Vikings Get an Offseason To-Do List
The Minnesota Vikings have already completed some important tasks, such as finding a quarterback upgrade and navigating some cap space concerns. The franchise has not been a flashy team this offseason, but they made some solid moves.
Yet, the “job’s not finished,” to quote Kobe Bryant.
NFL.com’s Kevin Patra assembled a to-do list for all 32 organizations, and the Vikings had three tasks on their list.
1. Upgrade DB Room
The defensive backfield has lost some key components over the last couple of years. After the 2024 season, the cornerback group was rebuilt and safety Cam Bynum departed, while Harrison Smith could still retire this offseason. It’s undoubtedly an aging group that needs some youth.
Patra wrote, “Harrison Smith still hasn’t announced his retirement, but the safety spot could use another versatile playmaker if/when he does walk away. Minnesota never did figure out its corner position last season and picked up part-time starter James Pierre this offseason. Adding another CB would be beneficial for Brian Flores’ defense.”
Both positions, safety and cornerback, need an infusion of youth. At safety, the Vikings rely on career backups Theo Jackson and Jay Ward behind Joshua Metellus. Potential first-rounders Dillon Thieneman and Emmanuel McNeil-Warren have been popular mock draft candidates for the club.
At cornerback, Minnesota employs 2025 starters Byron Murphy and Isaiah Rodgers. Veteran James Pierre was signed last month. Adding at least a developmental player in later rounds makes sense, but finding a talented top player is intriguing after years of looking for one.
2. Try Again at DT
At defensive tackle, the Vikings said goodbye to a couple of starters, Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave. Both were signed 13 months ago to transform the underwhelming interior group into a disruptive bunch, but they had to watch as Jalen Redmond emerged as the real star, while they couldn’t live up to their deals.
“Last year’s attempt at fixing the defensive tackle spot missed the mark horribly,” Patra commented. “Can the Vikings find a girthy body in the draft to plug in with their other young interior defenders?”
Levi Drake Rodriguez and last year’s pick Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins could play a more significant role, but adding an interior defender on Days 1 or 2 would certainly elevate the rotation.
Kayden McDonald, Peter Woods, Caleb Banks, Lee Hunter, and Christen Miller highlight the top players at the position.
3. Sort out QB Situation
The final task doesn’t have anything to do with the upcoming draft, but it will certainly be in focus over the next few months. The Vikings must determine the quarterback hierarchy.
Patra explained, “We can’t talk about Minnesota’s offseason without getting into the QB room. It feels like a foregone conclusion that Kyler Murray will win the starting gig, but with Carson Wentz’s re-signing, what becomes of J.J. McCarthy? Can he out-play Murray in practice (if he’s even given a real shot)? Will the Vikes pull the plug on the former No. 10 overall pick and ship him out of town? There are more questions than answers right now.”
J.J. McCarthy’s 2025 season was disappointing and the Vikings had to act. He only played in ten games and half of those were unacceptable from a starting quarterback in the NFL, regardless of experience or lack thereof.
Kyler Murray was acquired to provide stability. The two-time Pro Bowler has to prove the high-end play is still in there. If it is, it’s hard to see McCarthy make enough strides this offseason to defend the QB1 gig. Carson Wentz was hired as a depth option. As both Murray and McCarthy have suffered various injuries over the years, his presence could become important.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Sports Reference helped with this article.