Minnesota Vikings Information and Hyperlinks: Offseason Planning Has Begun

This offseason is off to an awesome begin. The debates are going to be fierce however nice. What is going to and may they do at QB? When will they lengthen KOC and KAM? What positions will they aim in free company after which the draft? Will they commerce for or away anybody? Will somebody reply the dang cellphone?

How a lot will KOC get in a brand new deal? I’m considering at the least 10M per 12 months and possibly 13M sounds good.

The Highest-Paid Head Coaches within the NFL

Up to date: January 7, 2025
Rank : Coach : Group : Complete Compensation
1 : Andy Reid : Kansas Metropolis Chiefs : $20 million
2 : Sean Payton : Denver Broncos : $18 million
T-3 : Mike Tomlin : Pittsburgh Steelers : $16 million
T-3 : Jim Harbaugh : Los Angeles Chargers : $16 million
5 : Sean McVay : Los Angeles Rams : $15 million
6 : Kyle Shanahan : San Francisco 49ers : $14 million
7 : John Harbaugh : Baltimore Ravens : $12 million
T-8 : Dan Campbell : Detroit Lions : $11 million
T-8 : Sean McDermott : Buffalo Payments : $11 million
10 : Mike Macdonald : Seattle Seahawks : $9 million
11 : Nick Sirianni : Philadelphia Eagles : $7 million
12 : Matt LaFleur : Inexperienced Bay Packers : $6 million
T-13 : Zac Taylor : Cincinnati Bengals : $4.5 million
T-13 : Dan Quinn : Washington Commanders : $4.5 million
T-15 : Mike McCarthy : Dallas Cowboys : $4 million
T-15 : Raheem Morris : Atlanta Falcons : $4 million
T-17 : Kevin Stefanski : Cleveland Browns : $3.5 million
T-17 : Mike McDaniel : Miami Dolphins : $3.5 million

One other subject has been will they signal a guard or two in free company.

Here’s a record of latest guard contracts and their pff grades for final 12 months …

