Minnesota Vikings Information and Hyperlinks: Let’s Play Tag!

It’s franchise tag beginning day! Will the Vikings tag anybody? Rumor has it that they might tag Byron Murphy as an alternative of Sam Darnold. Slightly be aware is that Sam Darnold, Stephon Gilmore, and Byron Murphy all had their contracts voided yesterday, February seventeenth.

Contract Triggers Calendar

Which means that the void years included of their contracts escalate to the 2025 cap. Meaning 5M for Darnold, 4.2M for Murphy, and a pair of.33M for Gilmore all depend as lifeless cash and can be a part of any new contract in 2025. Based mostly on this, I don’t see a franchise tag of Murphy however might see an extension though you’d have hoped they might have reached an settlement earlier than his contract voided.

My guess it they actually need to tag and commerce Darnold and the worth to maintain Murphy has gone too excessive and Kwesi has stated he has “walk away” costs.

Harrison Smith’s deadline to terminate his contract is March fifteenth. If the group doesn’t terminate his deal, his 25M wage for 2026 turns into assured. I’m going to exit on a limb and say that’s not going to occur. If he desires to proceed taking part in then I might see them working one thing out for one more season. Perhaps 5-7M?

Minnesota Vikings Information and Hyperlinks

Sam Darnold predicted to signal with New York Soccer Giants to permit Vikings to play ex-Michigan QB JJ McCarthy

USA Immediately’s Tyler Dragon believes Minnesota might look to maneuver on from Darnold to permit McCarthy to take the Vikings’ QB1 reins.

“Is Darnold the quarterback who helped lead the Vikings to a 14-2 document by 17 weeks or the QB who withered down the stretch?

“It’s likely somewhere in the middle,” Dragon wrote.

“In totality, Darnold’s 2024 season was a lot improved from what we’ve beforehand seen from the journeyman. The Vikings might re-sign Darnold, however will they actually sit J.J. McCarthy one other yr?

“I believe Darnold should return to New York, but this time in a blue uniform.”

‘You know where to go’: Justin Jefferson makes pitch to Myles Garrett

“You know where to go, brother,” Jefferson advised USA TODAY. “We need about one, two extra pieces, and you’ll fill in that piece. We need you.”

Draft, free company ‘dream scenario’ for Vikings is unveiled by specialists

Each soccer fan has a dream offseason state of affairs in thoughts. With almost $60 million to spend in free company and the twenty fourth choose within the NFL draft, the Minnesota Vikings are armed with the bones of a 14-win roster and the instruments to improve weak spots on the offensive and defensive traces and within the secondary.

After all, some goals are reasonable and others are fantasy. Sure, it could be nice if the Jets launched Davante Adams and he signd with the Vikings for affordable to group up with Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson. No doubt it could be wonderful if soon-to-be-former Jets cornerback DJ Reed refused to choose up the cellphone until he noticed the Vikings calling. And it could be unbelievable if Boise State operating again and Heisman finalist Ashton Jeanty fell to the Vikings within the first spherical of the draft.

Goals can come true, however some aren’t very possible. In actuality, the Vikings have large wants on the offensive and defensive traces and within the secondary. That brings us to the “dream” state of affairs cooked up by the oldsters at Professional Soccer Focus, the place two safeties have been recognized as the best duo for the Vikings to amass by way of the draft and free company.

The free-agent signing? Dolphins security Jevon Holland.

The primary-round choose? Georgia security Malaki Starks.

“The Vikings are facing a massive rebuild of their secondary, with Josh Metellus standing as the lone cornerback or safety left under contract who recorded 80 or more defensive snaps this past season. Snagging the top available safeties in both free agency and the draft would surely set this secondary up for success,” PFF causes.

“In the 25-year-old Holland and the 21-year-old Starks, the Vikings would have a vaunted tandem of young safeties to build their defense around for years to come. Given the creativity displayed by Brian Flores’ playcalling, the possibilities are endless if he adds these pieces to his unit.”

