2025 Vikings Offseason

[DocBauer]

I believe I read that someone went back through his career and totalled up his sacks, as it wasn't a recorded statistic... by then normal NFL record keeping...and I believe he ranks 22nd in NFL history for sacks.

20 years played, 19 with the Vikings, the record holder for consecutive starts for an NFL player AS A DL that was broken by Farve YEARS after his retirement, 3 times 2nd team All Pro and 2 Pro Bowls and 22nd All Time in sacks. I just honestly don't know how he's not in the HOF.

I wonder if there is anyone above him in sacks that isn't in the Hall?

[gunnarthor]

24 minutes ago, DocBauer said:

I believe I read that someone went back through his career and totalled up his sacks, as it wasn't a recorded statistic... by then normal NFL record keeping...and I believe he ranks 22nd in NFL history for sacks.

20 years played, 19 with the Vikings, the record holder for consecutive starts for an NFL player AS A DL that was broken by Farve YEARS after his retirement, 3 times 2nd team All Pro and 2 Pro Bowls and 22nd All Time in sacks. I just honestly don't know how he's not in the HOF.

I wonder if there is anyone above him in sacks that isn't in the Hall?

Here's the list - https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/sacks_career.htm

Terrell Suggs, John Abraham, Leslie O'Neal, Al Baker and Coy Bacon are at or above him. I think Suggs gets in, the others probably don't. 

[Danchat]

Going back to the GM discussion, I'm fine with extending KAM but I don't like that they also extended assistant GM Ryan Grigson. He was the architect of the ruination of Andrew Luck's career and now is part of a new regime that hasn't shown the ability to draft very well, including being part of one of the worst draft classes of all time and choosing to move picks for players, resulting in the last three draft classes having less picks than average, resulting in us likely having the oldest roster in the league or being in the top 3 (again).

A couple notes on the 2023 draft class - I didn't see a mention of Jaquelin Roy's name, he was a high 5th rounder that they moved up for and wasn't good enough to crack the 2024 roster. Also, the Hock trade flipped our 2nd for Detroit's 4th, resulting in Jay Ward. Our original 4th was traded in the 2022 draft to move up for Akayleb Evans. In the first two drafts, this regime moved up for Booth Jr, Evans, and Roy - three unrosterable players. I really have to wonder about our scouting department - from what I've seen, it still has a large number of scouts from the Spielman era, but KAM has added more bodies without much subtraction.

They've done a stellar job at finding value on the free agent market and making great subtle moves like snatching Theo Jackson on waivers, winning Ivan Pace Jr on the UDFA market, and balancing the position values of S/LB vs WR/T. Having the guts to move on from Kirk was commendable and they've avoided blunders that other teams might have made. But I can't give them a mulligan for the horrendous 2022 draft class and jobs need to be lost if McCarthy/Turner don't pan out... but they just got extended before that was determined. Which is why giving a 4 year deal to a new GM was too short given how much rope teams will give their new regimes.

 

[gunnarthor]

2 hours ago, Danchat said:

 

A couple notes on the 2023 draft class - I didn't see a mention of Jaquelin Roy's name, he was a high 5th rounder that they moved up for and wasn't good enough to crack the 2024 roster. Also, the Hock trade flipped our 2nd for Detroit's 4th, resulting in Jay Ward. Our original 4th was traded in the 2022 draft to move up for Akayleb Evans. In the first two drafts, this regime moved up for Booth Jr, Evans, and Roy - three unrosterable players. I really have to wonder about our scouting department - from what I've seen, it still has a large number of scouts from the Spielman era, but KAM has added more bodies without much subtraction.

 

 

I'll ignore most of this but the Vikes made some pretty big changes to the scouting department after the 2023 draft. https://vikingswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/vikings/2023/06/17/minnesota-vikings-finalize-football-operations-personnel-departments-2023-season-kwesi-adofo-mensah/80334722007/

I can't find it now but there was an article in the strib before the 2024 draft about how the scouting staff was working with Flores to ID the types of players who worked in his system. Lots of good quotes in there - Flores was a scout for like 5 years with the Patriots back in the day. 

[Vanimal46]

I like it. He’s a nice complimentary player with Hockenson. Metellus is next on the extension list, then we won’t have any significant pending FAs next year. 

