The Vikings’ Offseason Plan Gets a Rundown on Purple Pain Forums
How should the Vikings’ offseason plan unravel?
Well, that’s a complex question, one that will inevitably inspire no shortage debate among followers of the team. And, truth be told, there’s very likely some uncertainty at TCO Performance Center, as well. After all, free agency and the draft offer no shortage of curveballs, so Minnesota’s main decision makers will need to be capable of pivoting in numerous different directions.
Despite this uncertainty — or, perhaps, because of it — Danchat from Purple Pain Forums offers one path forward.
His post, “Danchat’s Offseason Guide – 2024,” reaches into all kinds of possibilities and scenarios. More specifically, there’s plenty of chatter about the current roster and moves made from within, the various possible signings, and what’s the come in the 2024 NFL Draft.
The Vikings’ Offseason Plan: Danchat Digs Into the Options
First off, a brief word about how he’s looking to proceed. The author in his own words: “Welcome back to my annual Offseason Guide article, where I whip up a hypothetical Vikings offseason that involves axing Vikings, signing copious amounts of free agents, and attempting to fix issues that have been made by management.”
Some may be curious to note that one of the main things Danchat does is extend Justin Jefferson. Notably, it’s for a staggering amount: 4 more years and $136 million in total cash, meaning there’s a $34 million average. There’s definitely some sticker shock with those numbers, but it may be closer to reality than a lot of people realize.
Harrison Phillips, someone we’ve discussed as an extension candidate, also sees a new deal. And then Danielle Hunter comes back alongside guys like David Quessenberry, Oli Udoh, Brandon Powell, Johnny Mundt, and several others.
Not too long afterwards, there is the Kirk Cousins decision. “[B]ringing back Cousins only makes sense if the roster around him is ready to win a Super Bowl right now,” Danchat explains. “We are not at that point, and with the way the roster is constructed (top-heavy on offense), it is logical to shift more money to adding defensive talent and fixing the trenches. I appreciate his level of play for the time he’s been with the franchise, but it is logical (for both sides) to end the relationship here.”
Guys like Marcus Davenport, Jordan Hicks, and Dalton Risner (among others) head elsewhere, too.
The free agency signings get pretty wild, seeing some pretty major deals get sent out to bring in help along the offensive line, linebacker, corner, outside linebacker, quarterback, and safety. Similarly, the draft sees the bevy of picks get devoted toward numerous different spots, but the opening pair of picks get sunk into edge rusher and then quarterback (with the QB move getting some airtime on PurplePTSD).
Shortly thereafter, there’s even a hypothetical depth chart, salary cap info, and a foray into other signings and moves.
Folks who are interested in reading more of the analysis can do so at Purple Pain Forums. The misguided souls who still have an affinity for social media can even find them on Twitter.
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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.