Our Biggest Concerns for the Vikings This Summer
Minnesota Vikings summer operations heat up next week with the beginning of organized team activities (OTAs). After that, it’s training camp at the end of July.
The Vikings have a sweet 2025 forecast from fans, but are there any warts? What are the concerns?
So, Vikings football is almost here, at least initially brewing.
And as most onlookers have become hyped about the 2025 campaign, mainly because of wonderful roster construction over the last few years, we asked VikingsTerritory writers about any concerns they have heading into the summer.
These were their replies.
1. Signing the Wrong Free Agent
VT Writer: Tony Schultz
The Vikings have some cap room this year, so they can bring in one more impact free agent or some good backups for solid depth after training camp cuts. My concern is that they bring in someone who kills the positive aura around the team. Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and Kevin O’Connell are big on “character” players, but if they misjudge someone, the positivity could be blown right out the door like a fully inflated Metrodome.
2. The Defensive Secondary
VT Writer: Cole Smith
My biggest concern about the Vikings this summer is the secondary.
This could be mitigated somewhat if the defensive line and pass rush improve, forcing quicker passes. The Vikings seem to like Isaiah Rodgers, and Mekhi Blackmon is returning from an ACL tear, but do those two get to where the team expects and needs them to be when the season starts?
3. Safeties in Pass Coverage
VT Writer: Adam New
Harrison Smith is now 36, and Josh Metellus does his best work around the line of scrimmage. The Vikings’ safety coverage is a concern, with Theo Jackson possibly being the man to take over from Cam Bynum. Jackson has looked good in a small sample size, but can he do it as a starter?
4. New Players Not Healing in Time
VT Writer: Dustin Baker
Every major free agent for the Vikings — Will Fries, Ryan Kelly, Javon Hargrave, and Jonathan Allen — is healing from a season-ending injury in 2024. Every single one.
If it were one or two, this concern would not matter. However, the chances of all four men being ready for Week 1 on time and staying healthy for the entirety of 2025 seem slim.
Here’s to hoping they’re all like Aaron Jones and Andrew Van Ginkel (both had injury fears) in 2024 and not like Marcus Davenport from 2023.
t5. J.J. McCarthy’s Readiness
VT Writer: Janik Eckardt
It’s easy to find reasons to be excited about McCarthy, and I’m as confident as anyone, but there’s still a chance he needs more time and isn’t ready for Week 1, perhaps even all year.
And like all young passers, there’s a real possibility he will be a bust like many before him. With no reliable backup quarterback in place, the Vikings risk wasting an otherwise competitive roster.
t5. J.J. McCarthy Inexperience
VT Writer: Ali Siddiqui
Yes, he has the right players and coaches around him, but he has never appeared in regular season games. Not being able to practice the entire regular season could also make it tougher for him to have a good year.
t6. The CB Room, in General
VT Writer: Brevan Bane
The cornerback room must begin to take shape quickly. Aside from an extension to Byron Murphy Jr., the Vikings’ CB room has many recognizable names, but it doesn’t strike the most confidence; here’s hoping the room proves reliable quickly.
t6. Cornerback Depth
VT Writer: Josh Frey
Yes, the Vikings managed to bring Byron Murphy Jr. back for the next three seasons, but without another major move at the position, the relevant depth question in March remains so as we head into June. We still know very little about how well Mekhi Blackmon can perform at the NFL level; otherwise, there will be a lot of reliance on Isaiah Rodgers and Jeff Okudah.
It very well could work out if one or two of those names turn into a pleasant surprise, but I will need to see it before being convinced that Minnesota has solved the position.
t6. Cornerback Depth
VT Writer: Wes Johnson
Outside of Byron Murphy Jr., the Vikings have many players with whom they plan on taking a leap of faith. Mekhi Blackmon flashed as a rookie but was unfortunately knocked out for his sophomore campaign before it began.
Isaiah Rodgers has been somewhat of a journeyman, showing flashes with Indy and Philly. Jeff Okudah, Dwight McGlothern, and Tavierre Thomas round out the depth. Here’s hoping that what we lack in experience will be made up for in youthful exuberance.
t6. Not Enough Firepower at CB
VT Writer: Ted Schwerzler
The Vikings still don’t have enough firepower at cornerback. They’ve invested all over the roster and then stopped short on a key position.
t6. Lack of CB Talent
VT Writer: Kyle Joudry
The primary concern is the corner talent, or lack thereof. Quite possibly, things work out if — don’t miss that word: if — several players step up, but that’s an eventuality that hasn’t yet solidified into reality. Hard to envision the Vikings being a legit contender if the corners stumble.
t6. The Young CBs
VT Writer: Henrique Gucciardi
The roster is very good elsewhere, and I’m fairly optimistic about Isaiah Rodgers as CB2. However, for the Vikings to reach their potential, either Mekhi Blackmon, Dwight McGlothern, or Jeff Okudah will have to step up and be major contributors.
You must be logged in to post a comment.