The Next Items on Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s Offseason Checklist
Getting things squared away with Justin Jefferson — a.k.a. Priority #1 — has been checked off the list. Stunningly, things have also been squared away with Christian Darrisaw, the stud left tackle who is now under contract for six more seasons.
In these past several months, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has also done quite a bit else. The GM has overhauled his front seven and implemented a brand new plan at quarterback. Aaron Jones is giving the run game some help and Shaq Griffin is helping the corners. The draft class has been signed; patience was needed, but the job got done. What’s left for Minnesota’s young executive to do?
Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s Checklist Turns to Other Extension Candidates
One has to assume that there will be some extension chatter before too long.
During last year’s training camp, the Vikings resolved the Danielle Hunter hold-in stalemate. The solution was a single season deal with some increased compensation. And then there was the T.J. Hockenson resolution. Rounding things out was a Josh Metellus extension that’s now looking like a bargain.
Are there any other players who stand out as contenders to be extended? Consider three players, guys who have all been discussed at various points on PurplePTSD:
- Harrison Phillips, 28, DT
- Byron Murphy Jr., 26, CB
- Camryn Bynum, 26, S
With contracts left untouched, these Vikings starters will move into a 2024 season without any security of sticking around beyond the current year. Consider what their cap hits look like at present:
- Harrison Phillips, $8,833,334
- Byron Murphy Jr., $10,911,765
- Camryn Bynum, $3,295,453
Finally, consider how much savings there could be in 2024 through an extension:
- Harrison Phillips, $4,300,000
- Byron Murphy Jr., $6,380,000
- Camryn Bynum, $1,648,800
Saving cap space in the immediate is only part of the benefit, though. The real upside is that Minnesota could keep some of their core defenders in place for a little while longer. If Brian Flores keeps being the defensive coordinator — no guarantee since he deserves to be a head coach — then the ongoing continuity presents an opportunity for the defense to flourish.
As always, the main issue is going to be money. Someone like Mr. Bynum is complicated. In 2023, Bynum piled up 137 tackles, 0.5 sacks, 9 passes defended, 2 interceptions, 3 forced fumbles, and 2 tackles for loss. How much is that worth to the Vikings? Keep in mind that Metellus is operating on a deal that’s just for a pair of seasons and $8 million in total money. Can Bynum justify getting a bunch more? Would he accept something as low as the deal for Metellus?
Plus, there are youthful options in Theo Jackson and Jay Ward who could be ready to step into larger roles.
Defensive tackle and corner, on the other hand, look more barren. Convincing the DT1 and CB1 to stick around via extension would seem to be prudent, especially if Adofo-Mensah continues to get good value on their deals.
So while nothing appears imminent right now, the behind-the-scenes work has likely begun for ensuring some of Minnesota’s main defenders have the chance to stick around beyond just 2024. The Darrisaw deal proves that the GM still has a few tricks up his sleeve, so we’ll see how things develop.
Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Reference and Over the Cap helped with this piece.
The Vikings’ Cap Space Takes a Hit, But Open Room Still Beckons for Reinforcements
K. Joudry is the Senior Editor for Vikings Territory and PurplePTSD. He has been covering the Vikings full time since the summer of 2021. He can be found on Twitter and as a co-host for Notes from the North, a humble Vikings podcast.