[gunnarthor]

Just saw an article on PFF about how good a run blocker he is and, overall, was their #21 TE last year. I'm not a huge PFF guy but he seems to be a solid player and not eating too much of the cap. 

[DocBauer]

I'm only mildly surprised. He's a very good #2 TE, quasi starter considering how much the Vikings run a 2 TE set. 

I've always believed in keeping your good players as much as financially possible. And the Vikings have one of the best 1-2 TE punches in the league. Losing Mundt hurts as he was a really good #3 option. Here's hoping that 1 of the 2 rookie TE emerge as a solid #3 with potential.

The salary cap for 2026 is a mess as of right now, as even with an expected raise, the Vikings are over the projected number. And I'd be surprised if Metellus didn't also receive an extension. There's going to have to be some other adjustments and extensions, and re-worked deals that offer bonus $ and the such to keep this team together for next season. Part of me wonders if this extension offers some $ flexibility in the underlying numbers as the NFL cap situation has more loopholes to play with than a sneaker store! 

But I think this is good news.

[DocBauer]

So what's happening at the SAFETY spot? We've got Smith, Metellus, and possible/probable breakthrough candidate Jackson as the top 3 and Ward as the depth piece, playing special teams and backing up the other primary 3. But you've got to have more than 4 plus the rookie FA Mishael Powell from Miami.

With the signing of IOL Vershan Lee, both lines are 3 deep for camp and the preseason, which is about what you'd like to have. But you can't go through camp, scrimmages, and 3 preseason games with only 5 SAFETIES. Ward and Powell will undoubtedly play a lot. But they've got to add SOMEONE to the mix, even if he's just a camp body.

Or, do they aim a bit higher with a remaining FA. Thoughts?

[gunnarthor]

14 hours ago, DocBauer said:

So what's happening at the SAFETY spot? We've got Smith, Metellus, and possible/probable breakthrough candidate Jackson as the top 3 and Ward as the depth piece, playing special teams and backing up the other primary 3. But you've got to have more than 4 plus the rookie FA Mishael Powell from Miami.

With the signing of IOL Vershan Lee, both lines are 3 deep for camp and the preseason, which is about what you'd like to have. But you can't go through camp, scrimmages, and 3 preseason games with only 5 SAFETIES. Ward and Powell will undoubtedly play a lot. But they've got to add SOMEONE to the mix, even if he's just a camp body.

Or, do they aim a bit higher with a remaining FA. Thoughts?

I think they'll find another depth piece (several, probably) during camps and stealing from other teams practice squads. Kinda of how they got Jackson in the first place. 

I wouldn't mind another signing but it doesn't seem likely. 

[Fatbat]

9 hours ago, gunnarthor said:

I think they'll find another depth piece (several, probably) during camps and stealing from other teams practice squads. Kinda of how they got Jackson in the first place. 

I wouldn't mind another signing but it doesn't seem likely. 

Agreed! They will snipe someone from a practice squad and/or from a cutdown list later. 

[DocBauer]

12 hours ago, gunnarthor said:

I think they'll find another depth piece (several, probably) during camps and stealing from other teams practice squads. Kinda of how they got Jackson in the first place. 

I wouldn't mind another signing but it doesn't seem likely. 

But you're talking about adding from cuts and PS players.

My point is you can't go to camp, scrimmage, and play 3 preseason games, and have only 5 SAFETIES on the roster. You aren't going to play Smith, Metellus, and Jackson more than a few quarters in games. So all scrimmages and all 3 preseason games you're going to play mostly Ward and rookie FA Powell and that's it?

Unless the plan is to move some of the CB depth to SAFETY for camp and the preseason, you've got to have depth and bodies to get through all of that to get ready for the season. I mean, Ward might get a TON of time in his 3rd year to continue his development, but you will only have a rookie FA as the 5th SAFETY? That screams overuse of your potential roster players to me.

I just think they have to bring in a body to provide camp depth at worst, a potential depth piece with potential at best.

[Parfigliano]

3 hours ago, Fatbat said:

Agreed! They will snipe someone from a practice squad and/or from a cutdown list later. 

They have to.

[Mike Sixel]

15 minutes ago, DocBauer said:

But you're talking about adding from cuts and PS players.

My point is you can't go to camp, scrimmage, and play 3 preseason games, and have only 5 SAFETIES on the roster. You aren't going to play Smith, Metellus, and Jackson more than a few quarters in games. So all scrimmages and all 3 preseason games you're going to play mostly Ward and rookie FA Powell and that's it?

