Vikings Tumble in Post-Free Agency Power Rankings
Mitchel Massman
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The NFL Free Agency tampering period opened one week ago. As always, there was a flurry of news for big-name signings. However, the Minnesota Vikings were not in on the action. Now, one week later, let’s look at where the Vikings fall in post-free agency power rankings.
NFL’s Power Rankings had the Vikings ranked 17th before free agency. This is not a big surprise considering they ended the 2021 season in the middle of the pack.
However, now general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and coach Kevin O’Connell are in charge. To date, they have had to make several difficult decisions. The most critical of these was giving Kirk Cousins a one-year “prove it” extension. After that, they made some small-time signings and elected to keep the specialists intact.
Last week, the Vikings began to address the massive holes on the defense. A new fan favorite, defensive tackle ‘Horrible Harry’ and linebacker Jordan Hicks. Unfortunately, they did have to release Michael Pierce after he refused to restructure his deal for less money.
How did all these changes affect the Vikings’ Power Rankings?
Well, the Vikings dropped to 19th. However, before fans go, “extending Kirk is the reason for this,” that is not the reason they fell. This has more to do with Kwesi not addressing the big holes, but that will change. The Vikings have hosted Za’Darius Smith and will hopefully sign him. Look for them to sign a cornerback or two in free agency too.
NFC North Opponents Standing in Post-Free Agency Rankings
So, the Vikings dropped to 19th in the post-free agency power rankings. However, it’s too early to tell how this will affect the team in September. Moreover, free agency is far from over.
In the spirit of competition, where does the rest of the NFC North Stand?
- Green Bay Packers – Pre-Free Agency 5th > Post-Free Agency 7th
- Chicago Bears – Pre-Free Agency 24th > Post-Free Agency 25th
- Detroit Lions – Pre-Free Agency 28th > Post-Free Agency 29th
Let’s start with the Lions … and that’s all we need to cover there. Ok, seriously, though, until the Lions figure out whatever curse the Lions have, we don’t need to worry too much about them. Yes, the Vikings did lose to them once last year, but that had a lot to do with coaching error.
The Bears, on the other hand, have a young talented quarterback. They also brought in a new coach and general manager to build around the young Justin Fields. However, so far, the Bears have done nothing but tear about the team. Allen Robinson and Khalil Mack are gone. The Bears have two wide receivers on the team so let’s not get worked up about them.
The Green Bay Packers are, of course, the team to beat in the NFC North. Fortunately for the Vikings cornerback group, the Packers traded away Davante Adams. However, they still have Aaron Rodgers. As long as Aaron Rodgers is the quarterback for the Packers, they will be a difficult team to beat.
Where Do Vikings Stand in the NFC?
Even if the Vikings did fall in the post-free agency power rankings, it’s not time to panic. We, as fans, tend to hang on the edge of our seats during this time of year. Fans want their team to make the big deal to get in a position to make a run at the Super Bowl.
Every NFL’s team first goal of the year is to win the division. If you win your division, you are guaranteed a playoff birth and at least one home game. This is a significant advantage as anything can happen in the playoffs.
However, it’s important to win conference games because they can greatly impact tie-breaker positions. With that said, who ranks ahead of the Vikings in the NFC?
- Rams
- Buccaneers
- 49ers
- Packers
- Cowboys
- Cardinals
- Eagles
If you are keeping count, seven teams ranked higher than the Vikings. How many teams make the playoffs? 7.
The Vikings need to continue making moves to address needs if they want a fighting chance this year. Signing Za’Darius Smith would be a good start.
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