Having allowed Kirk Cousins to depart in free agency to tackle a multiyear tenure atop the Falcons’ quarterback depth chart – or so he thought – the Vikings began a brand new era under center in 2024. First-round rookie J.J. McCarthy didn’t wind up seeing any regular-season motion resulting from meniscus surgery, nevertheless, so his acclimation period within the NFL was delayed for one yr.
As McCarthy rehabbed his knee, one-year rental Sam Darnold enjoyed what was (at the least as much as the ultimate two weeks of the campaign) a stellar season for the Vikings. A 14-3 record preceded a highly underwhelming playoff exit, however the Kevin O’Connell-Kwesi Adofo-Mensah regime earned a brand new commitment from the organization in the method. With Minnesota’s HC and GM in place for the long run, McCarthy’s stint within the QB1 role is about to start.
Trades:
Mason played sparingly during his first two 49ers campaigns, but 2024 saw Christian McCaffrey limited to only 4 games. In his place, Mason took on a starting role prior to suffering his own season-ending ailment. When on the sphere, the previous UDFA averaged an intriguing 5.2 yards per carry.
San Francisco’s decision to use the second-round RFA tender on Mason appeared to make sure he would remain in place for at the least the 2025 campaign. Nevertheless, the trade caused a change of scenery on this case. Upon arrival in Minnesota, the 26-year-old agreed to a two-year, $10.5MM extension. Roughly three-quarters of that figure is guaranteed, and incentives could increase his earnings with rush totals of 800 yards or more. Mason racked up 793 last yr despite missing five games, so upping his compensation could definitely be attainable.
A full-time starting gig is not going to be available unless Aaron Jones misses time while playing out his latest Vikings pact. Nevertheless, Mason should manage to seek out success at the least as a short-yardage and goal line option with Minnesota. In fact, a heavy emphasis on the passing game will at all times be expected with O’Connell and as talented a receiver tandem at his disposal. The bottom game will nevertheless be price watching with Mason now within the fold.
Howell’s time in Seattle proved to be short-lived. The previous Commanders draftee spent a single campaign within the Emerald City, making two transient appearances while backing up Geno Smith. The Seahawks’ quarterback renovations included trading away Smith but additionally reuniting with Drew Lock. That move helped make Howell a trade candidate, and a parting of the way became much more likely once Jalen Milroe was chosen throughout the third round of the draft.
Sooner or later after Milroe arrived in Round 3, the Howell swap took place. One season stays on the 24-year-old’s rookie contract, so his addition could prove to easily be a rental. With just one yr as a starter on the NFL level, Howell is way from an experienced passer for McCarthy to depend on as he begins his tenure atop the depth chart. That was not for lack of interest in veteran signalers, nevertheless.
The Vikings were named as a Joe Flacco landing spot shortly after the beginning of free agency. The previous Super Bowl MVP has bounced across the league following the tip of his Ravens tenure taking over a lot of (primarily) QB2 gigs, although he has totaled 15 starts across the past three years. That figure could increase in 2025 during his second Browns stint. Ryan Tannehill – who last played in 2023 – also received consideration from Minnesota. In lieu of adding considered one of those veterans, Howell might be counted on to occupy the backup gig while McCarthy acclimates to the starting role.
The Texans’ primary objective this offseason was a serious retooling along the offensive line. That effort included the discharge of Shaq Mason and trades which sent out fellow guard Kenyon Green in addition to left tackle Laremy Tunsil. Ingram was not considered more likely to be retained for 2025 after losing his starting spot last season. In Houston, the pending free agent will look to rebuild his value for next spring. If the Vikings see a depth addition as being vital late within the offseason, a well-recognized face in the shape of Dalton Risner stays available.
