With the NFL Draft within the rearview, a lot of the large strikes this offseason have already been made. Nonetheless, that does not imply there is not enterprise to take care of.
With that in thoughts, listed here are three strikes the Minnesota Vikings should make forward of the 2024 season.
Lengthen WR Justin Jefferson: Regardless of rumors that the Vikings have been prepared to doubtlessly commerce the star wideout if it meant shifting up within the draft to pick a quarterback, Jefferson continues to be right here. That may lead most to consider he is a part of the workforce’s plans shifting ahead, which implies a record-breaking contract is on the horizon.
Lately, common supervisor Kwesi Adofo-Mensah mentioned the 2 sides would “hold working” towards getting a deal performed and sounded optimistic it could happen. However now that the draft is over and Philadelphia Eagles WR A.J. Brown has set the market, it is time to make it occur so all sides can go into coaching camp pleased.
Signal a guard: The Vikings’ depth at guard stays a query mark. They did make investments a seventh-round choose in ex-Wake Forest guard Michael Jurgens, however aside from that, the place has gone nearly unchanged this offseason.
For now, Ed Ingram appears locked in because the starter at proper guard, however probably the most important uncertainty lies at left guard, the place the Vikings are planning to lean on Blake Brandel. A sixth-round choose (No. 203) in 2020, the previous Oregon State deal with turned guard has made solely 5 begins over three seasons in Minnesota.
With a shiny new quarterback, ex-Michigan standout J.J. McCarthy, prone to be the Week 1 starter, having dependable safety in entrance of the rookie is paramount. If the Vikings need to guarantee his safety, in search of extra assist at guard could be a wise transfer.
Signal a veteran WR: Jefferson and budding star Jordan Addison lead Minnesota’s extensive receiver room, however the place may nonetheless use some assist.
Brandon Powell will likely be a strong possibility within the slot, however past that, the Vikings haven’t got a lot depth at wideout. Former 2019 first-round choose N’Keal Harry will even be within the combine, nevertheless it’s unlikely he’ll be a contributor after already failing to make an affect in two separate spots.
The Vikings most likely will not discover a game-changer on the open market, however including extra dependable choices is important. At the moment, they’re one harm away from being extraordinarily shorthanded at a vital place, with the excessive risk of a rookie QB main the way in which.
