Vikings cap space
Vikings currently have about $17M in cap space. This doesn't include the draft class, which will take about a 5M or 6M bite out of that. But it also includes Jefferson's $20M 5th year hit, which will likely be cut in half after the extension. It also includes a $22M hit for Brian O'Neill, which could be reduced quite a bit with a simple restructure if they so choose. I think they might be better off leaving that alone though.
Bottom line is they have a lot to work with if they want to add another free agent, assuming it doesn't cost us a comp pick. Some aging 1-year options that might interest them:
1. Calais Campbell, DT - He's 37, but he played really well last year.
2. Xavien Howard, CB - He's 30. 4X Pro Bowler isn't what he was, but there's a Flores connection
Others: Tyler Boyd, WR, 30, OBJ, WR, 31, Hunter Renfrow, WR, 28, Dalton Risner, G, 28,
One name to keep an eye on later in the year is Connor Williams. Elite level, 26 year old center who tore his ACL in December. He won't be ready for quite some time, but if Bradbury struggles this year (or even if he doesn't), love to see Kwesi pull the trigger on this guy as he gets closer to returning. Might be after the season though.
Someone posted yesterday that the comp pick deadline was April 29th, so any FAs we sign from this point forward wouldn't count against us (I had the same question). Thanks to whoever posted that!
I was just looking at the depth chart this morning, and we could really use a WR3 to replace KJ. Right now it's Brandon Powell, Nailor, Tristan Jackson, and a bunch of other no names. Tyler Boyd would be great if he doesn't cost too much, reliable slot WR, great hands, and can also play on the outside.
Also, OL isn't as bad as I thought. We have our bookend OTs, Bradbury and Ingram, and it's looking like Brandel at LG. We have Feeney who can play G/C and Quessenbuerry can play all the spots except C I believe. Versatile guy and solid backup. Maybe we can get Risner back in the fold now that he wouldn't cost us a comp pick next year?
I think we can hold off on CB, we have two vets in Byron Murphy and Griffin, a bunch of youth in Evans, Blackmon, Booth, and Khyree and we also have Metellus gets snaps as the nickel CB.
If there was one position after WR I'd look to upgrade it would be DE. We added Tillery and Jonah Williams go with Bullard and Ward. Thankfully, we just need these guys to eat blocks to give Greenard, Turner, Van Ginkel, Pace, and Cashman 1v1s but it'd be nice to have an impact guy there to really make this pass rush even more dangerous.
I'm actually feeling pretty good about our squad. QB will be the lynchpin obviously but our roster is looking pretty strong in key areas after a big makeover the past two seasons.
MAD GAINZ wrote:
Someone posted yesterday that the comp pick deadline was April 29th, so any FAs we sign from this point forward wouldn't count against us (I had the same question). Thanks to whoever posted that!I was just looking at the depth chart this morning, and we could really use a WR3 to replace KJ. Right now it's Brandon Powell, Nailor, Tristan Jackson, and a bunch of other no names. Tyler Boyd would be great if he doesn't cost too much, reliable slot WR, great hands, and can also play on the outside.
Also, OL isn't as bad as I thought. We have our bookend OTs, Bradbury and Ingram, and it's looking like Brandel at LG. We have Feeney who can play G/C and Quessenbuerry can play all the spots except C I believe. Versatile guy and solid backup. Maybe we can get Risner back in the fold now that he wouldn't cost us a comp pick next year?
I think we can hold off on CB, we have two vets in Byron Murphy and Griffin, a bunch of youth in Evans, Blackmon, Booth, and Khyree and we also have Metellus gets snaps as the nickel CB.
If there was one position after WR I'd look to upgrade it would be DE. We added Tillery and Jonah Williams go with Bullard and Ward. Thankfully, we just need these guys to eat blocks to give Greenard, Turner, Van Ginkel, Pace, and Cashman 1v1s but it'd be nice to have an impact guy there to really make this pass rush even more dangerous.
I'm actually feeling pretty good about our squad. QB will be the lynchpin obviously but our roster is looking pretty strong in key areas after a big makeover the past two seasons.
Good post. I think we are set at DE considering cap allocation. Jonah Williams and Bullard are middling players but they compete. Really, Flores D line seems to just be there to hold gaps for the LB’s to make plays.
Let me get on the record right now, our LB’s and edges are going to wreak havoc this year rushing the passer. QB’s take note.
StickierBuns wrote:
Me as well, especially when you widen the lens to include the 2025 season. The team is setting itself up for success and to be very competitive moving forward. But, as you mention, a lot will depend on this guy:
I'm REALLY excited about this kid.
My FA preferences in order would be Boyd as I think we really need a solid #3, just like last year that spot can easily become our #2 and then two former Flores players DL Emmanuel Ogbah and CB Howard as I think DL and CB are our weakest spots right now.
I really wish there was a solid NT out there who could take some of the load off of Phillips in the middle.
The artist formerly known as PurpleCrush.
Bring back Risner, sign Boyd, and as JJM said in his draft phone call with KOC, "Let's do the damn thing". :cool:
OBJ signing with the Dolphins. I thought he would have been a good signing for us. We need to upgrade the backup receiver talent on this team. Great starters, but it's paper thin behind them.
supafreak84 wrote:
OBJ signing with the Dolphins. I thought he would have been a good signing for us. We need to upgrade the backup receiver talent on this team. Great starters, but it's paper thin behind them.
With all the WR talent in the past draft it would have been nice to have had another 3rd or 5th. I would have taken Braeden Rice late in the draft, not sure why he fell so far.
kmillard wrote:
With all the WR talent in the past draft it would have been nice to have had another 3rd or 5th. I would have taken Braeden Rice late in the draft, not sure why he fell so far.
To me, receiver and not going DT until round 7 were the two big omissions in the draft. But with limited draft picks you can't cover everything
WR depth is an issue, but we're not even filling WR 3 to the degree KJO did. Not unless someone steps up as a surprise.
Hurry-up Vikings, we ain't getting any younger!
purplefaithful wrote:
WR depth is an issue, but we're not even filling WR 3 to the degree KJO did. Not unless someone steps up as a surprise.
I agree with that, and if we have an injury with Hockenson also likely on the shelf at least the first six weeks of the season, and we are going to be in trouble. Powell is a good kick returner and a decent depth guy, but he's not somebody you want to count on to be a consistent threat in the receiving game. N'Keal Harry has never been reliable. Ditto on Nailor. I think they were probably waiting to see what happened in the draft before making a move, but nows the time to bring in someone who has at least been reliable at some point in their careers. I thought OBJ would have been a great signing with his relationship woth Jefferson but that ship has sailed and there's not many boats left on the dock.
purplefaithful wrote:
WR depth is an issue, but we're not even filling WR 3 to the degree KJO did. Not unless someone steps up as a surprise.
Agree, I'd welcome an upgrade, but we are talking about WR3 here. For example, the Lions WR3 is Kalif Raymond, who's a Brandon Powell clone in terms of size and production.
For a team who runs a lot 12 personnel it's probably not a huge priority. If Nailor can stay healthy, he'll give Powell a run for his money. And don't forget Trent Sherfield, who might be better than both of them.
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