All Things 2026 Minnesota Vikings Off-Season Thread

[GopherWeatherGuy]

Not. Even. Close.

Based on what? Are you going to go on Arod rant? The Wolves blow the Vikings away as a competent organization right now.

 

[atsgopher]

You also are now highly dependent on Turner taking the next step

I just don’t see why for that deal they felt compelled to move him unless he was going to hold out (he may have been)

I thought that had been reported months ago? He was seeking a significant raise. I guess I expected this, and was hoping we’d flip to someone else. However, I can’t say I’m too plugged in and Maybe, it was only speculation I read.

 

[Ogie Ogilthorpe]

So now we have salary cap issues again? I was told all offseason it wasn't a problem. And it especially wasn't a problem after all of the space they cleared.

Every team has to consider the salary cap when making decisions. This move will free up cap space to extend other players they prefer to keep.

This. The cap is a consideration for every team, especially when you're dealing with a player and his agent who are publicly clamoring another big fat contract shortly after the Vikings already gave him a big contract.

I don't get the negative reaction to this deal; they literally drafted Dallas Turner to eventually replace either Van Ginkel or Greenard and now that they moved Greenard while they could get something for him, some folks are pissed.

Rashan Gary is not a dramatically different comp for Greenard; Gary was a 1st round pick for the Packers and they just sent him to the Cowboys for 2027 4th round pick. Two 3rd rounders for Greenard, who wanted a big fat raise, is a pretty damn good deal.

 

[GopherWeatherGuy]

This. The cap is a consideration for every team, especially when you're dealing with a player and his agent who are publicly clamoring another big fat contract shortly after the Vikings already gave him a big contract.

I don't get the negative reaction to this deal; they literally drafted Dallas Turner to eventually replace either Van Ginkel or Greenard and now that they moved Greenard while they could get something for him, some folks are pissed.

Rashan Gary is not a dramatically different comp for Greenard; Gary was a 1st round pick for the Packers and they just sent him to the Cowboys for 2027 4th round pick. Two 3rd rounders for Greenard, who wanted a big fat raise, is a pretty damn good deal.

My gripe with the Vikings this offseason is that it has completely lacked any meaningful direction. They are once again trying to thread the needle on a 'competitive rebuild' which continues to leave them as the mediocre franchise that they are.

The Twins cut 20-30 million off of last year's payroll and everyone melts down about the Pohlads. The Wilf's cut 100 million off of last year's payroll and yet most still defend them and think the Vikings are the most well run pro franchise in town. They're not. Not even close. The Wilfs deserve far more criticism than they receive.

 

[GopherGrit]

Everyone else gets the Greenard trade. Which, of course they do, it makes perfect sense. He wanted too much money for how old he is and how hurt he was. Really just that simple.

Just one troll, lying about "payroll" numbers. The Vikings were close to the cap limit in 2025, and they'll be close to the cap limit in 2026. What actually matters.

Lying about that it is important or matters how much in bonuses were paid up front in contracts, is just trolling.

 

[Gopher_In_NYC]

I wouldn’t say no to adding him as a third receiver for a year; he’s productive and professional. Effective use of the Grenard savings

Vikings Strong Candidates to Add Ex-Bears Wideout, 6-Time Pro Bowler

The Minnesota Vikings are expected to add a veteran wide receiver, and recent Bears talent Keenan Allen is a quality candidate.

heavy.com

The Minnesota Vikings are prime candidates to make a move in free agency for a veteran pass-catcher, and a recent member of the Chicago Bearsis available and the kind of player who makes sense alongside Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison.

Keenan Allen is a six-time Pro Bowler who spent 2024 in the Windy City, where he tallied 70 receptions for 744 yards and seven TDs. Allen, who will play next season at 34 years old, returned to the Los Angeles Chargers on a one-year contract in 2025 where he has spent 12 of his 13 professional campaigns.

He remains a free agent in late April, with Spotrac projecting a one-year contract worth just shy of $7 million as his market value.

 

[Slim Tubby]

I wouldn’t say no to adding him as a third receiver for a year; he’s productive and professional. Effective use of the Grenard savings

Vikings Strong Candidates to Add Ex-Bears Wideout, 6-Time Pro Bowler

The Minnesota Vikings are expected to add a veteran wide receiver, and recent Bears talent Keenan Allen is a quality candidate.

heavy.com

The Minnesota Vikings are prime candidates to make a move in free agency for a veteran pass-catcher, and a recent member of the Chicago Bearsis available and the kind of player who makes sense alongside Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison.

Keenan Allen is a six-time Pro Bowler who spent 2024 in the Windy City, where he tallied 70 receptions for 744 yards and seven TDs. Allen, who will play next season at 34 years old, returned to the Los Angeles Chargers on a one-year contract in 2025 where he has spent 12 of his 13 professional campaigns.

