2025 Vikings Offseason

[Aggies7]

I just realized how much I curse on the game threads. I’d like to apologize (seriously) it’s easier than pressing the * I guess 😂

[Parfigliano]

56 minutes ago, gunnarthor said:

Everyone can enjoy sports however they want but suggesting 14-3 and a team that goes 4-13 are comparable might make you enjoy sports less. The Vikes swept the Packers this season. It was a fun season where we far exceeded expectations. But to each his own.

Werent they predict by Vegas to win 7 this year.

[Mike Sixel]

1 hour ago, Aggies7 said:

Haha what else is there? My dad is 70 years old and I looked at him last night and I’m like, this guy may legitimately never see a Super Bowl win and he’s been a fan his entire life. I’ve thought about that before but he had heart surgery over the summer and it hit me this time. He’s been right there with me watching all these losses. That’s really sad, as far as being a fan goes. Just give me one and I’ll enjoy the ride. Til then, 14 win wild card exits don’t move the needle

Journey, not destination.....

[TheLeviathan]

Alright, I love this sort of thing, so I'm going to dig in on nick's topic using Spotrac's "Manage Team" tool.

Restructures/Cuts:

Brian O'Neill - Convert part of salary to a bonus and add one void year - cap hit goes from 26M to 15M

Release Garrett Bradbury (Save about 3.5M)

Total Savings: 14.5M

FAs: Release Cam Robinson, Sam Darnold, Aaron Jones, Stephon Gilmore, Shaquill Griffin, Jerry Tillery, Dalton Risner, Jonathan Bullard, Brandon Powell, Johnny Mundt, David Quessenberry, Dan Feeney, Trent Sherfield, Jihad Ward, FAbian Moreau, Patrick Jones, Cam Akers, Brett Rypien, Ryan Wright.

Resign: Theo Jackson - 3 years 9M

Cam Bynum - 4 years, 60M

Byron Murphy - 4 years, 60M

Jalen Redmond - 2 years 3M

Kamu Greiger-Hill - 2 years 3M

Daniel Jones - 1 year 7M

Nick Mullens - 1 year 2M

Cap Space entering FA: 47M

 

Sign Trey Smith for 5 years 110M

Sign Ryan Kelly for 2 years 15M

Sign Calais Campbell 1 year 5M

Sign Javon Kinlaw 1 year 5M

Sign KJ Osborn 1 year 2M

Sign Kristian Fulton 3 years 27M

(Will have to adjust yearly salaries a bit, but all doable)

 

Draft: Trade pick 24 and 160 to Philly for 30 and 94

Pick 30: DT Deone Walker

94: CB Will Lee III 

100: HB Cam Skattebo

139: HB DJ Giddens

Roster:

QB: JJ, Jones, Mullens

HB: Skattebo, Chandler, Giddens

FB: Ham

WR - Jefferson, Addison, Nailor, Trishton Jackson, Osborn

TE - Hockenson, Oliver, Muse

OT - Darrisaw, O'Neill, Rouse

OG - Smith, Brandel, Ingram

C - Kelly, Jurgens

NT - Walker

DL - Phillips, Campbell, Kinlaw, Redmond, LDR

OLB - Greenard, Van Ginkel, Turner, Asamoah, Richter

MLB - Cashman, Pace, Grugier-Hill

CB - Murphy, Fulton, Blackmon, Hill, McGlothern

S - Jackson, Metellus, Bynum, Ward

K - Reichard

P - Who gives a ****, sign a guy

You probably need another cheap OL and CB to round out the group.  

[Mike Sixel]

No way I cut Bradbury if I sigh two good guards. Too risky. 

[Mike Sixel]

Also, don't think Asamougha is on the roster next year.

[TheLeviathan]

10 hours ago, Mike Sixel said:

Also, don't think Asamougha is on the roster next year.

Asamoah is an excellent ST player, he'll be back.

I could see them focus on guard and keep Bradbury, but I think I'm just done with him.  In that scenario...I'll take Kelly and Smith to change out C and G and let the best man win between Brandel and Ingram at LG.  

