All Things 2026 Minnesota Vikings Off-Season Thread

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Ogie Ogilthorpe said:
I'm not sure they would go this route, and this is kind of an off-the-wall idea, but I wouldn't hate it if the Vikings were able to trade O'Neill for something and use their 1st round pick on an OT if one were to fall to them at #18.
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Opting to sacrifice a highly effective player to pay for the sins of our Cap situation by purging salary from our weakest position group outside of QB would certainly be a choice. Some tough choices are going to need to be made, though.

I can't imagine any team would be willing to trade their FRP for a 30-something year old OT that would take up a big chunk of their Cap space when they could just draft a 21-22 year old high-end prospect that will be on a Rookie contract for 4-5 years.

It's not considered a Draft with a ton of high-end talent at OL but Tankathon currently has six (6) predicted to go in the 1st Round, most of them near the backend:

9. OT Spencer Fano (Utah)
13. OT Francis Mauigoa (Miami)
22. IOL Vega Ioane (Penn St.)
26. OT Kadyn Proctor (Alabama)
27. OT Caleb Lomu (Utah)
28. OT Gennings Dunker

With our salary cap issues that will inevitably result in contributing players getting cut/waived, the Vikings are going to need to fill a lot of holes with their draft picks and UDFA's. It seems like a pretty tough ask of any GM, honestly.

We have virtually nothing on our roster from the last 3-4 terrible drafts outside of Turner to help fill those holes and that's a big reason why we have our salary cap issues to begin with by having to go out and overpay for veterans.

You really have to question if you want the same guy who's responsible for our lack contributing players on Rookie deals to be in charge of that endeavor.

I'm assuming KAM will 100% be back and we will continue to accept mediocrity because, well... we're Minnesota.
 

The cap situation is overblown. They will cut Hockensen, Kelly, Aaron Jones and Hargrave. They can extend O'Neil and lower his cap # and convert Jefferson's 2026 salary to a signing bonus. Just those 6 moves get them from $30 million over to about $20 million under. Still not great, but not a disaster.

On the O-line, I am OK with Brandel at C. They should use a 2nd/3rd round pick on a tackle though. They will need to move on from one of Darrisaw or O'Neil sooner than later.
 

howeda7 said:
The cap situation is overblown. They will cut Hockensen, Kelly, Aaron Jones and Hargrave. They can extend O'Neil and lower his cap # and convert Jefferson's 2026 salary to a signing bonus. Just those 6 moves get them from $30 million over to about $20 million under. Still not great, but not a disaster.

On the O-line, I am OK with Brandel at C. They should use a 2nd/3rd round pick on a tackle though. They will need to move on from one of Darrisaw or O'Neil sooner than later.
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I like Brandel at center also. Assuming (hoping) Darrisaw comes back healthy and Fries is better, OL should be better. In that scenario, I would be willing to trade O'Neil if they could get at least a 2nd and draft a younger version. If not, roll with him another year under restructured contract.
 

howeda7 said:
The cap situation is overblown. They will cut Hockensen, Kelly, Aaron Jones and Hargrave. They can extend O'Neil and lower his cap # and convert Jefferson's 2026 salary to a signing bonus. Just those 6 moves get them from $30 million over to about $20 million under. Still not great, but not a disaster.

On the O-line, I am OK with Brandel at C. They should use a 2nd/3rd round pick on a tackle though. They will need to move on from one of Darrisaw or O'Neil sooner than later.
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The cap situation is massively overblown. I would be shocked if they lose anyone in the offseason, due to cap casualties, that carries any significant pain at all. I'm a little amazed at the notion the Vikings are in some kind of dire, doom and gloom situation.

If JJM had played 15-17 games healthy, they are in the playoffs and likely win the division. He played 10 games, went 6-4 in those games, and was probably healthy for a couple of those games. You could even make an easy case that if even Carson Wentz had stayed healthy, the Vikings would have been in the playoffs and won the division.

If Darrisaw and/or O'Neill even play 14-16 games, they are easily in the playoffs. Shit if even just Kelly played all season they are probably in the playoffs.

I never suggested they would get anything of value for O'Neill (another poster mentioned a high pick). I would be happy if they got anything decent for him and ditch the contract. Although I will say, since I made that post, I checked out O'Neill's history and he has actually been remarkably durable, not missing much time at all until this year
 



Ogie Ogilthorpe said:
The cap situation is massively overblown. I would be shocked if they lose anyone in the offseason, due to cap casualties, that carries any significant pain at all. I'm a little amazed at the notion the Vikings are in some kind of dire, doom and gloom situation.

If JJM had played 15-17 games healthy, they are in the playoffs and likely win the division. He played 10 games, went 6-4 in those games, and was probably healthy for a couple of those games. You could even make an easy case that if even Carson Wentz had stayed healthy, the Vikings would have been in the playoffs and won the division.

If Darrisaw and/or O'Neill even play 14-16 games, they are easily in the playoffs. Shit if even just Kelly played all season they are probably in the playoffs.

