Vikings Future Additions Get Flexible, Comp Pick or Not
The Minnesota Vikings have been in salary cap purgatory for the past handful of seasons. By agreeing to a big deal with a free-agent quarterback, they would always be in that situation. While adding additional compensatory picks in the draft is great, they now have flexibility because of J.J. McCarthy.
Vikings Future Additions Get Flexible, Comp Pick or Not
Plenty of thought was given to how Minnesota would ultimately attack the 2024 NFL Draft. With their eyes initially set on North Carolina’s Drake Maye, they would have been on the hook to surrender both of 2024’s first-round picks as well as their 2025 first-round pick. It could have been worth it if they felt like Maye was a surefire star. In getting McCarthy at 10th overall, they have added a potential franchise piece on a rookie deal.
Shedding Cousins’ contract gives Minnesota financial flexibility they simply haven’t had in recent seasons. They are able to operate on the free agent market in a capacity that has otherwise surpassed their presence and get to do so while still having picks moving forward.
The Star Tribune’s Ben Goessling outlined a bit more detail on the third-round compensatory selection that Minnesota is expected to gain. It’s great that they’ll have another opportunity with draft capital in 2025, but they can supplement the roster as they have done this year.
By being able to compete through the free agent landscape, Minnesota can continue working with developmental projects and established veterans. After a 7-10 season, there are many ways that 2024 could go. The division is more difficult, but Kevin O’Connell’s squad may see a respectable step forward if either Sam Darnold or McCarthy takes to the quarterback position with a level of success.
The 2025 NFL Draft won’t have the prolific signal caller among the class that this cycle did, but Minnesota can focus on other areas of the roster needing help, and they can do so while having the opportunity to pay free agent salaries ahead of time.
Former Vikings QB Dropped by 4th Team
Ted Schwerzler is a blogger from the Twin Cities that is focused on all things Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings. He’s active on Twitter and writes weekly for Twins Daily. As a former college athlete and avid sports fan, covering our pro teams with a passion has always seemed like such a natural outlet.
You must be logged in to post a comment.