The 3 Big Questions that Are Yet to Be Answered for the Vikings

NFL: New Orleans Saints at Minnesota Vikings
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With the draft and free agency officially behind us, we’ve seen a resolution to a few of the big questions surrounding the Vikings roster heading into the 2023 season. However, there are still a few left unanswered heading into the summer months. Here are the three big questions that are yet to be answered for the Vikings this offseason.

What Happens with Dalvin Cook/Za’Darius Smith?

3 Big Questions
Jan 15, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook (4) runs on the field during warmups before a wild card game against the New York Giants at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

Heading into the draft, it was almost expected that at least one of Dalvin Cook or Za’Darius Smith would be traded to add extra draft capital and free up cap space. Instead, the draft has come and gone, and both players remain on the roster.

It also must be noted that Cook’s most probable landing spot, the Miami Dolphins, added yet another running back in Devon Achane through the draft. Now, they have four quality backs in Achane, Myles Gaskin, Raheem Mostert, and Jeff Wilson, likely putting them out of the running for the Vikings running back.

Because of that, it remains to be seen how the sagas for either player ends up. The Vikings are reportedly looking for trade partners, but if anything happens, it will likely occur after June 1st. If the Vikings trade Cook prior to June 1st, it saves them just under $7.9 million, but a post-June 1st trade would save them exactly $11 million. Similarly for Smith, a pre-June 1st trade saves the Vikings $12.1 million, but a post-June 1st trade would save them $13.8 million.

When Does the Justin Jefferson Extension Happen?

Justin Jefferson Didn't Get 200 Yards, But He Did Make NFL History
Dec 17, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) celebrates the win against the Indianapolis Colts after the game at U.S. Bank Stadium. With the win, the Minnesota Vikings clinched the NFC North. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

The Vikings made the no-brainer decision back on April 25th to exercise Justin Jefferson’s fifth-year option for 2024. That option, worth a total of $19.7 million, looks like it is going to be a bargain for the Vikings when it rolls around, assuming he stays healthy and keeps performing at an All-Pro level.

However, the question remains: when will Jefferson’s inevitable long-term extension come, and how much will it cost? It seems that, despite all his talk about not caring about money, that it will be a market-resetting contract. Currently, Tyreek Hill has the highest per year value at $30 million for the Miami Dolphins. That is probably the base-line for the eventual Jefferson contract.

What Is the Future of the Vikings QB Position?

Should the Vikings Give Kirk Cousins an Extension?
Jan 15, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) passes the ball against the New York Giants during the first quarter of a wild card game at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

A big draft rumor surrounding the Vikings this year was the idea that they could trade up to draft a quarterback as the eventual successor to Kirk Cousins. However, they not only didn’t trade up to pick a QB like C.J. Stroud or Anthony Richardson, they entirely passed on both Will Levis and Hendon Hooker when the 23rd selection rolled around.

Granted, the Jaren Hall selection in the fifth round has created some excitement for the future of the Vikings QB position, but it is much more likely that he turns into a quality backup rather than someone worthy of starter consideration. For now, the future of the Vikings quarterback position remains up in the air for 2024 and beyond.

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.

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