Offseason Thread

[Cliff]

They could just be keeping their options open. Maybe they're waiting to see how the draft goes before they make any more deals. If they have unused cap they can also roll it over to cover that gap in 2026.

I know all that is a possibility, and it makes a lot of sense.

On the other hand, with as much as $40 million in cap space, a guy can dream, right?

What if the rebuilding (and penny pinching) Jets look at the money Houston just gave Derek Stingley Jr. and decide they don’t want to extend Sauce Gardner?

What if the Colts were to say, “Y’know, we’ve already jettisoned 40% of our O-line … wonder what we could get for Quenton Nelson”?

Or maybe Jim Harbaugh says, “Since Greg Roman only calls 12 pass plays a game anyway, I’d really rather have JJ McCarthy. Worked at Michigan.”

Not saying I WANT any of those things, although I wonder what diabolical things Brian Flores could do with a guy who’s so lockdown that he was only targeted 45 times for an entire season.

Just saying … with that kind of cap still remaining and the Vikings obvious maneuvering to keep cap space free THIS YEAR — to the level of designating a guy post-June 1 who carries such a minimal dead cap hit — I have to wonder if a big move is still on the horizon. Could be really interesting between now and the draft.

I'd be good with those kinds of moves for sure. On paper they're a better team than they were last year already so it would be exciting to see them continue to reenforce the offensive line or get another player to make the secondary stronger.

I wouldn't be surprised to see a big move come after the draft though. They might want to see who they end up with and then look into making a deal after that.

[CharVike]

A contract is being discussed with Ryan Tannehill. Not sure if an agreement will be reach but I think he would be a good backup.
Talks are ongoing between the Vikings and Tannehill, but nothing is imminent.
Tannehill, an 11-year NFL veteran, did not play last season. From 2012 to '23 with the Miami Dolphins and the Tennessee Titans, he completed 64.3% of his passes for 34,881 yards and 216 touchdowns to 115 interceptions. He has started 151 career games.

[fiestavike]

A contract is being discussed with Ryan Tannehill. Not sure if an agreement will be reach but I think he would be a good backup.
Talks are ongoing between the Vikings and Tannehill, but nothing is imminent.
Tannehill, an 11-year NFL veteran, did not play last season. From 2012 to '23 with the Miami Dolphins and the Tennessee Titans, he completed 64.3% of his passes for 34,881 yards and 216 touchdowns to 115 interceptions. He has started 151 career games.

I don't mind tannehill as a backup, but I like rypien as much as anybody on the market. That kid look phenomenal with Chicago last preseason.

[J. Kapp 11]

A contract is being discussed with Ryan Tannehill. Not sure if an agreement will be reach but I think he would be a good backup.
Talks are ongoing between the Vikings and Tannehill, but nothing is imminent.
Tannehill, an 11-year NFL veteran, did not play last season. From 2012 to '23 with the Miami Dolphins and the Tennessee Titans, he completed 64.3% of his passes for 34,881 yards and 216 touchdowns to 115 interceptions. He has started 151 career games.

I don't mind tannehill as a backup, but I like rypien as much as anybody on the market. That kid look phenomenal with Chicago last preseason.

This is exactly the kind of backup we need.

Guys like Tannehill, who have years of experience, including playoff experience, are very valuable to an NFL team, especially a team with a rookie quarterback. Brett Rypien is a nice player, but he’s inexperienced. He’s only attempted 168 passes in his career, and without much success (sub 60% completions, 4 TDs, 9 INT). JJMC will exceed his experience by about Week 5. You need a veteran presence in the QB room. If that veteran isn’t the starter, then he needs to be the backup.

[CharVike]

Wil Levis is another name popping up. It appears they will reach for a QB at pick 1. Levis matches one of my favorite sayings for a player... Looks like Tarzan plays like Jane. The whisperer won't fix him.

