Vikings NFL free agency 2025

JEREMY wrote:

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>glenn57 wrote:</div>
i’d rather the Vikings resign Tarvaris Jackson then have Erin in purple!!

Not Spergon Wynn?

or him!!!!!!!

Greenberg (on ESPN) is talking about the possibility of Rodger’s to Minnesota. That the delay in signing with Pittsburgh is because Rodger’s might be negotiating with the Vikes.

They all agree it’s low probability but it’s possible. Either Rodger’s or Russell Wilson could end up in Minnesota for McCarthy to sit behind for a year.

The move, whether it be for Wilson, Rodgers, or lesser named QBs and the money assigned in any deals will be very telling of what the Vikings think of McCarthy so far. The Vikings staff and front office have done a phenomenal job at keeping things close to the vest and speaking in general statements about their roster situations. This situation will show where their heads are at though.

I’m not a Vikings fan, but if I was at this point I’d almost hope they’re confident enough to turn the keys over to JJ and start building a top notch roster while having the ultimate QB bargain. A rookie QB deal for an above average NFL QB is the fastest way to the top it seems. If the Vikings do bring in a bigger name guy and pay them a good chunk of money to be the “bridge”, that tells me they probably aren’t real confident in what they are “bridging” to…aka JJ.

***My Prediction is that they go the earlier route, and find someone like a Mariota, Wentz, Minshew type veteran with some starting experience to come in as the clear #2 behind JJ

buckybadger wrote:

The move, whether it be for Wilson, Rodgers, or lesser named QBs and the money assigned in any deals will be very telling of what the Vikings think of McCarthy so far. The Vikings staff and front office have done a phenomenal job at keeping things close to the vest and speaking in general statements about their roster situations. This situation will show where their heads are at though.

I’m not a Vikings fan, but if I was at this point I’d almost hope they’re confident enough to turn the keys over to JJ and start building a top notch roster while having the ultimate QB bargain. A rookie QB deal for an above average NFL QB is the fastest way to the top it seems. If the Vikings do bring in a bigger name guy and pay them a good chunk of money to be the “bridge”, that tells me they probably aren’t real confident in what they are “bridging” to…aka JJ.

***My Prediction is that they go the earlier route, and find someone like a Mariota, Wentz, Minshew type veteran with some starting experience to come in as the clear #2 behind JJ

I tend to agree with you. The Vikes still seem committed to McCarthy. I think Mariota as a backup would be perfect and let’s see what JJ has.

buckybadger wrote:

If the Vikings do bring in a bigger name guy and pay them a good chunk of money to be the “bridge”, that tells me they probably aren’t real confident in what they are “bridging” to…aka JJ.

Or just his health, used to be a knee injury was a career ender, now we expect them back at full health in less than a year?

buckybadger wrote:

***My Prediction is that they go the earlier route, and find someone like a Mariota, Wentz, Minshew type veteran with some starting experience to come in as the clear #2 behind JJ

I agree, and this would be my hope as well. But I could handle ARdog, just please no Mr Unlimited.

BigWerm wrote:

I agree, and this would be my hope as well. But I could handle ARdog, just please no Mr Unlimited.

AMEN!

Vikings Starting Front 7:
Jonathan Greenard
Blake Cashman
Ivan Pace Jr.
Andrew Van Ginkel
Javon Hargrave
Harrison Philips
Jonathan Allen

With Dallas Turner as well.

LFG!!!

BigWerm wrote:

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>buckybadger wrote:</div>
If the Vikings do bring in a bigger name guy and pay them a good chunk of money to be the “bridge”, that tells me they probably aren’t real confident in what they are “bridging” to…aka JJ.

“Or just his health, used to be a knee injury was a career ender, now we expect them back at full health in less than a year? ”

An NFL Quarterback has access to the most highly regarded doctors, trainers, and sports science experts around in the year 2025. This was a torn miniscus in August of 2024 for someone who is 22 years old. If he’s still being held back a year later from that injury, then that is a gigantic concern.

It’s solely my opinion, but if the Vikings pay someone decent money and put them out as the starter and a “bridge” guy for this year….that’s essentially the canary in the coal mine on JJ and what they think of his development. This roster is about as friendly as it gets for a QB with weapons everywhere. If the front office and coaches can’t trot JJ out to succeed with this roster, then when can they? As previously stated I do not THINK this is what will happen, but if it does then it is very telling.

BigWerm wrote:

Vikings Starting Front 7:
Jonathan Greenard
Blake Cashman
Ivan Pace Jr.
Andrew Van Ginkel
Javon Hargrave
Harrison Philips
Jonathan Allen

With Dallas Turner as well.

LFG!!!

1000%. Very excited about the defense – I was really good last year and we’re only getting better

yep…..i can see it alrady 16-1 and a lombardi trophy!!!!

They’re renaming it the Belichek Trophy.

Harry the Hitman has just announced he will be returning next season.

Until now, he was 50-50 on whether to retire or return.

gim wrote:

Harry the Hitman has just announced he will be returning next season.

Until now, he was 50-50 on whether to retire or return.

