2025 Vikings Offseason

[Mike Sixel]

11 minutes ago, TheLeviathan said:

So we retain Jones and Murphy and add Rodgers and Kelly.

It's a pretty mid Day 1 in my book.

Agreed. I'm shocked about the center. But glad. If they get a starting OG, they had a great FA again and anything more gravy for me. 

[The Great Hambino]

Personally I would've rather they retained Bynum and let Murphy walk, especially at their prices.  I think Murphy's INT totals were inflated by a couple of right-place-right-time gifts.  For example, the pick against Atlanta looked like a nice athletic play, but Pitts had him beat and Murphy was bailed out by a bad overthrow by Kirk.  I was hoping someone else would overpay him.

Then again, I'm fine giving them the benefit of the doubt on their defensive FA acquisitions, so <shrug>

I also thought guard was a more pressing need than center (though all three spots were due for an upgrade).  Maybe the thought is the right center can elevate the guards?  I suppose they're not done there either.

[Mike Sixel]

2 minutes ago, The Great Hambino said:

Personally I would've rather they retained Bynum and let Murphy walk, especially at their prices.  I think Murphy's INT totals were inflated by a couple of right-place-right-time gifts.  For example, the pick against Atlanta looked like a nice athletic play, but Pitts had him beat and Murphy was bailed out by a bad overthrow by Kirk.  I was hoping someone else would overpay him.

Then again, I'm fine giving them the benefit of the doubt on their defensive FA acquisitions, so <shrug>

I also thought guard was a more pressing need than center (though all three spots were due for an upgrade).  Maybe the thought is the right center can elevate the guards?  I suppose they're not done there either.

They're not done. 

I prefer CB over safety for sure...

[nicksaviking]

41 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

They're not done. 

I prefer CB over safety for sure...

They've been good at developing their own safeties. CB they consistently have to sign as free agent.

The nuance as to why that is escapes me, but if it works, keep doing it.

[Mike Sixel]

5 minutes ago, nicksaviking said:

They've been good at developing their own safeties. CB they consistently have to sign as free agent.

The nuance as to why that is escapes me, but if it works, keep doing it.

Well, one never recovered from knee issues, but was a good risk to take, and another was murdered..... So I'm not sure yet if they can. 

[gunnarthor]

Vikes signed DT Allen as well. 

[TheLeviathan]

Sounds like we landed Will Fries, Jonathan Allen, and Hargrave last night.

Big money for Fries and Allen.

[The Great Hambino]

Ryan Kelly must've put in a really good word for Will Fries: 5 years, $88 million (!)

 

Edit: sniped by Tony Hale's manpurse (did I get the reference right?)

 

[nicksaviking]

Wow. This is pretty much everything I was hoping for. Two IOL, two DL, two CBs? 

The Vikings are suddenly and clearly a BPA team in the draft now.

[gunnarthor]

I think we overpaid a little for Murphy but I'm ok with that, the CB market is exploding and I'm ok rewarding players we already have. I thought Kelly and Rodgers would have been slightly higher anyway, so it probably is close to even, at least in my mind.

The DL might actually be a strength now, especially if Redmond takes another step forward.

Murphy, Rodgers, Blackmon, Jackson, and maybe Harrison Smith probably needs to add one more piece - Fulton? - but it's a solid starting point from where we were. (Also, I'm stunned that Holland got less years than Bynum for the same price). 

The o-line will likely be Darrisaw, Risner, Kelly, Fries, O'Neil with both Ingram and Bradbury as potential depth doesn't seem as weak, either. 

[TheLeviathan]

7 minutes ago, nicksaviking said:

Wow. This is pretty much everything I was hoping for. Two IOL, two DL, two CBs? 

The Vikings are suddenly and clearly a BPA team in the draft now.

They absolutely master-classed their cap space.  And managed to manipulate the comp formula too! 

[Mike Sixel]

What a great FA period! I wonder if Rouse can play guard?

[Musk21]

Daniel Jones to the Colts, 1 year for $14 million. Who's going to back up JJ?

[Mike Sixel]

6 minutes ago, Musk21 said:

Daniel Jones to the Colts, 1 year for $14 million. Who's going to back up JJ?

