Minnesota Vikings Information and Hyperlinks: It’s Virtually Over!

The QB carousel is popping and now the media jackals are all predicting/assuming Sam Darnold goes to signal with the Seahawks after they commerce Geno Smith to the Raiders for a third spherical decide. The connection makes a ton of sense as a result of Seahawks OC Klint Kubiak labored with Darnold in 2023 as San Francisco’s passing sport coordinator. The query is would Darnold view the Seahawks as a superb state of affairs to pilot? DK Metcalf needs a commerce they usually simply launched Tyler Lockett which was comprehensible as a consequence of his contract and age (possibly). What else have they got that’s engaging in addition to a brand new deal? In one of many hyperlinks beneath it says that Smith wished 40M per yr and is due 31M this yr. Do they assume they’ll get Darnold for lower than Geno? Geno goes to be 35 years outdated this yr so there’s that massive distinction with Darnold.

I’m loving all of this proper now as a result of it might be fairly boring in any other case. I have no idea what the plan is in Seattle however it might be that Darnold doesn’t have a greater state of affairs on the market. If he does return right here (and the Vikings apparently have a suggestion on the desk), he’ll battle with JJ (uncertain to be sincere) to be the starter and have followers and media jackals clamoring for JJ after each interception or subpar offensive efficiency. I do know followers and media of us like to speak about this as being a troublesome state of affairs however that is the character of the sport for each place. If you’re not taking part in nicely, you may get pulled out of the sport. Gamers have been coping with this on all ranges. I believe he shall be high-quality with taking part in or getting changed.

Sam Darnold has a really fascinating determination to make. I’m going to guess he returns right here for nonetheless lengthy and that he’ll embrace the competitors for the beginning QB spot though he ought to have it after successful 14 video games final yr. It offers the Vikings a robust (assuming JJ will not be one other Kyle Sloter – DN Preseason HOFer) QB room which is vital for a 17 sport season.

Minnesota Vikings Information and Hyperlinks

Schefter No Longer Shopping for Sam Darnold + Vikings Rumors; Raiders Need JJ McCarthy

Some of the trusted NFL insiders to throw fuel on this week’s ‘Darnold could return to the Vikings’ fireplace was ESPN’s Adam Schefter, who reported on Wednesday that Sam touchdown again in Minnesota is what “makes the most sense”.

On Friday, nonetheless, Schefty obtained on KFAN Radio along with his buddy, Vikings radio VOX, Paul Allen, the place he very a lot walked his earlier report again. Now, Adam believes the other of what he reported simply two days in the past, telling PA, “I don’t view [Sam Darnold returning] as a likely scenario, right now.”

PA: “If it were a 0-10, what number would you put on [Sam Darnold being] the starting quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings next year?”

Schefter: “Not high… not high. Again, as we go over all these scenarios, they’re all in play. But I think [returning to] the Vikings is a down low scenario. I don’t view [Sam Darnold returning] as a likely scenario, right now.”

‘All Signs Point’ to Vikings QB Sam Darnold Inking Sudden Contract

The Minnesota Vikings are attempting to stroll a high-quality line with Sam Darnold. That has left the door open for the Seattle Seahawks.

Seattle agreed to commerce Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders.

The Raiders are a well-liked speculative touchdown spot for Darnold amid affect from NFL legend Tom Brady and a training workers led by Pete Caroll and together with Chip Kelly. Professional Soccer Speak’s Mike Florio believes Seattle wouldn’t have traded Smith with out a “clear plan” to interchange him,

Florio pointed to Darnold as “the most obvious candidate” after taking part in nicely in opposition to them in Week 16 of the common season.

Florio adopted up with an article saying “all signs point” to Darnold touchdown in Seattle.

“Darnold could be something more than the name at the top of a wish list. It’s possible a deal is already in place between the Seahawks and Darnold’s agents. (Yes, it would be tampering. No, the NFL doesn’t care 999 out of 1,000 times.),” Florio wrote on March 7. “As one source put it on Friday night, Smith wanted $40 million per year, and the Seahawks believed they could replace him for $30 million.”

Nevertheless, contract size could possibly be the best hurdle the Vikings should clear to maintain Darnold.

