(Live Feed – Minnesota Vikings Offseason)
We bring the latest news and rumors surrounding the Minnesota Vikings as the offseason kicks into high gear.
O’Connell’s Extension and Kwesi’s Future: First off, big news on the front office and coaching staff. KOC (Kevin O’Connell) has officially received a well-deserved contract extension.1 And the word is that discussions are ongoing regarding an extension for Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. While his drafting record has been a point of debate, the team’s overall success can’t be denied. An extension for Kwesi would ensure stability within the organization.

Quarterback Situation: Darnold Out, McCarthy In?: Now, let’s talk about the quarterback situation. I’m hearing strong indications that the Vikings are likely to move on from Sam Darnold. The plan seems to be building around J.J. McCarthy as the starter next season, with a veteran QB brought in as a backup. And it’s not expected that Daniel Jones is that veteran. This is definitely a gamble, a roll of the dice, but the Vikings may as well go for it now.
(News Report on Sam Darnold’s Free Agency):

Reports suggest Sam Darnold could be in line for a massive payday in free agency. As Jeremy Fowler wrote, “All it takes is one suitor to drive Darnold’s market to the point where it’s cost prohibitive for Minnesota to retain him.” Fowler also noted that at least five teams picking in the top 10 of the NFL Draft need a quarterback. He continued, “Darnold is the clear-cut No. 1 quarterback in free agency,” and some executives believe Darnold could command a contract similar to Geno Smith or Baker Mayfield, around three years and $100 million.
PFF’s Projection: Pro Football Focus (PFF) projects an even higher value for Darnold, estimating a three-year, $123.75 million deal ($41.25 million per season) with $70 million guaranteed.2
Spotrac’s Prediction: Spotrac goes even further, projecting a four-year, $160 million contract. This would put Darnold’s annual salary between 50-67% of the highest QB contract in the league which currently belongs to Dak Prescott.
Brian Flores’ Coaching Future: Now, let’s turn to Brian Flores. It appears he may be passed over for head coaching opportunities for the second consecutive offseason. Despite interviewing with three teams (New York Jets, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Chicago Bears), one of those teams has already filled their head coaching vacancy, while the other two have moved on to second interviews without Flores. As Darren Wolfson of KSTP stated on SKOR North’s Mackey & Judd Show, “I’ve never seen him getting a [head coaching] job. I just haven’t… as long as this litigation is pending… I just didn’t see a Woody Johnson, or you name the owner, hiring Brian Flores.” This suggests Flores is likely to return to the Vikings for the 2025 season.
Key Takeaways:
- Kevin O’Connell receives a contract extension.3
- Kwesi Adofo-Mensah extension discussions are ongoing.
- Sam Darnold is likely to leave in free agency, with J.J. McCarthy expected to be the starting QB.
- Brian Flores is likely to return as defensive coordinator.
We’ll continue to provide updates as the Vikings’ offseason unfolds. Back to you in the studio.
Three Vikings Who Could Be in Line for Contract Extensions This Offseason
Andrew Van Ginkel
The Vikings’ decision to sign Andrew Van Ginkel to a two-year, $20 million deal last spring has proven to be a masterstroke. In his debut season with Minnesota, Van Ginkel delivered a phenomenal performance, racking up 11.5 sacks, 18 tackles for loss, two pick-sixes, and a forced fumble. His efforts earned him both Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro honors, embodying everything Brian Flores seeks in an outside linebacker.
While Van Ginkel has earned a significant pay raise, extending his contract could benefit both parties. A multi-year extension would not only reward his stellar play but also allow the Vikings to potentially lower his $12.4 million cap hit for 2025. With Van Ginkel and Jonathan Greenard anchoring the outside linebacker corps for the foreseeable future, rookie Dallas Turner could seamlessly fill Pat Jones’ role as the No. 3 option and gain valuable playing time.
Josh Metellus
Another player deserving of a new deal is Josh Metellus, who has become a vital asset under Flores’ defense. Since signing a two-year, $8 million extension before the 2023 season, Metellus has stepped into a full-time defensive role and thrived. His versatility and playmaking ability allow him to contribute in coverage, run defense, and even as a pass rusher.