I never suggested they would get anything of value for O'Neill (another poster mentioned a high pick). I would be happy if they got anything decent for him and ditch the contract. Although I will say, since I made that post, I checked out O'Neill's history and he has actually been remarkably durable, not missing much time at all until this year
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If JJM played all year and the OL stayed relatively healthy, the Vikings probably win the division.
 

I'm a big SKor North fan. but this is over the top big time. KOC is not getting fired after next season.

 


howeda7 said:
The cap situation is overblown. They will cut Hockensen, Kelly, Aaron Jones and Hargrave. They can extend O'Neil and lower his cap # and convert Jefferson's 2026 salary to a signing bonus. Just those 6 moves get them from $30 million over to about $20 million under. Still not great, but not a disaster.

On the O-line, I am OK with Brandel at C. They should use a 2nd/3rd round pick on a tackle though. They will need to move on from one of Darrisaw or O'Neil sooner than later.
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Kick the salary cap can down the road and you are left with one average RB as a starter, one below average TE as a starter, and a whopping 20 million to find a legitimate backup QB, fill other holes, and sign draft picks that they have to hit on to have any depth.

Where have I seen this story play out before?
 



GopherWeatherGuy said:
Kick the salary cap can down the road and you are left with one average RB as a starter, one below average TE as a starter, and a whopping 20 million to find a legitimate backup QB, fill other holes, and sign draft picks that they have to hit on to have any depth.

Where have I seen this story play out before?
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Mason backed up by a cheap veteran and/or day 3 draft pick is fine. Jones missed half the games anyway.

Hockensen is no better than replacement level TE either, so again a cheap vet/draft pick will not be a drop-off.

Their cap situation isn't great, but it's not horrible. $20 million with those 6 moves. There are others they can make if needed. That doesn't include Harrison Smith retiring either. And they don't have a ton of holes. Yes they need a back-up QB, a safety and a couple other pieces. They can fill at least half of them in the draft.
 

howeda7 said:
Mason backed up by a cheap veteran and/or day 3 draft pick is fine. Jones missed half the games anyway.

Hockensen is no better than replacement level TE either, so again a cheap vet/draft pick will not be a drop-off.

Their cap situation isn't great, but it's not horrible. $20 million with those 6 moves. There are others they can make if needed. That doesn't include Harrison Smith retiring either. And they don't have a ton of holes. Yes they need a back-up QB, a safety and a couple other pieces. They can fill at least half of them in the draft.
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Mason is a backup RB who has his own injury issues when he gets more carries. Having a good RB and a good TE is a game changer for a young QB. The Vikings currently have neither.

They save a whopping 4 million if Harrison Smith retires, plus they need to find his replacement. They have an old roster and injuries will continue to be an issue.

They have very little depth because of Kwesi's poor drafting, but sure, this will be the year he'll magically fill all of the holes via the draft.
 

howeda7 said:
Mason backed up by a cheap veteran and/or day 3 draft pick is fine. Jones missed half the games anyway.
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Result: Average RB position (at best)
howeda7 said:
Hockensen is no better than replacement level TE either, so again a cheap vet/draft pick will not be a drop-off.
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Result: Below Average TE position
howeda7 said:
Their cap situation isn't great, but it's not horrible.
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What people aren't factoring in is there will be at least 25 other teams with more Cap space than the Vikings when it comes to offering FA's.
howeda7 said:
$20 million with those 6 moves.
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That's six (6) more holes that really can't be filled/improved internally.
howeda7 said:
There are others they can make if needed.
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Very true...you already mentioned converting JJ's 2026 salary to a signing bonus which seems like it would be a good move.
howeda7 said:
That doesn't include Harrison Smith retiring either.
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It sure seemed like he was pretty content to retire based on his comments before the game.
howeda7 said:
And they don't have a ton of holes. Yes they need a back-up QB, a safety and a couple other pieces.
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In no particular order: QB, RB, WR3, TE, OC, DT, CB and S. That's a lot of holes to fill with limited Cap space.
howeda7 said:
They can fill at least half of them in the draft.
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If KAM had been better at his job of identifying/drafting players the last 3-4 years, we might not have any holes to fill along with a ton more Cap space with 8-10 contributors still on Rookie contracts.

At this point, I think it's a tad bit crazy to expect different results from the Draft under KAM. Going into next season without another legitimate QB option other than JJM would be even crazier.

The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.
 

gophersfan said:
I'm a big SKor North fan. but this is over the top big time. KOC is not getting fired after next season.

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Yeah, there insane; he has the highest winning % of any coach in Vikings history.

Also, the Vikings have won 13+ games 4 times. 2 of those are KOC led teams.
 



howeda7 said:
Mason backed up by a cheap veteran and/or day 3 draft pick is fine. Jones missed half the games anyway.

Hockensen is no better than replacement level TE either, so again a cheap vet/draft pick will not be a drop-off.