He remains a free agent in late April, with Spotrac projecting a one-year contract worth just shy of $7 million as his market value.

Tyreek Hill, anyone?

All Eyes Turn to One Position for Vikings after Draft

The Vikings added Tai Felton in the draft, but several veteran wide receivers could still make sense as WR3 options.

vikingsterritory.com

 

[Gopher_In_NYC]

Tyreek Hill, anyone?

All Eyes Turn to One Position for Vikings after Draft

The Vikings added Tai Felton in the draft, but several veteran wide receivers could still make sense as WR3 options.

vikingsterritory.com

you want him in the locker room?

Edit; plus coming off the injury

Hard Pass

 

[Slim Tubby]

you want him in the locker room?

Edit; plus coming off the injury

Hard Pass

For cheap as our 3rd WR? Sure, although I doubt he'll even be healthy enough to play until November. Outside of Keenan Allen, that entire list in the article are all ultra divas.

 

[upnorthkid]

Jennings Diggs Allen Samuel all available. All add different dimensions. If it’s a 1 yr 7 mil that’s not bad at all.

If we’re going this route, he or deebo are probably the least diva options of that crew

Some other intriguing defensive pieces too like bosa, Douglas, Clowney

 

[Ogie Ogilthorpe]

you want him in the locker room?

Edit; plus coming off the injury

Hard Pass

They let Speedy Nailor go because they like what they see in Tai Felton. Four WR's signed to UDFA deals, it's certainly not a given but I wouldn't bet against one of them popping in OTA's and training camp.

We're fine without Tyreek

 

[Gopher_In_NYC]

Jennings Diggs Allen Samuel all available. All add different dimensions. If it’s a 1 yr 7 mil that’s not bad at all.

to clarify, the $7M, is for Allen only, per my article

In Slim’s article. It lists this regarding Deebo’s dollars-

He might be a little expensive — a $15 million estimated market value — but if that number comes down to $10 million or $12 million, the Vikings should pounce. Samuel turned 30 in January. He’s not ancient.

If we’re going this route, he or deebo are probably the least diva options of that crew

Some other intriguing defensive pieces too like bosa, Douglas, Clowney

 

[Ogie Ogilthorpe]

My gripe with the Vikings this offseason is that it has completely lacked any meaningful direction. They are once again trying to thread the needle on a 'competitive rebuild' which continues to leave them as the mediocre franchise that they are.

I mean, they've won 43 games in the last 4 years. Only 4 teams have won more regular season games over that time. We all would love most postseason success but mediocre is not a remotely accurate term.

The Twins cut 20-30 million off of last year's payroll and everyone melts down about the Pohlads. The Wilf's cut 100 million off of last year's payroll and yet most still defend them and think the Vikings are the most well run pro franchise in town. They're not. Not even close. The Wilfs deserve far more criticism than they receive.

They opened up the checkbook and swung for the fences for the likes of Fries, Kelly, J. Allen, and Hargrave. They missed on basically all of those high dollar purchases (hoping for the best on Fries holding down his spot this year). I don't know that I would classify shedding most of that dead weight as some massive cutting of payroll.

There's shedding high-priced players that aren't producing and in contrast, there is shedding a litany of quality, impact players just to save money and reduce payroll. I would be upset with the latter, but in the Vikings' case, it's most definitely the former.

It also happens to still be April. The roster isn't set yet.

 

[march madness]

Teams don't want to trade away next year's picks. Everyone expects next years draft will be talented and deep. Greenyard wanted to be paid like the 15 sacks a season guys. He gets hurries, but those are way less impactful than sacks. Sacks force third and longs, and sometimes picks.

I think the GM, coaches, scouts, were told by the Wilfs we spent major money on the team last year and had a bad year. So, this year is to remain competitive at a cheap salary, while building for the future. Too bad they can't ever get a consistent offensive line. They basically ignored it until the 7th round.

 

[Ogie Ogilthorpe]

He did while getting to take purely single pass blocking. Different when youre more the guy. That’s what I mean

Van Ginkel plays a dramatically different role than Greenard in the Flores defense. Van Gink's spot is expected to drop back a lot more in coverage, things like that. When Turner filled that role early in the season to cove for Van Ginkel, he was just okay. Yes, I would agree with that.

The second half of the season, when he filled in for Greenard (whose position is much more purely pass-rushing), he absolutely excelled and he just turned 23 a few months ago. The sky is the limit for Turner in Greenard's spot

And yeah we weren’t obligated to pay him next year. Could’ve just made him prove it playing out the deal as well. I wouldn’t mind if they took barham if he’s still there with one of these 3rds. They need more pass rush depth especially with ginks health now

With Greenard and his agent publicly demanding to redo a contract he just signed not long ago, this was never going to end well. Greenard, by most accounts, was/is somewhere around the 15th ranked pass rusher in the NFL; we're not talking about a top-5 at his position kind of player. Two 3rd round picks and getting Greenard out of the building was a pretty damn good move.

