On the Vikings “New” 2-Year Window
You might have heard of the new Vikings two-year window. If you haven’t, then let me explain. It is the working theory for the plan being put together by ownership, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, and Kevin O’Connell.
It’s not something they have outright said but rather a theory we onlookers from the outside have come up with — a theory I personally subscribe to as it makes perfect sense with everything that has been said and done this offseason.
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Vikings ownership was clear from the start that they expected the team to be competitive this year. There is the belief that the roster has underperformed and fresh young eyes in the office and on the practice field can get the best out of what was already here while making additions to improve the roster further. That is the initial job for Adolfo-Mensah and O’Connell.
The two-year window is primarily tied to Kirk Cousins‘ extension. That move put aside any ideas of a rebuild, and with Cousins at quarterback for the next two seasons, the Vikings must be competitive.
It’s not just the Cousins move, though. Moving the money around in the contracts of Harrison Smith, Danielle Hunter, and Adam Thielen all point to the same thing. Eric Kendricks might be next in line if they want to free up more money for this year.
At this point, the Vikings might as well go all in. Half measures will get you mediocrity. If they really have faith in this team, give it everything that you possibly can. Find that extra money for another big agency signing like JC Tretter.
If this team fails to improve this year or earnestly contend next year, then with Kirk Cousins out of contract in 2024, it is time to start with a rookie quarterback. Of course, you don’t want to wait until 2024 to draft that quarterback.
This year is also too early. You don’t want to use two years of that rookie contract with the young quarterback sitting on the bench — especially when Justin Jefferson needs a colossal contract to keep him in town with the way the wide receiver market has boomed this offseason.
The 2023 draft is where the Vikings should be aggressive and get the QB of the future. Bryce Young and CJ Stroud are the names with the buzz right now. A rookie to sit behind Cousins for one season is the ideal situation, especially if things aren’t going well at that point.
The rookie can come in early during the season. On the other hand, if Kirk Cousins is playing the best football of his career and the Vikings are marching towards their first Lombardi Trophy — you never know. He could get another extension. Time will tell.
The Vikings two-year window is where this regime does things differently from its predecessors. However, it’s not completely obvious at first glance due to some of the moves. As well as going for immediate success, there is an eye on the future.
The void years of Cousins and Hunter can easily be swallowed up in 2024 without crippling the cap situation; so can the dead money owed if they decided to part ways with Dalvin Cook, Adam Thielen, Harrison, and Za’Darius Smith, which would create nearly $60 million of cap space in the process.
That’s where the Vikings two-year window theory is born — if they are competitive and genuine Super Bowl contenders over the next two years, then great.
If not, then there is an obvious point for big changes to happen. A rebuild, if you will, with a rookie quarterback, while still having some good players in their prime like Justin Jefferson, Brian O’Neill, Christian Darrisaw, etc.
Now is the time to see what Kevin O’Connell can do as a head coach and what this team can do with the young modern offensive-minded coach most of the fan base craved.
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