One Burning Question at Every Vikings Roster Spot
The Minnesota Vikings begin free agency, along with 31 other teams, in about two weeks.
The 2025 NFL Draft is less than nine weeks away, and Minnesota is scheduled to choose 24th on that Thursday evening.
One Burning Question at Every Vikings Roster Spot
And as team building for 2025 begins in March, these are the burning questions by position for the Vikings.
QB
McCarthy or Darnold?
As simple and momentous as it gets: which passer will lead Minnesota into Week 1?
Betting odds suggest McCarthy is the favorite, but some folks maintain that Minnesota cannot let Darnold walk after a 36-touchdown season.
Thankfully, this one will have a verdict in about two weeks.
RB
Aaron Jones … and a Rookie RB, Right?
This year’s draft is one of the deepest ever for running backs, and Minnesota must reset the clock at RB1. Aaron Jones will likely re-sign, but who else will Minnesota add for the RB room, and if that’s a rookie, what’s his name?
WR
Who’s the WR3?
Jalen Nailor performed decently as a WR3 last year, and the organization likes him.
However, Cooper Kupp will be available this offseason. He and Kevin O’Connell won a championship together in 2021. Will Minnesota lure Kupp to the Twin Cities, or will the purple team run it back with Nailor at WR3?
TE
Is Josh Oliver Really a Roster Cut Candidate?
Some NFL-themed media have suggested that Josh Oliver might be cut to save some dough. Is that a real thing? Cutting one of the Vikings’ best blocking assets?
OL
How Grand Will the iOL Fix Be?
O’Connell told the world after his team lost in the postseason that the offensive line’s interior needed to improve.
Will Minnesota walk the walk regarding those comments or largely keep the same personnel?
EDGE
Where Will Patrick Jones II Land?
Minnesota’s EDGE cabinet is well-stocked, and there aren’t many pass-rushing needs at outside linebacker. So, as a matter of curiosity, which team signs Jones II, who spent four years in Minnesota?
DT
Finally Time to Upgrade?
For about a decade, the Vikings have employed men like Shamar Stephen and Jonathan Bullard at the non-NT defensive tackle spot. Will they finally splash and find a ferocious pass-rushing DT?
ILB
Who’s the Primary 3rd Off-Ball Linebacker?
Kamu Grugier-Hill is a free agent. Behind Blake Cashman and Ivan Pace Jr., Minnesota needs one more linebacker for depth.
Perhaps Brian Flores will call on a former player from his past like Jerome Baker.
CB
Press the Panic Button
Mekhi Blackmon and Dwight McGlothern would start at cornerback if the season started tomorrow.
That’s terrifying.
Minnesota needs two starting corners, preferably a combo like Byron Murphy Jr. and D.J. Reed.
S
Will Harrison Smith and Camryn Bynum Leave?
Harrison Smith is 36 years old. That’s quite old for a safety. Is this the end of the line for Smith, or will he return for Year No. 14?
Then, Camryn Bynum is in line to cash in on a big payday. Will he do that in Minnesota or elsewhere?
Moreover, if they both leave, which two players replace them? Jevon Holland and Theo Jackson? Talanoa Hufanga and Jay Ward?
Special Teams
Will Ryan Wright Return?
Wright is a free agent this offseason, and it’s basically a coin flip to determine if he re-signs or if Minnesota finds a new punter.
Thankfully, the kicker spot is nailed down with Will Reichard. Kicker is usually the big offseason question for the Vikings special teams group.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. The show features guests, analysis, and opinion on all things related to the purple team, with 4-7 episodes per week. His Vikings obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band). He follows the NBA as closely as the NFL.
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.
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