Participant : Pos : Group : Ht : Wt : Age : Started : Years : Complete : Avg./12 months : PFF OVERALL : PFF PASS : PFF RUN : SNAPS
Landon Dickerson : LG : Eagles : 6’6” : 332 : 27 : 2024 : 4 : $84,000,000 : $21,000,000 : 79.2 : 73.6 : 79.7 : 995
Robert Hunt : RG : Panthers : 6’6” : 335 : 29 : 2024 : 5 : $100,000,000 : $20,000,000 : 67.7 : 57.5 : 72.0 : 966
Samuel Cosmi : RG : Commanders : 6’7” : 309 : 26 : 2024 : 4 : $74,000,000 : $18,500,000 : 68.8 : 74.3 : 66.4 : 1157
Quinn Meinerz : RG : Broncos : 6’3” : 320 : 27 : 2024 : 4 : $72,000,000 : $18,000,000 : 87.8 : 80.3 : 87.1 : 1089
Jonah Jackson : LG : Rams : 6’4” : 311 : 28 : 2024 : 3 : $51,000,000 : $17,000,000 : 67.5 : 59.3 : 68.8 : 266
Kevin Dotson : RG : Rams : 6’4” : 321 : 29 : 2024 : 3 : $48,000,000 : $16,000,000 : 81.3 : 65.6 : 83.0 : 1023
Damien Lewis : LG : Panthers : 6’3” : 332 : 28 : 2024 : 4 : $53,000,000 : $13,250,000 : 75.5 : 72.0 : 76.9 : 942
Jon Runyan, Jr. : LG : Giants : 6’4” : 307 : 28 : 2024 : 3 : $30,000,000 : $10,000,000 : 56.1 : 62.6 : 52.3 : 842
Ezra Cleveland : LG : Jaguars : 6’6” : 312 : 27 : 2024 : 3 : $24,000,000 : $8,000,000 : 64.9 : 67.8 : 59.7 : 911
Graham Glasgow : RG : Lions : 6’6” : 315 : 33 : 2024 : 3 : $20,000,000 : $6,666,667 : 57.9 : 56.2 : 57.8 : 1080
Kevin Zeitler : RG : Lions : 6’4” : 340 : 35 : 2024 : 1 : $6,000,000 : $6,000,000 : 86.8 : 71.8 : 87.2 : 1047
John Simpson : LG : Jets : 6’4” : 330 : 28 : 2024 : 2 : $12,000,000 : $6,000,000 : 77.3 : 72.3 : 79.2 : 1020
Nick Allegretti : LG : Commanders : 6’4” : 310 : 29 : 2024 : 3 : $16,000,000 : $5,333,333 : 61.7 : 57.5 : 63.9 : 1146
Chris Lindstrom : RG : Falcons : 6’3” : 307 : 28 : 2023 : 5 : $102,500,000 : $20,500,000 : 93.5 : 68.0 : 94.6 : 1099
Zack Martin : RG : Cowboys : 6’4” : 315 : 35 : 2023 : 2 : $36,850,000 : $18,425,000 : 65.6 : 62.0 : 63.3 : 638
Ben Powers : LG : Broncos : 6’4” : 310 : 29 : 2023 : 4 : $52,000,000 : $13,000,000 : 63.9 : 66.6 : 60.7 : 1088
Shaquille Mason : RG : Texans : 6’1” : 310 : 32 : 2023 : 3 : $35,000,000 : $11,666,667 : 62.3 : 65.2 : 57.7 : 931
Cesar Ruiz : RG : Saints : 6’4” : 316 : 26 : 2023 : 4 : $44,000,000 : $11,000,000 : 67.6 : 67.5 : 64.4 : 813
Isaac Seumalo : LG : Steelers : 6’4” : 303 : 32 : 2023 : 3 : $24,000,000 : $8,000,000 : 67.6 : 63.0 : 69.7 : 826
Will Hernandez : RG : Cardinals : 6’2” : 332 : 30 : 2023 : 2 : $9,000,000 : $4,500,000 : 69.3 : 74.2 : 66.0 : 280
Quenton Nelson : LG : Colts : 6’5” : 330 : 29 : 2022 : 4 : $80,000,000 : $20,000,000 : 81.3 : 79.7 : 81.7 : 1083
Elgton Jenkins : LG : Packers : 6’5” : 311 : 30 : 2022 : 3 : $68,000,000 : $17,000,000 : 66.0 : 83.1 : 61.2 : 1069
Brandon Scherff : RG : Jaguars : 6’5” : 315 : 34 : 2022 : 3 : $10,000,000 : $10,000,000 : 64.7 : 74.5 : 57.3 : 1013
James Daniels : RG : Steelers : 6’4” : 327 : 28 : 2022 : 3 : $26,500,000 : $8,833,333 : 92.9 : 66.5 : 92.5 : 209
Alex Cappa : RG : Bengals : 6’6” : 310 : 30 : 2022 : 4 : $35,000,000 : $8,750,000 : 50.5 : 39.7 : 54.9 : 1132
Joel Bitonio : LG : Browns : 6’4” : 320 : 34 : 2021 : 3 : $48,000,000 : $16,000,000 : 63.9 : 70.2 : 59.6 : 1178
Joe Thuney : LG : Chiefs : 6’5” : 304 : 33 : 2021 : 5 : $80,000,000 : $16,000,000 : 79.9 : 81.9 : 73.5 : 1115
Wyatt Teller : RG : Browns : 6’4” : 315 : 31 : 2021 : 4 : $56,800,000 : $14,200,000 : 62.6 : 63.1 : 61.6 : 885