Philadelphia Eagles star Milton Williams appeared like a great goal in free company — however that was earlier than a blowout efficiency over the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs within the Tremendous Bowl.

Williams accounted for 2 of the Eagles’ sacks on Patrick Mahomes in a dominant 40-22 victory. Philadelphia’s protection proved the mannequin for stopping the perfect quarterback within the NFL is to have a dominant defensive entrance that may create stress.

And that’s going to return at a value.

Sports activities Illustrated’s Will Ragatz predicted that Williams’ worth in free company skyrocketed after the Tremendous Bowl and he might show troublesome to signal.

“Fans who may not have known much about Williams — who has been overshadowed by Jalen Carter at his position — learned quite a bit… the former third-round pick out of Louisiana Tech had PFF’s No. 2 pass-rushing grade among DTs this season, behind only Chris Jones, and that skill set was on full display at the Superdome,” Ragatz wrote.

“If the Vikings want Milton Williams, they’ll have to pay up for his services. Spotrac has him projected for a three-year, $36 million deal, but that estimate can be completely ripped up. He’s going to make more like $20 million per year on the open market. And even at that price point, I think it’s still very much worth it for Minnesota. He’s a rare athlete and game-wrecker who turns 26 next month and might only be getting better.”

Vikings’ Sam Darnold Deemed ‘Dream’ Signing for AFC Crew

Professional Soccer Focus’ Mason Cameron dubbed the Titans’ dream state of affairs this offseason can be touchdown Darnold in free company.

Head coach Brian Callahan benched Will Levis this previous season after numerous bouts with questionable decision-making, and he might very properly have a look at a veteran signal-caller to take up the mantle. Whereas the Titans might make a play for Kirk Cousins, Tennessee might additionally forego the commerce route and seize the top-ranked passer of this free-agent cycle,” Cameron wrote on Feb. 17.

By franchise-tagging Darnold, Minnesota might assure unique negotiations with a possible commerce suitor in alternate for a participant or draft capital.

The Vikings will get a clearer image of Darnold’s market on the NFL Scouting Mix, which begins Feb. 24.

2025 NFL Free Company Huge Board: Rating High 50 Gamers After Tremendous Bowl LIX

48. Sebastian Joseph-Day, DT, Tennessee Titans

The 29-year-old appeared in all 17 video games for Tennessee and constantly made an impression in opposition to each the run and the go. Professional Soccer Focus graded him twenty eighth general amongst defensive tackles for the 2024 season.

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46. Kristian Fulton, CB, Los Angeles Chargers

The 26-year-old allowed an opposing passer score under 92.0 in every of his first three seasons, and he was once more dependable for the Chargers when wholesome. He missed a while with a hamstring damage in 2024, however that shouldn’t be seen as a big difficulty for cornerback-needy groups.

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44. Tyrel Dodson, LB, Miami Dolphins

Dodson recorded 36 tackles and three interceptions in eight video games with Miami. The AFC’s Defensive Participant of the Week in Week 17 is a do-it-all linebacker who received’t flip 27 till June.

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23. Teven Jenkins, G, Chicago Bears

Drafted as a deal with in 2021, Jenkins has settled in at guard and has been a high-level starter when wholesome. Professional Soccer Focus ranked him fifteenth general amongst guards in 2024.

The largest difficulty for Jenkins has been his availability. Whereas he hasn’t really had an prolonged absence because of damage since his rookie marketing campaign, nagging illnesses have adopted him all through his profession.

Jenkins has by no means appeared in additional than 14 video games in a season. Nonetheless, his sturdy play on the sector will garner curiosity in free company.

Prisco’s High 100 NFL free brokers for 2025: Sam Darnold, Tee Higgins, D.J. Reed headline checklist totally free company

16 Justin Reid

Kansas Metropolis Chiefs SS

Justin Reid is without doubt one of the extra underrated gamers on this checklist by way of league notion. He’s a lot better than many assume. He can do a number of issues and was an enormous a part of the Kansas Metropolis protection. He is an efficient tackler. He’s 28.