Unless the plan is to move some of the CB depth to SAFETY for camp and the preseason, you've got to have depth and bodies to get through all of that to get ready for the season. I mean, Ward might get a TON of time in his 3rd year to continue his development, but you will only have a rookie FA as the 5th SAFETY? That screams overuse of your potential roster players to me.

 

I just think they have to bring in a body to provide camp depth at worst, a potential depth piece with potential at best.

I was shocked they didn't draft one. 

[The Great Hambino]

16 hours ago, DocBauer said:

Unless the plan is to move some of the CB depth to SAFETY for camp and the preseason

Given the presence of 10 CBs on the roster (11 if you count Tavierre Thomas listed as DB) and Flores' affinity for positional flexibility, my money is on them doing exactly that

[DocBauer]

Really interesting that the Vikes have been tied to Alexander for months. He signed for $4M on a 1yr deal.

I'm surprised by the deal, despite missing half of each of the past 2 seasons. It's a huge win for Baltimore if he's healthy.

This tells me they not only don't trust his health, but more importantly, it tells me how much the coaching staff trusts in the CB on hand.

 

 

 

On 6/17/2025 at 9:14 AM, gunnarthor said:

I think they'll find another depth piece (several, probably) during camps and stealing from other teams practice squads. Kinda of how they got Jackson in the first place. 

I wouldn't mind another signing but it doesn't seem likely. 

But you're talking about adding from cuts and PS players.

My point is you can't go to camp, scrimmage, and play 3 preseason games, and have only 5 SAFETIES on the roster. You aren't going to play Smith, Metellus, and Jackson more than a few quarters in games. So all scrimmages and all 3 preseason games you're going to play mostly Ward and rookie FA Powell and that's it?

Unless the plan is to move some of the CB depth to SAFETY for camp and the preseason, you've got to have depth and bodies to get through all of that to get ready for the season. I mean, Ward might get a TON of time in his 3rd year to continue his development, but you will only have a rookie FA as the 5th SAFETY? That screams overuse of your potential roster players to me.

I just think they have to bring in a body to provide camp depth at worst, a potential depth piece with potential at best.

[DocBauer]

So we've got a ways to go before training camp opens, and other than some promotions within the FO, and speculation about a Metellus re-sign, there's not much news coming out about the Vikes these days. But they haven't been immune to signings, or trades, just before training camp, or just after it starts.

While I really like the roster as a whole, one thing I find interesting is that while the team signed some veterans, generally speaking, most of the backups are all rather young. I believe the oldest CB in the room is 27, the backups to both lines are mostly in their 1-3 seasons, and WR and TE aren't exactly old at all. Even the top 2 QB are 25yo and younger. I think that bodes well for the future. 

There are a handful of interesting FA options still on the market, however, if the FO feels like there's an opportunity or need to add with some of the approximately $18-20M they have left to spend. I'd fully expect them to keep some $ in reserve for contingency plans, but is there anyone you'd like to still see added?

One Vikings website recently stated they think 30yo TE Gerald Everett would be a smart add, rather than go with rookies for the 3rd spot. They also suggested 30yo RB Gus Edwards, a bruising 240lb TD machine as a good option.

Right or wrong, some pundits have clamored for the team to add another veteran CB. Elder statesmen such as the 34yo Gilmore, 31yo Rasul Douglas, and 31yo blitz specialist Mike Hilton are all available. And so is 25yo Asante Samuel, with the whole world waiting on medicals it appears.

If they want to add a veteran SAFETY for depth and competition, 31yo Justin Simmons and 27yo Julien Blackman are available.

There's also a handful of over 30yo OLB/EDGE options.

I have 2 questions for you all:

1] Who are your favorite additions to the roster at this point?

2] Is a position group that concerns you? Are there any names you'd still like to see them add? Or are you content with the roster as is?

Just something to occupy our time.

 

[Mike Sixel]

15 hours ago, DocBauer said:

So we've got a ways to go before training camp opens, and other than some promotions within the FO, and speculation about a Metellus re-sign, there's not much news coming out about the Vikes these days. But they haven't been immune to signings, or trades, just before training camp, or just after it starts.