From The Athletic on some teams pursuing Greenard:

"Multiple teams explored the possibility of acquiring Greenard from Minnesota and giving him a new deal. Some loved the idea of adding a player of his caliber. Others weren’t sure he was worth the money. “The contract he wants is crazy,” one high-ranking NFC official, whose team explored trading for Greenard, said in March."

 

[Ope3]

I mean, they've won 43 games in the last 4 years. Only 4 teams have won more regular season games over that time. We all would love most postseason success but mediocre is not a remotely accurate term.

Mediocre is absolutely accurate for an NFL Team not advancing to the Divisional Playoff round (Final 8 out of 32) once over 4 years.

 

[GophersInIowa]

This account is great. I remember this game, specifically the long Chester Taylor run.

 

[Gopher_In_NYC]

They let Speedy Nailor go because they like what they see in Tai Felton. Four WR's signed to UDFA deals, it's certainly not a given but I wouldn't bet against one of them popping in OTA's and training camp.

We're fine without Tyreek

To clarify, my post was regarding Allen, who I would sign.

Lewis said in his pod, he expects the Vikings to sign a FA receiver Vet to be WR3 FWIW

 

[BleedGopher]

ESPN grades:

Minnesota Vikings: C​

Top needs entering the draft: Safety, cornerback, defensive tackle, running back, center

Save for the Kyler Murray veteran minimum signing, the Vikings didn't do a lot in free agency. The biggest changes might have been releasing Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen on the interior of the defensive line in cap-saving measures. Jalen Redmond had a six-sack campaign in 2025, but defensive tackle was definitely an issue coming into the draft.

Caleb Banks is a good player. He can wreak havoc on opposing linemen and has legit burst to affect the quarterback in the pocket as an interior pass rusher (4.5 sacks in 2024). He's at his best as a run stuffer, closing gaps with his 6-foot-6, 327-pound frame, and he brings scheme versatility to the table. But his left foot has been a major problem.

He broke it early last season and was limited to three games. Then he broke it again at the combine, requiring surgery and putting him on the sideline until at least June. That was enough to push him down the Big Board a little bit. I had him ranked 62nd, so taking him at No. 18 was too rich. I was mostly surprised Minnesota passed on safety Dillon Thieneman, but even among the defensive tackles, I had four guys ranked higher, starting with Peter Woods and Kayden McDonald.

Minnesota did take a safety in Jakobe Thomas late in Round 3, and he can create takeaways, with five INTs in 2025. It doubled up on defensive tackle with Domonique Orange and picked up linebacker depth with Jake Golday. But my favorite pick of Day 2 was Caleb Tiernan. I had him ranked 47 spots higher than his draft slot, and he is a massive 6-foot-8, 323-pounder with a ton of experience (44 starts, mostly at left tackle).

The Vikings made four picks on Day 3, and my favorite of the bunch is Charles Demmings. He ran a 4.41 in the 40 at the combine, and with nine interceptions and 35 passes defensed in college, he's a ball hawk. But overall, Minnesota just didn't do enough to move the needle.

2026 NFL draft grades for 32 teams: Winners, losers, steals

Mel Kiper Jr. evaluates the entire 2026 NFL draft, from the good (Cowboys, Jets) to the very questionable (Rams). See all 32 teams' grades.

www.espn.com

Skol Vikes!!

 

[howeda7]

Tyreek Hill, anyone?

All Eyes Turn to One Position for Vikings after Draft

The Vikings added Tai Felton in the draft, but several veteran wide receivers could still make sense as WR3 options.

vikingsterritory.com

Much rather have Debo Samuel.

 

[howeda7]

To clarify, my post was regarding Allen, who I would sign.

Lewis said in his pod, he expects the Vikings to sign a FA receiver Vet to be WR3 FWIW

Most likely to be DeAndre Hopkins but Debo would be preferred. Not sure if he's willing to take a WR 3 job yet.

 

[Slim Tubby]

Much rather have Debo Samuel.

I would agree completely. I was just basically pointing out that Tyreek will be looking for a landing place. The only guy I really want nothing to do with is Diggs.

 

[howeda7]

Teams don't want to trade away next year's picks. Everyone expects next years draft will be talented and deep. Greenyard wanted to be paid like the 15 sacks a season guys. He gets hurries, but those are way less impactful than sacks. Sacks force third and longs, and sometimes picks.

