Let’s hope it continues with a beat down of the Packers
We all are hoping that the team continues to play well, stack wins, and beat the stinkin Packers! But much of the conversation is about what the team will do with starting QB Sam Darnold this offseason. Nothing wrong with that if you can multitask.
I think the team should hang onto him for a couple of more years while JJ McCarthy is being developed. It is too perfect actually. What kind of contract will Darnold want, get offered by other teams, and accept? Many fine folks believe he is going to get 45-50M per year. I do not know what that is based upon though. It is just a narrative that has taken off like McCarthy being a top 3 QB in last year’s draft.
The cap space is not as much as folks believe though. Sure they have 76M now but once they give contracts and how they structure those really affects the 2026 cap space. Here is a quick and dirty plan for this offseason.
Season : Cap Space
2024 : $7,502,571
2025 : $76,467,385
2026 : $100,430,510
Sign Sam Darnold to a 2 yr 80M deal
Sign Byron Murphy to a 3 yr 51M deal
Sign Cam Bynum to a 3 yr 36M deal
Sign Aaron Jones to a 2 yr 13M deal
Sign Dalton Risner to a 3 yr 15M deal
Sign Levi Onwuzurike to a 3 yr 36M deal
Sign Kristian Fulton to a 3 yr 27M deal
Harrison Smith Retired/Cut
Season : Cap Space
2024 : $7,502,571
2025 : $15,222,385
2026 : $8,430,510
The 2026 cap already has these players with these cap hits …
Player : Cap Number
Justin Jefferson : $38,987,600
Brian O’Neill : $23,203,892
Christian Darrisaw : $23,141,929
Jonathan Greenard : $22,300,000
T.J. Hockenson : $21,355,000
Harrison Phillips : $9,176,389
Blake Cashman : $9,050,000
J.J. McCarthy : $5,960,399
Jordan Addison : $4,369,189
Dallas Turner : $4,300,054
Andrew Van Ginkel : $4,200,000
Blake Brandel : $4,166,668
Total : $170,211,120
Add in the players signed in the Q&D plan …
Sam Darnold : $43,750,000
Byron Murphy : $15,400,000
Levi Onwuzurike : $11,000,000
Cam Bynum : $9,500,000
Aaron Jones : $6,300,000
Kristian Fulton : $5,250,000
Dalton Risner : $5,000,000
Total : $96,200,000
That is 266M for 19 players.
I expect the team will be very prudent with the available cap space. I could see them bringing back Darnold, Jones, Risner, Murphy, Bynum, Bullard, Tillery, Mundt, Jamin Davis, Akers, Powell, and maybe Mullens. The depth players would probably get similar near minimum level deals. I could see them going after lower level free agents too. That way, if Daniel Jones & Cam Robinson get deals north of 10M per year, they could be in line for two 3rd round compensatory picks in 2026.
Even if they do not bring back Darnold, that 43M cap hit in this scenario could be eaten up quick by a top deal for a different corner, defensive tackle, and guard.
Minnesota Vikings News and Links
Contract-year winners! Seven ascending players poised to break the bank in 2025 NFL free agency
Sam Darnold
Minnesota Vikings · QB · Age 27
Darnold ultimately could prove to be a one-year wonder, but the No. 3 overall pick of the 2018 NFL Draft is enjoying the best season of his career — by far. Through 15 games, the seventh-year pro has thrown for 3,776 yards and 32 touchdowns (against 11 interceptions), boasting a sparkling 105.4 passer rating. As an efficient and effective playmaker, Darnold has 12 games with at least a 100.0 passer rating, one behind MVP candidate Lamar Jackson (who posted his 13th on Christmas Day) for the NFL lead, and 11 games with multiple passing touchdowns. While some of the veteran’s success can be attributed to Coach of the Year candidate Kevin O’Connell and his offensive wizardry, Darnold’s finally displaying the immense talent his many supporters touted when projecting him as a franchise quarterback during the 2018 offseason.
Given Darnold’s spectacular 2024 campaign, the Vikings could slap the franchise tag — projected at just over $41 million for QBs in 2025, per Over The Cap — on the 27-year-old to keep him in the fold for another season. However, the presence of J.J. McCarthy as the franchise’s quarterback of the future and a lackluster quarterback market could make the veteran a hot commodity on the open market.
Trey Smith
Kansas City Chiefs · OG · Age 25
The two-time Super Bowl champion is a rugged interior blocker with the size, strength, power and skill to transform an offense at the point of attack. Smith’s toughness and physicality set the tone for the Chiefs, while his skill enables Patrick Mahomes to throw comfortably from the pocket. As teams look to rebuild or retool their offensive lines in order to protect the most important piece of the puzzle, this 6-6, 321-pounder will command significant attention on the free-agent market if Kansas City lets him walk.
