4 Underrated Moves of the Vikings Offseason
It’s been one of the most exciting offseasons in recent Vikings memory because the club had the cap space to make some significant moves in free agency while keeping the core of the roster together. The trenches should be better prepared for battle in January with better protection on one side of the ball and more disruption on the other.
4 Underrated Moves of the Vikings Offseason
Besides the lines, the swap at quarterback is certainly the biggest move this offseason. But what are some underrated ones?
1. Trading for Jordan Mason
This one was a mini-shocker, as the Vikings had previously re-signed Aaron Jones for a second season in purple, and the strong draft class was another decent way to find a capable RB2 to pair with him.
But the draft capital was limited, so why not swap a late-rounder acquired in a deal for Ed Ingram (and a late-round pick swap) for running back Jordan Mason from the San Francisco 49ers? Mason was excellent as Christian McCaffrey’s replacement last season and is a perfect complement for Jones.
He’s a powerful rusher, fitting right next to the shifty Jones, and has the talent to take over as the featured back if Jones is forced to miss a game or two. If both are healthy, they can form a sweet rotation and keep each other fresh.
2. Signing Eric Wilson
At linebacker, the Vikings return starters Ivan Pace Jr. and Blake Cashman, who built the linebacker tandem last year. However, they both missed some time in 2024, and backup Kamu Grugier-Hill was a massive downgrade, to the extent that defensive coordinator Brian Flores used Josh Metellus at linebacker, robbing him of his versatility.
Eric Wilson is a lost son, playing for the Vikings under the previous regime. He recently spent time with the Packers and was a solid rotational linebacker. The veteran is not a player teams want to have as a full-time starter, but it wouldn’t be a disaster if he had to step up for a few weeks. He’s also a solid special-teams player.
3. Drafting Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins
Of course, most of the buzz after the draft was allocated for first-rounder Donovan Jackson and the flashiness of wide receiver made Tai Felton intriguing, too.
But fifth-rounder Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins should get some attention. Coming from the Georgia Bulldogs, he was not a productive player by any means, but he possesses outstanding physical tools. He is undersized for an interior player, and his quickness could turn him into a matchup nightmare for guards.
The Vikings didn’t re-sign Jihad Ward, who was listed as an edge rusher but primarily played as an interior rusher on obvious passing downs, and Ingram-Dawkins could be a more athletic and younger version of him.
4. Signing Isaiah Rodgers
Entering free agency, the Vikings were set to lose their top four cornerbacks. Only Byron Murphy Jr. was re-signed, so he needed a new supporting cast. The first man to sign with the franchise in free agency was Isaiah Rodgers, who played last season for the Philadelphia Eagles and gained some experience in the Super Bowl.
Granted, he is a projection because he has never played more than half the defensive snaps in a season in his career, but he generally played well in those opportunities. A true speedster, the Vikings (especially Brian Flores) seem to think highly of the outside cornerback, and he should be penciled in as a starting cornerback until proven otherwise.
Rodgers is a playmaking cornerback, and if his game translates to a full-time starting role, he could be another one of Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s sneaky free agent steals.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Sports Reference helped with this article.
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