Their cap situation isn't great, but it's not horrible. $20 million with those 6 moves. There are others they can make if needed. That doesn't include Harrison Smith retiring either. And they don't have a ton of holes. Yes they need a back-up QB, a safety and a couple other pieces. They can fill at least half of them in the draft.
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I’m with You on TJ. Overrated as they come. Crappy ball skills.
 

Slim Tubby said:
Result: Average RB position (at best)

Result: Below Average TE position

What people aren't factoring in is there will be at least 25 other teams with more Cap space than the Vikings when it comes to offering FA's.

That's six (6) more holes that really can't be filled/improved internally.

Very true...you already mentioned converting JJ's 2026 salary to a signing bonus which seems like it would be a good move.

It sure seemed like he was pretty content to retire based on his comments before the game.

In no particular order: QB, RB, WR3, TE, OC, DT, CB and S. That's a lot of holes to fill with limited Cap space.

If KAM had been better at his job of identifying/drafting players the last 3-4 years, we might not have any holes to fill along with a ton more Cap space with 8-10 contributors still on Rookie contracts.

At this point, I think it's a tad bit crazy to expect different results from the Draft under KAM. Going into next season without another legitimate QB option other than JJM would be even crazier.

The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.
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As of right now, there is only 1 team with less cap space than the Vikings heading into next season - the Kansas City Chiefs.

There are only 6 teams total, including the Vikings that are currently over the cap. 2 of those are ~6 million or less over.

There are 18 teams that are 20+ million under the cap heading into the offseason. Which NFC teams have the most cap space?

1. Rams - Playoffs
2. Commanders - could easily be back in the playoff discussion with a healthy Daniels next season.
3. 49ers - Playoffs
4. Seahawks - #1 seed
 

howeda7 said:
Mason backed up by a cheap veteran and/or day 3 draft pick is fine. Jones missed half the games anyway.

Hockensen is no better than replacement level TE either, so again a cheap vet/draft pick will not be a drop-off.

Their cap situation isn't great, but it's not horrible. $20 million with those 6 moves. There are others they can make if needed. That doesn't include Harrison Smith retiring either. And they don't have a ton of holes. Yes they need a back-up QB, a safety and a couple other pieces. They can fill at least half of them in the draft.
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Please don’t do that rb sitch to McCarthy. He thrives off PA. He is not a shotgun drop back guy. A system like the lions and now the bears run would be PERFECT for him
 



upnorthkid said:
Please don’t do that rb sitch to McCarthy. He thrives off PA. He is not a shotgun drop back guy. A system like the lions and now the bears run would be PERFECT for him
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The Vikings under KOC were 27th in the NFL in rushing attempts per game, and that was WITH Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason.

Does anyone think an improvement to the RB room will somehow translate into a shitload more rushing attempts and some feared and revered running game? The man is allergic to running the football.

Let's be honest, the Vikings can put one of any number of guys in the backfield with the KOC offense and get the same results.
 

Ogie Ogilthorpe said:
The Vikings under KOC were 27th in the NFL in rushing attempts per game, and that was WITH Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason.

Does anyone think an improvement to the RB room will somehow translate into a shitload more rushing attempts and some feared and revered running game? The man is allergic to running the football.

Let's be honest, the Vikings can put one of any number of guys in the backfield with the KOC offense and get the same results.
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Then KOC is never going to win here and we are wasting our time in mediocrity. Again.
 

atsgopher said:
Yeah, there insane; he has the highest winning % of any coach in Vikings history.

Also, the Vikings have won 13+ games 4 times. 2 of those are KOC led teams.
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Fewer Playoff Wins than either Mike Tice or Brad Childress. Both registered their victories in Year 4 (if one included Tice's 2001 brief interim tenure).

The Wilf's didn't let either see Year 6.

KOC is entertaining Year 5.
 
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gophersfan said:
I'm a big SKor North fan. but this is over the top big time. KOC is not getting fired after next season.

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You really think it would would sit OK with the Wilfs to have a HC for 5 seasons and not produce a single Playoff win and stretch the franchise drought to 7?
 


GopherWeatherGuy said:
Then KOC is never going to win here and we are wasting our time in mediocrity. Again.
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You're right. Smart and successful people adapt and are good at self-scouting. I'm still hopeful he's capable of this and capable of some growth as a playcaller. You just aren't going to control very many football games without being able to run the football, particularly when the other team knows you want to run.
 

Ogie Ogilthorpe said:
You're right. Smart and successful people adapt and are good at self-scouting. I'm still hopeful he's capable of this and capable of some growth as a playcaller. You just aren't going to control very many football games without being able to run the football, particularly when the other team knows you want to run.
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They had a torn up offensive line the entire season. Run blocking requires choreography that not knowing the guy's name next to you on the O-line, inexperience at both the center position and QB and suspect ability of the QB to read a defense make it very difficult to produce a reliable running attack.
 



Slim Tubby said:
It's 'Walton'...and Ogie (left) met him in Vegas.

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