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Minnesota Vikings’ 2023 season: 7-10, missed playoffs
The 2023 season did not go as hoped in Minnesota. After winning 13 games and the NFC North in 2022, the Vikings tied with the Chicago Bears for last place in the division a season later. Alongside regression from an overachieving 2022 campaign, quarterback play was at the center of Minnesota’s troubles.
Kirk Cousins suffered a torn Achilles in Week 8. The Vikings went on to use three more quarterbacks, none of whom were able to lift them to playoff contention. Now Cousins is scheduled to become a free agent, and the Vikings face a high-stakes offseason centered around the most important position in football.
(Taylor Wilhelm/Yahoo Sports)
Key free agents
QB Kirk Cousins
EDGE Danielle Hunter
LB Jordan Hicks
LG Dalton Risner
WR K.J. Osborn
Who’s in/out? Cousins’ status is one of the biggest stories of the NFL offseason. He’s reportedly not eligible for the franchise tag because of language in his contract, meaning he’s on track to became a true unrestricted free agent. The Vikings would presumably prefer to keep him, but what cost are they willing to pay for a 35-year old coming off an Achilles injury? The Vikings likewise can’t use the franchise tag on Hunter, meaning that he very well could be on the way out. Nobody else slated for free agency looks like a lock to re-sign.
Will Kirk Cousins play again for the Vikings? (Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
Key free agent needs
Quarterback
EDGE
Defensive tackle
Cornerback
Why the holes? See above for the need at quarterback. Minnesota’s offseason priorities start at the position, and everything else false into place from there. But there is plenty of need elsewhere. The Vikings have a dearth of pass rushers outside of the potentially departing Hunter and struggled in coverage last season against opposing receivers. They need help across the board in pass defense.
Do they have the money?
They have some. Per Spotrac, the Vikings have $28 million in cap space, which ranks 15th in the NFL….
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/minnesota-vikings-2024-nfl-offseason-primer-kirk-cousins-or-a-fresh-face-at-quarterback-014207767.html
Author : Yahoo Sports
Publish date : 2024-02-23 01:42:07
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