[VikingLord]

It would probably be a good idea to head into the season with an established vet backup option. Maybe even a vet that could push McCarthy for the starting job, but I still think Rypien may end up as the legit backup regardless at this point. He's come along nicely and I'll be very intrigued to see how he does in the preseason. He might even end up being a guy the Vikings could consider trading in the future as he continues to develop. I like him more as a backup than Daniel Jones because I view him as still having some substantial upside.

It will be interesting to see how it plays out.

As the draft draws closer it is also interesting to see how the mocks are playing out. I see a lot of mocks where the Vikes trade down into the late first or early 2nd to pick up an extra 3rd or combo of later round picks. I'm OK with that provided KAM isn't passing on guys who have legit impact potential at 24. Granted, not many of that caliber of player are likely to fall to 24, but most mocks have prospects at safety and IOL who could fit that description being available there. Hopefully KAM learned his lesson with his first draft and doesn't repeat the mistake of more picks=better results.

[Cliff]

Citing an anonymous listener on Friday's episode of SKOR North's "Purple Daily", host Phil Mackey dove into a "Reckless Speculation" bit the outlet is known for. The said listener got a call from his neighbor, who said he got a text from his daughter on vacation in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. That's quite a line of communication to dilute a story, but Mackey continued.

"She's at SWAY Nightclub with some friends when she noticed a young man in a Vikings cap with an entourage around him. She's a big football fan and made her way toward him and asked if he played for the Vikings. He kind of smiled and said, 'It won't be official for about five weeks, but yes.'

She then asked for his name, and he introduced himself as Asante."

Story about Minnesota Vikings signing Asante Samuel Jr. might just be true
"Asante" would surely be Asante Samuel Jr., a free agent cornerback who is on any list of top remaining free agents you'll see right now. He is also from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and yes, SWAY Nightclub is a real place.

[CharVike]

Citing an anonymous listener on Friday's episode of SKOR North's "Purple Daily", host Phil Mackey dove into a "Reckless Speculation" bit the outlet is known for. The said listener got a call from his neighbor, who said he got a text from his daughter on vacation in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. That's quite a line of communication to dilute a story, but Mackey continued.

"She's at SWAY Nightclub with some friends when she noticed a young man in a Vikings cap with an entourage around him. She's a big football fan and made her way toward him and asked if he played for the Vikings. He kind of smiled and said, 'It won't be official for about five weeks, but yes.'

She then asked for his name, and he introduced himself as Asante."

Story about Minnesota Vikings signing Asante Samuel Jr. might just be true
"Asante" would surely be Asante Samuel Jr., a free agent cornerback who is on any list of top remaining free agents you'll see right now. He is also from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and yes, SWAY Nightclub is a real place.

The Charges are letting him walk because he only played 4 games last year and they were still very good in the secondary. Missed time with shoulder injury.

[CharVike]

It would probably be a good idea to head into the season with an established vet backup option. Maybe even a vet that could push McCarthy for the starting job, but I still think Rypien may end up as the legit backup regardless at this point. He's come along nicely and I'll be very intrigued to see how he does in the preseason. He might even end up being a guy the Vikings could consider trading in the future as he continues to develop. I like him more as a backup than Daniel Jones because I view him as still having some substantial upside.

It will be interesting to see how it plays out.

As the draft draws closer it is also interesting to see how the mocks are playing out. I see a lot of mocks where the Vikes trade down into the late first or early 2nd to pick up an extra 3rd or combo of later round picks. I'm OK with that provided KAM isn't passing on guys who have legit impact potential at 24. Granted, not many of that caliber of player are likely to fall to 24, but most mocks have prospects at safety and IOL who could fit that description being available there. Hopefully KAM learned his lesson with his first draft and doesn't repeat the mistake of more picks=better results.

If they stay put they could get the top G or S at that spot. The Chiefs need a G after dealing Thuney so they must see a guy they really like. I assume they will get a vet QB before camp. Who that is or when it will happen I have no idea. KAM might suggest getting a vet so they can win as many as possible so he can get a contract. Unless he's already been told no new deal unless we make the SB then a proven vet will be in camp to challenge for the starting spot.

