5 Official Predictions for the Vikings Offseason

Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.

The Minnesota Vikings’ offseason has about five weeks in the books, headlined by the head coach Kevin O’Connell’s extension and Brian Flores’ return for Year No. 3.

5 Official Predictions for the Vikings Offseason

Free agency kicks off in about three weeks, and the draft is six after that.

To set the table for the Vikings’ 65th offseason in franchise history, here are five predictions for the 2025 Vikings, ranked in no particular order.

Reminder: “Bold predictions” — more outlandish ones — can be read here.

1. Sam Darnold Leaves

Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.

While some fans still hope that Minnesota applies the franchise tag and trades Darnold to the highest bidder, the compensatory draft pick that the team would fetch for his free-agent exit may not be all that different than a trade.

And because the purple team has J.J. McCarthy itching to start, plus Darnold’s probable $40 million asking price, the veteran passer will depart via free agency.

The Las Vegas Raiders, New York Giants, and Pittsburgh Steelers will be suitors, and Las Vegas will likely win the Darnold sweepstakes.

2. Daniel Jones Becomes the QB2

Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.

After Darnold vamooses via free agency, Minnesota will want to replicate the 2024 model — employing an experienced quarterback behind the youngster, J.J. McCarthy.

Look no further than Daniel Jones, who had even more starting experience than Darnold entering last season.

Minnesota forged this relationship down the stretch of the 2024 campaign, signing Jones to the practice squad, and he’ll return as the QB2 in 2025 on a deal worth about $12 million.

3. Vikings Select DT in Round 1 of Draft

Petre Thomas-Imagn Images.

Minnesota will start from strength in finding a starting cornerback in free agency — it has the relationship with Byron Murphy Jr. intact. General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, for example, can re-sign Murphy Jr. and then perhaps add a player like Paulson Adebo, a corner from the New Orleans Saints.

It won’t be quite as easy to find a dominant defensive tackle, especially if the Vikings don’t win the Milton Williams sweepstakes.

Therefore, Minnesota will mostly take care of cornerback in free agency and set sights on Round 1 or 2 of the draft for the defensive tackle need. It just so happens that this draft has oodles of DT options.

Watch for the team to target Walter Nolen (Ole Miss), Kenneth Grant (Michigan), Tyleik Williams (Ohio State), or Deone Walker (Kentucky), to name a few possibilities.

4. Aaron Jones Returns

Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.

Aaron Jones loves the Vikings, and they love him.

In addition to choosing a running back in a deep RB draft class, Minnesota will re-sign Jones for one more year, reduce his workload a bit, and pair him with that rookie tailback.

Consider this one a “culture signing” as well.

5. All Major Roster Needs Addressed in Free Agency First

Minnesota General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah addressed the media about the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft from the TCO Performance Center. The Vikings have long-term draft needs at quarterback, cornerback, and interior offensive line.

The perk of showcasing $60 million in cap space before restructuring any existing players’ contracts? Adofo-Mensah can spend, spend, and then spend some more.

Accordingly, the Vikings will check off all major long-term roster needs before entering the draft. That is — perceived holes at cornerback, defensive tackle, interior offensive line, and running back will be filled in March.

The draft will then act like gravy, and Adofo-Mensah can focus on the best player available throughout each round.

Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. The show features guests, analysis, and opinion on all things related to the purple team, with 4-7 episodes per week. His MIN obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band). He follows the NBA as closely as the NFL. 

All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.