Love the guy, HOF, for sure, but his best years are obviously behind him. I’m hoping we have some incoming young talent that can learn from him this year. But you can’t teach his freakish athletic ability, which is inevitably fading.

Plugged a bunch of holes and needs in FA. Now they will not be forced to draft to fill those roles and can draft more for depth and future and best players available. Still have plenty of money to add throughout the summer if need be.
Obviously injuries are a huge issue across all teams but our lines should be drastically better.
Draft needs/depth Guard..DLine..Corner..RB

Ripjiggen wrote:

Plugged a bunch of holes and needs in FA. Now they will not be forced to draft to fill those roles and can draft more for depth and future and best players available. Still have plenty of money to add throughout the summer if need be.
Obviously injuries are a huge issue across all teams but our lines should be drastically better.
Draft needs/depth Guard..DLine..Corner..RB

You may be right, but I see a couple of issues with your statement. First is the Vikings only have 4 draft picks, so unless they trade down for more picks or hit on every pick (which no GM does) that is not a lot of talent being brought in on a cheap contract. Second is have you looked at Kwesi’s draft record? If so, what are the chances of drafting any good players? And I don’t think having to sign everyone’s FA every year is a good long term answer for any origination. I can see FA being used to fill a couple of holes, but when every year you have to sign 5-6 FA’s, that is a sign of bad drafting. Look at how many players the Bears have signed or traded for this year as an example. Most free agent signings are for starters, so when you are signing like 5-6 players that like 25% of a starting roster.

I think the jury is still out on KAM’s drafting prowess. 2023 was a bust with Jordan Addison being the lone exception. Last year was somewhat better – Dallas Turner and Will Reichard are the only ones we really got to see play last year, but both are promising. We’ll never get to see Khyree Jackson which is really sad, and we won’t know about JJM until this year.

Bottom Line is that I have far more confidence in KAM as a free-agent deal maker than a drafting extraordinaire – so far, anyway.

You may be right, but I see a couple of issues with your statement. First is the Vikings only have 4 draft picks, so unless they trade down for more picks or hit on every pick (which no GM does) that is not a lot of talent being brought in on a cheap contract. Second is have you looked at Kwesi’s draft record? If so, what are the chances of drafting any good players? And I don’t think having to sign everyone’s FA every year is a good long term answer for any origination. I can see FA being used to fill a couple of holes, but when every year you have to sign 5-6 FA’s, that is a sign of bad drafting. Look at how many players the Bears have signed or traded for this year as an example. Most free agent signings are for starters, so when you are signing like 5-6 players that like 25% of a starting roster.

Yeah I mean we could keep drafting 2nd round WR’s and keep thinking eventually they will be a 1 or even a 2. Like another team that likes to beat their chest in their draft prowness.

A. A they will end up with 6-7 picks in this draft.
B. I am not worried about cheap contracts when the highest paid position will be on a rookie deal for 4 more years.
C. They don’t have to worry about low contracts at other positions for several years so this draft and past don’t really matter to have cost affective players in positions.
D IF JJ Mac is the franchise QB I think all past drafting issues are out the window.
E Kwesi has done a great job of getting the books in order. They have plenty of money to spend Now and in the future.

This roster outside of 1WR and 2 very good tackles has completely turned over since the new regime has taken over. Their books when it comes to money and dead cap hits is under control.
They have talent at high talent positions.
Let’s see what JJ Mac is all about.
Future is bright.

ThunderLund78 wrote:

I think the jury is still out on KAM’s drafting prowess. 2023 was a bust with Jordan Addison being the lone exception. Last year was somewhat better – Dallas Turner and Will Reichard are the only ones we really got to see play last year, but both are promising. We’ll never get to see Khyree Jackson which is really sad, and we won’t know about JJM until this year.

Bottom Line is that I have far more confidence in KAM as a free-agent deal maker than a drafting extraordinaire – so far, anyway.

Wasn’t his 2022 draft even worse than his 2023 draft? It’s too early to tell on last years draft, and that pretty much goes with every team. If he hits on JJ, that alone would make it a successful draft, but that has to happen first.

Ripjiggen wrote:

You may be right, but I see a couple of issues with your statement. First is the Vikings only have 4 draft picks, so unless they trade down for more picks or hit on every pick (which no GM does) that is not a lot of talent being brought in on a cheap contract. Second is have you looked at Kwesi’s draft record? If so, what are the chances of drafting any good players? And I don’t think having to sign everyone’s FA every year is a good long term answer for any origination. I can see FA being used to fill a couple of holes, but when every year you have to sign 5-6 FA’s, that is a sign of bad drafting. Look at how many players the Bears have signed or traded for this year as an example. Most free agent signings are for starters, so when you are signing like 5-6 players that like 25% of a starting roster.

Yeah I mean we could keep drafting 2nd round WR’s and keep thinking eventually they will be a 1 or even a 2. Like another team that likes to beat their chest in their draft prowness.

Hasn’t another team in the NFC North like the Packers had success on WR draft picks in the 2nd rd? Davante Adams immediately comes to mind.