Here’s a record of upcoming free agent guards …

2025 NFL Free Brokers – OG
RG Trey Smith – KC’s most underrated participant. In line to be richest OG.
RG Kevin Zeitler – 35yo dominated in lone Lion season. Will he retire?
RG Brandon Scherff – 33yo ex-1st rounder. Out of highlight in JAX.
LG Patrick Mekari – 27yo with 685+ profession snaps at LT, LG, C, and RT.
LG Teven Jenkins – 27yo ex-2nd rounder was a vibrant spot on CHI OL.
RG Mekhi Becton – A lot better inside in run-heavy PHI system. 26yo.
RG Zack Martin – 34yo 1st-ballot HOF could retire after ankle surgical procedure.
RG Dalton Risner – 30yo 2nd-rounder switched from LG to RG in MIN.
LG Ben Bredeson – Helped to be sandwiched by Wirfs/Barton. 27yo.
LG Aaron Banks – 27yo 2nd-rounder had greatest run block grade in ‘24.
IOL Lucas Patrick – 32yo with equal snaps at LG, C, RG. LG in NO.
IOL Evan Brown – 29yo UDFA went from LG-C-RG in DET-SEA-ARI.
LG Robert Jones – 26yo UDFA performed 1,000 snaps on dangerous MIA OL.
RG Liam Eichenberg – 27yo ex-2nd rounder struggled on MIA OL.
RG Will Fries – 27yo 2-year starter coming off tibia fracture in IND.

I consider the Chiefs who at the moment have 11M in cap house will restructure Mahomes 33.35M roster bonus which is able to give them 38M in cap house in keeping with overhtecap. Trey Smith is their prime free agent and solely turns 26 on June sixteenth. I’m prepared to wager they’d at the least place the franchise tag on him after which see if they’ll commerce him. I count on they’ll merely lengthen him.

The Bears have 69M in cap house in keeping with spotrac and 54M in keeping with overthecap who counts futures contracts now. The Bears prime free agent might be Teven Jenkins. I doubt they’ll simply let him stroll in free company with out tagging him first. I count on they lengthen him too.

What does that depart for these of us fantasizing a few prime free agent guard signing right here? I believe possibly we are going to see James Daniels, Aaron Banks, or possibly Robert Jones be obtainable in free company to bid on. However will they be an improve over Brandel and Risner if the Vikings carry Risner again? I believe Brandel deserves a bit extra persistence because it was his first full season at guard.

I believe the draft will possible be the place the place they discover a potential improve however with out many draft picks it will be powerful. Good!

Minnesota Vikings Information and Hyperlinks

Kevin O’Connell Hedges on Vikings’ Outlook at QB Heading Into 2025

Final summer time, Minnesota Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell gave J.J. McCarthy a ringing endorsement because the workforce’s quarterback of the long run.

“Everyone should be excited that we got our young franchise quarterback in the building,” O’Connell mentioned in August after McCarthy underwent season-ending knee surgical procedure.

However after Sam Darnold’s profession rebirth, being chosen to his first Professional Bowl to the tune of 4,319 passing yards and 35 touchdowns within the common season, McCarthy’s path isn’t as clear.

“When I said that in training camp about J.J., I think it was to make sure that everybody knew my perspective on what we had added … which was a guy [who] we all believe in his future. We all believe he had done some things to confirm the special aspects of what J.J. McCarthy had been as a player at the collegiate level,” O’Connell mentioned Jan. 16.

O’Connell didn’t take sides on whom the workforce will transfer ahead with subsequent season, reminding reporters he praised Darnold all through camp as properly.

“At the same time, throughout that whole time [training camp], I do remember saying that Sam was having a great training camp and doing a lot of the things that we hoped he would do on his individualized approach to being at his best and playing the best football of his career,” O’Connell mentioned.

“How we put things together as we move into the future will be based upon what gives us the best chance to win, what gives us the best chance to put the best version of the Minnesota Vikings football team on the field,” O’Connell mentioned.

“It’s way too early to — in that process — to really identify exactly what that looks like.”

Vikings QB Choices a ‘Golden Question’ & A part of Full Equation

Vikings Basic Supervisor Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and Head Coach Kevin O’Connell, respectively, every was requested about Minnesota’s QB scenario throughout Thursday press conferences with Twin Cities media members.