Not someone that costs 14 million!

As long as it isn't Rodgers, not sure I care a lot. 

[nicksaviking]

1 minute ago, Mike Sixel said:

Not someone that costs 14 million!

As long as it isn't Rodgers, not sure I care a lot. 

Whoever it is, I wouldn't be surprised if it's a two year deal.

So that if the guy DOES play and perform, they can trade him the following year.

[The Great Hambino]

36 minutes ago, nicksaviking said:

Whoever it is, I wouldn't be surprised if it's a two year deal.

So that if the guy DOES play and perform, they can trade him the following year.

But then they can't tag and trade him!

[Musk21]

Among the remaining FA QB's:

Aaron Rodgers

Russell Wilson

Mac Jones

Gardner Minshew

Jameis Winston

Joe Flacco

Marcus Mariota

Jacoby Brissett

Trey Lance

Carson Wentz

[nicksaviking]

8 minutes ago, Musk21 said:

Among the remaining FA QB's:

Aaron Rodgers

Russell Wilson

Mac Jones

Gardner Minshew

Jameis Winston

Joe Flacco

Marcus Mariota

Jacoby Brissett

Trey Lance

Carson Wentz

I could see reasons for them trying any of the last six. 

At this point, Lance is probably the only one who has a shot at doing the Darnold/Mayfield/Smith impression though.

Very little interest, but if they want the mentor/mentee bit, Flacco stands out. That's not exactly what I'd be looking for, but it's a common trope in the sports circles for sure.

[TheLeviathan]

15 minutes ago, Musk21 said:

Among the remaining FA QB's:

Aaron Rodgers

Russell Wilson

Mac Jones

Gardner Minshew

Jameis Winston

Joe Flacco

Marcus Mariota

Jacoby Brissett

Trey Lance

Carson Wentz

I would love to let Mac Jones, Lance, or Wentz learn under KOC.

Personally...give me Lance.

[Mike Sixel]

The question is.... Do you want a mentor for McCarthy or a guy that might replace him if he's hurt or bad?

[nicksaviking]

1 minute ago, TheLeviathan said:

I would love to let Mac Jones, Lance, or Wentz learn under KOC.

Personally...give me Lance.

Agreed, that obviously has the biggest potential payoff, even if it also has the lowest potential payoff.

I mean, if we actually have to turn to the backup QB, we're probably no longer very excited about the season anyway.

[nicksaviking]

2 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

The question is.... Do you want a mentor for McCarthy or a guy that might replace him if he's hurt or bad?

Or future equity? If the guy looks passable, or even better yet, if Darnold and Jones look good in their new homes, any 'rebound' QB under KOC is going to have interest next year.

I mean, Flacco is basically the same age as KOC and McCown. Seems like the coaches should be mentor enough.

[Mike Sixel]

1 minute ago, nicksaviking said:

Or future equity if he looks good?

I mean, Flacco is basically the same age as KOC and McCown. Seems like the coaches should be mentor enough.

Your boss is not the same as a mentor. Even if we think they could be, they never are. Coaches are management. 

[nicksaviking]

51 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

Your boss is not the same as a mentor. Even if we think they could be, they never are. Coaches are management. 

I don't know. I guess I can take other's words for it, but I've never had a job that had a 'mentor' situation for me, and I've had a lot of jobs. Sure, I've had older coworkers, but that 'take me under your wing' stuff I've only see in movies.

[gunnarthor]

3 hours ago, Musk21 said:

Among the remaining FA QB's:

Aaron Rodgers

Russell Wilson

Mac Jones

Gardner Minshew

Jameis Winston

Joe Flacco

Marcus Mariota

Jacoby Brissett

Trey Lance

Carson Wentz

Of this list, I think Mariota is the guy I'd go with. He won't expect to start like Wilson and Rodgers will. He's a solid vet who can hold up as needed but not wear out his welcome.

[DocBauer]

I'm late to this thread, so I apologize if I missed some good points or repeat others.

A few overpays here and there, but not sure I can complain about the market prices when they are what they are.

WHAT THEY KEPT:

I'm fine with Jones being back as a teammate and producer who is an excellent player. I did think it was a slight overpay. But he's PERFECT in this system with a good rookie RB coming in the draft to pair with. I'd even consider drafting TWO as deep as this class is. (5th round 2nd addition).

