The Vikings’ FA Fireworks Yet to be Ignited: A New QB2, Upgrade at WR3, and LB Reinforcements
So far, the Vikings’ FA period has been full of fireworks. Both lines have received considerable help and Isaiah Rodgers is being leaned on to help at corner. Internal talent like Aaron Jones, Theo Jackson, and Byron Murphy Jr. has been retained.
Easy to forget, then, that there’s still more work that’s just ahead of us. Indeed, Minnesota’s roster is by no means a finished product. One wonders if Kwesi Adofo-Mensah will continue leaning on his ample cap space both in the present and in the future to keep upping his team’s chance of competing in the 2025 season. To that end, consider a few spots that could still get a bit of help.
The Vikings’ FA Fireworks: QB2, WR3, & LB3
1) A New Backup Passer
Recently, PurplePTSD has discussed Gardner Minshew, Jameis Winston, and (gasp) Aaron Rodgers. What can Josh Frey add to the conversation? Mr. Frey tosses these names into the mix:
- Mac Jones
- Jameis Winston
- Marcus Mariota
- Carson Wentz
What do all of these passers have in common? A shared background of being chosen in the 1st Round of the NFL draft. So, each option has talent.
The quarterback room is currently being led by J.J. McCarthy and Brett Rypien. One wonders if there’s any internal regret about letting Jaren Hall get away last offseason. How do the Vikings address the backup quarterback spot?
2) A Possible Upgrade at WR3
Left up to GM Joudry, the WR3 job would remain with Jalen Nailor. After all, the speedy receiver is actually the team’s fifth option in the passing game behind Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, T.J. Hockenson, and Aaron Jones.
Some disagree, though.
Consider, for instance, a recent argument from Dustin Baker on Vikings Territory. Baker explores the Cooper Kupp possibility: “Cooper Kupp should be available to sign with a new team on Wednesday or Thursday. And, yes — that’s the same Kupp who won a Super Bowl with Kevin O’Connell in 2021 while winning the NFL’s Offensive Player of the Year award.”
Baker continues: “Alongside Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, Kupp would utterly feast. And don’t forget that Addison could be suspended to start the 2025 campaign due to a 2024 legal infraction.”
Admittedly, a deal for Kupp would be exciting stuff, perfectly fulfilling the “fireworks” mentioned in the title. That potential trio of WRs — Jefferson, Addison, & Kupp — would be unfair.
3) Some Reinforcements at Linebacker
Question: how much confidence does Minnesota have in Brian Asamoah? Answer: not much, at least not outwardly.
Asamoah is a fast and physical linebacker with a lot of potential. Drafted at No. 66 back in 2022, Asamoah has mostly been a special teams menace rather than an option on defense. His rookie season under Ed Donatell appeared to show promise within his 119 defensive snaps. But then Brian Flores arrived and Asamoah’s role shrunk down to 36 defensive snaps in 2023 and 33 in 2024. Contrast that with the 285 (2022), 196 (2023), and 321 (2024) special teams snaps he has demanded in that same time.
He’s still only 24.
Good chance Asamoah sticks around to help out with Matt Daniels’ phase of the game. Does Minnesota look for someone else, though, to fill the LB3 spot? Both of Ivan Pace and Blake Cashman missed time last season, so having a trusted option is sneaky important.
Keep in mind, as well, that players like edge rusher Andrew Van Ginkel and safety Josh Metellus can play linebacker. Even still, there will likely need to be some help in this area of the roster.
Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Reference and Over the Cap helped with this piece.
Longtime Vikings Starter Could Be on the Chopping Block
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 social media (Bluesky & Twitter). If you feel so inclined, subscribe to his Substack, The Vikings Gazette, for more great Vikings content.