Adofo-Mensah known as it the “golden question.”

Will the Vikings look to retain Darnold? Will they pivot and make McCarthy the Day 1 starter? Will they re-sign Jones and/or Mullens?

All questions can be answered, however in due time.

“As Sam was playing great, as J.J. had started out his career playing great, making moves for Daniel Jones, you know, you’re talking about the most important position in our sport. And I don’t think it’s a bad thing to assemble a lot of talented players in that room who fit your vision, fit how you want to play football, fit from a personal standpoint, what you want to do,” Adofo-Mensah mentioned. “I believe that was the mindset we got here in with. We acquired to see Sam play some unimaginable soccer for us. Received loads of large video games — at Seattle, at Lambeau. The manufacturing that he was in a position to [have], speaking about video games the place he gained for us, there have been loads of video games the place he was a ‘win because of’ kind participant.

“I don’t want to give you the stock answer, but it really is, everything we do is about, ‘OK, what’s the team around him going to look like? [How] does this piece fit into our whole championship equation?’ And we’ll do those exercises like we did last offseason and came up with the plan we came up with,” Adofo-Mensah continued. “We’ll have these conversations with Kevin, my employees, all people on this constructing, to come back [alongside] — as a result of on the finish of the day, you’re making selections beneath uncertainty. However what occurs is, when you discover a plan of action, it’s about the way you implement your plan, the way you present up on daily basis and get the perfect model of whoever you determine to go along with at quarterback.

“How does that fit into your long-term picture? The [contract picture]? All those different things will go into our plan,” he added. “I’m excited to have those conversations, because I think we’ve got a lot of good options. And at the most important position in the sport, I think that’s a great thing.”

Adofo-Mensah reiterated confidence in Darnold from the soar, no matter what exterior critics could have mentioned.

“Did I know he was going to be a Pro Bowler? I’m not going to sit here and tell you that, [but] there was some part of us that all believed Sam was going to have a really good season, so when we made that move, that was part of the calculus,” Adofo-Mensah mentioned.

He and O’Connell famous they’ll be evaluating Darnold’s physique of labor moderately than judging the ultimate two outings on an island.

It’s vital to acknowledge that it wasn’t solely Darnold who struggled within the Vikings back-to-back losses to the Lions and Rams in Week 18 and the Wild Card Weekend (eerily déjà vu to Weeks 7 and eight), O’Connell reminded, as different gamers and coaches additionally hit snags within the crucial video games.

“I think Sam should be very proud about the season he put together from start to finish,” O’Connell mentioned. “He answered the bell day in and day out with his preparation. And really, I think he learned a lot about what he can be in this league.”

Adofo-Mensah confirmed the almost-22-year-old is now “throwing and training” on the sphere.

“He looks great. He’s excited,” he mentioned of McCarthy. “Discuss a child who’s simply obsessive about soccer, loves being across the sport. We’re enthusiastic about what we’ve in him. We’re excited for this offseason with him, it’s an enormous offseason, after which we’ll proceed from there.

“We’re really confident in him, his work ethic and his preparation,” Adofo-Mensah mentioned. “But I can’t sit here and tell you I know anything for certain. I know that I’m willing to believe in the person that we have. That position is about talent and preparation. He’s got those things in spades. So if that’s the course of action we decide, we’ll go there confidently.”

Vikings’ Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, Kevin O’Connell deal with their futures

Adofo-Mensah mentioned he’s met with the Wilfs because the season ended, however didn’t have any concrete updates past that.

“We did share time after the season, as we always do,” he mentioned. “They expressed to me their appreciation for Kevin and I’s leadership. They’re really supportive of us. I always think back to the unbelievable opportunity that they gave me. I’ve always dreamt of being a general manager in an organization trying to do the thing they haven’t done before (win a Super Bowl). I still have visions, I wake up in the morning and think of what that could be like.”

