2025 Vikings Offseason

[TheLeviathan]

5 hours ago, Mike Sixel said:

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. 

We can do BPA but I still hope that's a DT.  Use a 5th on a WR would be my pref.

[Mike Sixel]

2 hours ago, TheLeviathan said:

We can do BPA but I still hope that's a DT.  Use a 5th on a WR would be my pref.

A 5th? Why even bother? 

[TheLeviathan]

11 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

A 5th? Why even bother? 

5th round receivers aren't exactly non-factors.  Wicks, Nucua, Iosivas, Shakir, Demario Douglas, Mooney, Renfroe, Slayton have all been taken 5th or later in the last five years.

Like all 5th round picks, your odds are low, but that's the time to swing.  Why waste a high pick on a dude who would be (at best) the 4th guy getting targets?

[Mike Sixel]

2 minutes ago, TheLeviathan said:

5th round receivers aren't exactly non-factors.  Wicks, Nucua, Iosivas, Shakir, Demario Douglas, Mooney, Renfroe, Slayton have all been taken 5th or later in the last five years.

Like all 5th round picks, your odds are low, but that's the time to swing.  Why waste a high pick on a dude who would be (at best) the 4th guy getting targets?

because Addison is going to be suspended, and not re-signed. Possibly dealt after this coming year. Because they aren't winning it all with a rookie QB most likely. I get not everyone agrees. 

 

[Mike Sixel]

Harrison Smith back. Not sure I'd call that speed. But he was ok last year. 

[DocBauer]

19 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'm going to disagree with only the Kupp opinion. The Vikings might not even want him. They might like someone better. But Kupp is a very logical fit for this offense as a veteran #3 wideout on a short term deal. Nailor did some very good things for the offense last season, but he wasn't consistent. But he might still have some upside. If Addison feels threatened by an over 30yo #3 veteran addition, then there is a bigger problem on hand. 

I believe Addison is going to get an extension sometime soon. But that extension doesn't even have to be discussed until after 2025. Kupp is just a short term addition, if the numbers work, to provide that veteran guy who runs routes, makes plays, and keeps drives going as the #3 guy. It seems smart to me, but they may have different ideas in mind.

[DocBauer]

10 hours ago, Mike Sixel said:

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. 

I think they will look at a veteran WR in FA still. I'm a believer that Kupp on a short term deal makes the most sense. He knows the system, and can be a very good #3 option, with the ability to be a little more than that if Addison is suspended for X number of games. 

The way the NFL works, I don't think Addison is going anywhere unless he screws up again. If he stays clean and smart going forward, he's probably got an extension after 2025. The Vikes might have a different target in mind, but Kupp just seems like the logical addition to be made.

[DocBauer]

So all the recent contracts aren't exactly as reported due to option years and the such. The Vikings still had $50M to spend before the Hargrave signing at 2yrs and $30M. Now, is that a REAL $15M? Or are there some details in the deal that make it a little less? It's also been reported that they have signed CB/ST Tavierre Thomas, who is an interesting depth piece, with no numbers revealed yet. Can't believe he's more than a couple $M.

But Harry has announced he's back for $10.5M with incentives that could make the deal worth up to $14M.

I'm no math wizard, but $50M minus $15M and another $10M, plus another couple $M means the $ pool could have dropped to around $20-23M now. But again, the way these contracts are written, it's very possible they still have closer to $25-30M to spend.

Remember, you still have to have enough $ to sign your draft class. And it's always smart to have a little left over for the 2nd phase of FA, and last minute surprises like the Vikings had before 2024 even began at the CB position.

But really, other than a #2 QB, they might not need any other MAJOR additions to the roster at this point. And really, the top 100 FA are pretty much done at this point. And the FO has already made major noise in their additions.

Other than bringing back Gimore or Griffen or signing someone similar at CB, I'm not sure what else they can realistically do at this point considering how aggressive they've been so far.

[Mike Sixel]

29 minutes ago, DocBauer said:

I think they will look at a veteran WR in FA still. I'm a believer that Kupp on a short term deal makes the most sense. He knows the system, and can be a very good #3 option, with the ability to be a little more than that if Addison is suspended for X number of games. 

