Follow the latest offseason roster moves
EAGAN, Minne – The Minnesota Vikings are expected to make many free-hand moves starting this week. Follow all the action in live updates below.
Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and head coach Kevin O’Connell, now in their second offseason together, appear to be breaking away from the “run it back” mentality of the 2022 season and shifting the roster to accommodate the to emphasize youth. In addition, the team must comply with the salary cap.
Back this off-season, the team announced the release of some longtime – but expensive – fan favorites: Linebacker Eric Kendricks And Wide receiver Adam Thielen. Cornerback Cameron Dantzler Sr., who was injured over long stretches last year, was also left out.
There are 17 players in Minnesota who will become free agents on Wednesday. The biggest players are arguably cornerback Patrick Peterson, center Garrett Bradbury, kicker Greg Joseph and defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson. Cornerback Duke Shelly, who was signed during the regular season and has risen sharply after suffering multiple cornerback injuries, will also make the trade block.
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While maintaining some depth of quality, the team made offensive lineman Blake Brandel and nose tackle Khyiris Tonga exclusive free agents.
As for demand positions next season, there are many and it depends on which current players are returning or leaving during free agency.
But to start, the team needs a middle linebacker replacement for Kendricks and a No. 2 wide receiver to complement the Justin Jefferson phenomenon. New defensive coordinator Brian Flores was hired after the team’s abysmal defensive performance in 2022, and his 3-4 defensive scheme is man-covered. Further cornerback acquisitions are expected to fit well with Flores’ program, whether in free agency or in the draft.
It will be difficult for Minnesota to repeat the success of last year’s 13-4 season, especially with much less veteran presence, and it will be interesting to see what team management does in the offseason to build sustained success. What’s being done in free agency will also likely impact the team’s decisions during the upcoming draft.
While the contracts aren’t official until free agency begins on Wednesday, the negotiation window – also known as the “legal manipulation period” – is now open from Monday.
Latest reports and squad updates below.