“I’m always gonna go back to the gratitude that I have for them and that I want to be the general manager going forward,” he added. “I don’t really spend a ton of time thinking about (my contract status). I am unbelievably grateful to be the general manager of the Vikings and I want to continue to be so. … Whatever comes in the future will come.”

When requested if he desires to signal a contract extension this 12 months, O’Connell mentioned “I do.”

“I’ve had great dialogue with our ownership this week, in reflection as the season came to an end,” he mentioned. “Anything beyond that, I’d prefer to keep those discussions internal.”

“What I would say is I love being the head coach of the Minnesota Vikings,” O’Connell mentioned. “I love our ownership, I have a great relationship with our ownership, and feel so fortunate — not only just the way they support us and believe in us, but also the impact they have on our players, on our locker room, and ultimately where we all want to go together. Feel very, very great about that.”

Brian Flores is (once more) an especially distinctive NFL head teaching candidate | Opinion

One of the vital fascinating NFL teaching candidates is Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores. Fascinating is one option to describe him. Controversial is one other. Gifted works, too. So does fearless trailblazer.

Flores, in keeping with numerous stories, has drawn head teaching curiosity. The NFL Community’s Ian Rapoport mentioned on X that Flores was scheduled to satisfy with the Jets and Jaguars on Friday and Bears on Saturday.

All of it is sensible. Flores is a superb tactician who remodeled the Vikings’ protection into the most effective items within the league. He deserves one other probability to be a head coach.

However would an NFL workforce actually rent Flores as a head coach once more? That’s the query and there’s an especially particular motive for asking it: Flores nonetheless has an energetic lawsuit towards the NFL for racial discrimination. It’s there. Nonetheless there. (Seems once more.) Yep, nonetheless there.

This second makes Flores one of the fascinating head teaching candidates in league historical past. What occurs subsequent with Flores is definitely larger than a training search. It goes to a pertinent question: Can NFL house owners overlook Flores’ racial discrimination lawsuit towards the league? Can the league let issues go?

Maybe the most important impediment for Flores isn’t the lawsuit. As an alternative, it’s what he did as coach of the Dolphins. Flores was the Miami coach from 2019-2021. His tenure there was, properly, rocky. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa mentioned on a podcast that Flores was a “terrible person.” Flores later responded: “Look, I’m human. So, that hit me in a method that I wouldn’t say was optimistic for me. However on the identical time, I’ve acquired to make use of that and say, ‘Hey, how can I grow from that, or how can I be better?’ And that’s actually the place I’m at from that standpoint.

“Do I feel like that’s me? No. But how can I grow from that situation and create a world where that’s not the case where anyone says that about Brian Flores?”

Jets’ Aaron Rodgers, Vikings’ Sam Darnold May Truly Swap Groups

If New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers returns to the NFL in 2025, he desires to play for a winner.

There’s a motive Rodgers isn’t deciding on his Jets future till New York’s employed a head coach and GM. If the Jets and their employees don’t look as much as snuff, Rodgers will both retire or take his abilities elsewhere.

And with Vikings future star J.J. McCarthy nonetheless simply 21 years previous (plus recovering from a serious damage), Rodgers may very well be the right man to affix the Vikings and hold the wins coming for his or her aggressive roster, all of the whereas serving as a mentor for the inheritor obvious McCarthy.

Might Rodgers comply with in Favre’s footsteps?

Rodgers remains to be able to taking part in at a excessive stage … who says he wouldn’t be capable to take this Vikings workforce deep into the playoffs subsequent season?

I might love this simply to see issues burn. On the very least Rodgers may counsel JJ on his technique of meditating which includes sequestering your self in some cave for a number of days and partaking in ayahuasca.

