Minnesota Vikings Information and Hyperlinks: We Assume It’s JJ Time

I nonetheless am somewhat upset that the Bears for Joe Thuney for a 2026 4th. I’d have given up the third with the hope of getting again a sixth. You’re speaking All Professional caliber left guard. The Vikings wanted that dangerous. I do know some will say he’s going to be 33 however do these identical folks need to get Zeitler or Scherff who’re older?

Kwesi has numerous work to do.

Minnesota Vikings Information and Hyperlinks

Bears Making Strikes to Repair O-Line as Vikings Watch

The Minnesota Vikings have made it very clear early on this offseason. They’ve two predominant focuses between now and when coaching camp kicks off in July and that’s fixing the inside defensive and offensive strains.

If we imagine what the Vikings are promoting us, then gone (supposedly) are the times the place we watch Ed Ingram, Dalton Risner and Blake Brandel fail to open holes for Vikings operating backs and get greatly surprised by extra gifted defensive tackles.

Chicago Bears commerce for 2 prime offensive guards – Minnesota Vikings select endurance

They weren’t keen to attend till bidding wars get began subsequent week. As a substitute, the Bears have accomplished trades for 2 guards — Jonah Jackson (Rams) Joe Thuney (Chiefs). Jackson was given permission to hunt a commerce out of LA final week, and did simply that. The Thuney commerce is a little more stunning, however he too is getting into the ultimate 12 months of his present deal.

Bears commerce 4th spherical decide for Joe Thuney

Joe Thuney is 32 years outdated. He’s a former third spherical decide of the New England Patriots again in 2016. Since being drafted, he has been top-of-the-line and most dependable guards within the NFL for 2 totally different groups. Since his sophomore season, Thuney has by no means posted a PFF grade decrease than 74.4.

Final season, he received an 80.0 general grade, his second greatest ever. Thuney has an enormous $26.9 million cap hit this season, the ultimate 12 months of his present five-year $80 million contract, nevertheless it’s very doable he and the Bears work out an extension earlier than the offseason is over.

Bears commerce sixth spherical decide for Jonah Jackson

Jonah Jackson, 28, is a former third spherical decide by the Detroit Lions, so he has familiarity within the NFC North. In 2024, after signing a three-year, $51 million contact with the Rams final offseason, he ended up enjoying simply 4 video games as a result of he was usurped on the roster by second-year guard out of TCU, Steve Avila.

Jackson has a $14.6 million cap hit in 2025. The Bears are banking on Jackson’s falling out with the Rams as extra of a credit score to Avila, than a detriment on Jackson, however that has but to be confirmed. In week 18 final season vs the Seahawks, Jonah Jackson was on a mission to show he’s a starter, posting a 91.8 PFF grade, which can have helped persuade the Bears to deal for him.

With Sam Darnold’s free-agent choices anticipated to be skinny, the NFL’s QB carousel is taking form

A number of sources who spoke with Yahoo Sports activities following the conclusion of the NFL scouting mix — together with a handful of workforce executives and brokers with curiosity within the quarterback market — imagine Darnold goes to lack the strong free-agent market that was anticipated for a lot of his 2024 breakout season. As a substitute, there may be rising consensus that Darnold’s most suitable choice can be to work out a one- or two-year contract with the Vikings for $25 million to $30 million a season, giving the 2 sides a possibility to both do a brand new deal subsequent offseason or for Darnold to re-enter free company in 2026.

“You’d think the supply and demand is on the side of the quarterbacks this offseason because there really aren’t enough good ones to go around, but the landing spots aren’t really very attractive, either,” mentioned one distinguished NFL agent with a historical past of doing large quarterback offers. “I just think Darnold’s market is a lot softer than people realize, and his best setup is going to be staying in Minnesota another year.”

Two basic managers shared an identical opinion, pointing to Darnold’s shaky finish to the season as having a chilling impact that might be remedied with one other sturdy 12 months in Minnesota.