While I really like the roster as a whole, one thing I find interesting is that while the team signed some veterans, generally speaking, most of the backups are all rather young. I believe the oldest CB in the room is 27, the backups to both lines are mostly in their 1-3 seasons, and WR and TE aren't exactly old at all. Even the top 2 QB are 25yo and younger. I think that bodes well for the future. 

There are a handful of interesting FA options still on the market, however, if the FO feels like there's an opportunity or need to add with some of the approximately $18-20M they have left to spend. I'd fully expect them to keep some $ in reserve for contingency plans, but is there anyone you'd like to still see added?

One Vikings website recently stated they think 30yo TE Gerald Everett would be a smart add, rather than go with rookies for the 3rd spot. They also suggested 30yo RB Gus Edwards, a bruising 240lb TD machine as a good option.

Right or wrong, some pundits have clamored for the team to add another veteran CB. Elder statesmen such as the 34yo Gilmore, 31yo Rasul Douglas, and 31yo blitz specialist Mike Hilton are all available. And so is 25yo Asante Samuel, with the whole world waiting on medicals it appears.

If they want to add a veteran SAFETY for depth and competition, 31yo Justin Simmons and 27yo Julien Blackman are available.

There's also a handful of over 30yo OLB/EDGE options.

I have 2 questions for you all:

1] Who are your favorite additions to the roster at this point?

2] Is a position group that concerns you? Are there any names you'd still like to see them add? Or are you content with the roster as is?

Just something to occupy our time.

 

I'm most concerned about safety. I'm in favor of letting the youth play, though..

[gunnarthor]

18 hours ago, DocBauer said:

 

I have 2 questions for you all:

1] Who are your favorite additions to the roster at this point?

2] Is a position group that concerns you? Are there any names you'd still like to see them add? Or are you content with the roster as is?

Just something to occupy our time.

 

1) Mason. I think he's going to make the running game a real weapon for us this year. Last year we had trouble converting in obvious running downs and inside the five. Mason - with the new line - should make us a lot better. 

2) Honestly, for now, I'm content. Let's see what things look like in the pre-season and/or injuries. The team has some salary cap room and some draft picks if they need to make a move but the defensive front seven look like they should add a lot of pressure which should help the secondary. 

[Danchat]

22 hours ago, DocBauer said:

There are a handful of interesting FA options still on the market, however, if the FO feels like there's an opportunity or need to add with some of the approximately $18-20M they have left to spend. I'd fully expect them to keep some $ in reserve for contingency plans, but is there anyone you'd like to still see added?

I think the plan is to kick most of that money to 2026 as they currently project to have the least cap space in the NFL next year, but it could be used as emergency funds. 

22 hours ago, DocBauer said:

One Vikings website recently stated they think 30yo TE Gerald Everett would be a smart add, rather than go with rookies for the 3rd spot. They also suggested 30yo RB Gus Edwards, a bruising 240lb TD machine as a good option.

Jordan Mason was brought in to be that TD machine on the goal line, Edwards is superfluous with him. But I wouldn't be shocked to see them find RB3 from outside the organization.

22 hours ago, DocBauer said:

Right or wrong, some pundits have clamored for the team to add another veteran CB. Elder statesmen such as the 34yo Gilmore, 31yo Rasul Douglas, and 31yo blitz specialist Mike Hilton are all available. And so is 25yo Asante Samuel, with the whole world waiting on medicals it appears.

If they want to add a veteran SAFETY for depth and competition, 31yo Justin Simmons and 27yo Julien Blackman are available.

I think they're happy at CB, Rodgers seems to be penciled in as a full-time starter and they brought in Okudah to compete for snaps. They also have Tavierre Thomas who had some strong PFF grades as a slot CB in Houston and Ambry Thomas who was a passable starter for the 49ers a couple years back. I don't think they are looking to make an addition.

I do think the safety room badly needs a vet with only Jay Ward and a random UDFA behind the starters. I would pick up Julian Blackmon in a heartbeat as he has been a solid starter for the Colts several years running. 

[DocBauer]

8 hours ago, Mike Sixel said:

I'm most concerned about safety. I'm in favor of letting the youth play, though..

I also agree on going with the youth.

And I also agree on SAFETY. They have to have more bodies just to get through camp. Possible a CB or 2 gets some time there im guessing. I think Theo Jackson has been groomed for this moment and will surprise. Read somewhere Ward was having solid camps as the #4. If that's true, I feel pretty good about the 4 we have.

