The Vikings’ 4 Biggest Storylines Right Now
The Minnesota Vikings’ 2024 campaign ended six days ago at the feet of the Los Angeles Rams, a fun season that concluded too soon with a classic playoff one-and-done.
Minnesota’s offseason is now officially underway, and free agency kicks off in less than two months.
Vikings Offseason: The Top 4 Storylines Right Now
And to kick off the offseason, these are the Vikings’ top four storylines at the moment. They’re ranked in ascending order (No. 1 = most important or pivotal).
4. Will Brian Flores Stay or Leave?
Brian Flores has interviewed for head coaching jobs with the Chicago Bears, Jacksonville Jaguars, and New York Jets. Many fans expected teams to pursue Flores last offseason because of how quickly he turned around the Vikings’ defense from 2022 to 2023, but no such interest prevailed.
Robert Saleh, Jerod Mayo, or Brandon Staley could be replacement candidates if Flores leaves.
If Flores isn’t granted a heading coaching job, the Vikings would have coaching continuity for three consecutive seasons.
3. Sam Darnold’s Future
Darnold flopped with the lights brightest in the Vikings’ final two games, casting his future with the team into doubt. He delivered 36 total touchdowns in the regular season, but his failed showings against the Detroit Lions and Los Angeles Rams quickly dialed back all Danrold-themed enthusiasm.
Now, Minnesota must decide to pay Darnold, franchise tag-and-trade him, or let him walk to free agency.
2. The “When” of Kevin O’Connell’s Extension
The Vikings love Kevin O’Connell, and he loves the Vikings.
This matter will dominate all things related to the purple team — a bit like Justin Jefferson’s contract extension last offseason — until it’s done.
FOX Sports and ProFootballTalk.com have totally stirred the pot for an O’Connell rumor mill, suggesting a “coach trade” and “tension” exist amid his extension talks. And folks buy into that stuff.
1. J.J. McCarthy’s Injury Recover and Climb to QB1
“He’s on the field, throwing and training. He looks great. He’s excited. You talk about a kid who’s just obsessed with football and loves being around the game. So, we’re excited about what we have in him. We’re excited for this offseason for him. It’s a big offseason. And then, we’ll continue from there,” general manager Adofo-Mensah said about McCarthy on Thursday.
McCarthy tore his meniscus after his very first preseason game, ending his entire rookie season.
Monitoring his status is the top Vikings storyline of the offseason.
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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