The 3 Riskiest Vikings Offseason Moves
There has not been a shortage of offseason moves pulled by Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, who once again has had the task of overhauling large parts of his roster. He has earned some praise, and on paper, the team looks promising, perhaps even in contender territory.
The 3 Riskiest Vikings Offseason Moves
Still, there are some questions, and his strategy involves some risks. None of the following three items are considered bad by any means, but they come with some risk nevertheless.
1. Re-Signing Aaron Jones
Aaron Jones is a good football player; there’s no denying that. However, he is 30 years old and got banged up a few times last season. Although not missing any full games, he was held out of multiple second halves.
A running back decline can hit rather quickly. Just look at Dalvin Cook, who was still fantastic in 2021, looked a little slower in the second half of 2022, and completely fell off a cliff in 2023. Cook is eight months younger than Jones, who also has had more career touches than the former Viking.
Last year’s version of Jones is worth the two-year, $20 million investment, but there’s a chance the club will regret the employment going forward. The acquisition of fellow running back Jordan Mason is an outstanding backup plan, and his presence allows Jones to dial back his usage to keep him fresh and possibly prolong his career.
2. McCarthy, Not Darnold
Sam Darnold delivered a career year in his lone season with the Vikings, throwing for 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns, leading him to a Pro Bowl trip. Yet, he was allowed to test free agency and ultimately let go. Reports suggest the Vikings wanted to re-sign him, but considering the underwhelming three-year deal that essentially is a one-year deal he took from the Seahawks, it was probably some kind of low-ball offer.
Instead, J.J. McCarthy is taking over the keys for the exciting offense with weapons, an offensive line, and an elite play-caller. The move was endorsed by many, including myself, but the risk is undeniable. The roster is ready to compete, and having a first-year starter coming off a season-ending knee injury run the show is concerning, especially with no real starting-caliber QB as an alternative.
The good news is that everyone in the building seems happy with his development. If he can even sniff Darnold’s output from last year, Minnesota should be a dangerous team on Sundays.
3. Hiring Ryan Kelly
Veteran center Ryan Kelly joined the club in free agency, allowing the Vikings to move on from six-year starter Garrett Bradbury. On paper, it’s certainly an upgrade.
The risk? Well, the newcomer will turn 32 in May, and his injury resume is too extensive to just brush aside as a nothingburger. In the 2023 season, he missed time with two separate concussions, and then there are recurring neck and knee issues, the kind of body parts where injuries can keep nagging and ultimately end careers.
If healthy, the risk will pay dividends, but the “If” is substantial.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Pro Football Reference helped with this article.
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