The Third Week of the Vikings Offseason Offered 4 Big Clues
Nearly three weeks of the Minnesota Vikings’ offseason are in the books, and free agency is about six weeks away. Meanwhile, the NFL is down to its final four teams, with Championship Sunday on tap to reveal a Super Bowl matchup. Along the way, fans learned a few things about the Vikings this week.
Flores staying put headlined the week, while Addison news and coordinator ripple effects gave the Vikings plenty to track.
The first offseason domino mostly fell — good news that Brian Flores would likely stay connected to the franchise in 2026.
Four Developments Shaped the Vikings’ Third Offseason Week
Here’s what we learned in recent days about the Vikings.
1. Brian Flores Signs Contract Extension
Flores is back — so long as the Pittsburgh Steelers don’t swoop in with a head coaching job at the stroke of midnight.
Minnesota extended Flores’ contract on Wednesday evening, reuniting with Flores for a fourth consecutive season. Flores’ boss, Kevin O’Connell, said about his lieutenant, “Brian has a unique ability to connect with players, understand their skill sets, and put them in positions to maximize their impact on the field.”
“The identity of our defense is a reflection of his leadership and preparation. On a personal level, I’ve really valued the relationship we’ve built over the last three years, and that shared trust, alignment and high standard will continue to be critical to our success.”
The fear of Flores leaving is mostly alleviated.
2. A New Offensive Line Coach Is on the Way
Offensive line coach Chris Kuper came aboard the Vikings at the commencement of the O’Connell era, and he evidently hasn’t done enough for a contract renewal. Minnesota let it expire.
NBC Sports‘ Mike Florio wrote this week, “While the status of Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores remains unresolved, Minnesota has quietly made a key change to another portion of its coaching staff. Via Alec Lewis of TheAthletic.com, offensive line coach Chris Kuper is out after four years in the position. As explained by Lewis, Kuper’s contract expired — and the Vikings opted not to renew it. And for good reason.”
“The line has been a constant liability during Kevin O’Connell’s time with the team. Kuper was part of O’Connell’s initial staff. Now, O’Connell will need to find someone else to teach and lead the five players responsible for buying time for the quarterbacks and opening holes in the running game.”
The Vikings will need a new offensive line coach soon. The job could be filled by an outsider like Dwayne Ledford, who was not retained by the Atlanta Falcons this week when Kevin Stefanski took over, or an internal candidate like assistant offensive line coach Keith Carter.
Minnesota could also explore former Dolphins offensive coordinator Frank Smith, who was left out in the cold by Mike McDaniel’s termination.
SI.com‘s Will Ragatz wrote about Smith this week, “Smith, who turns 45 next month, got his start in the NFL as the Saints’ assistant offensive line coach under Sean Payton in 2010. After five seasons in that role, he was the tight ends coach for the Bears and the Raiders for three seasons apiece. Smith was the O-line coach and run game coordinator for the Chargers in 2021 before spending four years as the Dolphins’ OC under McDaniel.”
“It’s worth noting that McDaniel has proven to be one of the best run-game designers in the NFL. If Smith doesn’t land an OC job elsewhere (or follow McDaniel wherever he ends up), he could be a great potential hire for the Vikings as OL coach and run game coordinator.”
3. Jordan Addison Cleared of Wrongdoing
Florida authorities arrested Addison on a very strange trespassing charge at a casino last week. For most, it felt like “here we go again” with Addison’s lengthy behavioral record, and onlookers held their breath on the next steps.
A few days later, prosecutors dropped the charges, and it’s now as if nothing happened at all. In fact, Addison is suing for wrongful arrest, his legal team says.
The nothingburger status of the misdemeanor is important for Addison, as his contract extension talks will heat up this offseason. He could not afford another bizarre blemish.
4. Daronte Jones Interviews with Packers for DC Job
Shield your eyes here.
The Packers need a new defensive coordinator because of Jeff Hadley’s promotion in Miami. That might just be Jones, who is the Vikings’ defensive passing game coordinator. Jones faces stiff competition, though, as Green Bay is talking to this candidate field:
- Johnathan Gannon
- Al Harris
- Daronte Jones
- Jim Leonhard
- Raheem Morris
- Christian Parker
Jones has worked for the Vikings since 2020, except for a one-year gap, when he served as LSU’s defensive coordinator in 2021.
If hired in Green Bay, Brian Flores — also on the Packers’ radar last week until his Vikings extension — will need a replacement defensive passing game coordinator.
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