[DocBauer]

6 hours ago, gunnarthor said:

1) Mason. I think he's going to make the running game a real weapon for us this year. Last year we had trouble converting in obvious running downs and inside the five. Mason - with the new line - should make us a lot better. 

2) Honestly, for now, I'm content. Let's see what things look like in the pre-season and/or injuries. The team has some salary cap room and some draft picks if they need to make a move but the defensive front seven look like they should add a lot of pressure which should help the secondary. 

1] Agreed on Mason. I think he really helps. He's one of my favorite additions, though he doesn't get a lot of ink.

2] I really like the DL. I'm excited about the potential behind the starters, even if they all just turn out to really solid role players. OLB has a top 3 to be envious of. How good might Richter be with a year under his belt? How good might Murphy be 100% healthy? He barely played once he was back in 2024, but he flashed a couple plays and has a lot of potential. Wouldn't be surprised if UDFA Batty didn't make things interesting. Despite his age, I'm hoping he can be a PS stash.

[DocBauer]

1 hour ago, Danchat said:

I think the plan is to kick most of that money to 2026 as they currently project to have the least cap space in the NFL next year, but it could be used as emergency funds. 

Jordan Mason was brought in to be that TD machine on the goal line, Edwards is superfluous with him. But I wouldn't be shocked to see them find RB3 from outside the organization.

I think they're happy at CB, Rodgers seems to be penciled in as a full-time starter and they brought in Okudah to compete for snaps. They also have Tavierre Thomas who had some strong PFF grades as a slot CB in Houston and Ambry Thomas who was a passable starter for the 49ers a couple years back. I don't think they are looking to make an addition.

I do think the safety room badly needs a vet with only Jay Ward and a random UDFA behind the starters. I would pick up Julian Blackmon in a heartbeat as he has been a solid starter for the Colts several years running. 

1] Agree on the cap $ left. I wouldn't be surprised for a SAFETY floating out there to be brought in, but thr $ should be reserved for emergency, and for next season.

2] Agree on Mason. He makes a difference. Chandler needs to step up! He's flashed at times, but has shown no consistency.  PS Scott seems to have been of a receiver than RB. Am I nuts to think the smallish, small school kid Tre Scott might surprise, especially after a tremendous 1 season at a lower level D1 program?

I wonder about a final cut down RB from another team being brought in before the season starts? 

3] With the FA that have been available at CB, and those that still are, I also think they are quietly very content at CB. They LOVE Rogers. Blackmon looked a possible steal as a rookie and seems 100%. I think it's a quietly undersold room of talent and potential.

4] I like the Blackmon addition at SAFETY on what I'd expect to be a cheap deal at this point. Not sure there's anyone out there younger as a potential "let's take a look" option at this point. But again, even if Ward is looking good, you can't go through camp, scrimmages, and 3 preseason games with only 5 options, maybe 6 with veteran Tavierre Thomas listed as DB. 

[The Great Hambino]

On 6/22/2025 at 6:39 PM, DocBauer said:

1] Who are your favorite additions to the roster at this point?

2] Is a position group that concerns you? Are there any names you'd still like to see them add? Or are you content with the roster as is?

1) Sam Howell, because it means Darnold wasn't brought back on a market-rate deal (kidding, kind of)

For real, I'm not going to pretend to know enough about the individual players acquired, but I really like that they identified the interior of both lines as needing immediate upgrades and got aggressive in making those upgrades.  We'll see how it pans out, but I like the process.

2) I think off-ball linebacker is a sneaky area of concern.  I like Cashman and Pace, but it gets pretty thin pretty quickly after that.  I can't believe Asamoah hasn't figured it out - I liked the pick and thought he could've been a sort of LB/safety hybrid that is valuable in a versatile defense.  It's him, a 6th round rookie, and 30 year old Eric Wilson making up the depth of that unit.  And Cashman and Pace aren't exactly indestructible.  

[nicksaviking]

I'm less concerned with the safety position, simply because in this age of the NFL, and Flores' system in particular, strong safeties and nickel corners are basically interchangeable play-to-play. Harrison Smith is basically the only true safety that starts, with Ward and Jackson probably his backups. 

With how much Flores' disguises his coverages, the SS and NB already have to be capable of doing the same job. So the fact that they brought in more traditional CBs instead of traditional safeties probably just means they wanted depth guys for those roles who perhaps skew towards better coverage over better tackling this off season.