Hasn’t another team in the NFC North like the Packers had success on WR draft picks in the 2nd rd? Davante Adams immediately comes to mind

And?

Wasn’t his 2022 draft even worse than his 2023 draft? It’s too early to tell on last years draft, and that pretty much goes with every team. If he hits on JJ, that alone would make it a successful draft, but that has to happen first.

2022 Evans Nailor and Chandler have all contributed. First draft ever. I will give him a pass.

2023 First two picks will be starters this year. One has star potential already.

2024 QB of the future. Obviously remains to be seen. Turner now will be in 3 person Edge rotation.
Kyree Jackson RIP
Will Reichart was outstanding before injury.

They are doing just fine. Doing great? No but we will find out if JJ Mac is the guy.

Looking forward to seeing J love running for his life against the purple.

isnt it more of a group of people who decide the draft picks, not only the GM???

i mean they have the HC and scouts just to name a few that have input……not.

its jut the GM that gets the credit or bad rap????

glenn57 wrote:

isnt it more of a group of people who decide the draft picks, not only the GM???

i mean they have the HC and scouts just to name a few that have input……not.

its jut the GM that gets the credit or bad rap????

Yes, it’s all on the GM in most organizations, good or bad. The GM’s rely on scouts for input on drafting, but I would think the final pick (try to get 2 or more people to agree on anything) the GM has the final say on who they pick. Same as setting up the roster, I think the coaches have a say in the matter along with the finance guy what they can afford, but the final say on how the roster is put together both short term and long term is usually on the GM.

Ripjiggen wrote:

Hasn’t another team in the NFC North like the Packers had success on WR draft picks in the 2nd rd? Davante Adams immediately comes to mind

And?

Jordy Nelson, Greg Jennings are a couple more.

Ripjiggen wrote:

Hasn’t another team in the NFC North like the Packers had success on WR draft picks in the 2nd rd? Davante Adams immediately comes to mind

Jordy Nelson – 2nd round
Greg Jennings – 2nd round
Donald Driver – 7th round
James Jones – 3rd round

That was one heck of a receiving room for a few years.

There is no doubt that Kwesi has found a knack in free agency, but he has been awful with draft and develop. On paper, the MN defense looks very tough, especially in the trenches.

. Jordy Nelson, Greg Jennings are a couple more

So like 1 in last 20 years or so

glenn57 wrote:

isnt it more of a group of people who decide the draft picks, not only the GM???

i mean they have the HC and scouts just to name a few that have input……not.

its jut the GM that gets the credit or bad rap????

End result and who gets credit good or bad yes.

However the Vikings do not operate under the model presented by Tlazer. It has been said over and over by Kwesi about his collaborative approach both across the organization and in the draft.

2022 draft their first draft of learning the organization was not good.
Did a lot of good things for the organization decision wise however.

2023 draft was better.

2024 draft is huge one way or the other. Most likely their defining draft moment.

Ripjiggen wrote:

End result and who gets credit good or bad yes.

However the Vikings do not operate under the model presented by Tlazer. It has been said over and over by Kwesi about his collaborative approach both across the organization and in the draft.

2022 draft their first draft of learning the organization was not good.
Did a lot of good things for the organization decision wise however.

2023 draft was better.

2024 draft is huge one way or the other. Most likely their defining draft moment.

Good to hear that the crappy drafting wasn’t all Kwesi’s fault. Guess you are saying that the crappy drafting was a group effort. Good to hear.

What good decisions came out of the 2022 draft? That you should have drafted better and not pick Cine in the 1st rd?

Saying your 2023 draft was better isn’t saying much when you compare it to the 2022 draft.

Seeing how they got their 5th rated QB and looking at his previous drafting prowess, I would temper my expectations for JJ.

Tlazer wrote:

Seeing how they got their 5th rated QB and looking at his previous drafting prowess, I would temper my expectations for JJ.

It was one of the most stacked drafts for QB in recent times and it often pans out that the top 2 or 3 guys are crap and the lower ones are the ones who become stars. We will see. Vikings havent had a history of drafting a franchise QB. Closest thing I can remember was Culpepper and he wasnt around that long. Rich Gannon ended up winning a SB but obviously not for us.

CaptainMusky wrote:

It was one of the most stacked drafts for QB in recent times and it often pans out that the top 2 or 3 guys are crap and the lower ones are the ones who become stars. We will see. Vikings havent had a history of drafting a franchise QB. Closest thing I can remember was Culpepper and he wasnt around that long. Rich Gannon ended up winning a SB but obviously not for us.

I don’t think any of the top 3 teams wanted to trade down so there really wasn’t any possibility of Minn moving up unless they gave away the farm. I had heard they did want Penix over JJ and had expected him to be there until Atl picked Penix at pick #8. Could be wrong but I think that caused the Vikings to move up to #10 with the Jets to make sure nobody jumped them since everyone knew they were going to pick a QB. You are right, many times the later QB turn out to be the best. Look at Mahomes as an example. I think other than the Bears we are all glad they took Trubisky.