“Seahawks OC Klint Kubiak coached Sam Darnold so there is familiarity,” The Athletic’s Dianna Russini posted following the Raiders’ commerce. “Let’s see if Seattle will be willing to give Darnold at least a three year contract, which is what he’s looking for at his next stop.”

NFL Community’s Ian Rapoport reported Darnold’s state of affairs was certainly one of “several needles to thread” for the Vikings, who’ve 2024 first-round decide J.J. McCarthy ready within the wings.

The rumored worth level to signal Darnold has fluctuated. Spotrac tasks Darnold may command a deal value $160.5 million over 4 years. Over The Cap tasks the Vikings have $62.8 million to spend.

Tom Pelissero: Vikings have a contract provide out to Sam Darnold

Amid ongoing rumors that Sam Darnold’s free agent market isn’t as robust as anticipated, NFL Community’s Tom Pelissero has reported that the Vikings have put a suggestion on the desk for Darnold.

The query, after all, is what that provide seems to be like. Is it a one-year deal? A two-year deal that the Vikings may get out of subsequent offseason if wanted? Is it for $25, possibly $30 million per yr? Any dedication higher than that appears unlikely from Minnesota, provided that J.J. McCarthy is ready within the wings as their future franchise quarterback. On condition that Darnold’s camp hasn’t accepted the Vikings’ provide, it feels honest to imagine it isn’t an enormous one.

“The Vikings have an offer out to him,” Pelissero stated on the Wealthy Eisen Present on Friday. “They have been in talks. They chose not to use the franchise tag, which is probably a pretty good indication that Sam Darnold’s market is a little bit lighter than what people had been expecting on the outside. Does Sam Darnold decide to go back on effectively a one-year deal in Minnesota and be the guy until he’s not the guy, with J.J. McCarthy sitting there breathing down his neck? Does he decide, I’m gonna go someplace else, whether that’s on another one-year deal or it’s on a multi-year deal?”

It’s an enchanting state of affairs. Darnold might like the thought of working it again with Minnesota, the place he will get to work with Kevin O’Connell and Justin Jefferson, however McCarthy’s presence complicates issues. It will appear to be a simple determination if one other staff makes him a stronger provide that units him as much as be their unquestioned starter for the following couple years, however will such a chance current itself?

“There are several teams that have an interest level in Sam Darnold, but I don’t get the sense that there’s somebody blowing him away with a monster multi-year contract, otherwise you probably already would’ve had the Vikings pivoting off of that and going to the next thing,” Pelissero continued. “So that’s one of the big dominos here, which in turn impacts the likes of Daniel Jones, who would be — in all likelihood — plan B (for the Vikings), in addition to obviously having J.J. McCarthy there.”

QB Sam Darnold not anticipated to re-sign with Vikings

It seems the Sam Darnold period in Minnesota shall be a one-off.

Darnold will not be anticipated to return to the Vikings, who at the moment are targeted on different quarterback choices they’ve been pursuing in latest weeks, NFL Community Insiders Ian Rapoport, Tom Pelissero and Mike Garafolo reported Saturday, per sources.

3 ideas on Sam Darnold, J.J. McCarthy as Vikings’ determination approaches

Because the tag deadline handed, the thrill is that QB-needy groups — maybe afraid of “the real Sam Darnold” being the man who confirmed up within the ultimate two video games of the Vikings’ season — aren’t that fascinated with giving him a contract value $40-plus million per yr, which is the going charge for high quality beginning quarterbacks in at present’s sport.

Aaron Rodgers, Vikings Reported Curiosity Has Everyone Making Brett Favre Jokes

NFL Community’s Ian Rapoport stated the Vikings are thought-about a “dark horse” within the Rodgers sweepstakes whereas The Athletic’s Dianna Russini stated the Vikings “could show interest” in Rodgers if they’re unable to re-sign Daniel Jones.

Vikings free-agency predictions: What is going to they do with Sam Darnold, Byron Murphy, others?

Sam Darnold

Prediction: Indicators elsewhere in free company

Byron Murphy Jr.

Prediction: Indicators extension with Minnesota

Aaron Jones

Prediction: Indicators extension with Minnesota

Camryn Bynum

Prediction: Indicators elsewhere in free company

Report: Najee Harris ‘is on the Vikings’ radar’

If the Minnesota Vikings can’t re-sign working again Aaron Jones, a reputation to observe is Najee Harris, based on Darren Wolfson of KSTP-TV.