Not that I'm ever opposed to additional upgrades.

[DocBauer]

13 hours ago, The Great Hambino said:

1) Sam Howell, because it means Darnold wasn't brought back on a market-rate deal (kidding, kind of)

For real, I'm not going to pretend to know enough about the individual players acquired, but I really like that they identified the interior of both lines as needing immediate upgrades and got aggressive in making those upgrades.  We'll see how it pans out, but I like the process.

2) I think off-ball linebacker is a sneaky area of concern.  I like Cashman and Pace, but it gets pretty thin pretty quickly after that.  I can't believe Asamoah hasn't figured it out - I liked the pick and thought he could've been a sort of LB/safety hybrid that is valuable in a versatile defense.  It's him, a 6th round rookie, and 30 year old Eric Wilson making up the depth of that unit.  And Cashman and Pace aren't exactly indestructible.  

1] Honestly, Howell wasn't my 1st or 2nd choice. But I really like the move to get him. He wasn't really on my radar initially as I just didn't see him being an available target. He's athletic, and he has a live arm, and while his experience hasn't been on great teams or with great results, the year he spent as the starting QB for a bad Washington team is still NFL battle experience. There's a good chance he could have a Darnold type of progression, albeit as a backup. 

2] I think we're all very excited about the additions to both lines. That's not to say it's an easy choice...it is...but those have seriously been, probably, the biggest areas of concern for a few years now.

3] I also can't believe Asamoah hasn't taken a step forward. He was drafted with a different D coordinator in charge, but he seems a PERFECT fit for a Flores defense! Where is the disconnect? I was surprised they didn't bring back Grugier-Hill as I thought he played pretty well in a reserve role. But I liked Wilson when he was with the Vikes previously, snd am kind of excited about his coming back. Comments about his play and contributions and leadership in camp are excellent. Maybe they like him better in coverage as a backup to Cashman? I think the rookie King might be a solid downhill kind of LB similar to Pace, but not sure what to expect from him as a rookie. I could see an off the ball LB being a selection next draft.

[DocBauer]

12 hours ago, nicksaviking said:

I'm less concerned with the safety position, simply because in this age of the NFL, and Flores' system in particular, strong safeties and nickel corners are basically interchangeable play-to-play. Harrison Smith is basically the only true safety that starts, with Ward and Jackson probably his backups. 

With how much Flores' disguises his coverages, the SS and NB already have to be capable of doing the same job. So the fact that they brought in more traditional CBs instead of traditional safeties probably just means they wanted depth guys for those roles who perhaps skew towards better coverage over better tackling this off season.

Not that I'm ever opposed to additional upgrades.

To be fair, I'm not exactly worried about the SAFETIES as I think Jackson has been groomed as a Bynum replacement and is ready for a  breakout. (No slight to Bynum). If Ward takes a step forward in his 3rd season as the #4 option, we'll be just fine, though I expect a SAFETY to be selected next draft for sure.

I agree with your assessment of the way DB's are handled in the Flores defense. A lot of disguises used. That makes me wonder about a guy or two on the current roster that might cross train some at SAFETY. But like you, never opposed to adding more talent. I think there's a slight chance they add another body back there, but I'm begining to think they are set.

 

[DocBauer]

To be fair, i should answer my own questions.

While there's hardly a move they've made that doesn't look solid to me, I think i might be most excited about CENTER Ryan Kelly. In the history of the Vikings, they've had some really good players there, and even some solid temporary options there. But ever since Sullivan went down with injuries a decade ago, they've struggled to find a quality pivot who could really LEAD the OL and provide quality work in both the run game and pass game. I'm still trying to remove nightmares of watching Bradbury get overrun by DL while trying to set a pass block. 

I know he's 32yo, but he's still really good. I don't know that his successor is on the roster or not currently...I kinda like Jurgens and would love to see Brandel get some work there...but he might be my favorite signing.

Im also excited, with some consternation, about Rogers at CB. The talent and speed are undeniable. His PFF numbers, for what they're worth, have been good for his career. Flores seems to LOVE the kid. That's enough for me.

My dark horse, under the radar signing is WR Rondale Moore. I know he's coming off an injury, and has had his career derailed some by injuries, but I've watched this kid since he was a freshman. He's explosive! If he's healthy, he's a dynamic option as a #4 or co #3 option, depending on formation and play, etc, who can also be explosive in the return game. He's a bit of a wild card, but man could he be a nice addition.

