Hot Topics for the Vikings after the Draft

Dustin Baker |

Apr 27, 2025

Aug 10, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) runs the ball during the second quarter against the Las Vegas Raiders at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports.

The Minnesota Vikings completed their 2025 NFL Draft on Saturday evening, onboarding five rookies from the event, 19 undrafted free agent newcomers, and veteran passer Sam Howell via trade.

Hot Topics for the Vikings after the Draft

Most applauded the haul, new blood for a Vikings squad that believes it can contend for a Super Bowl as early as now.

So, with the draft and its three-month-long build-up in the rearview, these are the top storylines regarding the team at the moment, ranked in ascending order (No. 1 = top storyline)

5. The Schedule Release

On May 14th, onlookers will find out who goes where for the NFL’s 2025 itinerary. Some rumors place the Vikings overseas, possibly in Ireland, against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

And like last year, Minnesota’s schedule isn’t supposed to be easy — at all — so all eyes will turn to the official opponent order in two and a half weeks. The team also has an extra road game in 2025, an “off year” per the conference homefield advantage.

Dec 9, 2021; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt (90) looks on before the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports.

Star Tribune‘s Ben Goessling noted on the Vikings’ possible overseas trip in 2025 earlier this month: “While the Packers (who just earned international marketing rights in Ireland) have been rumored as a possible opponent, it’s believed the Steelers might want to keep the Packers game in Pittsburgh — especially if it’s Aaron Rodgers facing his former team.”

“That could leave the Vikings, Bills or Seahawks as possible opponents for the Steelers in Ireland. We’ll learn the matchups in the coming weeks, but the possibility of a Dublin game for the Vikings seemed plausible this week.”

4. Asante Samuel Jr. Rumors … True or False?

A few weeks ago, SKOR North reported a wacky tip that free-agent cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. was spotted at a Miami nightclub with a Vikings hat on his noggin, telling somebody’s neighbor that he’d be on his way to Minnesota after the draft.

Wild, right?

Well, VikingsTerritory‘s sources would not shoot down the rumor, setting up a grand climax next week. Some have questioned Samuel Jr.’s long-term health, so there’s that to consider.

3. Contract Extensions

Thankfully, Minnesota completed Christian Darrisaw’s mammoth extension a year early, and that talker won’t dominate the summer.

Jan 13, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Blake Cashman (51) reacts after recovering a fumble against the Los Angeles Rams during the first half in an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.

Still, players like Andrew Van Ginkel (OLB) and Josh Metellus (S) deserve contract extensions, discussions that will probably heat up in the coming months. Van Ginkel is criminally underpaid, and now is the natural time for Metellus to cash in on his versatile performance.

Kyle Joudry of our partner site, Purple PTSD, recently wrote about a Van Ginkel extension: “Truth be told, Andrew Van Ginkel couldn’t really be blamed if he ends up looking for a hearty raise. His entire career has involved making a touch under $17 million so far. The top edge rushers in the NFL make more than twice that amount in a single season. At 30 in July, Van Ginkel may not have too many more chances at landing a huge contract.”

“Jonathan Greenard is coming in at $19 million per season — also a bargain — so one wonders if the solution will be to bring those two players closer in compensation. Bumping up Van Ginkel into the high teens is the right call, a forward-thinking move that would undercut a problem before it becomes one.”

2. Christian Darrisaw’s Injury Recovery

Head coach Kevin O’Connell spoke glowingly about Darrisaw’s ACL recovery last week, ensuring no setbacks had sullied his timeline.

Oct 24, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA: Minnesota Vikings tight end Josh Oliver (84) celebrates his touchdown scored with Christian Darrisaw against the Los Angeles Rams during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images.

That’s great, but fans will monitor his Week 1 readiness. This current Vikings team will bring more exciting stakes than in most seasons, mainly because J.J. McCarthy is the quarterback, and it would be best for McCarthy to have his cornerstone offensive tackle in Darrisaw ready for September.

But is that realistic? It’s a storyline to watch all spring and summer.

1. Readying J.J. McCarthy for Week 1

This is it, folks — the time to prepare the quarterback of the future for the bright lights of QB1. For a few years, fans soured on Kirk Cousins as the team’s leader, preferring an alternative like the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, and Cincinnati Bengals showcased every weekend.

Aug 10, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) warms up before the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.

Minnesota’s best shot at that plan is McCarthy, who has spent the last eight months recovering from a torn meniscus.

It’s McCarthy’s time, and the next 4.5 months will be about ensuring he’s ready for the all the marbles in September.

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