State of the MN Vikings Franchise

Edge Rushers: 

• Under Contract: Everson Griffen, Danielle Hunter, Brian Robison, Stephen Weatherly, Tashawn Bower, Ifeadi Odenigbo (PS) 
• Not Under Contract: None

The Vikings outside pass rush took a step back when Everson Griffen suffered a foot injury against the Browns. Danielle Hunter had highs and lows in his first season as a starter but continued to develop. Although he could be extended this off-season it may be best for each side to wait another season, similar to Diggs above. Brian Robison is under contract for his age 35 season, but at that age there is never a guarantee he'll return. Stephen Weatherly looked good in a limited capacity and Tashawn Bower showed a lot last pre-season. The Vikings could look to add another rotational piece but will likely stick to developing young pass rushers with a large extension looming for Hunter. 

Interior D-Line: 

• Under Contract: Linval Joseph, Jaleel Johnson, Sharrif Floyd (toll), Caushaud Lyons (PS), Dylan Bradley (PS) 
• Not Under Contract: Tom Johnson (UFA), Shamar Stephen (UFA) 

Although the Vikings had the best defense in the NFL this season their lack of an interior pass rush derailed their season. It was first exposed against the Panthers, but the Vikings can be taken advatage of in the middle in close games. It allowed the Saints and Drew Brees to feel comfortable in the 2nd half and allowed Nick Foles to have a field day in the NFCC game. Linval Joseph is a top 3 NT in the league but can't be expected to generate a pass rush when doubled on most plays. Although nobody has gotten an update on Sharrif Floyd, his career appears to sadly be over. Currently its expected his contract will toll into 2018 but the Vikings can waive him with no dead money opening up an additional $6.8M in cap space. Tom Johnson had another successful season but will be going on 34 in August. Shamar Stephen was missed in his short absence' and it would make sense for the Vikings to keep him around if the money makes sense ($3-4M AAV). The team does like Jaleel Johnson though and he will have a role moving forward. Currently the Vikings already spend in the top 1/3 of the league along their D-line. I could still see them spending a sizable chunk of cash to shore up 3-tech in free agency. Otherwise it needs to be addressed early in the draft. 

Linebacker: 

• Under Contract:  Eric Kendrick, Anthony Barr, Ben Gedeon, Eric Wilson, Kentrell Brothers, Shaan Washington, Antwione Williams (PS) 
• Not Under Contract: Emmanuel Lamur (UFA) 

The Vikings LB core is what makes Mike Zimmer's defensive system tick. Anthony Barr and Eric Kendricks are the key components, both are set to return. Barr will be playing on his $12.3M 5th year option and will be an extension candidate entering training camp. Similar to those before him the only cap impact of an extension in 2018 would likely be a pronated signing bonus incrementing the cap by $2-4M. Eric Kendricks will also be a candidate for a substantial extension. Similar to Barr, Kendricks would likely play out his current contract but roster bonus' will be added to spread out to money. A Kendricks extension will run the Vikings roughly $10M AAV. Ben Gedeon is set to return at WLB, but don't think the Vikings won't give some of their younger players (Wilson/Washington) a chance to beat out the incumbent. Emmanuel Lamur is the sole player not under contract and he likely will have better opportunities elsewhere. 

Cornerback: 

• Under Contract: Xavier Rhodes, Trae Waynes, Mackenzie Alexander, Horace Richardson (PS)  
• Not Under Contract: Terence Newman (UFA), Tramaine Brock (UFA) 

Going into the season you could tell the Vikings FO wasn't thrilled with their depth at CB when they traded a 7th round pick for Tramaine Brock. Entering this off-season I agree they need to build up more depth. Xavier Rhodes is one of the leagues best corners and will be playing the first year of his massive extension. The Vikings have until May to pickup Trae Waynes 5th year option for 2019 (around $9M). After taking a step in the right direction, the Vikings likely will reward him and pickup that option. Mac also took strides in the right direction but still has to take another step to be relied on in the slot. Terence Newman likely will return if he wants at age 40. If Newman returns adding another DB still makes sense but would give the Vikings the option of finding a good fit in FA or waiting for the draft. Newman opting to retire makes CB a substantial need in both FA and the draft. 

