4 Big Questions for the Vikings as Training Camp Arrives
The Minnesota Vikings have their veterans report to training camp on Tuesday, thus officially marking an end of the slow portion of the 2023 offseason.
After months of team-building and speculation, we finally get to see the group take the field. However, as training camp begins, there are multiple questions regarding this Vikings team that are yet to be answered. Here is a look at four big questions heading into camp.
Can CB Byron Murphy Stay Healthy?
The Minnesota Vikings saw a number of veterans leave their cornerback room this offseason, and their one big free agency splash to replace production came in the signing of Byron Murphy. Outside of Murphy, the Vikings CB with the most starting experience is Akayleb Evans, who made two starts during his rookie season in 2022.
This means the Vikings will be relying greatly on Murphy to provide veteran leadership for the team on the field. However, the cornerback missed the final eight games of the regular season last year due to a back injury.
Minnesota needs him to bounce back and remain healthy this year if their secondary is going to be productive this year. Luckily, 2022 was the first time that Murphy really has ever struggled with injury, playing 47 of a possible 49 games in his first three NFL seasons prior to 2022.
What Happens with Danielle Hunter?
After battling through injuries in both 2020 and 2021 that limited him to just seven total games between the two seasons, Danielle Hunter bounced back in a big way during 2022. The pass rusher led the team in sacks with 10.5 during the season, and he was named a Pro Bowler for the third time in his career.
However, the production from 2022 alongside such an erratic injury history puts the Vikings in a tough spot. Hunter is currently due to make $5.5 million in 2023, a very modest amount for someone with his talent.
However, considering the injuries in the previous two years, it makes sense that Minnesota would be a bit hesitant to hand out big money to the 28-year-old. As a result, Hunter held out of mandatory minicamp earlier this offseason, and it remains to be seen if he will also be absent when training camp gets underway today.
When Does Justin Jefferson Get His Extension?
Justin Jefferson has been a historically great wide receiver over his first three NFL seasons, and in 2022, he led the league in both receptions and receiving yards. This offseason, he became eligible for a new contract extension with the Vikings that likely will reset the market at the position when he signs.
The question remains, though, when does the extension get done? It does not appear that the contract will hold up his desire to play this season, which is a good sign for Minnesota, but the sooner, the better for the Vikings to ensure their star receiver stays in the organization for years to come.
Which Young Vikings Step Up?
The Minnesota Vikings let go of a number of veteran players that have led the team for multiple years. Now, they are relying on young players, such as the six prospects selected in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Particularly on the defensive side of the ball, there are a few spots in the starting lineup that are wide open for the taking, namely at cornerback and linebacker. Then, at the wide receiver position, Minnesota needs first-round pick Jordan Addison to be an immediate contributor in the passing game.
Finally, if we take a look at the running back spot, there is little certainty as to how things will stack up when everything is all said and done. Alexander Mattison could end up being another lead RB, taking the majority of the carries, but if Ty Chandler, Kene Nwangwu, and DeWayne McBride can showcase some of their skills in camp, perhaps they can eat into the carries.
With uncertainty at so many positions, this is going to be a very important training camp period for Minnesota.
Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.