D.J. Reed
New York Jets · CB · Age 28
After earning respect as half of one of the best cornerback tandems in football in recent years, Reed figures to be an intriguing option for teams looking for a competitive and feisty lockdown corner with diverse skills. Though scheme fit matters, based on his experience within a system popularized by the “Legion of Boom” in Seattle (Reed has exclusively played in that scheme during his time with the 49ers, Seahawks and Jets), the seventh-year pro’s instincts, awareness and sticky coverage could translate into many defenses. Given the lack of elite cornerbacks that are going to be on the market, Reed will have suitors lining up to secure his services as a CB1.
“So Steady” Packers Must Respect this Vikings Unsung Hero Sunday, NFL GM Says
The Minnesota Vikings’ defense has been wreaking havoc all season, and might represent the Packers‘ toughest test before the NFL Playoffs get underway.
Minnesota’s success this season has largely been powered by Sam Darnold’s renaissance at quarterback, and the explosiveness of wide receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison leading the league’s eighth-ranked passing offense.
But, defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ unit has been a complementary force multiplier for the Vikings, and are led by several unsung heroes.
“[Safety] Camryn Bynum,” a current NFL general manager tells me is the Vikings’ unsung hero, on the condition of anonymity to speak freely about another team. “He’s just a very steady player at a position that’s key to what Brian Flores likes to do.”
Pro Football Focus points out that Bynum is holding opposing quarterbacks to a passer rating of just 83.9, while garnering a solid 63 overall grade, but has been even better against the run where he grades out at No. 30 out of 165 players at the position.
Theo Jackson Rewarded by Depth of Preparations
Theo Jackson knew things had to be perfect.
He worked to stay calm in a high-pressure situation, not wanting to give his strategy away.
After all, Elf on the Shelf is a serious matter.
Earlier in December, Jackson’s wife Ari traveled to Florida to bring back 6-year-old Aiden, her son and Jackson’s stepson. The Vikings safety was tasked with arranging Christmas back in Minnesota while the two were gone.
“I had to make it memorable,” Jackson said. “This was our first time having Christmas all together. I just wanted to make it special.”
After wrapping the family’s gifts and placing under the decorated tree, Jackson brainstormed a scenario for “Elfie,” Aiden’s Christmas elf who reports back to Santa Claus on the youngster’s behavior.
“You can learn a lot of stuff from TikTok,” quipped Jackson, who ultimately ended up consulting social media for inspiration.
He tediously constructed a hot balloon “bucket” for Elfie from an open gift box and tissue paper, then suspended it from an inflated balloon and worked to hang the entire contraption from the living room ceiling.
“I had to make sure the box wasn’t too heavy, and I think it failed, like, three times,” Jackson recalled.
Which one was more stressful, then? Convincing Aiden of Elfie’s magical adventures or stepping in for an injured Harrison Smith at Seattle.
No contest.
“Elf on the Shelf was the most nerve-racking,” he laughed.
Whether on the football field or at home, Jackson takes his responsibilities seriously.
It’s why he wasn’t rattled in Week 16 when coaches told Jackson and fellow safety Bobby McCain they’d be contributing on defense in place of Smith, who was ruled out on game day.
“Honestly, my mindset never really changes, because the way I work, I always prepare like I’m starting,” Jackson said. “I have to know multiple [safety] positions so if anyone goes down, you know, I have to be able to step in there and perform at a high level.”
He did just that at Seattle, where he played 21 defensive snaps in addition to his usual special teams duties. The most memorable play, of course, occurred when Jackson snagged a late-game interception of Geno Smith to put the game on ice. But it’s also worth noting he was on the field for two three-and-out situations in the second quarter, as well as Dallas Turner’s pick; a three-and-out in the third quarter; another three-and-out in the fourth quarter and a three-down series capped by the Seahawks missed field goal.
Ask any of his teammates, and they’ll tell you Jackson’s performance truly is no surprise.
“As soon as [Geno Smith] threw it to Theo’s side, [we knew]. We mess around all the time, like whenever Theo touches the field, he’ll make a play. And it happened,” Camryn Bynum said.
“Theo making the game-sealing play was no surprise,” added Smith. “But it was awesome, and it just shows how many guys we have who can go out there and make plays.”
Vikings Defensive Coordinator Brian Flores also had no hesitation in calling on Jackson, whom he’s seen make big plays all through OTAs, training camp and in-season practices.
Jackson impressed during the spring and summer but has had to bide his time — and has done so patiently.