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30 Mike Jackson

Carolina Panthers CB

Mike Jackson is likely to be one of many extra underrated gamers on this checklist. He began 17 video games for the Panthers and did a pleasant job taking part in outdoors cornerback of their protection. He had 13 go breakups and two interceptions. He simply turned 28.

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34 Ben Bredeson

Tampa Bay Buccaneers OG

This 27-year-old began at left guard in his solely season with the Bucs and did a pleasant job. He signed a one-year take care of Tampa Bay final season and began all 17 video games. He can have a superb market.

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59 Patrick Mekari

Baltimore Ravens OG

Patrick Mekari can play deal with or guard, which is able to make him a invaluable addition for any group. He moved inside to protect final yr for the Ravens. He turns 28 in August.

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74 Jourdan Lewis

Dallas Cowboys CB

The eight-year veteran has 64 begins, together with 13 final season. He can play inside or outdoors and he can blitz and play the run. There’s worth in that. He does flip 30 in August.

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75 Donte Jackson

Pittsburgh Steelers CB

The Steelers acquired Donte Jackson within the commerce earlier than final season they usually clearly received the deal. He ended up beginning 15 video games and actually performed properly within the first 10. However he struggled some down the stretch as he handled again points. He turns 30 in November.

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79 Elijah Molden

Los Angeles Chargers CB

The Chargers traded a seventh-round choose earlier than the season to land Elijah Molden. He paid off in an enormous manner, giving their secondary some veteran stability on the again finish. He did endure a damaged fibula in Week 15, however he ought to be a go for subsequent season. He simply turned 26.

An Off Season Plan

One be aware: I feel there will likely be some cap casualties that Kwesi might and may be capable to signal thereby defending a compensatory choose or two.

2025 NFL free company: Derek Carr, Tyler Lockett amongst 21 notable minimize candidates on NFC groups

Marshon Lattimore

Washington Commanders · CB

Marshon Lattimore is a four-time Professional Bowl cornerback … however these 4 Professional Bowl seasons all got here between 2017 and 2021. Since 2022, he’s missed 25 video games with quite a lot of accidents. Washington traded for him on the 2024 deadline, sending a package deal of picks however solely getting two regular-season video games and the three playoff contests out of him. And notably, he was terrible within the postseason, incomes a horrific 29.6 protection grade from PFF and permitting 10 catches for 172 yards and a 136.6 passer score on 14 targets.

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Jonah Jackson

Los Angeles Rams · OG

If L.A. does make vital cuts, Jonah Jackson would possible be in consideration. The previous Professional Bowl guard signed a three-year, $51 million contract with the group final March and was the beginning middle for Week 1, however he fractured his scapula in Week 2, had a poor exhibiting in his Week 10 return and was inactive for the remainder of the related video games of the season. As a regular launch, Jackson would eat up $11.3 million in lifeless cash, saving simply $3.3 million in 2025, but when he’s designated as a post-June 1 minimize, the group would internet $9 million in financial savings.

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Noah Fant

Seattle Seahawks · TE

In three seasons since becoming a member of Seattle, Noah Fant has simply 5 touchdowns complete (with only one the final two seasons) and has maxed out at 50 receptions (2022) and 500 yards (2024). Whereas these aren’t terrible numbers for a low-cost starter or a TE2, they aren’t almost adequate to justify Fant’s $13.4 million cap hit in 2025. Seattle can save $8.9 million by reducing the 27-year-old tight finish, and I can’t actually see them passing up on these financial savings to maintain a participant who has not fulfilled the potential that made him a first-round choose by the Broncos in 2019.

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James Bradberry

Philadelphia Eagles · CB

OR

Darius Slay

Philadelphia Eagles · CB

Designating both cornerback as such would end in cap financial savings of $4 million to $5 million, and it could possibly be argued each have been made extra “expendable” by the play of rookies Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean in 2024. Bradberry would most likely be the stronger selection, as he missed all of 2024 with damage and posted the third-highest passer score allowed (112.1) by a cornerback in 2023, per Subsequent Gen Stats (minimal of 500 protection snaps).