Safety: 

• Under Contract: Harrison Smith, Andrew Sendejo, Jayron Kearse, Jack Tocho (PS) 
• Not Under Contract: Anthony Harris (ERFA) 

The Vikings last line of defense was very solid in 2017 and everyone should return in 2018. Although Ant Harris is an ERFA the Vikings will definitely tender him a contract. Although he didn't get any defensive snaps in 2017, Jayron Kearse has developed into one of the best special teams players in the NFL. Sendejo really is the big question mark moving forward. Although he has continually improved, is he is the long-term guy next to Harrison Smith? With two years remaining on his contract with little guaranteed money remaining the Vikings will have to find a solution prior to 2019 when his cap number jumps. Although it wouldn't be a need in free agency I wouldn't be shocked to see the Vikings take a safety they like early in the draft.  

Special Teams: 

• Under Contract: Ryan Quigley, Kevin McDermott 
• Not Under Contract: Kai Forbath (UFA), Marcus Sherels (UFA), Jeff Overbaugh (ERFA) 

Compared to previous season the Vikings ST's unit was inconsistent this season. Ryan Quigley had one the best seasons for a punter in Vikings history and should return without competition. Kevin McDermott will return as the long snapper. Kai Forbath is an interesting debate. On FGA's Kai was money inside 40 yards, beyond that it was more of a dice roll. On XP's he was 2nd worst in the league. It likely will come down to what else is available and price point. Marcus Sherels will likely be retained as a return specialist. Jeff Overbaugh likely will be tendered but could end up being waived down the road if an additional roster spot were needed.

Thanks Geoff!
Though, I was really hoping to read this a couple of weeks from now...

@"Ilovebigtd's" said: what are the chances that they give teddy a shot next year?

They're not going to make any decisions until they know what is available externally. 

Why would we keep 2 long snappers?

Great stuff Geoff.  Roster constructing to me is almost as fun as watching the Games themselves.
My first observation is Alex Smith.  Game Manager who also has the arm talent to take advantage of Thielen/Diggs. My biggest gripe with Keenum is he holds the. ball too long looking for chunk plays. Later in the season that started to lead to more drive killing sacks and turnovers.

Smith will take what the Defense is giving him instead of always looking for the big play. At the same time, when that chunk play presents itself he was more than good enough to make it happen as this season proved. And he's an effective runner.

Next priority for me is OT. Remmers is League Average. That was a massive upgrade over the previous year, but still not good enough. He was also banged up a ton. Hill to me is what you state, a great swing Tackle. Not a permanent Starter.

3T also needs addressing. It's troublesome that the team used their third overall pick on a kid that didn't play one freaking down this year. There was a lot of talent on the Board that Rick passed on to take this kid. And he will hopefully still develop.

To that end I would look solely in FA for an upgrade. Can't justify using back to back high picks on this role but it's crucial to get production in the pass rush to make Mike's scheme work. I look at how that kid came over from the Bills to the Jags and made a huge difference for them and think Minnesota can do the same thing. This also buys time for JJ to develop.

DE is next on my list. Despite popular belief, Zimmer historically likes to show pressure and then not blitz. Hunter didn't flash as a Starter like he did as a situational rusher, which is to be expected. But that puts too much onus on Griffin. Especially with no threat from the 3T.

 I don't like how Weatherly and Bowers weren't in any kind of rotation with Griffin and Hunter.  Zimmer rotated a ton of the D-Line in Cincinnati including with young players. He needs to get back to doing that in Minnesota. It keeps guys freaher and makes them less reliant on one guy. If BPA in Round 2 or 3 is a DE go for it.

I'd look pass catching TE in FA to pair with Rudolph and Morgan.

Now for the controversial stuff. Sendejo was awful last night. My worst case scenario was making the Super Bowl and having Bellicheat scheme some looks where he ended up with Gronk in coverage.

