Purple Q&A: Best and Worst Signings, Vikings Draft Strategy, Remaining Needs
Today, on March 20th, with the offseason in full swing, PurplePTSD’s Janik Eckardt answers a trio of questions about the Minnesota Vikings. If you have questions for future editions of the Purple Q&A, please email them to [email protected].
Purple Q&A: Best and Worst Signings, Vikings Draft Strategy, Remaining Needs
Let’s get right to it.
Q: What were the best and worst signings for the Minnesota Vikings?
It’s easy to find positive aspects about all signings, and personally, I don’t see much reason for criticism, but I’m trying.
Although I enjoy the double-down approach on the defensive line, Javon Hargrave’s acquisition has the potential to be a flop. He is 32 years old, coming off a lost season due to a tricep injury.
He was a feared defensive lineman just a couple of years ago with a fantastic 2023 season and is a two-time Pro Bowler, but it is risky to give an aging player coming off an injury a contract worth $30 million for two years, with $17 million being fully guaranteed.
The best signing, in my opinion, was the addition of offensive guard Will Fries. We’d been begging the franchise to finally sign a big-time guard, and there he was on a Tuesday morning. Like Hargrave, he is coming off an injury-shortened season, but prior to his broken tibia, he was an ascending player, performing at a Pro Bowl level, and he is only 26 years old. Aaron Jones and J.J. McCarthy will appreciate the upgrade.
Q: Which Position Will the Vikings Address in the First Round?
As one of the results of Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s strong free agency class, the Vikings don’t have any huge needs left. They still need a third tight end and a backup quarterback, but those aren’t in any first-round conversations.
The executive can truly pick the best player on his draft board and accumulate more draft capital by facilitating a trade or two.
From a position standpoint, despite the additions, a cornerback still makes sense to raise the position group’s ceiling. Byron Murphy Jr. and Isaiah Rodgers are 27, and Mekhi Blackmon is 26. They might be the solution for a couple of years, but adding a talented, younger player makes sense.
Adofo-Mensah could also look to find a new left guard or add some young talent to an old defensive line. Acquiring a successor for Cam Bynum or Harrison Smith is an option, too.
Q: What are the remaining roster needs?
I mentioned a couple in the previous questions. The Vikings need a new QB2, someone who can mentor McCarthy and step in if needed. Ryan Tannehill and Joe Flacco keep appearing in rumors. Jameis Winston could be an option as well.
Johnny Mundt left for Jacksonville, leaving the Vikings with only two tight ends on the roster. Usually, teams have about six in the offseason. A cheap veteran option will do the trick.
Adding another prominent weapon for the WR3 spot is a fun idea, but the front office might be satisfied with the top four in the room after the addition of Rondale Moore. If Moore isn’t planning to return punts, a different special teamer is needed, too.
Depth for the interior offensive line and a successor for the departed Patrick Jones II as a depth pass rusher could also be on the wishlist.
Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Reference, PFF, and Over the Cap helped with this piece.
Janik Eckardt is a football fan who likes numbers and stats. The Vikings became his favorite team despite their quarterback at the time, Christian Ponder. He is a walking soccer encyclopedia, loves watching sitcoms, and prefers Classic rock over other genres. Follow him on Twitter if you like the Vikings: @JanikEckardt