Over the past two seasons, Metellus has compiled impressive stats, including 219 tackles, nine tackles for loss, 16 quarterback hits, ten passes defended, five forced fumbles, and four interceptions. As the Vikings’ ultimate Swiss Army knife, Metellus has solidified his place as a cornerstone of the defense, making a contract extension a logical step for the team.
Josh Oliver
The Vikings raised eyebrows in 2023 when their first free-agent signing was Josh Oliver, brought in on a three-year, $21 million deal. However, Oliver has more than justified that investment with his performance. While his receiving numbers over the last two seasons — 44 catches, 471 yards, and five touchdowns — may not stand out, his true value lies in his exceptional blocking skills.

Oliver has excelled as both a run blocker and a pass protector, often holding his own against edge rushers. These qualities have made him a favorite of head coach Kevin O’Connell. With the Vikings focused on improving their running game in 2025 and beyond, extending Oliver’s contract could make sense. Additionally, restructuring his deal would help reduce his $9.4 million cap hit, giving the team more flexibility.
Each of these players has played a crucial role in the Vikings’ recent success, making them prime candidates for contract extensions as the team looks to solidify its core for the future.
Kirk Cousins’ Departure Likely to Earn Vikings a Top-100 Compensatory Pick
According to Nick Korte of Over The Cap, the Minnesota Vikings are projected to receive a third-round compensatory pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. The Vikings are among four teams expected to earn third-round compensation, alongside the Dolphins, 49ers, and Rams.
Compensatory picks are awarded to teams that lose more qualifying free agents than they sign during the offseason. Last spring, the Vikings lost six qualifying free agents while signing five, leaving Kirk Cousins’ contract as the unmatched departure. NFL.com noted last May, “The Vikings signed five but lost six, with Cousins’ contract left as the unmatched deal.” This compensation could give the Vikings another valuable top-100 selection as they look to reshape their roster.
Tight End Josh Oliver May Become a Cap Casualty in 2025
As the Minnesota Vikings prepare for critical decisions to build a competitive 2025 roster, starting tight end Josh Oliver could be on the chopping block.
Oliver joined the Vikings in 2023 on a three-year, $21 million deal, initially hailed as a key addition to boost the running game with potential as a pass-catcher. However, his value is under scrutiny after logging just 56% of offensive snaps this past season.
Bleacher Report recently named Oliver a potential “cap casualty” heading into free agency. “This signing was a bit of a head-scratcher when it happened, and it’s likely to be re-evaluated in the spring,” their scouting report stated. “Oliver is a good blocking tight end, but paying him just under $10 million in 2025 is questionable when he only played 56% of the offensive snaps in 2024.”
The report also highlighted the financial strain of retaining Oliver, especially when the team is already committed to paying T.J. Hockenson $16.9 million next season. Cutting Oliver would free up $5.1 million in cap space, a move that could prove necessary for the Vikings as they allocate resources to other areas.
With financial flexibility and roster-building at the forefront of the Vikings’ offseason strategy, decisions like these will be critical to shaping their future.
Vikings Receive Positive Update on J.J. McCarthy After Lost Rookie Season
“All signs point to J.J. being okay healthwise,” KTSP’s Darren Wolfson shared on “SKOR North” on January 21. “In fact, I was texting with someone close to J.J. after the Vikings’ season-ending press conference, and they’re confident he’ll be ready for the start of the season in September.”
Head coach Kevin O’Connell echoed that optimism during his January 16 media session. “I’m very excited about where J.J. is at,” O’Connell said. “He’s returned to on-field training and is exactly where we hoped he would be at this stage. This offseason will be crucial for him to show whether he’s ready to step up. He’s maximized the opportunity this past year to learn and absorb everything, especially watching Sam’s journey firsthand.”
O’Connell added, “I’m thrilled to continue working with J.J. as he progresses in his development. It’s an exciting time for him and for our quarterback room as a whole.”
2024 Vikings Position Recap: Running Backs
Reflecting on the performance of the running backs, Kevin O’Connell praised their impact. “I think [Aaron Jones] brought a level of execution and consistency that was pivotal,” O’Connell said. “He had a career year with 1,500 all-purpose yards, which was huge for our team. Getting Cam [Akers] back and seeing how he contributed throughout the season also infused energy into the group. And we still have strong belief in Ty [Chandler] and his potential.”
