Entering the offseason, the Minnesota Vikings had many questions to answer, despite coming off a 14-3 season that exceeded expectations. With the expiring contracts of the starting quarterback, the top running back, four cornerbacks, and a couple of safeties, as well as holes on the offensive and defensive lines, GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah had a long to-do list.
National Media is a Fan of Vikings’ Offseason
The good news was that he had some cap space to work with, giving him the ability to acquire major assets, checking off one item on the list after another. For his work since the last game was played in January, he has received some credit from CBS Sports’ Josh Edwards, who ranked the league’s top ten offenses.
CBS Sports on Vikings’ Offseason
The Vikings rank third on his list.
He wrote, “The offensive line had been an issue against the Rams in the playoffs. Perhaps the Vikings over-corrected with massive contracts for center Ryan Kelly and offensive guard Will Fries — the two played a combined 15 games in 2024 — as well as first-round selection Donovan Jackson. Second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy should feel protected behind the new-look unit, which also welcomes back injured left tackle Christian Darrisaw.”
Minnesota’s offensive line has been a problem for years, and Skol Nation hopes it’s finally behind them. Kelly and Fries are good football players, and injury risks are part of free agency. It’s rare for standout players without any concerns to hit the market. The Vikings bet on them staying healthy, a strategy that worked with previously injured Andrew Van Ginkel and Aaron Jones last year.
After the playoff loss, head coach Kevin O’Connell addressed the interior offensive line and made sure everyone knew that would be a point of emphasis in the months to follow. Indeed, the club invested roughly $26 million a year to acquire the two former Colts blockers, but that wasn’t all.
Donovan Jackson was drafted in the first round. The 22-year-old out of Ohio State is viewed as a long-term solution at left guard to complete the interior overhaul.
Edwards continued, “Potentially the biggest boon of the entire operation was the retention of defensive coordinator Brian Flores, whose unit exceeded expectations a year ago. He is now graced with proven veterans Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen, which allows last year’s starters to serve in more suitable roles.”
In the last two seasons, Flores had to work primarily with run-stuffing defensive lines that had limited ability to threaten passers. That included top tackle Harrison Phillips, but also veterans Jerry Tillery and Jonathan Bullard.
The latter two are gone, replaced by the a duo of former Pro Bowlers, Hargrave and Allen, who should be a massive upgrade. Phillips, meanwhile, won’t be as much in the focus of the pass-rushing group, which should help his performance.