Instead it was Ertz. And guess who else couldn't cover him? Smith.  This team needs a Safety that can run with TEs and play Center Field. That simply isn't what Sendejo does best. Really, his strengths are also the same as Harrison's, only not as good. That isn't a complimentary player, it's a very good backup.

We saw opposing Safeties in both games that can cover short, intermediate and deep routes. Smith is best used around the short to intermediate range. Time to finally get someone who can take care of all of it so Harrison can be used to his fullest potential.

And NO on drafting a CB. Mike's reputation isn't in drafting and developing CBs. It's in rehabbing veteran CBs. Time to find Newman or Jones 2.0.

This team is close. And I'm a big believer in taking some post season lumps in order to understand what it takes to win it all. Both the Coaches, Players and FO learned a painful but valuable lesson last night.

Some savvy FA signings and good early Round Drafting will have this Team ready to win it all next year.

@"FSUVike" said:

Some savvy FA signings and good early Round Drafting will have this Team ready to win it all next year.

I believe this. At least contending again like they did this year....as good as any team in the NFC or close to it on any given Sunday. We'll see, as the NFL can change so much year to year, but this is my thinking also as of right now.

@"mgobluevikes" said: Why would we keep 2 long snappers?

Just to retain Overbaugh's rights for the time being. Basically it would be the cheapest insurance policy you can buy.  

I'm really on the fence about Keenum and (as I spewed all last night) the D has me concerned.

Case had a 73 QBR against the Saints and Eagles. 

He's very good when the game is manageable and the D keeps it close. Beyond that? I have my doubts.

Problem is, I don't see a slam-dunk successor on this team right now. I see 3 qb's and when you say you have more than 1 qb on the team? Well we all know too well what that means. 

The D gave up 62 pts (?) the last 6 qtrs of the season. Harkens me back to Indy & GB last season. Teams have found a way to win against that personnel and scheme as this D tends to collapse at times for reasons beyond my football comprehension.

Otherwise, I think Guru and FSU have nailed the big points and areas in need of upgrade.

Ain't all going to happen in one offseason either. Am hoping (no believing) we have the nucleus to keep us a double-digit win team and in the post season dance for a # of years to come. 

Wentz puts Philly a bit ahead of us, but we are looking at ourselves pretty hard in the mirror right now I think. We need a QB like Smith (someone who can TRULY use our great WRs), one more OL, a 3T that is what Floyd was, and another piece to the secondary for depth away from the SB.
We need to stop thinking the NFCC is our GET-TO and win the big one. Zim played soft the last 6-quarters of the season. I love big Z, but why did he take his foot off of the gas? Look at what Parcells did instead of Lewis when they got to the playoffs.

couple names of note. 

Jonathan Joseph for that CB depth

Geno Atkins, dude is still a monster but has 2-3 years left at this level. I wonder what it would take for a trade.  2nd and a conditional mid round in 19’?

These two added to the defense with Rounds 1,3, and 4 focused on OL (LG and RT) and WR would be nice. 

My guess at the QB BATTERY in summer camp
Alex Smith, Teddy Bridgewater, Kyle Sloter

@"Geoff Nichols" said:

@"mgobluevikes" said: Why would we keep 2 long snappers?

Just to retain Overbaugh's rights for the time being. Basically it would be the cheapest insurance policy you can buy.  

@"Skodin" said: couple names of note. 

Jonathan Joseph for that CB depth

Geno Atkins, dude is still a monster but has 2-3 years left at this level. I wonder what it would take for a trade.  2nd and a conditional mid round in 19’?

These two added to the defense with Rounds 1,3, and 4 focused on OL (LG and RT) and WR would be nice. 

My guess at the QB BATTERY in summer camp
Alex Smith, Teddy Bridgewater, Kyle Sloter

we dont have a 3rd round pick this year...philly gets it for the bradford trade.

and what are the odds that Teddy wants to stay as a back up,  or that Smith would come here if he has to compete with Teddy?  They both want to be the #1 and both are likely not wanting to share snaps as Teddy needs all he can get to shake the rust off and any FA QB would want all they could get in a new system.  I think Teddy will draw interest from a few teams that would have more attractive paths to the #1 spot than battling Smith in Minny.   I wish we really knew how ready Teddy was to return.  I can over look that little glimpse we saw against the bengals,  just over amped,  but just how ready is he to have guys flying around that knee?