2025 NFL free company: Davante Adams, Travis Kelce amongst 18 notable minimize candidates on AFC groups

Amani Hooker

Because the Titans drafted him in 2019, Amani Hooker has been an everyday piece of the Tennessee secondary, beginning in all 27 video games he has performed the final two seasons (whereas lacking seven with damage). He even set profession highs in 2024 with 5 interceptions, 9 passes defensed and two compelled fumbles, but he completed with a 65.1 general defensive grade, per PFF, second-lowest of his profession. Extra importantly, he carries an $11.3 million cap hit in 2025, $8.8 million of which Tennessee can save by releasing him earlier than June 1.

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John Franklin-Myers

Regardless of showing in all 17 video games (16 begins), Franklin-Myers performed simply 46 % of defensive snaps. He nonetheless managed seven sacks and 18 QB hits on these snaps, which is a strong manufacturing fee, however he carries a $10 million cap hit in 2025 and may be launched previous to June 1 for $7 million in financial savings.

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Dalvin Tomlinson

began 16 video games in 2024 and was fairly strong from a manufacturing standpoint, as a delegated post-June 1 minimize, which might end in $6.4 million in cap financial savings.

Franchise tag Sam Darnold and commerce him to Raiders for choose #73 and #217
Reduce Ed Ingram
Reduce CJ Ham
Harrison Smith Retires or Reduce
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Lengthen Andrew Van Ginkel – 2 yr 28M
Lengthen Josh Oliver – 3 yr 21M
Lengthen Theo Jackson – 2 yr 6M
Lengthen Dalton Risner 2 yr 9M
…
Signal Justin Fields QB 1 yr 7M
Signal Evan Brown OL 2 yr 10M
Signal Levi Onwuzurike DT 2 yr 20M
Signal Michael Hoecht DT 2 yr 9M
Signal Paulson Adebo CB 2 yr 14m
Signal Eric Stokes CB 2 yr 8M
Signal Elijah Molden S 2 yr 13M

Yore Mock
Trades
Commerce Companion: Las Vegas Raiders
Despatched: Sam Darnold
Acquired: Spherical 3 Decide 4, Spherical 6 Decide 34
…
Commerce Companion: Jacksonville Jaguars
Despatched: Spherical 1 Decide 24, Spherical 7 Decide 21
Acquired: Spherical 2 Decide 4, Spherical 3 Decide 6, Spherical 6 Decide 18
…
Commerce Companion: Dallas Cowboys
Despatched: Spherical 3 Decide 6
Acquired: Spherical 3 Decide 12, Spherical 5 Decide 31
…
Commerce Companion: Houston Texans
Despatched: Spherical 5 Decide 1, Spherical 6 Decide 34
Acquired: Spherical 4 Decide 26, Spherical 7 Decide 25
…

36: R2 P4 DL Derrick Harmon – Oregon

68: R3 P4 G Tate Ratledge – Georgia

76: R3 P12 S Xavier Watts – Notre Dame

97: R3 P33 RB Dylan Sampson – Tennessee

127: R4 P26 DL Darius Alexander – Toldeo

159: R5 P22 CB Jordan Hancock – Ohio State

168: R5 P31 TE Oronde Gadsden II – Syracuse

193: R6 P18 C Drew Kendall – Boston School

Photograph by Lee Coleman/Icon Sportswire by way of Getty Photos

240: R7 P25 WR LaJohntay Wester – Colorado

UDFA
QB Max Brosmer Minnesota
QB Seth Henigan Memphis
RB Brashard Smith SMU
WR Samuel Brown Miami
WR Daniel Jackson Minnesota
TE Jackson Hawes Georgia Tech
OT Bryce Cabeldue Kansas
DL Warren Brinson Georgia
DL Nash Hutmacher Nebraska
OLB Tyreem Powell Rutgers
LB Carson Bruener Washington
LB Shaun Dolac Buffalo
CB Mac McWilliams UCF
CB Robert Longerbeam Rutgers
LS Austin Brinkman West Virginia
P James Burnip Alabama

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