Murphy might not be worth that much $, but the market is set. He's good, and knows the system, and isn't exactly old.

I liked the re-signing of Theo Jackson. From what I've seen of him in preseason and limited regular season, I think he's got real potential and they've been grooming him. Just really stinks losing Bynum.

WHAT THEYVE ADDED:

WOW! This might be more and better than I expected!

Is Kelly a G, or is he a replacement at C for Bradburry is my question. Cutting Bradburry doesn't save much $ vs his dead cap hit. Maybe they keep him for one more year and draft another C to go along with Jurgens, who I've heard they are high on? Personally, I've always thought Brandel had a chance to be a solid C, even as a backup.

Fries absolutely raises the G play for 2025 and beyond! G is no longer a draft priority. Maybe a late pick development guy??

I had high hopes for ONE good DL. They got TWO in Allen and Hargrave! The projected backup 3, as of now, are young and offer potential. You NEVER turn down a good DL, but this is no longer a draft priority.

I'm intrigued by Iaiah Rogers at CB. He's got some skills and experience and is young. A depth piece or possible surprise?

Bubba Bolden is a freak of an athlete who hasn't played up to his abilities as of yet. He could be a very interesting depth piece to develop as the 4-5th S if Smith really is coming back.

WHAT'S STILL NEEDED:

I don't want to just trust that Blackmon is back 100%. And I don't want the team to NEED to draft a CB early. I'm not certain at this point how much $ is available...and they won't spend it ALL, holding some back for last minute adds...but I'd really like to see a CB added still. It's possible that even means one of Gilmore or Griffen brought back. You could do worse.

If all the rumors are true that Cooper Kupp is going to be released, wouldn't he be a great veteran fit for the #3 WR spot? Would $7M ish make it happen? He'd be an outstanding ad the #3, pushing Nailor down a spot, and providing insurance if Addison receives a suspension. 

But they also need a QB. Does Lance finally "come home" and get a chance to learn and develop in this system? He and Mac Jones are perfect "develop under KOC" options that might not cost a lot and offer upside for the Vikings, and their careers, similar to Darnold. Flacco, Wentz, and Brissett might just be looking to continue their careers with a chance of something more come 2026. I'm not interested in Rogers or Winston at all. 

ONE more solid CB, a #2 QB for depth and insurance, and Kupp would make FA OUTSTANDING! But that's another potential $20-25M. Even with a few re-worked or extended deals here and there, do they have enough room to make it happen?

If they COULD somehow make that work, the draft suddenly becomes BPA available, with the only absolute being a young RB in a deep class. I could easily moving to later in the 1st round, or out completely, if it gets a couple more high picks to add additional young talent.

There's still room to add, despite a tremendous haul so far. I just wonder what they have left to play with $ wise at this point.

[gunnarthor]

1 hour ago, DocBauer said:

I'm late to this thread, so I apologize if I missed some good points or repeat others.

A few overpays here and there, but not sure I can complain about the market prices when they are what they are.

WHAT THEY KEPT:

I'm fine with Jones being back as a teammate and producer who is an excellent player. I did think it was a slight overpay. But he's PERFECT in this system with a good rookie RB coming in the draft to pair with. I'd even consider drafting TWO as deep as this class is. (5th round 2nd addition).

Murphy might not be worth that much $, but the market is set. He's good, and knows the system, and isn't exactly old.

I liked the re-signing of Theo Jackson. From what I've seen of him in preseason and limited regular season, I think he's got real potential and they've been grooming him. Just really stinks losing Bynum.

WHAT THEYVE ADDED:

WOW! This might be more and better than I expected!

Is Kelly a G, or is he a replacement at C for Bradburry is my question. Cutting Bradburry doesn't save much $ vs his dead cap hit. Maybe they keep him for one more year and draft another C to go along with Jurgens, who I've heard they are high on? Personally, I've always thought Brandel had a chance to be a solid C, even as a backup.

Fries absolutely raises the G play for 2025 and beyond! G is no longer a draft priority. Maybe a late pick development guy??

