As we motor on throughout the offseason and debate the QB state of affairs to demise, allow us to not neglect about school prospects who is perhaps good future Vikings. The East West Shrine Bowl practices are underway.
Shrine Bowl Preview: Media’s gamers to observe; full roster
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2025 East-West Shrine Bowl Tracker
Minnesota Vikings Information and Hyperlinks
‘Dream Scenario’ Commerce Pitch Sees Vikings Flip Sam Darnold in Unprecedented Transfer
“There’s not a lot of precedent for a quarterback of this age, coming off the season he had — especially when there might be mutual agreement between the player and the team that it will be a tag-and-trade situation going in,” Sam Ekstrom stated. “I don’t know if that’s ever happened.”
“Now your market feels like a third-rounder, late second at the very best. Like, that’s the dream,” Inman stated. “Realistic scenario: two later picks — like a fourth and a 2026 fifth [rounder].”
“Now your market feels like a third-rounder, late second at the very best. Like, that’s the dream,” Inman stated. “Realistic scenario: two later picks — like a fourth and a 2026 fifth [rounder].”
That may be a unhealthy dream proper?
Sam Darnold’s Clear Message to Vikings Entrance Workplace As Kevin O’Connell Confirms Stance on QB’s Future
It’s protected to say that Darnold’s future with the Vikings is something however sure. The workforce faces a tricky alternative. Hand him a $100+ million contract. Use the franchise tag. Or the final word choice? Let him stroll. Rookie JJ McCarthy is ready for his shot. Nevertheless, Minnesota is low on 2025 draft picks. Therefore, a “tag-and-trade” possibility may very well be the center floor.
Now, add to that Darnold’s newest Instagram put up, and it feels considerably like a parting/gratitude word. On January 24, the 27-year-old shared a trio of images from his days in 2024 as a beginning quarterback for ‘The Purple and Gold’. Whereas the photographs and the caption flaunted celebratory cheer, some additionally learn between the strains—particularly given the dicey state of affairs Darnold finds himself in.
“Year 7… So grateful for my teammates, coaches, and the entire organization. We created memories and relationships that will last a lifetime and we got to do it in front of the best fanbase in the world,” he wrote within the heartfelt caption, earlier than additionally including the obligatory “#SKOL”—the Minnesota Vikings’ struggle chant, and rally cry. Now, whether or not it’s a parting word or not…you determine. However earlier than we allow you to do this…
Minnesota has wage cap area to make strikes. However GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah leans towards constructing by way of the draft. Splurging on Darnold may not align with the workforce’s technique with rookie JJ McCarthy growing and a loaded QB draft class in 2025. As NFL insider Adam Schefter famous, “If he [Sam] doesn’t get a fair offer from the Vikings, he could say, ‘I’m not gonna sign that.’”
Rams predicted so as to add former $160 million quarterback as Matthew Stafford substitute
Marissa Myers of TWSN predicts the Rams will add Minnesota Vikings free agent quarterback Daniel Jones this March as Stafford’s eventual substitute. Right here was her tackle the potential match with Jones, Sean McVay and the Rams:
After he was waived by the Giants and signed with the Minnesota Vikings, he has had time to take a seat on the bench and study from an offensive-minded coach in Kevin O’Connell. That is what actually makes Jones superb, as he’ll be capable to be a plug-and-play for Sean McVay’s offensive scheme as O’Connell, who got here from the Rams, runs a really related system. If there’s anywhere Jones can rebound, it’s the Rams, and Los Angeles can take the prospect on Jones.
Each Vikings free agent and their odds to return to Minnesota in 2025
QB Sam Darnold: 20 p.c
Darnold is clearly a very powerful choice by an excellent margin. It’s definitely not unimaginable that he returns on a franchise tag or comparatively team-friendly short-term deal, but it surely additionally appears considerably extra possible that he will get a giant contract elsewhere in free company and the Vikings roll with J.J. McCarthy.
RB Aaron Jones: 45 p.c
The Vikings might select to run it again on one other one-year take care of the 30-year-old Jones, who had over 1,500 yards from scrimmage and 7 touchdowns this season. They might additionally look to get youthful on the place by drafting a again within the first few rounds.
CB Byron Murphy Jr: 60 p.c
I anticipate re-signing Murphy to be a serious precedence for the Vikings, however Adofo-Mensah and firm at all times have a sure worth level they’re not keen to exceed. After six interceptions and a Professional Bowl choice, there’s an opportunity Murphy might land a deal on the open market the Vikings gained’t match.
S Camryn Bynum: 30 p.c
The Vikings love Bynum, who they drafted within the fourth spherical again in 2021. He was a stable deep security for Brian Flores and introduced wonderful vibes (and advertising) together with his elaborate celebrations. However they could not need to give a giant second contract to a good-not-great security, particularly with Theo Jackson on the roster as a possible in-house substitute. Harrison Smith’s retirement choice may very well be an element right here.
