A Vikings News Update: 5 Rapid Fire Developments
The Vikings news has ebbed and flowed.
A day ago, the updates arrived with unusual regularity within the unusually slow NFL free agency. Minnesota added some talent while getting a fresh gust of wind for the future salary cap. So, too, did former Vikings players find new homes. Check out what took place and leave a comment if there’s anything that was missed.
The Vikings News: 5 Updates
News Update No. 1 — Grenade!
In fairness, the Vikings do need help at OT. But a move for an RFA? Very bold, Brzezinski.
Minnesota has made a move for Buffalo’s depth lineman Ryan Van Demark. The Bills can match the contract to keep their bodyguard for Josh Allen. We’ll see if the Vikings went high enough with the compensation to scare away Buffalo.
News Update No. 2 — A Hekkin Good Punter
Ryan Wright took off for the promise of ample pay as a Saint. Minnesota has officially found a replacement. Johnny Hekker is now locking down the position. Does competition get added?
Opting for a veteran makes some sense. Presumably, the price is right given that he had a modest season last year. Don’t be surprised if he does well as a Viking. Matt Daniels is a very good coordinator, the gunner twosome is tremendous, and punting in a stadium doesn’t hurt, either.
News Update No. 3 — D.J. Wonnum Roars
The former Vikings draftee will be helping out in Detroit.
Tom Pelissero offers the news: “Former Panthers free-agent DE DJ Wonnum is signing a one-year deal worth up to $6 million with the Detroit Lions.” As always, there are a pair of tiny words doing some heavy lifting: “up to.” Wonnum likely needs to play a certain amount and/or achieve certain statistical highs to unlock all of the promised compensation. Maybe a sizzling game while taking on Minnesota will help him to get paid.
News Update No. 4 — Goodbye, 2022
Has anyone pointed out that the Vikings’ 2022 draft class didn’t work out particularly well?
Runner Ty Chandler is known for breakneck speed and being a help on specials. Tons of potential but not a ton of on-field impact, at least for the offense. He’ll now try to help the Saints climb back up to relevance from within the NFC South.
News Update No. 5 — Cap Space Boost
Every little bit helps, right?
Trench defenders Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave were shown the door to help finance Minnesota’s spending in the present moment. What’s extra helpful is that the new deals for each — the former went to Cincinnati, the latter to Green Bay — involved offset money, resulting in cap space being put into the mix for Minnesota in 2027.