@"JimmyinSD" said:

@"Skodin" said: couple names of note. 

Jonathan Joseph for that CB depth

Geno Atkins, dude is still a monster but has 2-3 years left at this level. I wonder what it would take for a trade.  2nd and a conditional mid round in 19’?

These two added to the defense with Rounds 1,3, and 4 focused on OL (LG and RT) and WR would be nice. 

My guess at the QB BATTERY in summer camp
Alex Smith, Teddy Bridgewater, Kyle Sloter

we dont have a 3rd round pick this year...philly gets it for the bradford trade.

and what are the odds that Teddy wants to stay as a back up,  or that Smith would come here if he has to compete with Teddy?  They both want to be the #1 and both are likely not wanting to share snaps as Teddy needs all he can get to shake the rust off and any FA QB would want all they could get in a new system.  I think Teddy will draw interest from a few teams that would have more attractive paths to the #1 spot than battling Smith in Minny.   I wish we really knew how ready Teddy was to return.  I can over look that little glimpse we saw against the bengals,  just over amped,  but just how ready is he to have guys flying around that knee?

Ben Goessling retweeted
	Chris Hine@ChristopherHine	52m
	Jerick McKinnon said he appreciated his role this season with the Vikings, but as he heads to free agency, he’d ideally like to go somewhere he can be the featured back: “I want bigger and better things for myself. We’ll see what happens.” #Vikings

@"Norse" said:

Ben Goessling retweeted
	Chris Hine @ChristopherHine	52m
	Jerick McKinnon said he appreciated his role this season with the Vikings, but as he heads to free agency, he’d ideally like to go somewhere he can be the featured back: “I want bigger and better things for myself. We’ll see what happens.” #Vikings

@"Norse" said:

Ben Goessling retweeted
	Chris Hine @ChristopherHine	52m
	Jerick McKinnon said he appreciated his role this season with the Vikings, but as he heads to free agency, he’d ideally like to go somewhere he can be the featured back: “I want bigger and better things for myself. We’ll see what happens.” #Vikings

What's the deal with Floyd and Treadwell having so little
production?  You'd think that between the
2 of them, they'd be able to stumble into something that resembles an NFL
receiver, but combined they have less than 280 yards.  Is there something in our scheme or something
in Case that is inhibiting them?  Floyd
has had multiple years hovering around 1000 yds, so it’s not like he’s
completely worthless.  I would hope that
any FA X receiver we bring in would at least be able to get at least 500 yards.

@"Ilovebigtd's" said: its really fucked up that teddy most likely wont get a chance to play for this team. you lose your job to injury and not performance....smh. give him a shot 

if he isnt here he is losing his job to not having a contract.  

@"mgobluevikes" said:

@"Geoff Nichols" said:

@"mgobluevikes" said: Why would we keep 2 long snappers?

Just to retain Overbaugh's rights for the time being. Basically it would be the cheapest insurance policy you can buy.  

I think they probably have seen enough of both to know who they should keep based on age, performance, and contract. I didn't see any drop off when McDermott went down. Who's younger and cheaper? I know in the grand scheme of things LS aren't a money issue, but why have them take up space when clearly there are more pressing positions that need depth?

@"medaille" said: What's the deal with Floyd and Treadwell having so little production?  You'd think that between the 2 of them, they'd be able to stumble into something that resembles an NFL receiver, but combined they have less than 280 yards.  Is there something in our scheme or something in Case that is inhibiting them?  Floyd has had multiple years hovering around 1000 yds, so it’s not like he’s completely worthless.  I would hope that any FA X receiver we bring in would at least be able to get at least 500 yards.

2 really good starters our there in Diggs and Theilen...Not many catches left after the 2 of em. I'd like to believe we're 3 deep, but not sure!