Why This Week Could Be Eventful for the Vikings
NFL free agency is formally two weeks away, but first, the NFL Combine will shake down in Indianapolis.
Why This Week Could Be Eventful for the Vikings
The next few days could bring a handful of offseason clues for the Minnesota Vikings, as history shows business heats up on this week of the calendar.
Here’s why.
1. Kwesi, KOC on the Mic
Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and Kevin O’Connell will be in front of microphones at the NFL Combine. Last year, they hinted about plans to get a new running back from free agency or the draft. They ultimately signed Aaron Jones a week and a half later. They also continued the “Kirk Cousins has earned the right to be a free agent” jargon. Cousins signed with the Atlanta Falcons within hours of the Aaron Jones move.
Adofo-Mensah and O’Connell aren’t shy about detailing their team’s plans, and they usually tell the truth, believe it or not. So, when each man speaks this week in Indiana — just listen. Clues galore.
2. The NFLPA “Report Card”
The NFLPA began assigning “team grades” two years ago right before free agency. In 2023, Minnesota ranked No. 1 among 32 teams. Last year, they checked in at No. 2.
This week is usually when the NFLPA drops the report card(s).
Team culture, facilities, treatment of families, etc., are factored in. It’s a nice little primer kit for players, explaining the best franchises around the league per player opinion. And the Vikings are generally handsomely represented.
3. Released Players
One year ago this week, Alexander Mattison received his marching orders from Adofo-Mensah to test the open market.
Ed Ingram, Garrett Bradbury, or Brian Asamoah, in theory, could be released this week from the current depth chart, at least per popular consensus. Around the league, as well, organizations begin releasing players, broadening the free-agent pool.
If Minnesota releases a player or two, that’ll likely happen this week.
4. Sam Darnold News
Seven years ago on the calendar this week, credible reporting suggested Case Keenum would not return to Minnesota. That turned out to be accurate, and Keenum later became the QB1 of the Denver Broncos, an experiment that flopped.
Minnesota has a quasi-similar arrangement with Sam Darnold this year, with folks wanting to know if the veteran quarterback will return to the Vikings. The club also has a little more than a week left to franchise tag Darnold, setting up a possible trade.
In 2018 with the Keenum, this was the week to learn some answers about a mysterious quarterback plan.
5. And Of Course — the Combine Itself
The Combine will transpire this week. Minnesota has roster needs at cornerback, interior defensive line, interior offensive line, running back, and possibly safety.
Those positions will be displayed at the NFL Combine, so fans can start watching the Vikings’ prospective draft picks on full display.
It’s also a notable venue for chit-chat about general managers — noteworthy for trade dealings.
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.
You must be logged in to post a comment.