Free agency additions:
- Will Fries, G. Five years, $87.72MM ($34MM guaranteed)
- Jonathan Allen, DT. Three years, $51MM ($23.26MM guaranteed)
- Javon Hargrave, DT. Two years, $30MM ($19MM guaranteed)
- Ryan Kelly, C. Two years, $18MM ($9.25MM guaranteed)
- Isaiah Rodgers, CB. Two years, $11MM ($8MM guaranteed)
- Jeff Okudah, CB. One yr, $2.35MM ($2.35MM guaranteed)
- Eric Wilson, LB. One yr, $2.6MM ($2MM guaranteed)
- Tavierre Thomas, DB. One yr, $2MM ($1MM guaranteed)
- Justin Skule, T. One yr, $2MM ($750K guaranteed)
- Tim Jones, WR. One yr, $1.87MM ($500K guaranteed)
- Rondale Moore, WR. One yr, $2MM ($250K guaranteed)
- Matt Nelson, OL. One yr, $1.17MM
- Giovanni Ricci, TE. One yr, $1.1MM
- Gervarrius Owens, S. One yr, $960K
- Nick Vannett, TE. Signed 8/4
An affordable quarterback room — a Vikings first since before Sam Bradford‘s 2016 arrival — headlined by McCarthy’s remaining term on his rookie deal allowed for the Vikings to spend aggressively at other positions. Indeed, the team has committed nearly $350MM in total money to this yr’s roster. Several latest faces might be expected to contribute early and sometimes in 2025. 
As was also the case with the Bears this spring, upgrading on either side of the road of scrimmage emerged as a transparent priority for the Vikings. Fries received the longest free agent deal across the NFL this offseason, a noteworthy feat considering the tibia fracture which limited his 2024 season to only five games. The 27-year-old had a solid 2023 campaign and drew strong PFF evaluations when healthy last season, so he still found himself amongst the highest guards in the marketplace. Interest from teams comparable to the Giants and Seahawks got here in, but Fries will play out his second NFL contract with the Vikings.
The previous seventh-round pick can up his earnings by as much as $6MM via incentives. Even when Fries is unable to gather on those, though, his rating ninth by way of average annual value amongst guards definitely represents a successful first trip to free agency. Age might be a priority with any future deals if/when he hits the market again, but in the meanwhile a lengthy Minnesota stay must be in store.
Fries has the potential to supply the Vikings stability at the correct guard spot for several years. He’s definitely being counted on to achieve this, given the terms of his deal, and a powerful debut campaign would go a good distance in ensuring McCarthy transitions to the QB1 role effectively. In fact, Fries just isn’t the one newcomer up front for whom that may be said.
Hitting free agency as probably the most completed center available (by a large margin), Kelly expectedly joined a contender when choosing his second profession team. The four-time Pro Bowler didn’t see any of his 2026 salary guaranteed at signing, nevertheless, meaning the Vikings could move on after a signing season. If things go in keeping with plan, Kelly should manage to avoid such a situation.
Colts general manager Chris Ballard publicly stated his intention to deviate from the team’s philosophy of largely retaining in-house players in lieu of high-priced outside additions. That helped open the door to a Kelly departure, although the 32-year-old did discuss re-signing with Indianapolis. As an alternative of continuous on what would have been a 3rd Colts contract, the 121-game starter will look to upgrade – at the least on a short-term basis – the middle spot with Minnesota.
The potential for Allen being released emerged this offseason, and Washington elected to part ways with the veteran D-tackle after eight years within the nation’s capital. That cost-shedding move made the two-time Pro Bowler a gorgeous option in free agency given his durability (up until the 2024 season) and comparatively consistent production. The 49ers explored including him within the Deebo Samuel trade, but that didn’t come to pass. As an alternative of signing with San Francisco (a team which remained interested) on the open market, Allen headed to Minnesota. 
On the age of 30, concerns a few drop-off in production might be present in Allen’s case. The previous first-rounder has notched at the least 7.5 sacks thrice in a season, but he posted 5.5 in his last full campaign and three when healthy in 2024. Allen returning to his previous form could be critical for a Vikings defensive front which has undergone a slew of changes over the past two offseasons. That may also generate financial advantages given the incentives based on playing time and sack totals present in his deal.
The 49ers’ interest in adding Allen through trade or free agency was based partly on their decision to release Hargrave. At the tip of the 2024 campaign, GM John Lynch made it clear the previous Steeler and Eagle could be cut with a post-June 1 designation. Hargrave earned considered one of his two Pro Bowl nods during his two-year stint within the Bay Area, maintaining his status as considered one of the league’s most disruptive interior defenders on his third team. A pectoral tear resulted in just three games played last season, nevertheless, causing the 49ers to restructure his pact before cutting ties.