“Continue to hear, the Vikings having dialogue with Drew Rosenhaus, the Rosenhaus representation with Aaron Jones in mind. What is that price point? I don’t think the Vikings are going beyond $7 million on Aaron Jones. It may even be a tick less than that,” Wolfson stated Thursday Minnesota Sports activities with Mackey & Judd.

“But the Vikings want Aaron Jones back. That is priority No. 1. If they have to pivot, if Jones ends up elsewhere, Najee Harris. My understanding is Najee Harris, a free agent, is on the Vikings’ radar.”

If the Vikings don’t need to pay Jones greater than $7 million, how a lot are they going to supply a youthful again like Harris, who’s about flip 27 whereas Jones shall be 31 in December?

Former NFL agent Joel Corry not too long ago wrote for CBS Sports activities that Harris may get a three-year, $30 million deal in free company. $10 million per season for a working again who has been barely above common throughout his profession? Minnesota has cash to spend, however is that the place they need to make investments it?

Jones rushed 255 instances for 1,138 yards and 5 touchdowns whereas including 51 receptions for 408 yards and two touchdowns. Harris, in his fourth season with Pittsburgh, completed with 266 carries for 1,043 yards and 4 touchdowns, whereas including 36 receptions for 283 yards.

Vikings predicted to drag off blockbuster commerce for Jets $9 million famous person

If Jones and the Vikings half methods for any cause, Professional Soccer Community’s Sterling Xie predicts Minnesota will pull off a blockbuster commerce with the New York Jets for working again Breece Corridor.

“But even if Jones returns, he’ll be 30 years old, coming off a career-low in yards per carry (albeit still a healthy 4.5 average),” Xie wrote. “Hall recovered from a horrid start to finish strong, averaging 4.6 yards per carry over his final nine games. He would also bring enticing big-play ability to a Vikings offense that ranked 23rd in explosive run rate last year (only 10.7% of their rush attempts gained 10+ yards).”

It stays to be seen if the Jets would even be prepared to commerce Corridor. In spite of everything, he’s a key piece in New York’s offense.

However he’s additionally coming into the ultimate yr of his rookie contract and if the Jets assume he gained’t re-up, they may look to deal him. The Jets even have a potential in-house alternative in Braelon Allen, a 2024 draft decide who managed to shine in his restricted alternatives final season.

Broncos Predicted to Signal Vikings Working Again in Free Company

In an article from Bleacher Report, the Broncos dipped into the free-agent pool. The Broncos had been predicted to land former Minnesota Vikings working again Aaron Jones.

Jones is coming off his eighth season within the NFL, the place he put up 1,186 speeding yards, the third most he’s had in his profession. Nevertheless, his yards-per-attempt had been the bottom he’s had at 4.4 yards per carry.

Jones isn’t only a runner, he additionally contributes within the passing sport as a receiver. Head coach Sean Payton is on the lookout for a “joker” so as to add to the offense. Jones can fill that position out of the backfield.

Analyst floats concept of Kirk Cousins reunion if Vikings can’t re-sign Sam Darnold

However there’s one other acquainted face who would additionally make some sense — former Vikings starter Kirk Cousins, who could possibly be launched by the Atlanta Falcons this offseason. That’s an concept NFL Community’s Daniel Jeremiah floated on the community on Thursday, and Jeremiah made an look on ESPN’s The Pat McAfee Present Friday to make clear his ideas on Cousins.

“I think people misinterpreted the Cousins thing, ‘Why would they bring back (Cousins) and not let (McCarthy) go?’” Jeremiah stated on the ESPN present on Friday. “No, no, (McCarthy’s) gonna be the starter, but you have to have some veteran insurance there. First of all, the guy needs to stay healthy, and with Kirk Cousins, I just thought it was a unique opportunity for somebody … who knows the offense inside and out. Atlanta’s footing the bill, so it’s going to cost you nothing.”

Vikings Free Company: Cornerback is a large want in Minnesota and there are quite a lot of proficient gamers to select from

The Minnesota Vikings are set to hit free company with a large quantity of wage cap area. Earlier than factoring within the extension of Theo Jackson, the Vikings could have $62.8 million in wage cap area to maneuver with.

