The Vikings Have Set their Window
Earlier in the offseason, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah acknowledged that the 2024 offseason always looked like a major transitional moment. His actions point toward the next phase opening up.
Ideally, the Vikings are going to use the 2024 season as the on-ramp toward a contention highway running from (roughly) 2025-28. Why those dates? Well, that’s how long Justin Jefferson’s new deal runs. So, too, does J.J. McCarthy’s deal — assuming the 5th-year option gets picked up — run along that timeline. Minnesota is building toward being legit contenders within that stretch.
The Vikings Have Their Window to Contend
Listen to the GM speak and you’ll hear him acknowledge that the future is uncertain. He responds by investing in a process that he thinks is top-notch while giving his franchise the ability to pivot into different options based on whether things are going positively or negatively.
Even within that, though, things look pretty clear.
Justin Jefferson is the team’s undisputed best player. There’s no deal to keep him around for the next five seasons unless there’s genuine belief in the Vikings’ capacity to compete within that timeframe. A major part of that ability to compete is going to come from the development of McCarthy, the 1st-round passer who is being brought along slowly.
In fact, Jefferson’s post-extension press conference hinted at the timeline that’s now in place.
Kevin O’Connell spoke before Jefferson got to the microphone. The head coach described the WR getting individual honors, but then the focus shifted toward the team goal: “In addition to all of the individual feats you’ve been able to accomplish, the joy I’ve had coaching you, you know we’re still chasing a world championship together.”
Jefferson, for his part, is looking toward winning it all: “I feel like we’re on a great path just with locking me in for five more years.” He goes on to describe the importance of “being the leader” and then preparing his teammates for the challenges of the season.
Stepping back, there is a clear message emanating from the press conference. The head coach is thrilled to have Jefferson back as the Vikings continue marching toward Super Bowl contention. Jefferson is now the undisputed leader and it’s a responsibility he is glad to take on. Combined, they’re looking to will the Vikings toward real contention.
In other words, the individual extension is spilling out of an individual context — just a single wide receiver getting a deal done — and impacting the team context.
Jefferson is around for five more seasons and he’s looking to step into the top leadership role. Meanwhile, the QB of the future is in the house and working on perfecting his craft. Alongside those two are players like Christian Darrisaw, T.J. Hockenson, Brian O’Neill, Ivan Pace, Josh Metellus, Jordan Addison, Andrew Van Ginkel, Dallas Turner, and Jonathan Greenard as guys with multiple years left on their contracts.
Oh, and having Brian Flores at the helm of the defense inspires no shortage of optimism. Legitimately, he’s a brilliant defensive mind and is someone who could turn his side of the ball into a top-tier group.
The goal is to use the 2024 season as a springboard for greater things in 2025 and beyond. If all goes to plan, the Vikings will be among the top teams in the NFC from 2025-2028.
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.