“You know, a lot of guys would be upset [in this situation after] having a great camp, want an opportunity to get in there and play. And I’m sure he was frustrated, has been frustrated about that, but he’s very much an unselfish guy, a team guy,” Flores said. “The guys in that room love him, the guys throughout the team love him for that. He’s respected by everyone because of that.”
Jackson offered a soft smile when asked about Flores’ comments, about the reality of frustration.
“I just have to think, ‘Wait your turn.’ From OTAs, them telling me how far I’ve progressed, how good I’m doing, I understand that. But I also understand that I have three really good safeties in front me,” said Jackson, referring to Smith, Bynum and Joshua Metellus. “And I’m not the one to complain. It’s just, ‘When I get the opportunity, make the most of it.’ That’s just the way I was raised.”
Even during his college days at Tennessee, Jackson learned to be ready when his number was called. He maintains that approach at this level.
“I’m not a selfish person,” he said. “Yeah, it’s tough not playing, but if there’s a reason why I’m not playing — if guys in front of me are better, if they fit the scheme better, I just have to focus on playing my role to the best of my ability. And then when I get that call, go out and perform.”
Jackson answered the bell against the Seahawks and helped the Vikings advance to 13-2 and in a position to control their own destiny headed into the final two regular-season games and postseason.
He’s grateful for perspective from Smith, whether in the defensive backs position room or on the sideline in Seattle.
“I watch every rep he plays, because that’s who I have to go in and play like, so to speak,” Jackson said. “It’s constant back-and-forth questions; he’ll ask me things, too, because he’s always willing to learn. I think it’s just constant talking, and I’m picking up nuggets here and there to enhance my play.
“When he couldn’t play, he was telling me what he was seeing on the field,” Jackson added.
Justin Jefferson’s Flavoring of Routes Adding to Vikings Season
It’s a look that one can feel.
A style backed by substance.
But most importantly, it can create an edge for the Vikings.
The way Justin Jefferson puts “flavor” on his routes has helped Sam Darnold connect with the receiver time and time again in their first season together.
“Yeah, that’s what makes me, me. If I was running it regular, then I wouldn’t be me,” Jefferson said Thursday. “So it’s just, I gotta add on my own little touch to it. I will never do too much; I will never make it out of the ordinary for me to do it and mess up the timing for Sam.”
Head Coach Kevin O’Connell has explained equipping Jefferson with “freedom” to modify his routes.
Jefferson and Darnold have connected so far on 92 passes for 1,387 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Their most recent public display of connection was a 39-yard game-winning touchdown at Seattle, helping the Vikings prevail 27-24 and improve to 13-2 on the season.
Jefferson won an inside release against the corner, saw safety Julian Love holding in the middle of the field and took his route smoothly toward the left pylon. Darnold navigated the pocket and pressed the launch code, delivering with arm strength that fired the ball to Jefferson before Love could make it to the spot.
Call it flavor, call it freedom, call it fantastic.
The successes have resulted from quality time on task that has been helped by Jefferson’s intensity.
“Anything that I do out here on this [practice] field, I’m gonna most likely imitate it out there on that field to make sure the timing is right, Sam knows exactly where I’m going to be at — the exact time at the exact spot,” Jefferson said. “So, I might put that flavor into it, but Sam is going to see that flavor well before Sunday.”
Darnold said he appreciates how “game-like” the reps are in practice so he can get the feel of the play unfolding.
“A lot of guys don’t necessarily want to run full speed, and they don’t want to break necessarily like they would in the game, but for him to be able to come out here and do that in practice, you know, it obviously helps me as a quarterback to be able to feel his body language,” Darnold said.
Darnold has been throwing the ball to Jefferson since June, Jordan Addison since May and tight end T.J. Hockenson since late October practices.
“Everyone’s different — especially guys like ‘Jets,’ guys like J.A., really, everyone on our team, T.J.— the way they’re able to get in and out of cuts, everyone’s different,” Darnold said. “It just takes reps to get used to it.”
When O’Connell spoke with “Voice of the Vikings” Paul Allen during this week’s episode of Xs and Os about permitting the freedom for Jefferson to modify the routes, he explained it’s been a way to counteract approaches by defenses.
“At this point in time, if Justin ran the standard stock routes, and what I mean by that is, ‘He’s got an in-cut. Lined up outside the numbers, I’m going to start down, I’m going to get 12-14 [yards], put my foot down and run an in-cut, there’s a good chance that frustration will mount if — ‘OK, he’s the single receiver. The corner is going to check to a 2-man base coverage just to Justin, so the corner is going to play hard inside leverage and is going to have a safety over the top’ — Justin is going to get frustrated,” O’Connell said. “So what we’ve tried to do is build a world where we can have really locked-in, dialed-in concepts for Justin to have some freedom to play off some of those leverages.