[nicksaviking]

2 hours ago, TheLeviathan said:

Asamoah is an excellent ST player, he'll be back.

I could see them focus on guard and keep Bradbury, but I think I'm just done with him.  In that scenario...I'll take Kelly and Smith to change out C and G and let the best man win between Brandel and Ingram at LG.  

I'm done with Bradbury too. Yeah, two guards next to him would make him better, but it won't help trying to pick up one yard going right up his back. He just cannot do a tush-push/QB sneak and it's a big part of today's game. He has to go.

Overall I like your agenda. I don't care for Skattebo as the RB though. I want to switch it up to a shifty RB, not a thumper. Well ALSO have a thumper, but I want the shifty guy to be the primary RB. It's early and I'll likely change my mind later, but TreVeon Henderson is my horse at this time. 

[gunnarthor]

12 hours ago, TheLeviathan said:

Alright, I love this sort of thing, so I'm going to dig in on nick's topic using Spotrac's "Manage Team" tool.

Restructures/Cuts:

Brian O'Neill - Convert part of salary to a bonus and add one void year - cap hit goes from 26M to 15M

Release Garrett Bradbury (Save about 3.5M)

Total Savings: 14.5M

FAs: Release Cam Robinson, Sam Darnold, Aaron Jones, Stephon Gilmore, Shaquill Griffin, Jerry Tillery, Dalton Risner, Jonathan Bullard, Brandon Powell, Johnny Mundt, David Quessenberry, Dan Feeney, Trent Sherfield, Jihad Ward, FAbian Moreau, Patrick Jones, Cam Akers, Brett Rypien, Ryan Wright.

Resign: Theo Jackson - 3 years 9M

Cam Bynum - 4 years, 60M

Byron Murphy - 4 years, 60M

Jalen Redmond - 2 years 3M

Kamu Greiger-Hill - 2 years 3M

Daniel Jones - 1 year 7M

Nick Mullens - 1 year 2M

Cap Space entering FA: 47M

 

Sign Trey Smith for 5 years 110M

Sign Ryan Kelly for 2 years 15M

Sign Calais Campbell 1 year 5M

Sign Javon Kinlaw 1 year 5M

Sign KJ Osborn 1 year 2M

Sign Kristian Fulton 3 years 27M

(Will have to adjust yearly salaries a bit, but all doable)

 

Draft: Trade pick 24 and 160 to Philly for 30 and 94

Pick 30: DT Deone Walker

94: CB Will Lee III 

100: HB Cam Skattebo

139: HB DJ Giddens

Roster:

QB: JJ, Jones, Mullens

HB: Skattebo, Chandler, Giddens

FB: Ham

WR - Jefferson, Addison, Nailor, Trishton Jackson, Osborn

TE - Hockenson, Oliver, Muse

OT - Darrisaw, O'Neill, Rouse

OG - Smith, Brandel, Ingram

C - Kelly, Jurgens

NT - Walker

DL - Phillips, Campbell, Kinlaw, Redmond, LDR

OLB - Greenard, Van Ginkel, Turner, Asamoah, Richter

MLB - Cashman, Pace, Grugier-Hill

CB - Murphy, Fulton, Blackmon, Hill, McGlothern

S - Jackson, Metellus, Bynum, Ward

K - Reichard

P - Who gives a ****, sign a guy

You probably need another cheap OL and CB to round out the group.  

I mostly like this. I'm ok with letting Bynum go and bringing in S Holland from Miami. Good fit for the scheme. 

[TheLeviathan]

12 minutes ago, nicksaviking said:

I'm done with Bradbury too. Yeah, two guards next to him would make him better, but it won't help trying to pick up one yard going right up his back. He just cannot do a tush-push/QB sneak and it's a big part of today's game. He has to go.

Overall I like your agenda. I don't care for Skattebo as the RB though. I want to switch it up to a shifty RB, not a thumper. Well ALSO have a thumper, but I want the shifty guy to be the primary RB. It's early and I'll likely change my mind later, but TreVeon Henderson is my horse at this time. 