Yore Mock

This mock assume the workforce is ready to signal these free brokers …
James Daniels OG
Milton Williams DT
Julian Blackmon S
Paulson Adebo CB
Daniel Jones QB
Aaron Jones RB
Byron Murphy CB
Dalton Risner OG

…

Trades
Commerce Companion: Philadelphia Eagles
Despatched: Spherical 1 Decide 24
Obtained: Spherical 1 Decide 30, Spherical 3 Decide 30
…
Commerce Companion: New Orleans Saints
Despatched: Spherical 1 Decide 30
Obtained: Spherical 2 Decide 8, Spherical 3 Decide 27
…
Commerce Companion: Carolina Panthers
Despatched: Spherical 3 Decide 33
Obtained: Spherical 5 Decide 2, Spherical 4 Decide 12
…
Commerce Companion: Baltimore Ravens
Despatched: Spherical 5 Decide 2
Obtained: Spherical 5 Decide 35, Spherical 6 Decide 7
…

40: R2 P8 G Armand Membou – Missouri 6’3” 314

Photograph by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire by way of Getty Photographs

91: R3 P27 RB Dylan Sampson – Tennessee 5’11” 201

Photograph by Johnnie Izquierdo/Getty Photographs

94: R3 P30 S Andrew Mukuba – Texas 6’0” 186

Photograph by Matthew Visinsky/Icon Sportswire by way of Getty Photographs

113: R4 P12 C Jared Wilson – Georgia 6’3” 310

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

138: R5 P1 LB Smael Mondon – Georgia 6’3” 235

Joshua L. Jones / USA TODAY NETWORK by way of Imagn Photographs

159: R5 P22 WR Pat Bryant – Illinois 6’3” 200

Matt Marton-Imagn Photographs

172: R5 P35 TE Jackson Hawes – Georgia Tech 6’5” 260

Photograph by Jeffrey Vest/Icon Sportswire by way of Getty Photographs

182: R6 P7 DL Darius Alexander – Toldeo 6’4” 310

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports activities

236: R7 P21 CB O’Donnell Fortune – South Carolina 6’1” 185

Photograph by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire by way of Getty Photographs

An alternate utterly silly mock

A few head coach trades …
Sean Payton: 2023
The Broncos agreed to commerce first- and second-round picks to the Saints in 2023 in alternate for Payton and a third-round draft decide.
Jon Gruden: 2002
The Buccaneers agreed to commerce two first-round and two second-round picks plus $8 million to the Raiders in alternate for Gruden in 2002.

Commerce Kevin O’Connell and JJ McCarthy to the Raiders for his or her 2025 1st, 2025 third, 2026 1st, 2026 2nd

Flores turns into head coach and possibly promotes McCown.

Trades
Commerce Companion: Baltimore Ravens
Despatched: Spherical 3 Decide 4, Future Spherical 3 Decide
Obtained: Spherical 2 Decide 27, Spherical 4 Decide 27
…
Commerce Companion: Philadelphia Eagles
Despatched: Spherical 1 Decide 24
Obtained: Spherical 1 Decide 30, Spherical 3 Decide 30
…
Commerce Companion: Cleveland Browns
Despatched: Spherical 3 Decide 33
Obtained: Spherical 4 Decide 2, Spherical 6 Decide 24
…
6: R1 P6 CB Travis Hunter – Colorado
30: R1 P30 DL Tyleik Williams – Ohio State
59: R2 P27 G Armand Membou – Missouri
94: R3 P30 RB TreVeyon Henderson – Ohio State
103: R4 P2 C Jared Wilson – Georgia
128: R4 P27 DL Ty Robinson – Nebraska
138: R5 P1 LB Smael Mondon – Georgia
159: R5 P22 TE Jackson Hawes – Georgia Tech
199: R6 P24 S Jonas Sanker – Virginia
236: R7 P21 DL Darius Alexander – Toldeo

Once more, everyone knows the foundations, however in case somebody is new:

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Go away the gender hatred on the door
Hold the dangerous language to a minimal (utilizing the spoiler tags, if you happen to should)
Talking of which, if discussing a more moderen present or film, please use spoiler tags
No photos that might get somebody fired or in deep trouble with their employer
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Whereas navigating the open thread, simply assume it’s sarcasm