Off-Season Primer-Minnesota Vikings

2023 Record- (7-10)

In 2023, the Minnesota Vikings started 0-3 for the second time in the past four seasons but played better football and won five straight to go to 6-4. Starting quarterback Kirk Cousins tore his ACL in week 8 and the Vikings went into a tailspin down the stretch, finishing the season 1-6. Not only did the Vikings lose Kirk Cousins to injury, but star wide receiver Justin Jefferson was limited to just 10 games as well in 2023. He was still able to haul in 68 receptions for 1,074 yards and 5 touchdowns. 

Making up for the loss of Jefferson was the play of 2023 first round pick Jordan Addison. Addison was the most consistent receiver on the team and ended the season with 70 catches for 911 yards and 10 touchdowns.

The Vikings let go of veteran runner Dalvin Cook and lacked true production out of the backfield all year with pedestrian performances from Alexander Mattison or Ty Chandler. They were a predictable offense and it showed in the results.

Draft Picks

• Round 1 - (11)
• Round 2- (42)
• Round 4- (109)
• Round 4- (130)
• Round 5- (156)
• Round 5- (166)
• Round 6- (179)
• Round 6- (190)

Free Agents

Projected Cap Space - Approximately $41MM

• QB-Kirk Cousins
• OLB-Danielle Hunter
• OLB-Marcus Davenport
• ILB-Jordan Hicks
• G-Dalton Risner
• T-Oli Udoh
• QB-Josh Dobbs
• K-Greg Joseph
• RB-Cam Akers
• DE-Jonathan Bullard
• G-Chris Reed
• WR-Brandon Powell
• TE-Johnny Mundt
• ILB-Nick Vigil
• ILB-Anthony Barr
• C-Austin Schlottmann
• T-David Quessenberry
• NT-Sheldon Day
• OLB-D.J. Wonnum
• T-Hakeem Adeniji
• DE-James Lynch
• ILB-Troy Dye
• WR-K.J. Osborn
• G-Blake Brandel
• NT-Khyiris Tonga
• TE-Nick Muse
• S-Theo Jackson
• NT-T.J. Smith

The Vikings are in danger of losing the heart and soul to bother their offense and defense. Quarterback Kirk Cousins has been the catalyst of the Vikings' offense over the past 6 seasons and was on pace for his 5th–4,000 yard passing season before his injury. The new Vikings brass is said to be interested in Cousins but do not want to give him a fully guaranteed contract. 

On defense, Danielle Hunter was an unstoppable force for the Vikings in 2023. He was all over the field and totaled 84 tackles, 16.5 sacks and forced 4 fumbles. Hunter was a big reason the Vikings held teams under 100 yards a game on the ground and at age 29 he is in line for a big pay increase. 

Once Minnesota figures out Cousins and Hunter, they have 5 other starters who are set to hit free agency. 

On offense, they are set to lose starting guard Dalton Risner and #3 wide receiver K.J. Osborn. Risner is a better pass protector than he is at run blocking and the Vikings may look at bringing him back to keep the starting five in tow. 

On defense, besides Hunter, they are set to lose two other linebackers in Jordan Hicks and Marcus Davenport. Minnesota will likely look to keep Hicks, who is a tackling machine and makes a great inside/outside combination with Hunter.

Biggest Needs 

QB

CB

Edge

DT

LB

Minnesota will either sign Kirk Cousins or they could trade or sign a veteran quarterback. If none of this happens, they will need to look for a rookie quarterback at #11. J.J. McCarthy of Michigan could be a match at this spot. One thing is certain: the rookie quarterback will have Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison to throw the ball to, making their transition that much easier.

The Vikings struggled to shut down the opponents' passing game in 2023 and should look to improve the position during the draft. Starters Akayleb Evans and Byron Murphy struggled at the cornerback position and an upgrade is needed going forward.

The Vikings have some high-end talent on offense and if they can re-sign Cousins or bring in a quality quarterback they can get back to their winning ways right away.