They’re prone to be huge gamers out there with quite a lot of cap area and a number of holes to fill. Defensive deal with goes to be a precedence, however cornerback could be an even bigger one with 4 of their gamers set to hit the open market: Byron Murphy Jr., Stephon Gilmore, Shaquill Griffin, and Fabian Moreau.

Byron Murphy Jr.

Contract prediction: 4 years, $70 million, $38 million assured

D.J. Reed

Contract prediction: 3 years, $42 million, $27 million assured

Charvarius Ward

Contract prediction: 3 years, $43.5 million, $26 million assured

Carlton Davis

Contract prediction: 3 years, $40 million, $23 million assured

Paulson Adebo

Contract prediction: 2 years, $24 million, $14 million assured

An Offseason Plan

.

I’m going to proceed to pound the drums for signing some gamers which have been launched reasonably than signing unrestricted free brokers.

Jonathan Allen is #1 in my guide. He’s 30 in comparison with Milton Williams who’s 26. Allen will probably signal for 16-20M whereas Williams will probably get extra. That’s an excessive amount of for me. Kendall Fuller is a good nook and #2 in my guide.

.
Beginning Cap House
2025: $60,391,543
2026: $99,908,844
.
Lower Ed Ingram (saves 3.325M)
Lower CJ Ham (saves 2.65M)
.
Prolong Brian O’Neill 2 yr 38M (saves 11M)
Prolong Josh Oliver – 3 yr 21M (saves 4.28M)
Prolong Harrison Smith – 1 yr 8.255M (prices 7M)
Prolong Cam Akers – 1 yr 2.17M
…
Signal Jonathan Allen (DL) – 3 yr 57M
Signal DJ Reed (CB) – 3 yr 48M
Signal Jourdan Lewis (CB) – 2 yr 8M
Signal Isaiah Rodgers (CB) – 2 yr 6M
Signal Patrick Mekari (LG) – 3 yr 33M
Signal Trystan Colon (RG) – 2 yr 7M
Signal Najee Harris RB – 3 yr 33M
Signal Elijah Moore WR – 1 yr 5M
…
Ending Cap House
2025: $38,647,543
2026: $35,782,844
…

Nonetheless want a backup QB and will attempt to signal Javon Hargrave.

Yore Mock Draft
Commerce Recap
Minnesota Receives: 2025: Spherical 2, Decide 36, 2025: Spherical 3, Decide 70, 2025: Spherical 6, Decide 196
Jacksonville Receives: 2025: Spherical 1, Decide 24

…

Minnesota Receives: 2025: Spherical 3, Decide 74, 2025: Spherical 5, Decide 141
Carolina Receives: 2025: Spherical 3, Decide 70

…

Minnesota Receives: 2025: Spherical 3, Decide 88, 2025: Spherical 6, Decide 184
Jacksonville Receives: 2025: Spherical 3, Decide 97, 2025: Spherical 5, Decide 161
…
Minnesota Receives: 2025: Spherical 4, Decide 135, 2025: Spherical 7, Decide 226
Miami Receives: 2025: Spherical 5, Decide 140, 2025: Spherical 6, Decide 196
…
Minnesota Receives: 2025: Spherical 5, Decide 150, 2025: Spherical 6, Decide 211
Dallas Receives: 2025: Spherical 5, Decide 141
…

36. Nick Emmanwori S South Carolina 6’3.1” 220

74. Tate Ratledge IOL Georgia 6’6.4” 308

88. Deone Walker DL Kentucky 6’7.3” 331

135. Jacob Parrish CB Kansas State 5’9.6” 191

150. D.J. Giddens RB Kansas State 6’0.02” 212

184. Jalen Rivers OT Miami (FL) 6’5.6” 319

Photograph by Wealthy von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire by way of Getty Pictures

211. Isaac TeSlaa WR Arkansas 6’3.5” 214

226. Caleb Ransaw S Tulane 5’11.3” 197

Photograph by Derick E. Hingle/Getty Pictures

UDFA
Montrell Johnson RB Florida
Warren Brinson DT Georgia
Eric Gregory DT Arkansas
Jailin Walker LB Indiana
Cooper Mays C Tennessee
Dont’e Thornton WR Tennessee
Hunter Wohler S Wisonson
James Burnip P Alabama
Brant Kuithe TE Utah

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