LT Cam Robinson: 5 p.c
CB Stephon Gilmore: 20 p.c
CB Shaq Griffin: 35 p.c
OLB Pat Jones: 10 p.c
DT Jerry Tillery: 25 p.c
DT Jihad Ward: 35 p.c
G Dalton Risner: 30 p.c
QB Daniel Jones: 40 p.c
QB Nick Mullens: 25 p.c
DT Jonathan Bullard: 65 p.c
TE Johnny Mundt: 60 p.c
WR Brandon Powell: 30 p.c
WR Trent Sherfield: 70 p.c
RB Cam Akers: 50 p.c
CB Fabian Moreau: 20 p.c
LB Kamu Grugier-Hill: 35 p.c
T David Quessenberry: 40 p.c
G Dan Feeney: 20 p.c
Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ lawsuit towards the NFL bought stronger on Friday after newest report
Flores was additionally interviewed this 12 months for a number of jobs, together with the Jacksonville Jaguars. That’s essential right here, as they seemingly circumvented the Rooney Rule. Sports activities Illustrated’s Albert Breer wrote concerning the odd course of wherein they introduced in Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Liam Coen for a second interview.
The Jaguars had emphasised to Coen’s camp how essential it was that the go to keep underneath wraps, which might clarify why the coordinator saved his plans from the Buccaneers. Within the wake of firing Baalke, and along with a wholesome monetary provide, the Jags provided Coen an opportunity to successfully decide his normal supervisor—a possibility exceedingly uncommon for a first-time head coach. Actually, one colleague instructed Coen that Kyle Shanahan’s rent in San Francisco was the one such provide for a first-timer he might bear in mind just like the one Coen had in entrance of him.
The secrecy over the go to did serve two theoretical functions. One, clearly, it could protect the Tampa provide for Coen, which, once more, was contingent on the OC not visiting Jacksonville. Two, it allowed the Jaguars to fulfill the Rooney Rule. Going into Thursday, the Jags solely had one minority candidate in for an in-person interview—Saleh’s first was in-person. They wanted two to conform, so Graham was slated to return Thursday for the opposite. However the Jags didn’t need phrase of their plans getting out, which might trigger Graham to cancel.
This is a vital report. Sneaking in Coen so they might fulfill the Rooney Rule with Graham exhibits once more why Flores is combating this battle. The hiring practices of the NFL are sketchy at greatest, particularly relating to a very powerful job on the teaching employees.
Flores is perhaps a defensive coordinator for yet one more 12 months, however his lawsuit gained slightly extra credence on Friday.
Ex-Vikings TE Nick Muse indicators with Eagles’ follow squad
Former Vikings tight finish Nick Muse signed with the Philadelphia Eagles’ follow squad this week.
Muse had been on Minnesota’s follow squad this previous season. He hadn’t signed a reserve/futures take care of the workforce, which allowed the Eagles to swoop him up forward of Sunday’s NFC championship sport towards the Washington Commanders. Muse clearly gained’t play in that sport, however he could find yourself signing a futures take care of Philadelphia to be on their offseason roster heading into 2025.
2024 Vikings Place Recap: Offensive Line
57.8 – The Vikings beginning 5 — Robinson, Brandel, Bradbury, Risner and O’Neill — struggled at Detroit in Week 18, averaging an total offense grade of 57.8 from PFF. Minnesota wanted a regular-season finale victory to clinch the No. 1 seed within the postseason and earn a first-round bye, plus home-field benefit. Darnold was sacked simply twice however was pressured 22 occasions, 4 greater than the earlier highest occasion in Week 15.
1. How will the Vikings handle inside
Vikings Head Coach Kevin O’Connell stated following the Wild Card loss there’s “no question” the inside cross rush was an issue all through the 2024 marketing campaign and can have to be addressed.
He additionally famous, nevertheless, there are a number of methods to enhance in that space. Minnesota might signal new gamers, transfer gamers round, discover choices within the draft, promote present gamers who’ve been growing, work on QB timing or implement completely different teaching strategies.
“We’ve got to find a way to be able to give a quarterback, especially with players like Justin, Jordan and T.J. Hockenson, we’ve got to find a way to solidify just the interior of the pocket starting first and foremost. There could be a thousand excuses made, whether it’s losing C.D. (Darrisaw) or even midway through the [playoff] game losing B.O. (O’Neill),” O’Connell stated. “For me, it’s the inspiration of the inside of the pocket that we’re going to should take an extended have a look at. I believed these guys battled. That’s an excellent, younger, quick athletic entrance. Actually, once you have a look at it over the course of the whole lot of the season, we misplaced to 2 soccer groups, and each of them have been capable of do some related issues towards us through stress, through some four-down stress, non-pressure and non-blitz stress.
“We just weren’t able to ever find that rhythm, find those two or three plays that can kind of take a little bit of the steam out of what they’re doing and sustain a little bit,” he continued. “That’s a lot of different things. That’s a lot of things that we’re going to take a look at and acknowledge the things we did well in those games throughout the year, but there’s no question that to get to where we want to get to and where our fans deserve for us to go to … we’ve got to find a way [to improve].”
Will Minnesota re-sign any of the OL free brokers?