The primary major injury in Hargrave’s nine-year profession limited his latest pact to 2 years, but a healthy guarantee illustrates Minnesota’s investment in his continued production for at the least the immediate future. The 32-year-old has began 115 games and been on the sphere for no fewer than 58% of his team’s defensive snaps each season since 2019. Serving as a mainstay with the Vikings would help a defense which has ranked top-eight against the run during each of Brian Flores’ DC seasons. It could also shift how Flores operates moving forward.
In 2023 and again in ’24, the Vikings led the NFL in blitz percentage. With an experienced tandem of Allen and Hargrave on the DT spots together with a returning top trio of edge rushers, though, Flores could rely more on four-man rushes this season in an try to aid Minnesota’s secondary. In any case, the team’s defense will remain a significant component in deciding whether or not the approaching campaign is a hit. It can still be interesting to see if a rather different approach is explored along the best way.
A gambling suspension sidelined Rodgers for the whole 2023 season and ended his tenure with the Colts. A one-year flier offered by the Eagles proved to be helpful for each parties; the previous sixth-rounder played a rotational role on defense while also chipping in on special teams for the Super Bowl winners. Philadelphia was fascinated with keeping Rodgers – especially considering Darius Slay’s release and subsequent intra-Pennsylvania move to the Steelers – but ended up losing each cover men throughout the spring.
A starting spot is out there for Rodgers, 27, who could enjoy a notable profession turnaround in comparison with where things stood two years ago. He and Okudah (a former No. 3 pick who has played double-digit games in a season just twice to date) could find themselves making key contributions in Minnesota’s secondary in 2025. One or each could thus prove to be effective buy-low additions from the team’s perspective.
Re-signings:
Keeping Murphy within the fold long loomed as considered one of Minnesota’s top offseason priorities. An effort to work out a pact before the 2024 campaign proved unsuccessful. In such situations, free agent departures often ensue.
Nevertheless, team and player were in a position to proceed their relationship after two seasons together. Murphy played on a median annual value of $8.75MM during his first Minnesota pact, but his decision to show down an early extension proved worthwhile. Murphy was amongst a bunch of veteran corners who benefited from inking a short-term second contract earlier in his profession; a lucrative third deal awaited.
The 27-year-old’s latest AAV of $18MM is lower than originally reported, however it places Murphy in a tie for 14th amongst cornerbacks. Meeting the expectations related to it’s going to be key in determining the success of Minnesota’s secondary, a unit which didn’t see any headline-grabbing additions this spring.
Incentives could push this pact to $22MM annually, the inflated figure which initially emerged in Murphy’s case. Even when the previous second-rounder is unable to succeed in that level of compensation, the actual fact his first two years are guaranteed at signing demonstrates the payout resulting from his strong Vikings tenure to date. A six-interception campaign in 2024 resulted in Murphy’s first profession Pro Bowl nod, and an analogous showing on his newest accord could yield further accolades. 
Last season also saw the Washington product set a brand new personal mark in passer rating allowed as the closest defender (76.7) while splitting time between the perimeter and the slot. Flores’ unit ranked only twenty eighth against the pass in 2024. Improving in that regard moving forward might be key, and Murphy might be counted on to function an anchor within the secondary on a team with which he has already enjoyed considerable success.
Jones’ free agent decision to stay within the NFC North led to a one-year Vikings pact in 2024. That accord included 4 void years and was originally structured to run out in mid-February, however the parties agreed to push the void date to the eve of free agency. That move hinted at a deal being worked out, and the previous Packers Pro Bowler is indeed positioned to stay with considered one of Green Bay’s divisional rivals into his 30s. Set to show 31 in December, Jones enters the season because the NFL’s second-oldest starting RB (behind Derrick Henry).
Handling the heaviest workload of his profession (255 carries), Jones set a brand new highwater mark with 1,138 rushing yards in 2024. His seven total touchdowns fell well in need of his best years, dating well back into his decorated Packers tenure, but the previous fifth-rounder easily did enough to justify a brand new investment on Minnesota’s part. The trade acquisition of Jordan Mason could produce a discount in his workload, but Jones should proceed as a very important member of a pass-heavy offense through this second phase of his profession.