The way the NFL works, I don't think Addison is going anywhere unless he screws up again. If he stays clean and smart going forward, he's probably got an extension after 2025. The Vikes might have a different target in mind, but Kupp just seems like the logical addition to be made.

They can't pay two top WR salaries, imo. Not and have good starters everywhere else. Also, imo, he'll screw up again. He did it right after his teammate was killed. Doesn't strike me as responsible at all. 

[DocBauer]

I've always said, despite the results of the 2024 season, the Vikes were on a 2yr plan to "finalize" a plan for real contention. 

Internal improvements, a TREMENDOUS job in FA for 2024, and maybe an even better 2025 FA job has this team accelerated beyond my initial projections. And there's still enough $ left for a backup QB, and maybe one more solid addition. And other than that #2 QB...and maybe 1 more addition...we need to look at the pending draft for potential at least, if not to fill a couple holes.

The good news is the Vikings don't seem to have a lot of NEEDS, if any.

The bad news is they have only 4 picks to augment the 2025 version of the team, and build for the future. 

APPROACH #1: They just sit pat and take the BPA in round 1. That could be a DL, CB, or OL, despite FA signings, looking towards the future. Round 3 means looking at what they didn't draft, but also looking at future needs and drafting a RB that they NEED to pair with Jones. When then 5th round happens, they can just draft the BPA available, while thinking about a 2nd RB in an incredible class, or a SAFETY or CB who's slid, or maybe a solid IOL still sitting there. 

APPROACH #2: They trade down to late in the 1st round, OR, EARLY 2nd round and get an additional 3rd and probable/possible 3rd or 4th round pick. MAYBE another 5th rounder instead?? Is having 6 picks better? Kwesi hasn't had a good history in drafting, but he did better in 2024. He and his scouts have ALMOST done better in rookie FA signings.  Do we trust in better drafting following 2024? If we do, we get 6 picks to grab the future RB we need, another DB, maybe two, another OL for depth and development, maybe a development DL, maybe another RB in a tremendous class, maybe a TE to replace Mundt.

Has the FA activity we've seen really changed how the Vikings approach the draft? Should they just follow status quo at this point and just keep their 1st pick and let it ride? Or should they drop down for a couple extra picks for depth and development options?

[Parfigliano]

1 hour ago, Mike Sixel said:

They can't pay two top WR salaries, imo. Not and have good starters everywhere else. Also, imo, he'll screw up again. He did it right after his teammate was killed. Doesn't strike me as responsible at all. 

Strikes me as old school dumb.

[Mike Sixel]

40 minutes ago, DocBauer said:

I've always said, despite the results of the 2024 season, the Vikes were on a 2yr plan to "finalize" a plan for real contention. 

Internal improvements, a TREMENDOUS job in FA for 2024, and maybe an even better 2025 FA job has this team accelerated beyond my initial projections. And there's still enough $ left for a backup QB, and maybe one more solid addition. And other than that #2 QB...and maybe 1 more addition...we need to look at the pending draft for potential at least, if not to fill a couple holes.

The good news is the Vikings don't seem to have a lot of NEEDS, if any.

The bad news is they have only 4 picks to augment the 2025 version of the team, and build for the future. 

APPROACH #1: They just sit pat and take the BPA in round 1. That could be a DL, CB, or OL, despite FA signings, looking towards the future. Round 3 means looking at what they didn't draft, but also looking at future needs and drafting a RB that they NEED to pair with Jones. When then 5th round happens, they can just draft the BPA available, while thinking about a 2nd RB in an incredible class, or a SAFETY or CB who's slid, or maybe a solid IOL still sitting there. 

APPROACH #2: They trade down to late in the 1st round, OR, EARLY 2nd round and get an additional 3rd and probable/possible 3rd or 4th round pick. MAYBE another 5th rounder instead?? Is having 6 picks better? Kwesi hasn't had a good history in drafting, but he did better in 2024. He and his scouts have ALMOST done better in rookie FA signings.  Do we trust in better drafting following 2024? If we do, we get 6 picks to grab the future RB we need, another DB, maybe two, another OL for depth and development, maybe a development DL, maybe another RB in a tremendous class, maybe a TE to replace Mundt.

Has the FA activity we've seen really changed how the Vikings approach the draft? Should they just follow status quo at this point and just keep their 1st pick and let it ride? Or should they drop down for a couple extra picks for depth and development options?

I'd be good to drop five or ten spots and get a third, though that might change depending on who is there. 

[Danchat]

They also have a big need at RB2 so that Jones doesn't have another career high in touches again, his body is not going to be able to handle another workload this big. Thankfully, this is the perfect RB draft class to dip into.

[gunnarthor]

2 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

I'd be good to drop five or ten spots and get a third, though that might change depending on who is there. 

A few thoughts on the draft.

1) If QB Dart is still there at #24, teams are going to call the Vikes to trade back to get him. But he might fly up draft boards and get taken in the teens.

2) The CB I really like - Barron - isn't likely to be there at 24. I haven't seen a mock where he gets past the Packers. 

3) Alabama's big guard - Booker - seems to be falling in mocks lately. The rip on him before the combine was that he was going to be slow in run blocking and not great at the second level. And then he had a bad combine so might actually fall out of the first round. But he's apparently a physical monster in pass protection. We could do worse, I think.

[TheLeviathan]

16 hours ago, Mike Sixel said:

because Addison is going to be suspended, and not re-signed. Possibly dealt after this coming year. Because they aren't winning it all with a rookie QB most likely. I get not everyone agrees. 

 

Addison still has three more seasons with the 5th year option.  With Hockenson back there is no need to blow high picks at WR IMO.

Now.....next year if you trade Addison?  Sure.  I agree they aren't likely to blow the cap on two massive receiver contracts, but this isn't the year to do that.

[nicksaviking]

11 hours ago, Danchat said:

They also have a big need at RB2 so that Jones doesn't have another career high in touches again, his body is not going to be able to handle another workload this big. Thankfully, this is the perfect RB draft class to dip into.

I'm still shocked Jones didn't miss a game last year. The way these things work, it probably means he starts missing games by week three next season.

I'm all for getting a dynamic RB early in the draft.

[Mike Sixel]

21 minutes ago, TheLeviathan said:

Addison still has three more seasons with the 5th year option.  With Hockenson back there is no need to blow high picks at WR IMO.

Now.....next year if you trade Addison?  Sure.  I agree they aren't likely to blow the cap on two massive receiver contracts, but this isn't the year to do that.

Three? Did I count wrong? I thought this was year 4? I may have erred. But if they are trading him next year, this is the year to get his replacement up and running....

I get no one agrees.... And it's not like Hockenson is getting younger or healthier....

I'm good with any pick other than QB or OT at this point.

[TheLeviathan]

2 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

Three? Did I count wrong? I thought this was year 4? I may have erred. But if they are trading him next year, this is the year to get his replacement up and running....

I get no one agrees.... And it's not like Hockenson is getting younger or healthier....

I'm good with any pick other than QB or OT at this point.

Nope, year three.  I think if you draft the right receivers you don't have to think that way.  Addison stepped right in as a rookie, fwiw.  

Hockenson's health is a major concern of mine.  If this year is another banged up/mid production year....I'm ready to move on.  This should be a monster year given it's a first year starting QB.  (Hell, I'd advocate for trading him and taking a TE from this class.  After DT and RB, TE is the third best position group IMO)

[nicksaviking]

This is scary:

https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/report-aaron-rodgers-is-a-possibility-in-minnesota

But I don't think I buy it.

 

 

I have never heard this reporter tied to anything Minnesota news. She's a ESPN/The Athletic reporter out of New York. This sounds like garbage being pushed by Rodgers' camp.

[gunnarthor]

Not thrilled that Smith is back. He looked really slow at the end of the year and was really bad in the two losses to close it out. I think he's just done. If we treat him like we did Studwell's last year - he gets the start but most of the playing time goes to someone else - that's one thing. But I don't think we should expect him to be an above average player at this point. 

[TheLeviathan]

33 minutes ago, gunnarthor said:

Not thrilled that Smith is back. He looked really slow at the end of the year and was really bad in the two losses to close it out. I think he's just done. If we treat him like we did Studwell's last year - he gets the start but most of the playing time goes to someone else - that's one thing. But I don't think we should expect him to be an above average player at this point. 

They were on the hook to pay him almost 7M either way.  Hopefully they gave him a raise and cleared any further dead money off the books.

[Mike Sixel]

Ingram traded to Houston for a sixth. In 2026?

[gunnarthor]

2 hours ago, TheLeviathan said:

They were on the hook to pay him almost 7M either way.  Hopefully they gave him a raise and cleared any further dead money off the books.

Yeah, I completely forgot he was on the books either way. Big brain fart on my part. 

[gunnarthor]

55 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

Ingram traded to Houston for a sixth. In 2026?

Makes sense. 

[Mike Sixel]

Now they've signed an OT.

[The Great Hambino]

According to Over The Cap, the Vikes are currently projected to receive the top third-round compensatory pick in the 2026 draft thanks to Darnold.  They pulled this off while also spending the most money in FA so far (again according to OTC) in terms of both total and guaranteed dollars.  Nicely done

[Mike Sixel]

1 hour ago, The Great Hambino said:

According to Over The Cap, the Vikes are currently projected to receive the top third-round compensatory pick in the 2026 draft thanks to Darnold.  They pulled this off while also spending the most money in FA so far (again according to OTC) in terms of both total and guaranteed dollars.  Nicely done

Imagine if this FO could draft!

[TheLeviathan]

2 hours ago, The Great Hambino said:

According to Over The Cap, the Vikes are currently projected to receive the top third-round compensatory pick in the 2026 draft thanks to Darnold.  They pulled this off while also spending the most money in FA so far (again according to OTC) in terms of both total and guaranteed dollars.  Nicely done

Pretty good chance Cam Robinson gets them another one that roughly cancels out what they traded for him.

[gunnarthor]

2 hours ago, Mike Sixel said:

Imagine if this FO could draft!

I think this is a bit overstated. Sure, the 2022 draft was bad but Nailor was our #3 receiver last year, Ingram made a bunch of starts, Cine never developed but also had an incredibly damaging ankle injury. It's not quite the horror show people seem to think. And when Cine went down, they took UFA Theo Jackson from the Titans practice squad. I don't know why Booth and Evans didn't work out. 

in 2023 we got -

1st - Addison
2nd - traded for Hockenson
3rd - Blackmon - jury still out but had a good rookie season and was supposed to break out.
4th - Ward who has become, if nothing else a pretty good special teams player. 
They also got Pace as an UFA. 

Last year we drafted our starting QB in McCarthy, Turner, our kicker, some depth for the OL and DL and also nabbed UFA Redmond. If you want to say it's too early to know on those guys then it's also too early to bury them.  I know KAM made some changes in the draft room and the Strib reported that the scouting staff really enjoyed working with Flores (who was a scout for the Patriots for five years) to figure out who to target. But considering the crap shoot of draft picks and the injuries some of them have hd, I don't think there's anything here to really support the extreme angst about KAM's drafts.

[Mike Sixel]

1 hour ago, gunnarthor said:

I think this is a bit overstated. Sure, the 2022 draft was bad but Nailor was our #3 receiver last year, Ingram made a bunch of starts, Cine never developed but also had an incredibly damaging ankle injury. It's not quite the horror show people seem to think. And when Cine went down, they took UFA Theo Jackson from the Titans practice squad. I don't know why Booth and Evans didn't work out. 

in 2023 we got -

1st - Addison
2nd - traded for Hockenson
3rd - Blackmon - jury still out but had a good rookie season and was supposed to break out.
4th - Ward who has become, if nothing else a pretty good special teams player. 
They also got Pace as an UFA. 

Last year we drafted our starting QB in McCarthy, Turner, our kicker, some depth for the OL and DL and also nabbed UFA Redmond. If you want to say it's too early to know on those guys then it's also too early to bury them.  I know KAM made some changes in the draft room and the Strib reported that the scouting staff really enjoyed working with Flores (who was a scout for the Patriots for five years) to figure out who to target. But considering the crap shoot of draft picks and the injuries some of them have hd, I don't think there's anything here to really support the extreme angst about KAM's drafts.

Turner couldn't get on the field the last two games. Is he even on the field half the time next year? He's one reason they don't have picks this year. 

Cine was a disaster. He traded down and utterly missed. 

I guess we'll see this year, but I can already hear the excuses that he just didn't have many picks to work with.