3 Questions Remain Unanswered in the Vikings’ Universe
We’ve moved past the annual free agency frenzy and the NFL Draft. The next steps on the offseason schedule are OTAs followed by training camp in July. Also relevant is the schedule release on May 14th.
3 Questions Remain Unanswered in the Vikings’ Universe
Many questions have already been answered either by just making a decision or by default. J.J. McCarthy is the obvious starting quarterback, whether anyone comes out and says it or not, and Donovan Jackson is the only big-time rookie.
Other items remain mysterious. Here are three.
1. Christian Darrisaw’s Injury
Christian Darrisaw is one of the league’s elite blockers and arguably one of the top players on Minnesota’s roster. Last offseason, he signed a massive contract extension that runs through the 2029 season, and he deserved every penny of that. However, he signed it a year earlier than many other 2021 first-rounders, prioritizing security over squeezing every last penny out of it.
In hindsight, that was a smart move considering his severe knee injury suffered against the Rams last season. Although they are unlikely to regret it, considering his level of play, the Vikings might have gotten another discount had they waited a year, and ultimately, he is a franchise cornerstone regardless of the injury.
Darrisaw missed all but seven games last season, and the season opener will take place about 10.5 months after his injury. Is that enough time for him to return to the field and get some practice reps in just in time to bookend the revamped offensive line in September? That is the big question.
Other than Kevin O’Connell’s praise of the injured player’s work ethic, the Vikings usually don’t release any of those injury updates. Last offseason, T.J. Hockenson’s return date was a total mystery, too.
2. Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s Contract Extension
Speaking of O’Connell, he was part of the duo the franchise hired in the 2022 offseason to take charge of the organization. Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and O’Connell both received four-year contracts, but the head coach signed his new deal a few days after his third season concluded.
Adofo-Mensah, meanwhile, hasn’t signed his. O’Connell, possibly, was the priority as the favorite to win Coach of the Year at the time, and trade rumors were swirling around. His wingman deserves credit for assembling some strong rosters, and the 34-17 record speaks for itself.
In an offseason presser, he noted that he was worried about improving the team rather than talking about contract details, and March and April undoubtedly are the busy months for a GM.
Free agency and the draft are in the rearview mirror, so the two parties can talk business now.
3. Jordan Addison’s Suspension
Wideout Jordan Addison was the first-round selection in 2023. The club had moved on from Adam Thielen and needed a new counterpart for Justin Jefferson to take advantage of the frequent double-teams.
They found that player in the draft. Addison has been a wonderful weapon in O’Connell’s passing attack, quickly becoming one of the better WR2s in the NFL and even showing some WR1 potential when Jefferson was forced to sit out some time in 2023. Addison has collected 19 touchdowns in his first two seasons.
Off the field, though, he has been involved in not just one but two driving-related issues. Last year’s speeding ticket didn’t lead to a suspension, but this year’s DUI charges very well could. His next scheduled court date is Monday.
Most expect Addison to be suspended for two or three games to start the 2025 season.