“He basically is running variations of option routes where the defense can be right, but they can only be right by population, so if they’ve got 3 over there, normally that’s when T.J., Jordan or Jalen Nailor will come to life on the other side,” O’Connell added. “If Justin is aligned with the other Vikings, we’re normally putting him in certain spots to dictate the entire vision point for Sam of how the coverage will declare. It’s a whole bunch of ways that we’ve, a lot of times in ‘22 and parts of ‘23, we were trying to come up with those on the sideline, but at this point, we’ve got a lot of mechanisms in our offense to move him everywhere, motion him everywhere, different snap points and ultimately give him the ability to find that open grass and pair it with like concepts so it’s not an outlier for Sam if Justin is not going to be the throw.”
Vikings receiving targets and Darnold interpret the defense’s “coverage intentions” when the offense gets to the line of scrimmage. Other times, O’Connell said, players make post-snap decisions.
“Some of our biggest plays we’ve hit over the last couple of years were some of those post-snap things where, every single one of our opponents, I could teach them the play, and they would still probably have a hard time stopping the play because of how we attack and whatever the final presentation of the defense is,” O’Connell said.
‘We hate them and they hate us’ Vikings Justin Jefferson ahead of border battle
The Vikings are competing in arguably the best division in the NFL this year.
The Vikings, Packers and Lions will all appear in the playoffs this season.
“This year has definitely been crazy just to see the talent in our division this season,” Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson says.
Even Vikings players who don’t live in the Midwest understand why fans have a strong grudge against the Packers.
“It’s awesome to be able to run into Packers fans and I’m not going to lie, they’re nice and everything, but when you start to talk about football they’re not shy about speaking their mind about who they think the better team is,” Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold laughs.
Justin Jefferson also enjoys being a part of the historic rivalry.
He says these two games every season against the Packers serve as motivation to bring home a win for the hometown fans.
“Everybody knows we hate them, and they hate us. The fans know. Just the whole rivalry in general is something to get juiced up about,” Jefferson says.
Vikings $4.8 million EDGE predicted to leave Minnesota for dumpster fire team
With EDGE defenders Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel squarely in the mix for the foreseeable future, it remains to be seen what Minnesota decides to do with former third-round pick Pat Jones II.
Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report predicts Jones, who’s now in the final year of his rookie contract, will cut ties with Minnesota’s crowded depth chart at the position for a better opportunity with the New York Jets this offseason.
Here was Holder’s take on the potential change of scenery:
The Jets used to have a deep rotation of pass-rushers who could dial up the heat, but trades, aging and free agency have slowly chipped away at that depth. Haason Reddick is still set to become a free agent at the end of the season. Given the price tag associated with him, the Jets might look to go a little cheaper and add more bodies to the room. Patrick Jones II would be an ideal target if that’s the case. He has proved his worth as a rotational pass-rusher with seven sacks for the Vikings this season. He’ll likely be looking for a pay bump on the open market, but he hasn’t done enough to warrant a huge payday.
Yore Mock
Trade Recap
Minnesota Receives:
2025: Round 2, Pick 38
2025: Round 3, Pick 83
New England Receives:
2025: Round 1, Pick 30
…
Minnesota Receives:
2025: Round 4, Pick 107
2025: Round 5, Pick 167
Tennessee Receives:
2025: Round 3, Pick 97
…
Minnesota Receives:
2025: Round 4, Pick 127
2025: Round 4, Pick 135
2025: Round 6, Pick 184
Baltimore Receives:
2025: Round 4, Pick 107
2025: Round 5, Pick 167
…
38. Trey Amos CB | Mississippi 6’1” 190
Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
83. TreVeyon Henderson RB | Ohio State 5’10” 207
Photo by Jason Mowry/Getty Images
127. Cooper Mays C | Tennessee 6’4” 311
Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
135. J.J. Pegues DL | Mississippi 6’2” 324
Photo by Andy Altenburger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
143. Malachi Moore S | Alabama 6’0” 201
Photo by Jason Clark/Getty Images
165. Saivion Jones EDGE | LSU 6’6” 280
Photo by Ella Hall/LSU/University Images via Getty Images
184. Cody Lindenberg LB | Minnesota 6’3” 240
Photo by Brandon Sloter/Image Of Sport/Getty Images
Again, we all know the rules, but in case someone is new:
- No discussion of politics or religion
- No feeding of the trolls
- Leave the gender hatred at the door
- Keep the bad language to a minimum (using the spoiler tags, if you must)
- Speaking of which, if discussing a newer show or movie, please use spoiler tags
- No pictures that could get someone fired or in serious trouble with their employer
- If you can’t disagree in a civil manner, feel free to go away
- While navigating the open thread, just assume it’s sarcasm