A combined $15.25MM AAV for the Vikings’ top two backs is definitely an uptick in comparison with last yr’s financial setup on the running back spot. If Jones can once more deliver consistent play – having averaged at least 4.5 yards per carry in his eight-year profession – though, that can likely prove to be a worthwhile investment for Minnesota because the team goals for a smooth transition with McCarthy under center.
Smith is nine games away from reaching third place in Vikings history for appearances by a defender. The six-time Pro Bowler joined cornerback Stephon Gilmore in contemplating retirement after the 2024 campaign, but his decorated profession with proceed for at the least yet one more yr. Smith has served as a full-time starter throughout his Minnesota tenure, which is able to extend to 14 years in 2025. He has missed considerable time just once during that stretch.
Numerous incentives are tied to playing time and production on what might be Smith’s final contract. Void years included within the pact have allowed it to be structured in a way for the previous All-Pro to retire with a post-June 1 designation for cap purposes. Before then, Smith will maintain his role as a key member of the secondary and a valued veteran relied on to assist Minnesota engineer a deep playoff run.
Notable losses:
- Cam Akers, RB
- Bubba Bolden, S (waived)
- Garrett Bradbury, C (post-June 1 release)
- Jonathan Bullard, DL
- Camryn Bynum, S
- Sam Darnold, QB
- Shaquill Griffin, CB
- Matt Harmon, LB (waived)
- Marcellus Johnson, T (waived)
- Daniel Jones, QB
- Patrick Jones, OLB
- Nick Mullens, QB
- Johnny Mundt, TE
- Trevor Reid, OL (waived)
- Cam Robinson, LT
- Trent Sherfield, WR
- NaJee Thompson, CB (waived)
- Jerry Tillery, DL
- Max Tooley, LB (waived)
- David Quessenberry, T
- Jihad Ward, OLB
- Nahshon Wright, CB (released)
Kirk Cousins was atop PFR’s Top 50 Free Agent list in 2024, and the events of this offseason ensured a unique Vikings quarterback held that very same distinction for a second straight yr. Darnold inked a one-year Minnesota pact coming off a 49ers tenure through which he flashed the potential to have a Baker Mayfield-like resurgence with one other starting opportunity. The previous Jets first-rounder was assured of the QB1 gig he entered camp with after McCarthy’s season-ending summer surgery.
Kevin O’Connell has earned a repute as a quarterback whisperer, but even with that mind, few (if any) across the league envisioned Darnold having the season he did in 2024. The 28-year-old comfortably set latest profession highs across the board and his 102.5 passer rating ranked sixth within the NFL. Darnold finished tenth in MVP voting to cap off a season which saw Minnesota win 14 games.
A poor performance on his part (amongst others) led to a Week 18 loss which cost the Vikings the NFC top seed, though, and that was followed up by a blowout wild-card loss to the Rams. Darnold took 11 total sacks between those two contests, culminating with the Rams dropping him nine times, throwing just one touchdown pass in the method.
Within the wake of that up-and-down campaign, the central query of Minnesota’s offseason arrived: what was the most effective plan of action in Darnold’s case? A protracted-term contract would have (presumably) delayed McCarthy’s ascension to the starting gig while costing excess of the $10MM Darnold played for in 2024. The franchise tag loomed as a possibility given the worth of one other one-year commitment, however the Vikings passed on what would have been a $40.2MM investment.
Considering that call, it got here as no surprise when a June report indicated the Vikings never submitted a multiyear offer to Darnold. The USC product understandably drew interest from quite a few suitors before ultimately landing in Seattle. The Seahawks’ three-year, $105.5MM pact comprises a possible out after Yr 1, so his strong showing from last yr didn’t yield a real long-term commitment. Nevertheless, Darnold did well to spice up his stock during a Vikings stint which expectedly got here and went briefly order.
Following his midseason Giants release, Jones joined the Vikings to shut out the campaign. No playing time got here about in consequence of the agreement, but a Minnesota re-signing remained a possibility leading as much as free agency. With 69 starts to his name, the previous No. 6 overall pick would have offered the team with an experienced choice to back up McCarthy, but a departure represented a clearer path to a brand new starting opportunity.