[VikingLord]

Citing an anonymous listener on Friday's episode of SKOR North's "Purple Daily", host Phil Mackey dove into a "Reckless Speculation" bit the outlet is known for. The said listener got a call from his neighbor, who said he got a text from his daughter on vacation in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. That's quite a line of communication to dilute a story, but Mackey continued.

"She's at SWAY Nightclub with some friends when she noticed a young man in a Vikings cap with an entourage around him. She's a big football fan and made her way toward him and asked if he played for the Vikings. He kind of smiled and said, 'It won't be official for about five weeks, but yes.'

She then asked for his name, and he introduced himself as Asante."

Story about Minnesota Vikings signing Asante Samuel Jr. might just be true
"Asante" would surely be Asante Samuel Jr., a free agent cornerback who is on any list of top remaining free agents you'll see right now. He is also from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and yes, SWAY Nightclub is a real place.

The only part of the above story that doesn't compute for me is why he'd be wearing a Vikings cap in a nightclub.

Assuming he's healthy, he'd be a great addition to the secondary, and if the story is accurate, it leads me to believe the Vikings would likely target IOL with their first pick. Safety remains a real possibility as well, but the closer we get to the draft the talent available at the IOL spots is shaping up to be almost too good to pass up.

I could see the Vikings having any or all of Tyler Booker, Grey Zabel, Donovan Jackson and Kelvin Banks Jr. available when #24 rolls around. Probably not all of them but at least 2 of them should be there, and any of them would immediately upgrade the other guard spot on the OL and put a nice wall up in front of McCarthy, maximizing his chances of successfully taking over as the starting QB this season.

I also see a lot of mocks with the Vikings trading down, including several where I just don't see the value, either in the resulting picks and/or the players. I hope if KAM does decide to trade down he drives a hard deal and maximizes the value he gets out of the trade. Any trade out of the first round should net a minimum of an additional future year 2nd round pick. I know the Vikings don't have a lot of picks in this year's draft but KAM cannot afford to make the same mistakes he made in his first draft. There will be some really good talent still on the board at #24, perhaps even talent that can make an immediate impact this upcoming season, and if KAM passes on that talent he'd better both have a sound plan in terms of who he's targeting where he's trading down to as well as get adequate compensation from the trade.

[CharVike]

Joe Flacco agreed to terms with the Cleveland Browns on a one-year, $4 million deal, NFL Network Insider Mike Garafolo reported Friday, per sources.

[VikingLord]

Joe Flacco agreed to terms with the Cleveland Browns on a one-year, $4 million deal, NFL Network Insider Mike Garafolo reported Friday, per sources.

I'm not surprised by that quite honestly because Flacco is likely to get a great shot at being the starting QB for them while he would not have gotten as good a shot at it with the Vikings. The Vikings appear set to hand the offense over to McCarthy and are in the market for vets OK with being backups.

The thought has also occurred that they may be targeting a QB in the 5th in the upcoming draft. While this is a risky strategy, a guy like Will Howard (https://walterfootball.com/QBRankings2025.php) might be on the board there and also might be the kind of developmental QB a coach like KOC could do a lot with. Howard has plenty of college experience and produced at a pretty high level, finishing with a national championship season, so while he wouldn't bring any veteran experience to the position, he's a great developmental prospect who might just slide in the upcoming draft.

Will Howard, QB, Ohio State
Height: 6-5. Weight: 242.
Projected 40 Time: 4.81.
Projected Round (2025): 3-4.

4/8/25: In 2024, Howard completed 73 percent of his passes for 3,779 yards with 33 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He was a solid college quarterback and team sources love his intangibles. Howard is a great teammate, leader, worker, and teams are in love with his intangibles.

6/11/24: After the 2023 season, Howard decided to enter the transfer portal and left Kansas State for the Buckeyes. During the 2023 season, scouts were watching Howard in case he decided to enter the draft, and multiple NFL team sources said Howard helped himself over 2023. They thought he could be a potential third-day pick if he had entered the 2024 NFL Draft and a backup quarterback candidate for the next level.

