After finishing atop the NFC North, the Minnesota Vikings could be heading toward a rebuild. The team’s moves this offseason suggest they’re aiming to get younger and build for the future.
The 2022 season was mostly a successful one for the Vikings. They went 13-4 and reached the playoffs for the first time since 2019. With that said, the team was unable to win many games comfortably. Only two of their victories were in games decided by more than eight points. Minnesota’s luck ran out when the playoffs began. They were eliminated at home by the Giants in the Wild Card round.
Between their inability to separate from teams and an early exit in the playoffs, it’s apparent that the Vikings are far from contenders. Minnesota’s front office recognized this and retooled their roster this offseason.
Minnesota Vikings Preparing for a Rebuild
Changes on Offense
With the team tight on cap space entering this offseason, multiple players with hefty contracts were released. One notable cap casualty is veteran wide receiver Adam Thielen. The Minnesota native spent nine seasons with the Vikings after signing as an undrafted free agent. Thielen racked up 55 TDs and was voted to two Pro Bowls during his tenure. Recently, however, injuries and age have caused his production to dip. Thielen was cut earlier this offseason before signing with the Carolina Panthers.
The heir apparent to Thielen in Minnesota is rookie wide receiver Jordan Addison. The team selected Addison with the 23rd overall pick in this year’s draft. Addison was ultra-productive early in his college career at the University of Pittsburgh. He transferred to USC for his junior year and led his team in receiving. In all, Addison gained over 3000 yards and scored 30 TDs in three collegiate seasons.
Additionally, Minnesota let go of veteran running back Dalvin Cook. Similarly to Thielen, Cook spent the entirety of his career with the Vikings. He rushed for over 1100 yards and reached the Pro Bowl in each of the last four seasons. However, with the running back market where it currently is, he was cut and remains a free agent. Alexander Mattison figures to see a large workload in 2o23. With Cook out of the picture, Mattison gets his first opportunity to prove himself as a starter.
As for the offensive line, there’s no need for much change. The Vikings have used a first or second-round pick on each of their projected starters in recent years. This homegrown unit is meshing well and developing over time.
Changes on Defense
The Minnesota Vikings defense underwent massive changes this offseason. Despite the team’s success, their defense ranked towards the bottom of the league in most areas. Minnesota fired defensive coordinator Ed Donatell and replaced him with Brian Flores as a result.
Their greatest weaknesses came within their secondary. The Vikings ranked 31st in passing yards allowed and 30th in yards allowed per attempt. This led to the team releasing cornerback Cameron Dantzler and letting 33-year-old Patrick Peterson leave in free agency. Minnesota is banking on younger players to rejuvenate their defense with Dantzler and Peterson gone. Safety Lewis Cine and cornerback Andrew Booth were the team’s first two picks in the 2022 draft. Unfortunately, both players suffered significant injuries as rookies and missed most of the season.
24-year-old cornerback Byron Murphy was also added to the mix this offseason. Murphy spent the first four years of his career with the Cardinals. He’s coming off his best season in terms of completion percentage allowed and yards allowed per target.
Minnesota was better up front than in the secondary but still just average. Their defense ranked toward the middle of the league in stats such as rushing yards allowed and sacks.
The team made minimal changes to their front seven this offseason. Edge rusher Za’Darius Smith and linebacker Eric Kendricks fell victim to Minnesota’s effort to get younger. Smith (traded to the Browns) and Kendricks (signed with the Chargers) will be 31 this season.
New additions to fill the holes left by Smith and Kendricks include defensive ends Marcus Davenport and Dean Lowry. Davenport, the more notable of the two, signed a one-year contract with Minnesota following a down year in New Orleans. But in 2021, Davenport posted career highs in sacks, tackles, quarterback hits, and forced fumbles.
The Minnesota Vikings made a clear effort to farm a younger roster for the 2023 season. Nearly every position group will be starting a player with less experience than their starter last year. This direction may work out in the long run, but inexperience could cause growing pains for now.
Main Photo Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports
