Vikings Offseason Blueprint 1.0

[TheLeviathan]

Alright folks....let's see how ugly this is going to get:

Restructures/Releases:

(All using Spotrac tool)

Jefferson restructure with his signing bonus conversion - save 19 million

O'Neill - 3 year 63M extension.  New cap hit 9.9M, saves 12 million

Hargrave - release - saves 10.5M

Kelly - release/retire - saves 3.5M

Aaron Jones - release - saves about 7M

Darrisaw - restructure like Jefferson - saves about 10M

Hockenson - restructure and convert - saves about 9M

Total Cap Space: 35M

 

Free Agency:

Trade: WR Addison and pick 235 to Buffalo Bills for picks 60 and 126

RB Rico Dowdle 2 years 14M

QB Jimmy Garrapolo 1 year 4M

WR Jalen Nailor 3 years 33M

DT Logan Hall 3 years 25M

Eric Wilson 3 years 20M

 

Draft: (PFSN with trades, Consensus Rankings)

18 - Cleveland calls and offers 24, 70, and a 2nd next year for 18 and 82.  (Drafts Ty Simpson)

24 - CB Brandon Cisse (Explosive athlete, really young too)

49 - DT Lee Hunter (Nose tackle.  Me likey)

60 - S Genesis Smith

70 - LB Jacob Rodriguez

97 - C Jake Slaughter

126 - WR Bryce Lance

156 - QB Cade Klubnik

236 - RB Le'Veon Moss

241 - TE/FB Riley Nowakowski

245 - CB Ephesians Prysock

 

Roster:

QB - McCarthy, Garrapolo, Klubnik

RB - Dowdle, Mason, Moss, Scott

FB - Nowakowski

WR - Jefferson, Nailor, Lance, Felton, Price

TE - Hockenson, Oliver, Yurosek

OL - Darrisaw, Jackson, Slaughter, Fries, O'Neill, Huber, Brandel, Rouse, Jurgens

DL - Allen, Redmond, Hunter, Hall, TID, LDR

Edge - Greenard, Gink, Turner, Batty

LB - Cashman, Wilson, Rodriguez

CB - Murphy, Cisse, Rodgers, McGlothern, Prysock

S - Metellus, Ward, Jackson, Smith

The team has room to add some veteran depth at CB and WR as well if needed.  

It's not my favorite team every, but we got an extra 2027 2nd and at least some actual, playable young dudes!

 

[The Great Hambino]

Ephesians Prysock is a 1st ballot HOF name

[nicksaviking]

Great work Levi.

Not a big fan of Garoppolo, he's just got such a weak arm. Also, if they're looking for a 'leader' type, he has a pretty bad rep of being aloof and un-engaged.

While I'm all for beefing up the defense through the draft, I'm not sure I go defense with the first four picks. At this point I feel pretty confident that Flores doesn't trust rookies or any young players actually. After all of those years of bad drafts, I'm not sure about the top four picks this year being off the field more than they are on the field. I do like Hunter, Smith and Genesis though. Also your next three picks, Slaughter, Lance and Klubnik would be great. Though in this scenario, I'd presume Klubnik would need to pass through waivers to get to the practice squad. That might be tough. 

[TheLeviathan]

1 hour ago, nicksaviking said:

Great work Levi.

Not a big fan of Garoppolo, he's just got such a weak arm. Also, if they're looking for a 'leader' type, he has a pretty bad rep of being aloof and un-engaged.

While I'm all for beefing up the defense through the draft, I'm not sure I go defense with the first four picks. At this point I feel pretty confident that Flores doesn't trust rookies or any young players actually. After all of those years of bad drafts, I'm not sure about the top four picks this year being off the field more than they are on the field. I do like Hunter, Smith and Genesis though. Also your next three picks, Slaughter, Lance and Klubnik would be great. Though in this scenario, I'd presume Klubnik would need to pass through waivers to get to the practice squad. That might be tough. 

I can be talked out of Jimmy G for sure, but that's the tier I want to play in.  No QB short of a Burrow level guy transforms this team into a SB contender IMO.  They have too much work to do rebuilding the roster from the draft losses lately.  I considered Tyrod Taylor as another guy.  Open to better names though!

I hear you on the second point, Flores does seem to mistrust youth.  In this scenario there are guys in front of Rodriguez and Smith that could play if they aren't immediately ready.  Hunter's role is pretty straight forward.  I get that it doesn't feel right to go all defense early but I really think Flores and his group need an injection of youth.

Klubnik is 3...Brosmer is the dude who needs to survive waivers, :)

The biggest issue with this is that I think there is zero chance Hunter or Rodriguez are available at those slots.

[Vanimal46]

I'm over the moon happy if we can draft Lee Hunter at 49 overall. Other DTs I want to see their RAS scores this week are Kayden McDonald and Caleb Banks. I want a big beefy NT for this defense

[nicksaviking]

2 hours ago, TheLeviathan said:

I can be talked out of Jimmy G for sure, but that's the tier I want to play in.  No QB short of a Burrow level guy transforms this team into a SB contender IMO.  They have too much work to do rebuilding the roster from the draft losses lately.  I considered Tyrod Taylor as another guy.  Open to better names though!

I hear you on the second point, Flores does seem to mistrust youth.  In this scenario there are guys in front of Rodriguez and Smith that could play if they aren't immediately ready.  Hunter's role is pretty straight forward.  I get that it doesn't feel right to go all defense early but I really think Flores and his group need an injection of youth.

Klubnik is 3...Brosmer is the dude who needs to survive waivers, :)

The biggest issue with this is that I think there is zero chance Hunter or Rodriguez are available at those slots.

If we're doing the Jimmy G tier, I'd honestly rather have Wentz back. At least he can and will chuck it all over the field. And Jefferson averaged 7 catches on 10 targets and  95 yards with him. Those numbers actually were tracking better than they did the previous year with Darnold. And four of those five games were against Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Philly and the Chargers, four killer defenses. Anyway, seems Jefferson would get fed enough. Probably can't do Wentz though as it would be a big PR hit. They all but said they want better, before it became clear that better isn't realistic.

I'd guess Jacoby Brissett won't be released but it's possible. His stats were almost entirely garbage time last year and his teams don't look very competitive when he starts, but he certainly could get Jefferson the ball.

But if we're just playing in this tier maybe I roll the dice on Trubisky or Zach Wilson to see if they have some late career juice that was never previously realized?

Russell Wilson could would be a cancer. I don't want to be cute and try Flacco for the human interest story. I don't want Mariota any more than I want Garappolo. I don't want Tyrod Taylor; poor accuracy and can't push the ball down the field. No Gardner Minshew, no Kenny Pickett, no Teddy Bridgwater. Man, it's just a sea of noodle-armed indecisive has-beens. No offense Teddy, you're an actual great human being we should all look up to.

Yeah, it's ugly as far as 'veteran competition' goes. That's why I was annoyed when the Vikings started talking about such things. Did they not look and see that there weren't any good options?

As far as drafting one late, I guess the Vikings could carry three QBs but I'd prefer they didn't again.

 

[TheLeviathan]

16 minutes ago, nicksaviking said:

If we're doing the Jimmy G tier, I'd honestly rather have Wentz back. At least he can and will chuck it all over the field. And Jefferson averaged 7 catches on 10 targets and  95 yards with him. Those numbers actually were tracking better than they did the previous year with Darnold. And four of those five games were against Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Philly and the Chargers, four killer defenses. Anyway, seems Jefferson would get fed enough. Probably can't do Wentz though as it would be a big PR hit. They all but said they want better, before it became clear that better isn't realistic.

I'd guess Jacoby Brissett won't be released but it's possible. His stats were almost entirely garbage time last year and his teams don't look very competitive when he starts, but he certainly could get Jefferson the ball.

But if we're just playing in this tier maybe I roll the dice on Trubisky or Zach Wilson to see if they have some late career juice that was never previously realized?

Russell Wilson could would be a cancer. I don't want to be cute and try Flacco for the human interest story. I don't want Mariota any more than I want Garappolo. I don't want Tyrod Taylor; poor accuracy and can't push the ball down the field. No Gardner Minshew, no Kenny Pickett, no Teddy Bridgwater. Man, it's just a sea of noodle-armed indecisive has-beens. No offense Teddy, you're an actual great human being we should all look up to.

Yeah, it's ugly as far as 'veteran competition' goes. That's why I was annoyed when the Vikings started talking about such things. Did they not look and see that there weren't any good options.

As far as drafting one late, I guess the Vikings could carry three QBs but I'd prefer they didn't again.

 

I don't know how they can't carry 3 given the issues with McCarthy.

I love Jacoby,he's probably starting in AZ though.  I'm also a "hey, let's take a flier on Zach Wilson" guy but I didn't there were two of us!  Doubled in rank!  (But I don't think that's the type the Vikings are hunting for)

[nicksaviking]

6 minutes ago, TheLeviathan said:

I don't know how they can't carry 3 given the issues with McCarthy.

I love Jacoby,he's probably starting in AZ though.  I'm also a "hey, let's take a flier on Zach Wilson" guy but I didn't there were two of us!  Doubled in rank!  (But I don't think that's the type the Vikings are hunting for)

Ha, sorry, but I'm BARELY a Zach Wilson guy. Mostly only because this approach has worked with similar QBs before. I actually never liked him during the draft or any time since, but I'd be happy to try him over the has-been vets that can't throw it deep.

My guess is Brissett gets traded. AZ went 1-11 when he started last year. They have the Rams OC there now, so I think they'll want to start fresh. That's where I'm predicting Garoppolo goes.

[nicksaviking]

I have also been thinking that I'm not sure the Vikings brass should be talking so much about the QB position.  They keep staying stuff like 'Everything's on the table', 'We're exploring all options' and 'Bring in someone to compete'.

I'm ready to move on from McCarthy, but if he's legitimately still an option to start next year, they can't keep throwing this much shade on him publicly. Probably shut up about it for now until you figure out what you're going to do.

 

[Mike Sixel]

3 hours ago, Vanimal46 said:

I'm over the moon happy if we can draft Lee Hunter at 49 overall. Other DTs I want to see their RAS scores this week are Kayden McDonald and Caleb Banks. I want a big beefy NT for this defense

I'm betting Hunter goes in the first round, easily. 

[Vanimal46]

2 hours ago, nicksaviking said:

I have also been thinking that I'm not sure the Vikings brass should be talking so much about the QB position.  They keep staying stuff like 'Everything's on the table', 'We're exploring all options' and 'Bring in someone to compete'.

I'm ready to move on from McCarthy, but if he's legitimately still an option to start next year, they can't keep throwing this much shade on him publicly. Probably shut up about it for now until you figure out what you're going to do.

 

Their intention is going to be pretty clear in a couple weeks. If I had to make a guess today who the week 1 starter is in 2026, I would guess Kyler Murray after Arizona releases him. He’s the most realistic option and a clear upgrade over JJ today. 

[TheLeviathan]

5 hours ago, Vanimal46 said:

I'm over the moon happy if we can draft Lee Hunter at 49 overall. Other DTs I want to see their RAS scores this week are Kayden McDonald and Caleb Banks. I want a big beefy NT for this defense

I'm a big fan of Corleone.

[TheLeviathan]

1 hour ago, Vanimal46 said:

Their intention is going to be pretty clear in a couple weeks. If I had to make a guess today who the week 1 starter is in 2026, I would guess Kyler Murray after Arizona releases him. He’s the most realistic option and a clear upgrade over JJ today. 

I hate this with every fiber of my being.

[TheLeviathan]

3 hours ago, nicksaviking said:

I have also been thinking that I'm not sure the Vikings brass should be talking so much about the QB position.  They keep staying stuff like 'Everything's on the table', 'We're exploring all options' and 'Bring in someone to compete'.

I'm ready to move on from McCarthy, but if he's legitimately still an option to start next year, they can't keep throwing this much shade on him publicly. Probably shut up about it for now until you figure out what you're going to do.

 

I don't get this chatter either.  It sounds like they've given up on McCarthy which is just stunning to me.  I mean....I'm not going to cheerlead him but giving up on a dude after a dozen starts is wild in my opinion.

[Vanimal46]

10 minutes ago, TheLeviathan said:

I hate this with every fiber of my being.

I get it, but options aren't great this offseason and I anticipate them acquiring someone who will either be the outright starter or legitimately push McCarthy for the starting job. Jimmy G might as well be Sean Mannion during the Kirko Chainz years. He's lower on the list than Carson Wentz IMO. 

[Vanimal46]

Derek Carr is probably the floor of veteran player who's an upgrade over McCarthy... 

[TheLeviathan]

Just now, Vanimal46 said:

I get it, but options aren't great this offseason and I anticipate them acquiring someone who will either be the outright starter or legitimately push McCarthy for the starting job. Jimmy G might as well be Sean Mannion during the Kirko Chainz years. He's lower on the list than Carson Wentz IMO. 

Sure, I don't pretend he's anything actually good.  But what is Murray going to cost?  Are we trading for him and giving up real capital to take on that contract?  Are giving him a fat contract after he's released?

Speaking as someone who lives in AZ, the dialogue around Kyler is more toxic and negative than it was on Kirk in Minnesota.  He can't throw downfield.  He's got health issues.  He's got serious character and leadership questions.

No thanks.  I agree the options suck....hence why I'd just roll with McCarthy.  If he dies...he dies.  Time to move on.

[Vanimal46]

2 minutes ago, TheLeviathan said:

Sure, I don't pretend he's anything actually good.  But what is Murray going to cost?  Are we trading for him and giving up real capital to take on that contract?  Are giving him a fat contract after he's released?

I'm not trading for him and that current contract he's on. I'm waiting until Arizona cuts him loose because no one is trading for that contract. Then sign him cheap a la Russ Wilson contract with the Steelers after he was cut by Denver with a ton of guaranteed money. 

[Vanimal46]

5 minutes ago, TheLeviathan said:

No thanks.  I agree the options suck....hence why I'd just roll with McCarthy.  If he dies...he dies.  Time to move on.

I agree and that's easy to say as a lifelong fan. I assume KOC likes his job here and wants to keep it. He's gonna get fired if the QB room isn't upgraded from the previous season. 

[TheLeviathan]

Just now, Vanimal46 said:

I'm not trading for him and that current contract he's on. I'm waiting until Arizona cuts him loose because no one is trading for that contract. Then sign him cheap a la Russ Wilson contract with the Steelers after he was cut by Denver with a ton of guaranteed money. 

I'm not so sure they won't find a trade partner.  As nick has pointed out....there aren't enough starting QBs for teams that need a starting quarterback.

In the highly unlikely event you can grab hi for 1 year 10M...sure.  But we won't ove those results...it'll just be cheapish.

[TheLeviathan]

Just now, Vanimal46 said:

I agree and that's easy to say as a lifelong fan. I assume KOC likes his job here and wants to keep it. He's gonna get fired if the QB room isn't upgraded from the previous season. 

You're right and I understand that motivation for KOC.  As a fan....*#$^ that.  You're making the team worse so you can eek out 7 wins and keep your job.

I HATE that we are there again.

[Vanimal46]

1 minute ago, TheLeviathan said:

You're right and I understand that motivation for KOC.  As a fan....*#$^ that.  You're making the team worse so you can eek out 7 wins and keep your job.

I HATE that we are there again.

Me too... We had the solution in Sam Darnold and let him walk out of the building like it was nothing. 

[TheLeviathan]

7 minutes ago, Vanimal46 said:

Me too... We had the solution in Sam Darnold and let him walk out of the building like it was nothing. 

Thing is....as fans....we didn't have enough information to analyze the situation.  We made the assumption that KOC was a real whisperer with QBs but it looks like some of the flaws we've seen trace back to him.  We assumed he was bought in on JJ and that doesn't seem true.  We saw Darnold crash out in the playoffs but the Seahawks protected him from that when the Vikings refused to.

The organization's weird messaging to the public (and oddly timed decisions) has me at a serious lack of trust right now.

[Vanimal46]

6 minutes ago, TheLeviathan said:

Thing is....as fans....we didn't have enough information to analyze the situation.  We made the assumption that KOC was a real whisperer with QBs but it looks like some of the flaws we've seen trace back to him.  We assumed he was bought in on JJ and that doesn't seem true.  We saw Darnold crash out in the playoffs but the Seahawks protected him from that when the Vikings refused to.

The organization's weird messaging to the public (and oddly timed decisions) has me at a serious lack of trust right now.

KOC could have bought in on McCarthy during the draft process, but going all-in on him after he missed the whole season with a significant knee injury was bizarre. In hindsight, it's pretty clear who pushed ahead with the plan of building a roster around a rookie scale contract QB. He's now in San Francisco just sitting around in their building. Role and job title TBD. I assume KOC is not an idiot and thought McCarthy was ready for primetime last season given what we saw with our own eyes. 

[TheLeviathan]

1 minute ago, Vanimal46 said:

KOC could have bought in on McCarthy during the draft process, but going all-in on him after he missed the whole season with a significant knee injury was bizarre. In hindsight, it's pretty clear who pushed ahead with the plan of building a roster around a rookie scale contract QB. He's now in San Francisco just sitting around in their building. Role and job title TBD. I assume KOC is not an idiot and thought McCarthy was ready for primetime last season given what we saw with our own eyes. 

I don't know though....when the Rams were being filmed during that draft McVay confirmed that KOC "had his guy" and wouldn't trade down.

So....what changed?  And when and why?

[Vanimal46]

8 minutes ago, TheLeviathan said:

I don't know though....when the Rams were being filmed during that draft McVay confirmed that KOC "had his guy" and wouldn't trade down.

So....what changed?  And when and why?

There was a lot of steam about us wanting to trade up for Drake Maye too. I'm sure KOC had a few of "his guys" just like me throwing out I like Hunter, Banks, and McDonald at DT. 

What changed? McCarthy getting hurt and getting his mechanics all out of sorts. It could also be having experience with him in the building for 2+ years. I've hired a couple of people who told me everything I want to hear in the interview, good resume, and ended up not working out. 

[nicksaviking]

13 hours ago, Vanimal46 said:

Their intention is going to be pretty clear in a couple weeks. If I had to make a guess today who the week 1 starter is in 2026, I would guess Kyler Murray after Arizona releases him. He’s the most realistic option and a clear upgrade over JJ today. 

IF AZ releases him instead of trading him, I could see it, but I think it's a pretty different offense.

I also forgot about Cousins. That's feeling more likely every day too.

[nicksaviking]

11 hours ago, TheLeviathan said:

I don't get this chatter either.  It sounds like they've given up on McCarthy which is just stunning to me.  I mean....I'm not going to cheerlead him but giving up on a dude after a dozen starts is wild in my opinion.

Yeah, all their interviews really have an underlying tone of they are moving on from him. I've seen enough to think he's on the Mayfield/Darnold path at best so I think it's inevitable, but unless they know they can land one of the big fish in a trade, they really should stop saying these things.

[TheLeviathan]

11 hours ago, Vanimal46 said:

There was a lot of steam about us wanting to trade up for Drake Maye too. I'm sure KOC had a few of "his guys" just like me throwing out I like Hunter, Banks, and McDonald at DT. 

What changed? McCarthy getting hurt and getting his mechanics all out of sorts. It could also be having experience with him in the building for 2+ years. I've hired a couple of people who told me everything I want to hear in the interview, good resume, and ended up not working out. 

We may never know the actual answer but the last part rings true.  There is some sort of a personality disconnect now.

[nicksaviking]

15 hours ago, TheLeviathan said:

I don't know though....when the Rams were being filmed during that draft McVay confirmed that KOC "had his guy" and wouldn't trade down.

So....what changed?  And when and why?

I agree, something changed. There's no way they drafted him unless KOC liked him.

He really does seem like a kid playing with adults though. Maybe KOC incorrectly assumed maturity would develop more quickly? And I feel bad saying that stuff because I don't think he's a bad guy, he just sounds and carries himself like a guy without enough life experience and common sense. Which is extremely common for most men his age. Just not most professional QBs his age.