Indeed, Jones’ one-year Colts pact will see him spend the preseason competing with Anthony Richardson. With over $13MM guaranteed for 2025, even a backup gig will wind up being a lucrative one in his case. Winning the QB1 spot could, nevertheless, put Jones in an analogous one to Darnold from last season – something which might have been nearly not possible had he stayed in Minnesota for the approaching campaign.
Bynum was the goal of a Vikings extension push last spring, but his decision to not commit to a second contract with the team allowed him to check the open market. At 27, the deal signed this spring might be his most lucrative one, illustrating the success of the choice to attend. Bynum – identical to Byron Murphy – was a goal of the Raiders throughout the buildup to free agency. He didn’t sign with Vegas, but unlike in Murphy’s case a departure did happen on the open market.
A full-time starter since 2022, Bynum racked up eight interceptions and 28 pass deflections over the course of his Vikings tenure. That production might be missed (along together with his choreography skills for touchdown celebrations, in fact) within the team’s secondary, a unit which is able to face a lot of questions entering the 2025 campaign. The Colts inked Bynum to a four-year, $60MM pact as a part of their efforts so as to add high-profile outside free agents. Minnesota will look internally to switch him.
Bradbury operated because the Vikings’ center starter for every of his six years with the team. Over that span, the previous first-rounder graded out as PFF’s No. 11 player on the position once (2022) and outdoors the highest 24 every other season. Having failed to fulfill expectations, a parting of the way was sought out via trade. With no suitor showing much interest on that front (as expected,) the choice was made to proceed with a release.
Bradbury, 30, represented a substitute option for David Andrews for the Patriots. A two-year pact was worked out with the NC State product, but no salary is guaranteed for 2026. Bradbury could thus prove to be a one-and-done Latest England starter as he looks to seek out a long-term NFL home throughout the second chapter of his profession.
Robinson was acquired via trade to switch the injured Christian Darrisaw on the blind side. The move was a rental agreement given the longtime Jaguars’ LT’s status as a pending free agent. To no surprise, then, Robinson signed with the Texans in a deal which could allow him to switch Laremy Tunsil as their left tackle starter. Darrisaw, meanwhile, has been practicing since June but no timeline is in place for full clearance regarding his ACL rehab. It’s thus uncertain if the recipient of a lucrative 2024 extension might be available for Week 1.
Extensions and restructures:
During his first two Vikings seasons, Metellus was strictly a special teams contributor. Over time, he took on a bigger defensive workload based largely on his versatility; the previous sixth-rounder has seen notable time at each safety spots but additionally within the box as a dime linebacker and even on the sting in recent times. A full-time starter since 2023 despite the presence of two other established safeties, Metellus played his way into a substantial raise together with his performances during Brian Flores’ tenure as defensive coordinator. 
The Michigan product’s first Minnesota extension was two years in length and carried an AAV of $4MM. That figure has tripled with this latest pact, and incentives could allow Metellus to gather as much as $42MM over the approaching years. As of June, it was clear a mutual desire existed on this case for a long-term arrangement to be worked out. Roughly one month later, the perimeters struck a deal.
Metellus’ ongoing presence might be key for the Vikings with Camryn Bynum now not within the fold, and it’s going to be interesting to see how his role changes moving forward. Jackson will likewise provide welcomed continuity within the secondary. The 26-year-old has yet to contribute much on defense to this point, but with one safety starter out of picture that would definitely change starting in 2025. An everyday role outside of special teams duties would help Jackson’s value on a brand new pact in Minnesota or elsewhere down the road.
After drawing interest elsewhere within the NFC on the open market last spring, Van Ginkel elected to hitch the Vikings. That move reunited him with Flores (after they worked together in Miami) and paved the best way for a full-time starting role. Operating with fellow free agent addition Jonathan Greenard, Van Ginkel enjoyed a profession yr. 11.5 sacks and a pair of pick-sixes resulted in a Pro Bowl nod, a spot on the second All-Pro team and a powerful negotiating position for the 30-year-old. Halfway through his two-year pact, Van Ginkel emerged as a logical extension candidate this offseason.
