcoming draft.

[Fatbat]

No doubt we will sign another fa OL before camp. We will be lucky to get 2-3 viable players in the draft. Previous recent history suggests possibly one but I think Kwesi may have enough experience finally to do average or above in this draft. 

[DocBauer]

On 3/22/2025 at 11:17 PM, Fatbat said:

No doubt we will sign another fa OL before camp. We will be lucky to get 2-3 viable players in the draft. Previous recent history suggests possibly one but I think Kwesi may have enough experience finally to do average or above in this draft. 

I do think Kwesi has SLOWLY been a little better each draft. And that's not exactly paying tribute. They did better in 2023. The awful and tragic loss of Jackson skews last year's draft somewhat. But in theory they have their new, young QB. They got an awesome talent in Turner who flashed at times and is really young. And they got a damn fine young kicker and a pair of OL who show some real potential, plus a talented sleeper DL in LDR.

What's been oddly strange to me is how many solid looking UDFA and waiver wire players they've picked up. Maybe they've "too cute" with some of their picks, trying to outsmart everyone else?

I'd be fine if they just kept the 4 pick they have and just make good choices. If you draft smart, you can get a really good #1, a really solid #3, and then a couple developmental guys with the last 2 picks. With all the FA moves, that could still be a decent draft under the circumstances. 

The last thing I want to see them do is trade away 2026 draft pick depth...where they have the potential to double down at multiple positions...but I could see them moving down a few spots in the 1st round for an additional 3rd round pick if the board sets up well. That extra 3rd rounder while still staying in the 1st round could be one more really solid player for now and the future.

[Fatbat]

@DocBauer Agreed! Kwesi has done a great job at FA and ufda’s. 
 

[DocBauer]

Curious to know what everyone thinks about the rumors of Asante Samuel Jr already being in the Vikings pocket and ready to sign once the draft is done. 

In case you haven't heard the rumor, it's like a game of telephone. A friend of a friend was in Florida and saw him with a group and wearing a Vikings hat. So the friend asked him about it and inquired if he played for the Vikings. His response was to the affect of: "Not yet, but I will be in about 5 weeks". He was then asked his name and he told her it was Asante. This supposedly occurred in his hometown, BTW. 

A few well plugged in sources were asked about the rumor, and their response was basically that it held water and was very believeable. I've also read some possibilities of a 2yr deal worth something like $14M ish per, or a smaller 1yr deal for around $7M ish on a make good offer since he missed most of last season with injury/injuries to his shoulder(s).

This would explain why a 24yo CB with good ability and solid production is still available. And while this rumor, or at least it's source, sounds a little odd, it starts to make sense when you break it down.

If true, it could definitely have an impact on the upcoming draft, and how the Vikings proceed.

What are your thoughts on this rumor?