Earlier today, we discussed a possible extension for Vikings QB Kirk Cousins, an extension that would give Minnesota some much-needed cap space. In addition to a potential new deal for Cousins, Ben Goessling of the Star Tribune notes that other priorities for the Vikings this offseason include extensions for head coach Mike Zimmer, GM Rick Spielman, and running back Dalvin Cook, all of whom are only under contract through 2020. The team will also need to find a new OC, as the Browns just hired Kevin Stefanski to be their next head coach.
The Vikings may also be looking at some significant turnover on the defensive side of the ball. As Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press observes, four of the team’s six defensive starters with Pro Bowls on their resumes — DE Everson Griffen, DT Linval Joseph, S Harrison Smith, and CB Xavier Rhodes — are on the wrong side of 30, or will be next season (Twitter link).
Per Tomasson, Minnesota is likely to release Rhodes. That does not come as much of a surprise, as Rhodes’ play has declined dramatically since he signed a lucrative extension in July 2017, and the team could net a $8.1MM cap savings by cutting him.
Tomasson also suggests that Griffen may not be back with the team in 2020. Pursuant to the terms of a reworked deal that Griffen and the Vikings agreed to last March, Griffen is technically under contract through 2022. But because he played at least 56% of the team’s defensive snaps in 2019 and recorded at least six sacks — he actually played over 77% of defensive snaps while posting eight sacks — he has the ability to void the 2020-22 seasons and hit free agency. Or, even if he does not choose to do so, the Vikings could release him and save about $13MM of cap space.
In any event, it figures to be a busy offseason for Minnesota, a talented team that has just not been able to get over the hump.
Season is still ongoing and its pretty clear that GB is the team to beat next season. The only thing the Lions have shown is Matt S is older and beat up, Chicago plans to stick w/ a poor QB & Cousins still will be in Minny.
They wll dump Rhodes for sure. Then they will draft yet again another CB , ignoring the glaring 4 year need for offensive lineman
They’ve drafted OL high the last 3 years with Bradbury, O’Neil and Elflien. Rieff has been a total disaster so if they replace him and get a better offensive coordinator the OL should be better. The line got destroyed by the best pass rush defense in the league, which is to be expected, the problem was the play calling never changed to roll cousins out.
If the Vikings seriously extend Cousins I’m quitting football until he gets replaced.
Me too. He sucks. Over paid under played worthless
Another Jay C. Remember all the glory for his days.
K. Bye. We dont want you rooting for this team anyway. GTFO.
Bang bang niner gang
Be better, man. (I’m a Niners fan)
Can’t resign Dalvin, it will cripple the team, need to let him walk after next season
Let him Walk ???????
Or Crutch/wheel after he inevitably suffers another injury next year.
They should tag him. Then both he and Cousins will be off the books next offseason. Too many injuries & as the Chargers showed, you can grab backs in the draft every year.
I would still welcome Rhodes in Philly. he can’t be worse then what we have.
Rhodes has struggled lately but he was one of the elite CBs in the game not too long ago. He can still play and someone will get value out of him
Bring back Shurmer as OC.
Stefanski was in over his head as OC, that’s why they got Kubiak.
The window is closed for the Vikings.