Purple Headlines of the Week: Flores Presser, Vikings Re-Sign 2 Players, Derek Carr Hits FA
Another week of the Minnesota Vikings offseason is in the books, and this one truly felt like the beginning of an NFL offseason for the Vikings. This week, we saw the Vikings re-sign 2 depth players as well as give Brian Flores an opening press conference. Here is some more information on those moves and some of the other biggest purple headlines of the week.
Brian Flores Opening Press Conference
The Vikings hired Brian Flores to be their defensive coordinator for the 2023 season last week, and this Wednesday, they introduced Flores with a press conference. Overall, the presser was a resounding success, and one that should have Vikings fans excited for how they go about constructing this roster in the offseason as well as the defensive improvements that should occur during the regular season in 2023. You can find a full breakdown of what happened at the press conference right here.
Vikings Re-Sign 2 Depth Pieces
The Vikings began their process of building their roster for 2023 by re-signing two players to new contracts on Friday. Both offensive tackle Blake Brandel and defensive lineman Khyiris Tonga will remain with the Vikings in 2023 on one-year deals worth $940,000.
Of course, both players ended up playing crucial roles for the Vikings down the stretch of the season. Brandel stepped in at left tackle when Christian Darrisaw suffered concussions, starting 3 games for the Vikings before suffering a season-ending MCL tear.
As for Tonga, he played 11 games for the Vikings on the defensive side of the ball, including starts in each of the final two games of the regular season when James Lynch suffered a shoulder injury.
Raiders Release Derek Carr
The first domino in the QB carousel for the 2023 offseason fell early this week when the Las Vegas Raiders announced that they would be releasing Derek Carr. Carr played his first nine NFL seasons with the Raiders and led them to two playoff berths during his tenure there.
Initially, it seemed like the Raiders would trade Carr, especially when he went to meet with the New Orleans Saints last week. However, the two sides could not come to an agreement, and now, the veteran QB hits the open market and can sign with any team that wants to bring him in.
Za’Darius Smith Prepares to Sell Minnesota Home
Vikings pass rusher Za’Darius Smith is apparently looking to sell his house in Eagan, Minnesota, after his first season with the Vikings. Smith got his 2022 season off to a hellacious start, recording 8.5 sacks in Minnesota first 7 games. However, a knee injury limited him down the stretch, and he had just 1.5 sacks over the final 10 games.
Now, the fact that Smith is selling the house does not necessarily mean that he is going to leave the Vikings. In fact, it would seem very silly to get rid of a guy who still recorded 10 sacks a season ago, and alongside Danielle Hunter creates one of the better pass-rush duos in the league.
That being said, it’s a situation worhth monitoring. The Vikings do have to free up a decent chunk of salary cap space in the next few weeks, and by cutting ties with Smith, Minnesota saves over $12 million.