I do like Henderson.  Part of why I recommend Giddens and Skattebo is the thunder/lightning combo they provide.  I'm all in on Skattebo, I think he's a culture changer type player.  The kind of guy who can single-handedly change the way we view our running game.  "Add some nasty" type of guy.  While Giddens is the freak who you can throw to and gash with.

One of my personal priorities, if I were the GM, would be to look to add 2-3 key pieces who add some nasty/physicality to the Vikings game.  DJ Reed.  Trey Smith.  Skattebo.  Calais Campbell.  Javon Hargrave is another that I considered.

[TheLeviathan]

Just now, gunnarthor said:

I mostly like this. I'm ok with letting Bynum go and bringing in S Holland from Miami. Good fit for the scheme. 

That would be a good swap depending on costs!  Holland definitely fits.

[gunnarthor]

Vikings now officially have the 24th pick in the first round.

https://www.dailynorseman.com/2025/1/15/24344816/2025-nfl-draft-minnesota-vikings-slotted-to-pick-24th

They will also get another 3rd rounder (97th overall) for letting Cousins leave. Draft boards change so much between now and April, I have no idea who will be available but I wouldn't be opposed to drafting a stud running back if one were available to get more offensive weapons or a monster guard, although I'm not sure this draft has one. I think a lot of the holes in the defensive side can be plugged through a few free agency pick ups. 

[TheLeviathan]

Just now, gunnarthor said:

Vikings now officially have the 24th pick in the first round.

https://www.dailynorseman.com/2025/1/15/24344816/2025-nfl-draft-minnesota-vikings-slotted-to-pick-24th

They will also get another 3rd rounder (97th overall) for letting Cousins leave. Draft boards change so much between now and April, I have no idea who will be available but I wouldn't be opposed to drafting a stud running back if one were available to get more offensive weapons or a monster guard, although I'm not sure this draft has one. I think a lot of the holes in the defensive side can be plugged through a few free agency pick ups. 

Guard is a weak point in this draft.  OL in general.

RB class is bonkers good though.  If they take two I won't be disappointed.

[gunnarthor]

1 minute ago, TheLeviathan said:

Guard is a weak point in this draft.  OL in general.

RB class is bonkers good though.  If they take two I won't be disappointed.

That would be good. If we can draft a new Delvin Cook and sign Trey Smith, our redzone offense should be better just because it won't be so one-dimensional. I'm also not completely against bringing Aaron Jones back - he was solid and added something to the passing game - but I do think we can upgrade and get cheaper there.

That said, the mocks have the Vikings taking a corner.

[TheLeviathan]

Just now, gunnarthor said:

That would be good. If we can draft a new Delvin Cook and sign Trey Smith, our redzone offense should be better just because it won't be so one-dimensional. I'm also not completely against bringing Aaron Jones back - he was solid and added something to the passing game - but I do think we can upgrade and get cheaper there.

That said, the mocks have the Vikings taking a corner.

Our CB situation is pretty problematic and the DB class is strong.  The interior DT class is strong too.

I'm sorta wondering if we don't end up doing something kinda bonkers like trading Hockenson for a 1st.  Or if we do franchise Darnold in hopes of extracting a 2nd round pick out of someone.  Just to add another opportunity in a draft that is strong in areas we need.

[nicksaviking]

30 minutes ago, gunnarthor said:

Vikings now officially have the 24th pick in the first round.

https://www.dailynorseman.com/2025/1/15/24344816/2025-nfl-draft-minnesota-vikings-slotted-to-pick-24th

They will also get another 3rd rounder (97th overall) for letting Cousins leave. Draft boards change so much between now and April, I have no idea who will be available but I wouldn't be opposed to drafting a stud running back if one were available to get more offensive weapons or a monster guard, although I'm not sure this draft has one. I think a lot of the holes in the defensive side can be plugged through a few free agency pick ups. 

I'd like IOL or DL early, but it's just so hard to trust this team's drafting right now. Skill position players aren't exactly the logical choice, but they do seem like the safer choice, or at least the choice that's least likely to be mis-evaluated.

