Vikings Rumors: $18 Million Messages, Supercharged Safeties, & Addison’s Upper Hand
K. Joudry
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Though we’re now into the portion of the year when Vikings rumors aren’t as abundant, we’ll still be highlighting some of the purple rumblings.
The “Vikings Rumor Wrangle” is a series that keeps readers informed on what’s being whispered about in Vikings Land. In this iteration, we discuss the GM’s chance at communicating a strong message, how the safeties are set up for a major job in 2023, and Jordan Addison’s shot at being the WR2.
The Vikings Rumors – 07.19.2023
Rumor #1 — Kwesi Adofo-Mensah Can Use Money to Send a Strong Message
Oh, yes, he certainly can.
Currently, the Vikings are sitting on a hefty pile of gold. Or, put differently, a hefty pile of cap space. The Vikings’ GM has a touch above $18 million at his disposal, an amount that gives him the freedom to onboard the best that free agency has to offer as the calendar marches toward August.
Adding talent offers its own reward in the form of better on-field play. A side effect, though, is that the team itself could be re-invigorated by Adofo-Mensah’s commitment to helping the team compete in the upcoming season. Depleting present-day resources at the cost of lesser future resources is a real conundrum for the competitively-rebuilding executive. Loading up on present-day competing does have merit if the team is serious about a run in 2023.
Another benefit, though far less pronounced, is that onlookers would gain added clarity about Minnesota’s intent in the upcoming season. Dropping serious cash to, say, reinforce the corner and edge rusher spots would go a long way is quashing theories about the Vikings embracing a more traditional rebuild in 2023.
Rumor #2 — The Vikings’ Safeties Will Need to Explode in 2023
Given the uncertainty at corner and the depth at safety, Brian Flores may need to lean into the lesser-heralded position to secure the backend of his defense.
Harrison Smith stands out as someone who should be put in a much better position than last year. Expect the veteran to look a step faster within the Flores defense.
Moreover, Lewis Cine, Camryn Bynum, Josh Metellus, and Jay Ward all plan on making their presence felt. Each offer their own reason for optimism. Cine is a hard-hitting first rounder and Bynum is the super-durable college corner who has shifted to safety. Metellus has been praised by his GM and Ward has a chance to be moved all over the secondary.
Need more convincing? Check out today’s entry in the PurplePTSD Countdown Questions. The safeties may collectively establish themselves as being among the best at their position within the NFL.
Rumor #3 — Rookie WR Jordan Addison is Leading the WR2 Battle
Indeed, that’s probably the case.
Over at Vikings Territory, Dustin Baker discusses the CBS Sports ranking of the Vikings’ top receiver pair — Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison — as 6th-best in the NFL. The issue isn’t that they shouldn’t rank so high but, rather, simply that Addison is given the nod beside Jefferson rather than the more-established K.J. Osborn.
“Addison is a total projection as a first-rounder yet to take an NFL snap,” Cody Benjamin of CBS writes, “but his best traits — footwork, route-running, etc. — should translate to the pros.” On VT, Baker notes that Osborn won’t just hand over the job, an observation that’s undoubtedly true. Osborn is a great competitor, something he has repeatedly proven.
Something to keep in mind is that Minnesota could have chosen one of the highly-regarded corners in the 2023 NFL Draft and yet opted to bring in a talented receiver. In other words, the Viking had the chance to marry need and value by selecting Deonte Banks or Joey Porter Jr. but thought so highly of Addison that they brought the USC receiver to Minnesota. Clearly, Kevin O’Connell has a plan for his young playmaker.
In 2022, Osborn had 60 catchers, 650 yards, and 5 TDs. Even still, Addison is the leader for the WR2 job as training camp and the preseason inch closer.
Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Reference and Over the Cap helped with this piece.
