Questions Answered: Vikings New 2-Year Window, the Anthony Barr Mystery, Everson Griffen Update
Dustin Baker
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The following questions are about current Minnesota Vikings topics, answered by VikingsTerritory. Today is the March 23rd edition, addressed in a from-the-hip fashion. If you have questions, please email them to [email protected].
Also, please note: These are opinion-based responses. Some answers will be incorrect from time to time. But we’ll try to keep that to a minimum.
Q: Am I correct that the Vikings are reloading for a two-year trial with the existing roster?
A: You are absolutely correct — and kudos to you for noticing it.
This was a plot twist. The Vikings ownership and Kwesi Adofo-Mensah are affording new coach Kevin O’Connell a two-year booster-upper to win now. That’s why the team is retaining roster pieces it feels are damn good ones.
The first hint was the Cousins extension. He sticks around for two more campaigns, much to the chagrin of some. Then, Adofo-Mensah left Danielle Hunter’s deal intact, which is, of course, a commitment for two more years.
Finally, they theatrically signed Za’Darius Smith for three years, but most NFL deals are truly two-year agreements.
Boom — once again, the Vikings are all-in for 2022 and 2023. At this time on the calendar in two years, reevaluation of the project will occur.
Q: Is Anthony Barr the odd man out after they signed Za’Darius Smith?
A: Yes, probably.
If he stays, where does he fit? Eric Kendricks and Jordan Hicks are the off-ball linebackers. Fans thirsted for years on the idea of Barr not acting as an off-ball defender — but he always was.
Unless Ed Donatell plans to put Danielle Hunter or Za’Darius Smith on the front-middle part of the defensive line, there is no room for Barr.
And, he can command more money elsewhere.
What a run for him, though.
Q: Is there any chance Everson Griffen is back for next season?
A: Always a chance, but it is unlikely.
Signing Za’Darius Smith probably ended the Vikings tenures of Anthony Barr and Everson Griffen in one stroke of a pen. Theoretically, Griffen could return for depth, but he’s a 4-3 defender. Mike Zimmer and Andre Patterson aren’t employed in Minnesota anymore, so the allure of bringing Griffen back fades.
Like Barr, however, what a Vikings career for the man. He’ll sign somewhere else.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. His YouTube Channel, VikesNow, debuts in March 2022. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sally from Minneapolis. His Viking fandom dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ and The Doors (the band).
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