5 Vikings Offseason Takeaways
Usually, teams try to run it back for another year when they finish a season with 14 wins, but the Minnesota Vikings underwent some massive turnover this offseason, including at some key positions. Other areas of the franchise were untouched.
5 Vikings Offseason Takeaways
Let’s list five offseason takeaways.
1. J.J. McCarthy Is the Captain Now
Sam Darnold was outstanding in his one season as a bridge starter, delivering a career-saving year with 35 passing touchdowns that culminated in his selection to the Pro Bowl. There was some speculation whether he did enough to warrant a long-term deal from the Vikings, but he ultimately headed to Seattle, hoping to be their long-term solution.
Instead, the purple franchise turned to last year’s tenth overall pick, J.J. McCarthy. He had always been planned to take over following the one season of Darnold, but the veteran played too well to ignore, and McCarthy missing the entire season wasn’t ideal.
In 2025 and beyond, it’ll be the McCarthy show. The surroundings are excellent and will help him establish a strong presence early in his career.
2. Trenches
For years, the trenches have been an issue.
A primary annoyance in the Twin Cities was the offensive line. Countless names, like Dru Samia and T.J. Clemmings, still haunt Skol Nation, and for about a decade, the line failed to do its job. This offseason, the Vikings moved past the unsatisfying solutions and hired Will Fries and Ryan Kelly in free agency, in addition to adding Donovan Jackson in the draft. Paired with tackles Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill, the protection should be fine.
The defensive counterparts have changed, too. Gone are veteran journeymen Jonathan Bullard and Jerry Tillery, and in are former Pro Bowlers Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen. They are getting up there in age and had to deal with injuries in 2024, but if they can be 80% of what they used to be, Brian Flores will be a happy man.
3. Secondary Remains Concern
He might not be too happy about the secondary, though. Aging corners Shaq Griffin and Stephon Gilmore are no longer around, and Cam Bynum left in free agency after signing a massive deal with the Colts. At least Pro Bowler Byron Murphy Jr. is back, and Harrison Smith returned for another season to play next to Josh Metellus.
That makes three solid players in the secondary, but everyone else is a mystery. Theo Jackson was re-signed after three seasons of backup duties. He’s expected to take over for Bynum. Free agent cornerback Isaiah Rodgers was signed for two seasons, and Mekhi Blackmon returns from his injury stint. Jeff Okudah hopes to have his breakout season.
That’s a lot of names, but all bring some uncertainty to the table. If Flores can’t form a reliable group out of those guys, the defense will be a problem.
4. It’s a 2-Year Window
With all those players added and various contracts extended, this Vikings roster will remain largely intact for not only 2025 but also 2026.
Sure, Harrison Smith might retire, and neither Metellus nor Jalen Nailor has a contract for 2026, but that’s pretty much all the roster turnover. Next year’s free agency will be a slow one for the Vikings, who might enter the offseason without any cap space, but also a limited list of needs.
GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah built the roster for the next two seasons.
5. The Band Stays Together
Speaking of Adofo-Mensah, the GM and his head coach, Kevin O’Connell, both signed four-year deals in 2022. After three seasons, they were about to have a lame-duck season.
In the midst of trade rumors, the Vikings first handed O’Connell a long-term deal in January. The Coach of the Year was a no-brainer extension and will continue to oversee the entire team, but especially his offense.
He will also remain a package deal with Adofo-Mensah, whose draft record might draw some criticism, but overall, he has built some strong teams throughout his tenure. Another big item is that Flores returned for a third season. While he is still expected to get a head coaching job at some point, Adofo-Mensah and O’Connell aren’t going anywhere.