Should the Vikings tank for a 2021 run?
Deshawn
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The Vikings have a tough season ahead of them. They failed to improve on paper this offseason, and have the tenth hardest strength of schedule for the 2020 season. While this upcoming season looks gloomy, 2021 is shaping up to be another chance at a super bowl run. Should the Vikings tank for a better chance next season?
The Vikings have around thirty-three million in cap space scheduled for next offseason, without the expected jump in cap. That number may be lowered by Anthony Harris and Dalvin Cook extension, but should also increase with the expected release of LT Riley Rieff. The free agent class of 2021 has a lot of big names that could plug a few holes on this roster. It includes both Joe Thuney and Brandon Scherff, Patrick Peterson, Justin Houston, and Corey Linsley. With an estimated thirty million in cap space the Vikings would have more than enough room for a couple of big splashes.
Moving on to the draft, Minnesota is already expecting ten plus draft picks in next year’s draft. Making seven of those ten picks top picks per round would be a dream for both Zimmer and spielman. We could even see them draft the QB of the future, something fans have been waiting for since Teddy Bridgewater. There’s never a guarantee draft picks will pan out but adding top talent to a roster that’s already talented doesn’t hurt.
The Eagles were able to go on a Super Bowl run after going 7-9 in 2016. They nailed the draft and added a few key pieces in free agency that made them a very good team with or without Carson Wentz. Minnesota is fully capable of doing the same and completely rebuilding their roster in just one years time.
No fan wants to see their team have a bad season, but for the Vikings sake it may be just what they need to get over the hump and stay relevant. Between the surplus of cap space and the high draft picks, spielman and Zimmer look poised for a monster 2021 season.