Minnesota has signed Risner the previous two seasons to short-term offers, and it will likely be fascinating to see whether or not they look to deliver him again after beginning eight video games at left guard.
Two different free brokers the Vikings might want to take into account are inside reserve Dan Feeney and swing deal with David Quessenberry. Feeney signed with Minnesota final spring however handled accidents all through coaching camp and a portion of the season. He performed simply 40 particular groups snaps and didn’t see any motion on offense. Quessenberry returned for his second season in Purple and performed in all 17 video games; although he contributed totally on particular groups (90 snaps), he additionally performed 110 offensive snaps as he stepped in for Darrisaw and O’Neill at completely different factors.
An Off Season Plan earlier than the mock
Beginning Cap Area
2025: $57,942,543
2026: $101,508,844
Lengthen/Redo : Andrew Van Ginkel 3 yr 40.5M : saves 3.6M in 2025 cap area
Lengthen/Redo : Josh Oliver 3 yr 15M : saves 5.28M in 2025 cap area
Smith Retire : prices 2.945M in 2025 cap area
Reduce Ed Ingram : saves 3.325M in 2025 cap area
Reduce CJ Ham : saves 2.65M in 2025 cap area
Lengthen Aaron Jones 2 yr 12M
…
Signal LG Teven Jenkins 4 yr 72M
Signal RG Will Fries 4 yr 58M
Signal OC Brady Christensen 3 yr 18M
Signal DT Bobby Brown III 2 yr 14M
Signal DT Levi Onwuzurike 2 yr 20M
Signal CB Paulson Adebo – 1 yr 7M
Signal S Tre’von Moehrig – 3 yr 45M
Beginning Cap Area
2025: $28,542,543
2026: $16,832,844
…
I might see a QB signing of Jimmy G, Jacoby Brissett, or Jameis Winston on this plan.
You would maintain Ham yet one more 12 months in case you are that determined.
You would give Hitman a one 12 months deal if he desires to maintain taking part in.
I don’t consider the workforce will be capable to “tag and trade” Sam Darnold. Although he’s the “best” free agent there are sufficient different QBs that can possible be on the market for different groups to signal considered one of them and name the Vikings bluff.
I additionally assume Daniel Jones may have suitors that can need him to begin. Backing up JJ is just not going to assist his profession IMHO. However that’s the place I’m at proper now and I do know others consider otherwise which is cool.
If Darnold, Jones, Bynum, and Murphy all get massive cash offers, it could not create comp picks in 2026 because of the large offers I’ve on this plan. However that’s OK. Bear in mind, you play to win the sport. To not get comp picks a 12 months later.
…
Beginning lineup earlier than draft (just some)
QB: JJ McCarthy, Jimmy G, Brett Rypien
RB: Aaron Jones, Ty Chandler
TE: TJ Hockenson, Josh Oliver
WR: Jets, Jordan Addison, Jalen Nailor
RT: Brian O’Neill
RG: Will Fries
OC: Garrett Bradbury, Brady Christensen, Michael Jurgens
LG: Teven Jenkins
LT: Christian Darrisaw, Walter Rouse
DT: Harrison Phillips, Bobby Brown III, Taki Taimani
DE: Levi Onvuzurike, Jalen Redmond, Levi Drake Rodriguez
WLB: Jonathan Greenard, Bo Rithcer
SLB: Andrew Van Ginkel, Gabriel Murphy
LILB: Ivan Tempo Jr
RILB: Blake Cashman, Brian Asamoah
LCB: Paulson Adebo
RCB: Mekhi Blackmon, Dwight McGlothern
NB: Josh Metellus, Najee Thompson
SS: Tre’von Moehrig, Jay Ward
FS: Theo Jackson
Cornerback is wanting scary no?
Yore Mock
Trades
Commerce Associate: Las Vegas Raiders
Despatched: Spherical 1 Choose 24
Acquired: Spherical 2 Choose 5, Spherical 3 Choose 4
…
Commerce Associate: San Francisco 49ers
Despatched: Spherical 2 Choose 5
Acquired: Spherical 2 Choose 11, Spherical 4 Choose 11
…
Commerce Associate: Miami Dolphins
Despatched: Garrett Bradbury
Acquired: Spherical 5 Choose 17
…
43: R2 P11 CB Trey Amos – Ole Miss 6’1” 190
68: R3 P4 RB TreVeyon Henderson – Ohio State 5’10” 208
97: R3 P33 S Andrew Mukuba – Texas 6’0” 190
112: R4 P11 C Jonah Monheim – USC 6’5” 310
Picture by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Pictures
138: R5 P1 DL Simeon Barrow Jr. – Miami 6’3” 290
Picture by Ric Tapia/Getty Pictures
154: R5 P17 G Connor Colby – Iowa 6’6” 310
Picture by G Fiume/Getty Pictures
159: R5 P22 LB Cody Simon – Ohio State 6’2” 235
Picture by David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire through Getty Pictures
236: R7 P21 CB Nohl Williams – California 6’1” 200
Picture by David Jensen/Getty Pictures
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