There was some uncertainty about the place Vikings 2024 first-round QB J.J. McCarthy is in his rehab course of from offseason surgical procedures to restore his meniscus — together with weight reduction that occurred within the wake of that restore. Nevertheless, a supply mentioned McCarthy has already improved his weight and must be accessible for the offseason passing program and able to go in June’s minicamp. Regardless of that, the Vikings have left the door open for a possible Darnold return on a cost-effective short-term deal that will give the franchise one other 12 months of runway to guage each Darnold and McCarthy. That choice would solely materialize if Darnold’s free company choices are weak.

One supply believes Darnold may find yourself again in Minnesota on a totally assured one-year, $25 million deal. One other believed it might be a two-year $60 million take care of some assured cash additionally within the second 12 months, however not sufficient to take away the choice of the Vikings both buying and selling or slicing Darnold subsequent offseason if the workforce needs to maneuver in one other route.

Schefter hints at risk of Sam Darnold returning to Vikings on one-year deal

Adam Schefter believes a one-year deal to return to the Vikings is a practical final result.

“He’s happy in Minnesota. He’s with a great coach, a great team, and he thrived there. So, the worst-case scenario is you go back to Minnesota, take a short deal, make good money this year,” Schefter mentioned Tuesday on his podcast, “and then you parlay that, basically putting off free agency for a year, and try to test the market again next year.”

It might be stunning if Darnold didn’t obtain a multi-year provide from one other workforce in free company. The Raiders, Giants, Browns, Colts, Titans, and Jets may all use an improve at quarterback. With a weak quarterback draft class, the choices in free company are restricted to Darnold, Aaron Rodgers, Joe Flacco, Justin Fields, Russell Wilson, and Jameis Winston.

“It would not be surprising if the two sides worked out some type of short-term contract that allowed the Vikings to keep Sam Darnold, that allowed him to get paid, and that enabled them to run it back if J.J. McCarthy isn’t fully ready this season due to his knee injury, struggles in the preseason, or any type of setback. So, to me, Sam Darnold to Minnesota makes sense, but now that he’s not going to be tagged, other teams will have their say,” Schefter argued.

“We’ll see if a workforce just like the New York Giants makes a compelling sufficient provide to pry Sam Darnold away. My guess, as we tape this, is not any. My guess is essentially the most smart choice is Minnesota.

“It’s not exactly what Sam Darnold would have hoped for or wanted, but it’s still a pretty favorable outcome in my mind. I think the Raiders have some interest, but not a lot. I think the Giants have some interest, but not a lot.”

If Darnold does return to Minnesota on a one-year deal, what’s the quantity? The Vikings may’ve locked him in by way of the franchise tag for $41.3 million. That was clearly too wealthy for his or her blood, so may the quantity be nearer to $30 million?

Observe: that is for humor functions solely. attempt to not get your underwear to bunched up

May J.J. McCarthy demand a commerce? Mike Florio sparks wild Vikings QB hypothesis

Is J.J. McCarthy going to ask for a commerce out of Minnesota earlier than he even takes a significant snap in purple? Whereas extremely unlikely, that’s precisely what Professional Soccer Discuss’s Mike Florio appears to assume may occur if the workforce brings again Sam Darnold on a multi-year deal.

After the Vikings selected to not franchise-tag Darnold, the rapid hypothesis shifted to which QB-needy workforce would signal him to a serious deal this offseason. Nevertheless, insiders like ESPN’s Adam Schefter and NFL Community’s Ian Rapoport have advised {that a} reunion in Minnesota stays a powerful risk—regardless of the dearth of a franchise tag.

Now, enter Florio’s, dare we are saying, fairly reckless hypothesis in regards to the Vikings’ quarterback state of affairs.

“I thought maybe they would tag and trade him, tag him and keep him for a year. They might still keep him. A lot of it depends on—and this has parallels to Kirk Cousins last year—what else is out there for Sam Darnold? And is he willing to take that in lieu of whatever the Vikings’ best offer is?” Florio mentioned in an interview on KFAN Wednesday morning. “Assuming they’re going to put an offer on the table—I have no reason to think they won’t—what is the magic number that makes sense for the Vikings to bring Darnold back? And what would the structure look like? Would it be a one-year deal? Two years or longer? And if it’s two years, that becomes a problem—at least from J.J. McCarthy’s perspective.”