Prior to signing his latest deal, the Wisconsin product was set to gather $4MM in guarantees for 2025. He has secured way more in locked-in compensation – including a $10MM signing bonus – with no long-term commitment being vital on the a part of the Vikings. Greenard has one other two years with guaranteed money scheduled on his pact, so Minnesota’s post-Danielle Hunter setup along the sting will remain intact through at the least the 2026 campaign.
The tight end position is one where teams are likely to only carry one notable contract at a time. Even with T.J. Hockenson already on the books at an AAV of $16.5MM, though, the Vikings authorized a raise in Oliver’s case. The previous third-rounder has not developed right into a notable pass-catching presence at any stop during his profession. Still, a track record of being amongst the most effective run blockers at his position has been further established during Oliver’s two seasons in Minnesota; team and player will expect more of the identical for years to return.
Draft:
- Round 1, No. 24: Donovan Jackson (G, Ohio State) (signed)
- Round 3, No. 102 (from Lions through Jaguars and Texans): Tai Felton (WR, Maryland) (signed)
- Round 5, No. 139 (from Browns): Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins (DT, Georgia) (signed)
- Round 6, No. 201 (from Rams): Kobe King (LB, Penn State) (signed)
- Round 6, No. 202 (from Texans through Steelers, Bears and Rams): Gavin Bartholomew (TE, Pittsburgh) (signed)
Due to a lot of maneuvers involving future draft picks – including the move which allowed for the Dallas Turner selection last yr – the Vikings found themselves short on capital in April. Much of this yr’s class will rely upon Jackson’s ability to turn into a long-term mainstay up front with the opposite rookies aiming to fill out depth roles.
Each of Jackson’s first 31 starts during his college profession got here at left guard. Remaining on the within would have still resulted in a comparatively strong pedigree ahead of the draft, but a season-ending injury from Buckeyes left tackle Josh Simmons led to a shift up front. Jackson closed out his senior season operating on the blind side in Simmons’ place, and his success in doing so helped lead the team to a national championship.
That transient left tackle stint led some to view Jackson as a candidate to see time there on the NFL level. While the All-American could find himself doing so sooner or later, his focus is understandably focused on carving out a starting spot on the within. Indeed, Jackson entered training camp as the highest candidate for first-team motion on the left guard position.
Blake Brandel stays in place after he played every snap at left guard last yr. With Will Fries set to handle the RG spot for the foreseeable future, nevertheless, Jackson and Brandel (on the books for 2 more years) will contend with each other for the opposite first-team guard position. If Jackson wins out, Minnesota’s renovations along the inside of the O-line will lead to three latest starters for 2025.
Over the course of his 4 years with the Terrapins, Felton increased his production yearly. That resulted in a 92-1,124-9 statline for 2024; he set a brand new school record in receptions as a senior and secured a third-team All-American nod along the best way. A 4.37-second 40-yard dash time on the Mix helped Felton’s stock further.
The 6-1, 183-pounder will look to supply the Vikings with a deep threat as a complementary option within the passing game. The Justin Jefferson–Jordan Addison tandem might be in place once more in 2025, and tight end T.J. Hockenson figures to take care of a key role on offense as well. Felton spent much of school tenure on the surface, but he saw his workload include time within the slot as well. Versatility might be key in determining his ability to see the sphere as he plays out his rookie deal.
Other:
Within the immediate aftermath of Minnesota’s playoff elimination, it became clear latest deals for each O’Connell and Adofo-Mensah could be pursued. Hired in 2022 as rookies of their respective roles, immediate success commenced in the shape of a 13-4 campaign. The Vikings went one-and-done within the postseason that yr, and Cousins’ 2023 Achilles tear keyed a descent to 7-10. 
While cycling through different substitute quarterbacks following Cousins’ injury, O’Connell showcased a capability to run a functional offense with a handful of options under center. Acclaim in that respect increased further with Sam Darnold‘s impressive single-season run. Minnesota’s repeat of a fast playoff exit meant 2024 ended on a sour note, but O’Connell took home Coach of the Yr honors for his regular-season success.
Already in the highest half of the league by way of the longest-tenured head coaches, the 40-year-old has delivered on the expectations of ownership to this point. An efficient long-term pairing with J.J. McCarthy will surely help O’Connell’s possibilities of receiving one other extension down the road. For now, his future is assured prematurely of a critical campaign for the organization.