[Mike Sixel]

I've suggested trading Hockenson, but I'd bet he's worth a late second at best. Given their inability to draft well, do you do that? You're likely trading him for a RB or DL, I'd think at that point. It frees up some real money, I'd guess....

There are at least two guards projected in the late first early second that I'd take.. 

[TheLeviathan]

6 hours ago, Mike Sixel said:

I've suggested trading Hockenson, but I'd bet he's worth a late second at best. Given their inability to draft well, do you do that? You're likely trading him for a RB or DL, I'd think at that point. It frees up some real money, I'd guess....

There are at least two guards projected in the late first early second that I'd take.. 

There are a couple guys in that area, but the class is shallow.  I don't see them dealing Hockenson for a 2nd either.

I think the most likely outcome is an aggressive series of trading down.  Something like going from 24 to 35-40 and in the process picking up 3-4 more picks.  I don't really see anyone else that they'd get huge value for that would be a good idea to trade.

Maybe Addison?  But then you open up a glaring hole that needs to be filled.

[Mike Sixel]

4 minutes ago, TheLeviathan said:

There are a couple guys in that area, but the class is shallow.  I don't see them dealing Hockenson for a 2nd either.

I think the most likely outcome is an aggressive series of trading down.  Something like going from 24 to 35-40 and in the process picking up 3-4 more picks.  I don't really see anyone else that they'd get huge value for that would be a good idea to trade.

Maybe Addison?  But then you open up a glaring hole that needs to be filled.

I've considered Addison, but he's way too good to deal right now. I agree, trade down is most likely. 

[TheLeviathan]

4 hours ago, Mike Sixel said:

I've considered Addison, but he's way too good to deal right now. I agree, trade down is most likely. 

One sleeper part of dealing Addison is that he may be looking at a 4 game suspension and, if you get the right deal, it might be worth it.

As you said, unlikely though.

[nicksaviking]

1 hour ago, TheLeviathan said:

One sleeper part of dealing Addison is that he may be looking at a 4 game suspension and, if you get the right deal, it might be worth it.

As you said, unlikely though.

Another sleeper part is that he'll be looking for a new deal after next year, and I'm not sure the Vikings pay both him and Jefferson.

TBD if Addison makes a stink about it.

[Mike Sixel]

1 hour ago, nicksaviking said:

Another sleeper part is that he'll be looking for a new deal after next year, and I'm not sure the Vikings pay both him and Jefferson.

TBD if Addison makes a stink about it.

Assuming they go with McCarthy, you have to give him lots of help. I just can't see dealing Addison. The suspension could be an issue...

[Parfigliano]

1 hour ago, nicksaviking said:

Another sleeper part is that he'll be looking for a new deal after next year, and I'm not sure the Vikings pay both him and Jefferson.

TBD if Addison makes a stink about it.

They don't pay both.  He will make stink 

[TheLeviathan]

9 hours ago, nicksaviking said:

Another sleeper part is that he'll be looking for a new deal after next year, and I'm not sure the Vikings pay both him and Jefferson.

TBD if Addison makes a stink about it.

I don't see them paying both either and I definitely see "Free 3" making a stink.

Make no mistake - I think he's really, really good.  But if you're looking at players that could be traded to assemble more picks, I think that list starts with him.  I don't know exactly what you get (Patriots deal 38, 69, and a future pick?) but I see why it might have appeal.  

Problem is that you have to replace him then.  Elijah Moore, Josh Palmer, and Dyami Brown are younger FA receivers but no one that's as good as Addison unless you want to fish in the Tee Higgins waters.

[gunnarthor]

This link suggests that we Viking fans shouldn't worry as much about Dallas Turner's rookie season. https://atozsports.com/nfl/minnesota-vikings-news/vikings-dallas-turner-underwhelming-rookie-season-shouldnt-be-cause-concern/

And this link suggests KOC wants more say over roster construction. I actually thought he had a lot, but, whatever. https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/minnesota-vikings/kevin-oconnell-tension-contract-talks-news/

My guess is he gets an extension that gets him to at least 10m/yr. He doesn't have the playoff wins, yet, but he's certainly seen as an up and coming coach. They'll have to pay to keep him. 