My biggest concern? Well, I'm a tad worried about SAFETY depth, as I've stated, just to get through the preseason and not having anyone in the development pipeline. But really, my biggest worry, which might sound strange, is the 3rd RB spot. Chandler just hasn't developed the way I hoped he would. And while Jones was mostly healthy all of 2024, and has Mason to split time with him, the running game has been a priority. And I just don't know if Chandler is going to ever take that step forward and show his early career flash on a regular basis.

[DocBauer]

Going along with the whole offseason theme of "whats been done and what might still be done", it was reported today that the Oliver re-sign added addition 2025 FA $ to the bank. 

I'm generally good with the roster as is. But with about a month until camps begin, those FA remaining are probably looking at inexpensive deals, very probably 1 year options. The Vikings now have about $23.5M to work with.

Personally, I believe that $ will be saved for injuries that might happen and subsequent moves, as well as carrying over as much free $ as possible to make the 2026 cap more manageable.  But it could allow for a last minute move or two.

[Fatbat]

@DocBauer I am most excited about the OL and DL. We should win the trench battle regardless of who we are playing. Our run game is going to be stronger than the last few years and by mid season we will have a 3 headed snake of WR’s because Tai Felton will be in the ROY talk. 
The DL is going to allow the rest of the D to play down hill. At this point, there are no holes to fill. Let the youngsters develop around the probowl vets and let’s score some D turnover points in every game. 

[DocBauer]

On 6/29/2025 at 12:24 PM, Fatbat said:

@DocBauer I am most excited about the OL and DL. We should win the trench battle regardless of who we are playing. Our run game is going to be stronger than the last few years and by mid season we will have a 3 headed snake of WR’s because Tai Felton will be in the ROY talk. 
The DL is going to allow the rest of the D to play down hill. At this point, there are no holes to fill. Let the youngsters develop around the probowl vets and let’s score some D turnover points in every game. 

I sure appreciate your enthusiasm @Fatbat. It's been a good 5-10 years since our OL has looked this good, at least potentially. And at least a few years since the DL has been this exciting. 

Hargrave and Allen make a real difference on the DL, no question. But personally, I'm almost as excited what LDR, Taimani, and Redmond due with a season under their belt as young reserves, with upside, might do as rotation pieces. Add in rookie Ingram-Dawkins, and I'm having a hard time figuring out how the team can carry 7 DL and 6 OLB, which they probably can't do.

I still think Kelly...knock on wood he stays healthy all season...is the KEY to the OL. There are some on different sites that weren't impressed too much by rookies Jurgens and Rouse last year, but when I watched the preseason games, I was genuinely impressed, though I certainly saw flaws. But they were rookies. When our #2's hold their own against another team's #2's, I feel pretty good about the potential there. Skull is a relatively young and experienced #3 OT. I feel good about him. And I think a lot of people are down on Brandel as a 6th man. He's been solid as a 6th man previously, and looked really solid as a 1st time starter before Darisaw went down. How much of that was lack of continuity vs a long season I don't know. Maybe I'm wrong, but I've always wanted Brandel to play some CENTER. A couple years ago he did in OTA's, but that's a non contact passing camp primarily. I'd really like to see him get actual reps at CENTER to be a 3rd option behind Jurgens. I also think UDFA Joe Huber from Wisconsin is an interesting IOL option for the PS. 

He's not a Pro OT. He's a GUARD profile that has briefly played CENTER. He needs to add a little more strength, and he needs to learn to block LOWER. He has a habit of bending upward and that doesn't work at the NFL level. If he can make a adjustments on the PS for a year, he might be a steal.

Speaking of steals, how did Logan Brown not get drafted after being ranked as a 4-5 pick? He's only played 1 full season as a starter after transferring to Kansas from Wisconsin. But the size and strength and natural ability from a former 4* prospect seems tantalizing. Would he slip to the PS as one of the best UDFA signings? 

The OL looks really good, potentially. And I kinda like the young depth as well. No question we have a really good 1-2 punch at RB.

I disagree somewhat on Felton, despite being a talented 3rd round pick with potential. You just can't ignore what Nailor did in 2024, and now he's added some muscle to hopefully give him a little better ability to fight off DB. And if healthy, Rondale Moore could be a Wild Card to the return game and the offense.