I think the GM, coaches, scouts, were told by the Wilfs we spent major money on the team last year and had a bad year. So, this year is to remain competitive at a cheap salary, while building for the future. Too bad they can't ever get a consistent offensive line. They basically ignored it until the 7th round.

They drafted a tackle in the 3rd round. It just wasn't a good draft for Centers. Brandel and Jurgens can likely hold it down.

 

[GopherWeatherGuy]

I mean, they've won 43 games in the last 4 years. Only 4 teams have won more regular season games over that time. We all would love most postseason success but mediocre is not a remotely accurate term.

Not winning a playoff game in 4 years is mediocre at best. When they went 14-3, they beat like 2 playoff teams. Coaches get fired for a lot less. Hell Childress was fired in year 5, the year after he went to the NFC Championship.

They opened up the checkbook and swung for the fences for the likes of Fries, Kelly, J. Allen, and Hargrave. They missed on basically all of those high dollar purchases (hoping for the best on Fries holding down his spot this year). I don't know that I would classify shedding most of that dead weight as some massive cutting of payroll.

There's shedding high-priced players that aren't producing and in contrast, there is shedding a litany of quality, impact players just to save money and reduce payroll. I would be upset with the latter, but in the Vikings' case, it's most definitely the former.

It also happens to still be April. The roster isn't set yet.

They're shedding proven veteran players to roll the dice on unproven players/rookies, which is limit's their depth and makes it even more necessary that players along the DL/LB with a track record of being injured, now have to stay healthy. It wasn't just shedding dead weight. Fries is still on the roster and Allen was fine as a starting DL last year.

Unless they make a significant trade, the roster isn't changing enough between now and training camp to move the needle. Everyone will pick the Vikings to finish last in the NFC North, as they should.

 

[Slim Tubby]

Vikings exercised WR Jordan Addison’s fifth-year option.

The official decision comes nearly a month after EVP Rob Brzezinski said the team was planning to do so. It’s been an up-and-down start for Addison through the first three years of his career. The former No. 23 overall pick has tallied a career receiving line of 175-2,396-22 in his career while playing opposite Justin Jefferson, with his best season (70-911-10) coming as a rookie.

Addison missed three games last season due to a suspension for violating the league’s substance abuse policy, and was arrested for misdemeanor trespassing charges earlier this offseason. While it wouldn’t be surprising if he and the Vikings eventually hammer out an extension, Addison may need to play out his contract through the 2027 season if he hopes to land the long-term deal.

 

[Gopher_In_NYC]

Most likely to be DeAndre Hopkins but Debo would be preferred. Not sure if he's willing to take a WR 3 job yet.

Deebo still thinks he’s the man and wants premium money; if you weren’t going to give it to Nailor, it seems foolish to give it to him.

I thought you said before Hopkins was was cooked?

 

[Gopher_In_NYC]

I would agree completely. I was just basically pointing out that Tyreek will be looking for a landing place.

I can’t see them signing an injured Vet

The only guy I really want nothing to do with is Diggs.

 

[Gopher_In_NYC]

Vikings exercised WR Jordan Addison’s fifth-year option.

The official decision comes nearly a month after EVP Rob Brzezinski said the team was planning to do so. It’s been an up-and-down start for Addison through the first three years of his career. The former No. 23 overall pick has tallied a career receiving line of 175-2,396-22 in his career while playing opposite Justin Jefferson, with his best season (70-911-10) coming as a rookie.

Addison missed three games last season due to a suspension for violating the league’s substance abuse policy, and was arrested for misdemeanor trespassing charges earlier this offseason. While it wouldn’t be surprising if he and the Vikings eventually hammer out an extension, Addison may need to play out his contract through the 2027 season if he hopes to land the long-term deal.

Posted long ago by moi - Slim you need to get off dial up

 

[Gopher_In_NYC]

They drafted a tackle in the 3rd round. It just wasn't a good draft for Centers. Brandel and Jurgens can likely hold it down.

Port KOC, Brandel is only going to be working asa center tonight the offseason, as opposed to splitting time as a guard.

I think he’ll be good+

 

[Ogie Ogilthorpe]

Not winning a playoff game in 4 years is mediocre at best. When they went 14-3, they beat like 2 playoff teams. Coaches get fired for a lot less. Hell Childress was fired in year 5, the year after he went to the NFC Championship.



They're shedding proven veteran players to roll the dice on unproven players/rookies, which is limit's their depth and makes it even more necessary that players along the DL/LB with a track record of being injured, now have to stay healthy. It wasn't just shedding dead weight. Fries is still on the roster and Allen was fine as a starting DL last year.

Unless they make a significant trade, the roster isn't changing enough between now and training camp to move the needle. Everyone will pick the Vikings to finish last in the NFC North, as they should.

Okay