[nicksaviking]

12 hours ago, Mike Sixel said:

Assuming they go with McCarthy, you have to give him lots of help. I just can't see dealing Addison. The suspension could be an issue...

I'd only trade Addison if they signed another WR. 

I think Chris Godwin is going to be a sneaky good signing by some team this year. He likely won't draw more than two years of guaranteed money and he is an underneath target-monster who always gets open. Which would be perfect for a young QB who may be hesitant to throw to the always double covered Jefferson. 

[gunnarthor]

3 minutes ago, nicksaviking said:

I'd only trade Addison if they signed another WR. 

I think Chris Godwin is going to be a sneaky good signing by some team this year. He likely won't draw more than two years of guaranteed money and he is an underneath target-monster who always gets open. Which would be perfect for a young QB who may be hesitant to throw to the always double covered Jefferson. 

I like that idea. I don't think Addison has a lot of trade value though. He's a good #2 receiver but wasn't top 30 in yards this year. I think there are better free agent options out there that a team could sign and not lose draft capital.

As for Viking free agency, I want us to sign Trey Smith (21m/yr) and also sign Teven Jenkins (13m/yr) and just go all in on the idea that our QB should hold the ball for 5 seconds. Make it the offense Levi didn't think can happen. 😀

I'd also like us to sign Dre Greenlaw on a two year deal. 

[Mike Sixel]

1 hour ago, gunnarthor said:

This link suggests that we Viking fans shouldn't worry as much about Dallas Turner's rookie season. https://atozsports.com/nfl/minnesota-vikings-news/vikings-dallas-turner-underwhelming-rookie-season-shouldnt-be-cause-concern/

And this link suggests KOC wants more say over roster construction. I actually thought he had a lot, but, whatever. https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/minnesota-vikings/kevin-oconnell-tension-contract-talks-news/

My guess is he gets an extension that gets him to at least 10m/yr. He doesn't have the playoff wins, yet, but he's certainly seen as an up and coming coach. They'll have to pay to keep him. 

If they believe in him so much, why 8 whopping snaps against the Rams? Also, if he plays the same position as two all pros, when does he play? They have no picks this year because of him. He has to provide the value of two starters, or it was a bad trade. 

[nicksaviking]

8 minutes ago, gunnarthor said:

I like that idea. I don't think Addison has a lot of trade value though. He's a good #2 receiver but wasn't top 30 in yards this year. I think there are better free agent options out there that a team could sign and not lose draft capital.

As for Viking free agency, I want us to sign Trey Smith (21m/yr) and also sign Teven Jenkins (13m/yr) and just go all in on the idea that our QB should hold the ball for 5 seconds. Make it the offense Levi didn't think can happen. 😀

I'd also like us to sign Dre Greenlaw on a two year deal. 

Interior OL is my top priority for free agency.

I'm only looking at a good free agent WR if I'm the GM and I have an inclination that I'm going to have to trade Addison before he starts complaining about an extension which I'm unlikely to ever give him.

[TheLeviathan]

3 hours ago, gunnarthor said:

This link suggests that we Viking fans shouldn't worry as much about Dallas Turner's rookie season. https://atozsports.com/nfl/minnesota-vikings-news/vikings-dallas-turner-underwhelming-rookie-season-shouldnt-be-cause-concern/

And this link suggests KOC wants more say over roster construction. I actually thought he had a lot, but, whatever. https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/minnesota-vikings/kevin-oconnell-tension-contract-talks-news/

My guess is he gets an extension that gets him to at least 10m/yr. He doesn't have the playoff wins, yet, but he's certainly seen as an up and coming coach. They'll have to pay to keep him. 

I'm not concerned about Turner.  The bend that guy showed off was stupid.

But he's got to get stronger so he can rush and play from multiple spots.  I hope they put a heavy muscle building routine on him. 

Florio seems like a guy who I respect less and less the more I hear from him.  Not criticizing the article or the idea behind it....but it feels like flinging crap at the wall.