Likewise, Adofo-Mensah has earned the trust of ownership during his three years on the helm. The O’Connell extension also caused news that an extension stopping lame-duck status for Adofo-Mensah, 43 was being worked on, and it was hammered out with loads of time to spare. The previous 49ers and Browns exec has overseen sweeping changes on either side of the ball in relatively short order and constructed two rosters which have delivered double-digit wins.
If playoff success stays elusive, criticism of Adofo-Mensah will little question intensify. In any event, his ability to string together successful draft classes might be critical over the approaching years as Minnesota is currently projected to be well over the cap in 2026 and near the underside of the league in space the next season. How Adofo-Mensah manages the window presented by McCarthy’s rookie contract might be key, and he may have familiar faces supporting him within the front office.
Phillips – an O’Connell colleague in Washington and with the Rams prior to their current partnership – was also approaching the ultimate yr of his deal before signing an extension. His non-play-calling role is about to proceed for a fourth season and beyond. The lack of Udinski might be felt, although QBs coach Josh McCown remains to be in place for at the least yet one more yr. The previous NFL passer drew head coaching interest from the Jets on this yr’s cycle, while DC Brian Flores was among the many leaders in interview requests as an indication he could depart next offseason.
Following his (expected but far-from-amicable) Jets release, Rodgers was a candidate to retire. The Vikings were on the shortlist of teams the 41-year-old considered, though, based largely on his relationship with O’Connell. A one-year pact would have allowed for Rodgers to finish a strikingly similar profession arc in comparison with Brett Favre and for at the least two games against the division rival Packers in his final season. 
At a degree when it remained unclear if he would play in any respect in 2025, Rodgers reportedly informed the Vikings they were his preferred destination. A signing received support from some within the organization, but ultimately the Vikes joined the Giants in declining to pursue a deal. That left the Steelers as Rodgers’ last logical landing spot, and an agreement was eventually finalized. As such, Minnesota will tackle the four-time MVP in Week 4 throughout the NFL’s first regular season game in Ireland.
Like every other decision made on the QB spot this offseason, the alternative to show aside Rodgers’ interest marked an indication of confidence in McCarthy. The 2024 national champion encountered a swelling issue in November and received a PRP injection in consequence. Since then, nevertheless, McCarthy has progressed as hoped in his recovery. A full workload in spring practices together with training camp has allowed him to handle loads of QB1 reps while attempting to make up for lost time last yr.
On the age of twenty-two, McCarthy could find himself occupying the starter’s gig for years to return if all goes well. Making it to Week 1 at full strength will in fact be the highest priority in his case, but the character of his learning curve come the regular season and his ability to develop will make for an intriguing storyline all season. Within the short term, at the least, Minnesota’s aversion to retaining Darnold or making a notable outside addition might be tested by McCarthy’s performance.
Top 10 cap charges for 2025:
- Brian O’Neill, RT: $26.02MM
- Jonathan Greenard, DE: $22.3MM
- T.J. Hockenson, TE: $16.65MM
- Justin Jefferson, WR: $15.17MM
- Andrew Van Ginkel, OLB: $11.4MM
- Harrison Smith, S: $9.9MM
- Christian Darrisaw, LT: $9.68MM
- Harrison Phillips, DT: $9.68MM
- Aaron Jones, RB: $8.4MM
- Javon Hargrave, DT: $7.88MM
While Smith’s pact is about up for him to retire after this season, all other players listed above are on the books for 2026 as well. That ought to help ensure continuity at the highest of the roster, although Jefferson, Darrisaw and Hargrave are each scheduled to see their cap charges spike by a margin of eight figures from one yr to the subsequent. It can be interesting to see if a number of of those deals receive attention next spring in consequence.
Last season, the Vikings only lost 4 combined regular and postseason games to a complete of two opponents. Along the best way, they won eight of nine one-score contests, so regression in that regard must be expected. Provided that takes place, duplicating the success of 2024 – especially given the competitive strength of the NFC North – might be slightly difficult.
Much will rely upon McCarthy’s level of play, in fact. Elsewhere on Minnesota’s roster, the success of this yr’s investments within the trenches might be critical as well. Continuity on the sidelines and within the front office is in place, but will 2025 bring a postseason breakthrough?