Vikings Free Agency: 5 Things We Learned about the 2024 Vikings on Monday
Monday marked the start of the legal tampering period in NFL free agency.
With it came boatloads of reports of player signings, releases, and trades. It was a particularly busy day for the Minnesota Vikings, and with the day now winding down, we have lots of new Vikings free agency news. With the first day of tampering in the books, here are five things we learned about the 2024 Vikings.
1. Kirk Cousins Is Out of the Blueprint
The Minnesota Vikings and their fanbase finally got their answer in regard to Kirk Cousins and his future with the team on Monday. The veteran QB is leaving Minnesota after six seasons and is headed to the Atlanta Falcons after signing a massive four-year deal worth $180 million and $100 million in guaranteed money.
Cousins had been the steady answer at QB, for better or worse, in Minnesota from 2018 all the way up until he suffered a torn Achilles in Week 8 of the 2023 season against the Green Bay Packers. Prior to 2023, he had never missed a game with injury. Now, the Vikings need to find a new QB solution, and unless Jaren Hall or Nick Mullens get the call, that player is currently not on the Vikings roster.
2. Vikings Have Been Interested in RBs
Tony Pollard earned himself a three-year deal worth $24 million with the Tennessee Titans today, but apparently, there was competition for the veteran’s services. One of those teams in the mix was the Minnesota Vikings, as reported by Dianna Russini of The Athletic.
The Vikings had a putrid rushing attack in 2023, and they recently parted ways with starting RB Alexander Mattison, leaving Ty Chandler as the main man in the backfield. As a result, it would make sense for Minnesota to pursue a player who can be a running mate for Chandler whether it be in free agency or the draft.
3. Versatility and Youth Are a Focus on Defense
The Vikings signed three defenders on Monday, and they all had the same two things in common: they were younger than the players they could be replacing and can fill multiple roles. The three signees for Minnesota were Blake Cashman, Jonathan Greenard, and Andrew Van Ginkel.
Cashman, a former Minnesota Gopher from his collegiate years, is a stout run defender at the inside linebacker spot while also being very well-equipped in pass coverage with his plus-athleticism. Meanwhile, Greenard and Van Ginkel are likely to suit up at the outside linebacker spots.
Particularly in the case of Van Ginkel, he is a Swiss army knife at the position. He stops the run, rushes the passer, and can even step back into coverage. Van Ginkel put together a PFF pass coverage grade of 87.3 on his 147 coverage snaps, which was the second-most such snaps for an edge rusher in the entire league.
4. More Veterans Could Be on the Way Out
Considering the money that was given to players at the linebacker spots by the Vikings, it is becoming more evident that veterans like Danielle Hunter and Jordan Hicks may be headed elsewhere this offseason. In fact, immediately after the Vikings signed Greenard, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network tweeted the following: “So Jonathan Greenard heads to Minnesota as Danielle Hunter gets set to cash in elsewhere …”
The writing appears to be on the wall, particularly for Hunter, after Minnesota’s actions in free agency on Monday.
5. Edge Rusher Is Probably Off the Table in R1 of the Draft
Not only did Minnesota’s plans with Hunter likely become a bit clearer, but their draft plans may have revealed themselves as well. The Vikings now have two starting quality pass rushers on their roster, which was two more than they had to begin the day.
As a result, the EDGE/OLB position likely comes off the board for the Vikings in the draft, which leaves the likely candidates as quarterback or perhaps defensive tackle if they are unable to trade up and snatch the QB they want.
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Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.
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