Two Key Questions for 2025
- Will Aaron Jones return at an affordable price after his standout season?
The real question is whether Jones would accept a reduced workload after a career-high 306 touches, particularly if he’s asked to mentor a younger back poised to share or eventually take over the role. - Will the Vikings target a running back in free agency or the draft?
Early mock drafts suggest Minnesota could look at mid-to-late first-round options like Johnson or Hampton, though Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty, the consensus RB1, may already be off the board.
2024 Vikings Position Recap: Quarterbacks
Notable Numbers:
- 12 – Sam Darnold led the NFL with 12 games featuring at least two passing touchdowns and a passer rating of 100 or higher.
- 157.9 – Darnold set a new Vikings single-game passer rating record with 157.9 against the Falcons, completing 22-of-28 passes for 347 yards and five touchdowns. This eclipsed Gus Frerotte’s 2003 record of 157.2 (minimum 20 attempts).
The quarterback performances, along with McCarthy’s recovery and future development, will shape the Vikings’ outlook heading into the 2025 season.
Mekhi Blackmon Stays Positive, Makes Strides in ACL Recovery
The initial shock and pain have subsided, but the determination to return remains unwavering for Vikings cornerback Mekhi Blackmon.
A third-round pick out of USC in 2023, Blackmon entered his second NFL training camp full of optimism, only to suffer a torn ACL during the Vikings’ first practice in July.
“Honestly, I couldn’t believe it. I didn’t think it was real,” Blackmon said last week as players cleaned out their lockers at the Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center. “I just thought I got banged up a little. So when I got the news, I was really bummed. But everything happens for a reason. God makes no mistakes, so I’m just waiting for my turn, and it’s coming soon.”
In his rookie season, Blackmon logged 435 defensive snaps and two on special teams, finishing with 41 tackles, three tackles for loss, eight passes defensed, one interception, and a fumble recovery over 15 games, including three starts.
Kevin O’Connell Named NFC Coach of the Year by 101 Awards
The 101 Awards, celebrating NFL excellence for 55 years, announced its 2024 honorees on NFL Network’s Good Morning Football on Wednesday.
Among the recipients was Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell, who earned NFC Coach of the Year honors. Other winners included Chiefs head coach Andy Reid (AFC Coach of the Year), Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (AFC Offensive Player of the Year), Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II (AFC Defensive Player of the Year), Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (NFC Offensive Player of the Year), and Lions safety Kerby Joseph (NFC Defensive Player of the Year).
O’Connell’s recognition highlights a stellar season for the Vikings, as the team continues to establish itself as a contender under his leadership.
Vikings’ $42 Million Star Cam Bynum Speaks on Uncertain Future
As he approaches free agency for the first time, Minnesota Vikings safety Cam Bynum is unsure what lies ahead.
The 2021 fourth-round pick enjoyed a breakout year as a key part of the Vikings’ defense, which ranked fifth in points allowed. Bynum logged the third-most defensive snaps, finishing the season with 96 tackles, a career-high three interceptions, and two fumble recoveries.
Pro Football Focus projects Bynum to sign a three-year, $42.8 million contract, making him one of the top three safeties available in free agency.
At a recent fan meet-and-greet, Bynum shared his thoughts on his future, expressing hope but acknowledging the uncertainty. “I’m not sure what it’s looking like, but I’m praying I’m back here,” he told FOX 9. “I’ve loved everything about my four years here… being a Viking, there’s nothing better. I’m praying it will work out, and I know God will put me exactly where I need to be.”
Jalen Nailor Sets Career Highs in Breakout Season
Jalen Nailor made significant strides in 2024, recording 28 receptions on 42 targets for 414 yards and six touchdowns across 17 games. He also added three rushing attempts for minus-four yards and lost one fumble.
In the Vikings’ wild-card loss to the Rams, Nailor caught three of five targets for 33 yards. The 2022 sixth-round pick emerged as a reliable No. 3 receiver behind Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, setting career-best marks in his third NFL season.
Now entering the final year of his rookie contract, Nailor’s development in 2024 positions him as an important piece of the Vikings’ offense heading into 2025.