I had high hopes for ONE good DL. They got TWO in Allen and Hargrave! The projected backup 3, as of now, are young and offer potential. You NEVER turn down a good DL, but this is no longer a draft priority.

I'm intrigued by Iaiah Rogers at CB. He's got some skills and experience and is young. A depth piece or possible surprise?

Bubba Bolden is a freak of an athlete who hasn't played up to his abilities as of yet. He could be a very interesting depth piece to develop as the 4-5th S if Smith really is coming back.

WHAT'S STILL NEEDED:

I don't want to just trust that Blackmon is back 100%. And I don't want the team to NEED to draft a CB early. I'm not certain at this point how much $ is available...and they won't spend it ALL, holding some back for last minute adds...but I'd really like to see a CB added still. It's possible that even means one of Gilmore or Griffen brought back. You could do worse.

If all the rumors are true that Cooper Kupp is going to be released, wouldn't he be a great veteran fit for the #3 WR spot? Would $7M ish make it happen? He'd be an outstanding ad the #3, pushing Nailor down a spot, and providing insurance if Addison receives a suspension. 

But they also need a QB. Does Lance finally "come home" and get a chance to learn and develop in this system? He and Mac Jones are perfect "develop under KOC" options that might not cost a lot and offer upside for the Vikings, and their careers, similar to Darnold. Flacco, Wentz, and Brissett might just be looking to continue their careers with a chance of something more come 2026. I'm not interested in Rogers or Winston at all. 

ONE more solid CB, a #2 QB for depth and insurance, and Kupp would make FA OUTSTANDING! But that's another potential $20-25M. Even with a few re-worked or extended deals here and there, do they have enough room to make it happen?

If they COULD somehow make that work, the draft suddenly becomes BPA available, with the only absolute being a young RB in a deep class. I could easily moving to later in the 1st round, or out completely, if it gets a couple more high picks to add additional young talent.

There's still room to add, despite a tremendous haul so far. I just wonder what they have left to play with $ wise at this point.

The money we've paid is still being calculated. Murphy was reported as a 3/66 but it's actually a 3/54. Allen was reported as 3/60 but it's actually 3/51. etc. So the Vikings still have over 41m to play with for this upcoming season (minus Hargrave).

[nicksaviking]

Yeah, they can still do something big. Though there aren't a lot of big moves to be made still. Might be some good players later that other teams need to move. Still some good safeties out there, but the Vikings have been good at developing their own. I also wouldn't mind another LB who can play coverage. The defense really struggled with Pace was forced to do it all. I don't know their pass coverage grades, but Kyzer White and EJ Speed look like upgrades. Probably also have to think about LT in case Darrisaw is slow to get back up to speed. That's probably a spot you have to wait on though. Can't just pay a starting LT backup money.

I'm not sure about Kupp, or any other big name WR though. I'm thinking you'll end up with a Jordan Addison problem if you do. I could see this as his last year in Minnesota, as I'm not sure you give him a big contract, but I'd still rather have him than an aging Kupp or Amari Cooper this year.

[Mike Sixel]

9 hours ago, nicksaviking said:

Yeah, they can still do something big. Though there aren't a lot of big moves to be made still. Might be some good players later that other teams need to move. Still some good safeties out there, but the Vikings have been good at developing their own. I also wouldn't mind another LB who can play coverage. The defense really struggled with Pace was forced to do it all. I don't know their pass coverage grades, but Kyzer White and EJ Speed look like upgrades. Probably also have to think about LT in case Darrisaw is slow to get back up to speed. That's probably a spot you have to wait on though. Can't just pay a starting LT backup money.

I'm not sure about Kupp, or any other big name WR though. I'm thinking you'll end up with a Jordan Addison problem if you do. I could see this as his last year in Minnesota, as I'm not sure you give him a big contract, but I'd still rather have him than an aging Kupp or Amari Cooper this year.

I draft WR in round one maybe. Addison is likely gone soon, and might be suspended for several games. But I'd bring in a WR if I was them no matter what. 

[AlwaysinModeration]

Vikings got the #97 pick in the draft (3rd Round) for losing Cousins last year.  And are projected to get another 3rd round next year for losing Darnold.

If Flores gets a HC position, he will net them 2-3 3rd round picks.