“Because if they commit to Darnold for two years, I predict J.J. McCarthy is going to ask for a trade,” Florio continued. “And maybe that’s what the Vikings would want to do. You know, before things fell apart in Week 18 for Darnold—before the chariot turned back into a pumpkin—the thinking was, ‘Hey, wait a minute. We might have stumbled into plutonium by accident with Sam Darnold.’ So, if McCarthy is better than any quarterback in this year’s draft class, you could get a top-five pick for him, grab an elite player at another position of need, and call it a win-win. ‘Sorry, J.J., stuff happens, and you’re getting a fresh start somewhere else.’”

“If they try to do an ‘Aaron Rodgers-Jordan Love sit-three-years’ type of handoff, I don’t think McCarthy will be on board with it,” Florio added. “That’s going to be a problem.”

Florio then took issues a step additional, suggesting that, based mostly on sources he’s spoken to, there’s uncertainty about who is definitely calling the photographs in Minnesota.

“And through it all—I wrote this yesterday—and I have to be real with everybody, I have to be honest with the audience. I’m not thrilled about it, but people dealing with the Vikings have told me they don’t know who’s in charge. They don’t know who’s making the final decisions,” Florio mentioned. “Now, maybe that’s deliberate. Maybe it’s part of the strategy. Maybe it’s a negotiation tactic… but there’s real confusion over who ultimately decides between Darnold and McCarthy. Who wants Darnold? Who wants McCarthy? Who is making these decisions? And that has created this sense of fluidity—you’ve seen reports that the situation is constantly shifting. One reason for that? No one seems to have a clear picture of who’s making the final call.”

Will the Vikings look to pursue these cornerback choices in free company?

Cornerbacks Byron Murphy Jr., Stephon Gilmore, Shaq Griffin and Fabian Moreau are amongst Minnesota’s free brokers this season. Whereas it appears doubtless the Vikings will attempt to deliver again Murphy, Gilmore is 34 years outdated and is considering retirement. Moreau wasn’t an enormous contributor, and whereas the Vikings may look to re-sign Griffin, they might additionally look to the free agent marketplace for an improve, and there are a variety of prime cornerbacks hitting the market in brief order.

“Carlton Davis is a name that I would keep an eye on,” the Star Tribune’s Ben Goessling mentioned on their Entry Vikings podcast on Tuesday. “I’ve heard a little bit to think they may be interested there. I mean, D.J. Reed had a great game against them last year, too, so those names could be in the mix, and I think they want to bring Byron Murphy back.”

Davis and Reed are two intriguing choices for the Vikings. Davis is a free agent for the defending NFC North champion Detroit Lions, and he was a key contributor to their efforts within the secondary. Davis performed in 13 video games and completed the 12 months with 56 whole tackles, 11 passes defended, two interceptions, two fumble recoveries and a pressured fumble. Davis acquired a 74.5 general grade from Professional Soccer Focus (PFF) for 2024, which ranked twenty ninth amongst 223 graded corners.

Reed, in the meantime, was a standout for the Jets amid a nasty season from the workforce. He performed in 14 video games and completed with 64 whole tackles, 11 passes defended and a sack. Reid had a 70.5 general grade from PFF, forty third of the 223 graded corners.

Vikings commerce goal may make his method to Minnesota whereas serving to them earn a draft decide

There have been a couple of totally different choices mentioned for the Vikings to enhance their inside move rush. Osa Odighizuwa simply signed a four-year, $80 million contract and he was arguably the highest choice available on the market. There may be nonetheless Milton Williams and Levi Onwuzurike who might be distinction makers.

The Vikings may additionally attempt to purchase Jonathan Allen from the Washington Commanders who was granted permission to hunt a commerce final month. SKOR North’s Darren Wolfson reported that Allen would have “all sorts of interest” in enjoying for the Vikings.

The newest reporting from The Athletic’s Mike Silver says that Allen can be launched if a commerce can’t be discovered.

For the Vikings, they might discover a method so as to add Allen to their line of defense room and someway add draft capital. How? Utilizing the compensatory components to their benefit.

