Where Do Things Stand With Minnesota’s Salary Cap?
The recent news about the Everson Griffen work out may have prompted some thought about where things stand with the Vikings’ finances, so I thought it best to offer a brief refresher on Minnesota’s money.
When it comes to the salary cap, I tend to lean on Over the Cap. It’s a great site, one that has set itself apart as the leader in all things NFL finance. Per OTC, the Vikings have just under $13.5 million in cap space. All things considered, it’s an astonishing amount.
Coming into the offseason, the Vikings had a lot of work to do on their roster and not a ton of money to work with. It appeared as though most of the money from the Wealthy Wilfs had already been spent. The Kirk Cousins Naysayers were once again preaching about how his gargantuan contract prohibits Zim, Spielman, and Brzezinski from adding significant free agents.
The beginning of free agency, though, quickly showed that those fears were misguided. Dalvin Tomlinson, Patrick Peterson, Mackensie Alexander, Nick Vigil, Xavier Woods, Stephen Weatherly, and Bashaud Breeland were all added. The end result – especially when partnered with the greater health of several returning players – was a totally rebuilt defense. The Vikings, quite evidently, found a way to shift money around.
The fact that they still have enough money to keep adding players is incredible. Gotta give credit where it’s due: Spielman and Brzezinski have done a remarkable job of dancing around the salary cap.
Griffen, if he does end up getting signed, is unlikely to demand very much. I’d be surprised if it was anything more than a couple million. Let’s also not forget that Minnesota still has options if they need to open up cap space. Harrison Smith and Brian O’Neill deserve extensions, and there have been rumors surrounding both. Weatherly could be released, a move that would free up $2 million in cap space. Cutting vets on the roster bubble like Chad Beebe, Dede Westbrook, Dakota Dozier, and Hercules Mata’afa (among others) would save just under a million. Our Vikings have options.
The Minnesota Vikings will be looking to carry around $5 million + in cap space into the season. It’s wise to go into the year with at least some room to make additions. Injuries are inevitable, so money is almost always needed during the year. As you can see, though, Minnesota has the freedom to make moves and still have that cushion.
Spielman has never been shy about signings or trades, so it wouldn’t be surprising if he has plans beyond just Griffen.
Stay tuned.