Those sources called Howard a physically impressive prospect with a good frame, above-average arm, and exceptional makeup. They noted he is a gritty guy with athleticism and good football I.Q. In 2023, Howard completed 61 percent of his passes for 2,643 yards, 24 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He notched nine touchdowns on the ground as well.

I do think KAM won't sit around very long past the draft if he doesn't find a player he likes before then. The fact the Vikings are sitting on their hands suggests they might be looking at the position overall a little differently than most pundits.

[CharVike]

Joe Flacco agreed to terms with the Cleveland Browns on a one-year, $4 million deal, NFL Network Insider Mike Garafolo reported Friday, per sources.

I'm not surprised by that quite honestly because Flacco is likely to get a great shot at being the starting QB for them while he would not have gotten as good a shot at it with the Vikings. The Vikings appear set to hand the offense over to McCarthy and are in the market for vets OK with being backups.

The thought has also occurred that they may be targeting a QB in the 5th in the upcoming draft. While this is a risky strategy, a guy like Will Howard (https://walterfootball.com/QBRankings2025.php) might be on the board there and also might be the kind of developmental QB a coach like KOC could do a lot with. Howard has plenty of college experience and produced at a pretty high level, finishing with a national championship season, so while he wouldn't bring any veteran experience to the position, he's a great developmental prospect who might just slide in the upcoming draft.

Will Howard, QB, Ohio State
Height: 6-5. Weight: 242.
Projected 40 Time: 4.81.
Projected Round (2025): 3-4.

4/8/25: In 2024, Howard completed 73 percent of his passes for 3,779 yards with 33 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He was a solid college quarterback and team sources love his intangibles. Howard is a great teammate, leader, worker, and teams are in love with his intangibles.

6/11/24: After the 2023 season, Howard decided to enter the transfer portal and left Kansas State for the Buckeyes. During the 2023 season, scouts were watching Howard in case he decided to enter the draft, and multiple NFL team sources said Howard helped himself over 2023. They thought he could be a potential third-day pick if he had entered the 2024 NFL Draft and a backup quarterback candidate for the next level.

Those sources called Howard a physically impressive prospect with a good frame, above-average arm, and exceptional makeup. They noted he is a gritty guy with athleticism and good football I.Q. In 2023, Howard completed 61 percent of his passes for 2,643 yards, 24 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He notched nine touchdowns on the ground as well.

I do think KAM won't sit around very long past the draft if he doesn't find a player he likes before then. The fact the Vikings are sitting on their hands suggests they might be looking at the position overall a little differently than most pundits.

Picking a QB shouldn't be a can't do. Perhaps they like Rypian enough for no 2. This draft appears deep at G and DT. They need both. Hopefully it's not a CB reach.

[CharVike]

Minnesota Vikings prospect visits.
DL Derrick Harmon (Oregon)
RB Brashard Smith (SMU)
RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt (Arizona)
C Jacob Bayer (Arkansas State)
DB Zion Childress (Kentucky)
QB Max Brosmer (Minnesota)
OL Jared Penning (Northern Iowa)
DE Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins (Georgia)
CB Bilhal Kone (Western Michigan)
OL Aireontae Ersery (Minnesota)
TE Ben Yurosek (Georgia)
WR Chandler Brayboy (Elon)
DL Warren Brinson (Georgia)
DL Nazir Stackhouse (Georgia)
OL Marcus Mbow (Purdue)
CB Shavon Revel Jr. (ECU)
OL Jalen Travis (Iowa State)
OL Jonah Savaiinaea (Arizona)
Jonah Savaiinaea is 6'4" and weighs 336 pounds. That's the type of guard I like. He won't get pushed into the backfield because he has a great anchor. Brashard Smith is a good receiver.

[Cliff]

Jalen Ramsey and the Dolphins are reportedly open to a trade. It would be awesome if the Vikings could make that happen.