It’s one thing the Vikings did after they signed Aaron Jones final 12 months. Should you signal a participant that was lower in stead of their contract expiring, they don’t depend towards the compensatory decide components. It’s basically a cheat code to including expertise whereas additionally including draft capital. The Vikings are sixteenth within the NFL in including compensatory picks with 28 whereas the Baltimore Ravens, who’ve used this technique for years, sit atop the NFL with 56.

Proper now, the Vikings are projected to not have a fourth spherical decide within the 2026 NFL Draft as a result of Cam Robinson commerce. With the potential for shedding each Robinson and quarterback Sam Darnold who may fetch excessive compensatory picks, utilizing this technique could be very efficient for Adofo-Mensah.

Listed below are some doable candidates to be launched in the event that they haven’t already been launched. Perhaps selecting up launched gamers fairly than signing free brokers would be the greatest path to take with a purpose to protect comp picks?

https://nfltraderumors.co/potential-cap-casualties-for-all-32-teams-in-2025/

Jonathan Allen
Javon Hargrave
Sheldon Rankins
Dre’Mont Jones
Grady Jarrett?
D.J. Reader?
Jamal Dean?
Kendall Fuller
Darius Slay
James Bradberry
Jaire Alexander
Alex Cappa
Braden Smith?
Joel Bitonio
Wyatt Teller
Noah Fant
Gerald Everett

An Offseason Plan

.
Beginning Cap House
2025: $63,032,543
2026: $107,008,844
.
Commerce Garrett Bradbury to Jags for a fifth spherical decide (143)
Minimize Ed Ingram (saves 3.325M)
Minimize CJ Ham (saves 2.65M)
.
Prolong/Redo Brian O’Neill 2 yr 38M (saves 11M)
Prolong/Redo Andrew Van Ginkle 2 yr 30M (prices 1.6M)
Prolong Josh Oliver – 3 yr 21M (saves 4.28M)
Prolong Harrison Smith – 1 yr 8.255M (prices 7M)
Prolong Theo Jackson – 2 yr 6M (this was earlier than he was prolonged)
Prolong Cam Akers – 1 yr 2.17M
…
Signal Jonathan Allen (DL) – 3 yr 60M
Signal Drew Dalman (C) – 4 yr 56M
Signal Will Fries (RG) – 4 yr 60M
Signal Kendall Fuller (CB) – 2 yr 14M
Signal Jaire Alexander (CB) – 1 yr 10M
Signal Javonte Williams (RB) – 2 yr 7M
Signal Nate Hobbs (CB) – 2 yr 12M
Signal Tommy Tremble (TE) – 3 yr 13.5M
Signal Dillon Radunz (OL) – 2 yr 7M
…
Ending Cap House
2025: $37,704,543 (take a pair mil off for Theo)
2026: $32,975,844
…

Nonetheless want a backup QB which I don’t assume can be Darnold or Jones. Perhaps Minshew or Wentz?

Yore Mock Draft

Commerce Companion: Chiefs
Despatched: R1:24, R3:97
Obtained: R1:31, R2:63
…
Commerce Companion: Titans
Despatched: R1:31
Obtained: R2:35, R4:102
…
Commerce Companion: Chiefs
Despatched: R1:24, R3:97
Obtained: R1:31, R2:63
…
Commerce Companion: Jags
Despatched: Garrett Bradbury
Obtained: R5: 143
…
Commerce Companion: Chargers
Despatched: R5:140
Obtained: R5:159, R6:199
…

R2:35 Derrick Harmon DT Oregon 6’4.4” 313

R2:63 Darien Porter CB Iowa State 6’2.7” 195

R4:102 Ty Robinson DL Nebraska 6’5.1” 288

R5:143 Bhayshul Tuten RB Virginia Tech 5’9.2” 206

R5:159 Jalen Travis OT Iowa State 6’7.6” 339

Picture by David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire by way of Getty Pictures

R5:161 Danny Stutsman LB Oklahoma 6’3.2” 233

R6:199 Chimere Dike WR Florida 6’0.5” 196

R7:256 Hunter Wohler S Wisconsin 6’2.0” 213

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