I have a feeling that the “debate” about the Vikings not keeping Sam Darnold is not going to die this offseason. It is like a Halloween or Friday the 13th movie. It just will not die and keeps on coming back. It is glorious too! I love it! I’d rather have passionate fellow fans than fans that appear to be asleep at the wheel.
I was a proponent of keeping Darnold, then Jones, and signing Rodgers because I thought another year on the bench (provided there was no injury and no, you cannot take what happened and say it would have happened here too. Well, you can but I wont) would not have hurt him and actually would have been good.
The real crime is that the front office failed to pivot quickly when they knew their offers were going to be declined by Darnold and Jones whatever those offers were. Those two signed on March 13, 2025. Mac Jones (for example) signed on March 14, 2025. Was the team interested in Jones at all last year? It seems like they did not have a plan C after plan A and B failed. That is reason enough for one firing and KOC had better get it right this year or else.
The horse is not beaten enough yet!
Minnesota Vikings News and Links
Is the decision to let Sam Darnold walk the new worst move in franchise history?
Jonathan: It’s 1,000-times worse than the Herschall Walker trade. The Walker trade, rightly so, gets tagged as the worst trade/most one-sided trade in sports history. That’s fair. However, the reason the Darnold decision is worse is because this was a quarterback. You know, the position this franchise has been desperate to find since Fran Tarkenton retired. I get needing to see what you had in McCarthy, but this is a quarterback that just won you 14 games, the players inside the clubhouse universally loved him, and played the way Kevin O’Connell wants a QB to play. Forget the whole conversation about Minnesota offering him a deal and he chose Seattle; the tag was right there for the Vikings to use, and they chose not to. So much so that, according to The Athletic’s Mike Silver, O’Connell gave Seattle’s future Hall of Fame general manager John Schneider “glowing” remarks about Darnold. Minnesota didn’t just move on from Darnold, they pushed him out the door.
Joe: A thousand times worse? C’mon, man. That’s crazy. Darnold was awesome for the Vikings and the Seahawks, but the Seahawks won the Super Bowl with an incredible defensive effort. Darnold was 19-of-38 passing for 202 yards.
Where should blame lie for the decision to let Darnold walk?
Jonathan: Since the firing of Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, it seems like there has been a hit placed on the now former GM, with people trying to lay all of the blame for the QB disaster at his feet. To me, it’s wildly out of place.
Both Kwesi and O’Connell deserve blame here. However, I’m leaning towards O’Connell deserving more of the blame than Adofo-Mensah. O’Connell famously labeled McCarthy the “franchise quarterback” last year following the then-rookie’s season-ending injury. After that, it never really mattered what Darnold did on the field. The expectation was put in the fanbase’s, organization’s, and media’s mind that McCarthy had it. Darnold was never allowed to earn the fruits of his labor here in Minnesota. Go back and look at the comment sections and social media reaction to everything in 2024. Anytime Darnold did something well, it was mostly, ‘Oh, that’s nice, but can’t wait to see McCarthy in 2025.’ Anytime something went wrong, ‘Oh, thank God we have McCarthy in the wings.’
Joe: If anything, the blame falls on McCarthy’s brittle body. No one could’ve predicted him to tear a meniscus in his first preseason game, and nobody saw a high ankle sprain, concussion, and fractured bone in his hand derailing his first season as the starter.
It was very obvious that Adofo-Mensah and O’Connell agreed that McCarthy was their franchise quarterback. The results may have cost Adofo-Mensah his job and put O’Connell in a hot seat entering the 2026-27 season, but the Vikings stuck to their vision of building a team around McCarthy. If they had re-signed Darnold to a three-year deal, they’ve wouldn’t have had as much spending power last year in free agency, when only the Patriots spent more money, and therefore sacrifices elsewhere on the roster would’ve been required.
…
What lesson(s) should the Vikings learn from this situation?
Joe: First and foremost, sign Aaron Rodgers when he wants to play for you. Of everything that’s happened, passing on a chance to have Rodgers leading the franchise was the biggest mistake of all. He flat-out said on national TV that he’d play for $10 million.
Darnold was going to cost Minnesota years and big money. Rodgers was available on a one-year deal, which would’ve allowed McCarthy another year of grooming while giving Minnesota a guy who, according to Aaron Jones, is one of the best locker room leaders in the league.
Jonathan: For me, it’s along similar lines of what you said, and what I said to finish the last question: be willing to adjust. From Darnold to Rodgers to even Daniel Jones, there were numerous options for the Vikings last season to give McCarthy another year of development by bringing in a real veteran option.
The broad narrative consensus over the past few weeks, looking back on the Minnesota Vikings‘ dealings last offseason, was that Kevin O’Connell wanted to keep quarterback Sam Darnold – who had lead the team to a 14-3 record in the 2024 regular season – moving forward.
And in turn, that former general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, was more keen to seek to reap the dividends from the organization’s 10th overall pick the previous spring, JJ McCarthy.
However, according to Mike Silver of The Athletic, this idea is not only challengeable, but would appear to be straight up false. Per Silver, O’Connell “didn’t hesitate” to help Darnold switch teams, and gave him a “glowing” recommendation to Seattle Seahawks general manager, John Schneider.
“In February of 2025, in the wake of Darnold’s breakout season for the Minnesota Vikings, O’Connell told reporters that the talented quarterback had “earned the right to be a free agent.” It seemed a noble gesture from the head coach, given that the Vikings could have kept Darnold by applying the franchise tag, but O’Connell, a renowned quarterback whisperer, didn’t hesitate to help Darnold relocate, saying glowing things about him to Schneider as free agency approached. O’Connell, after all, had a plan.” Silver reported on Super Bowl Sunday.
…
The article does not explicitly say that O’Connell fully kicked Darnold out of the door, but the honorable “right to be a free agent” talk and recommendation to another GM – in the same conference, no less – does not come when discussing a player that the team legitimately had thoughts to keep.
Former Minnesota Vikings offensive line coach Chris Kuper has found a new home in the NFL.
Early Monday morning, Tom Pelissero had the report.
“The Eagles are hiring Chris Kuper as their offensive line coach, sources tell The Insiders. Kuper spent the past four seasons in the same role in Minnesota, where he crossed paths with new Eagles OC Sean Mannion. Now, they’re teaming up in Philly.”
….
Note: Good for Kuper. All the offensive line coaches that post here will probably laugh at the Eagles because that is all they have when proven wrong. The dude can coach. He had to navigate all those injuries last year and, I thought, did a pretty good job. I know there are some fans here that want a brand new line and will likely want one almost every year. It ain’t happening. The backups actually played reasonably well last year and should be better this year. Brandel is a super sub and they really should extend him this offseason. Jurgens played 30% of the snaps and even Huber got to play, Justin Skule finished the season with a 60.2 pff grade which is respectable for a swing backup who was thrust into more snaps than anticipated. Jurgens finished the season with an overall PFF grade of 61.3 pass block grade (26th/40 centers) and 62.1 run block grade (27th/40 centers). Considering that there was not much continuity on the line all season, the grades indicate that these players were ready to play. Of course they will get beat by the best defensive players but who doesn’t?
Cap Stuff
Yore AI question for the day …
“what would be a good plan of action for the Minnesota Vikings to create plenty of cap room in 2026”
The Minnesota Vikings face a significant salary cap challenge in 2026, currently projected to be $40 million to $50 million over the cap. However, the team has several highly effective “levers” to pull that could generate $60 million to $90 million in new space.
..
A robust plan of action involves a combination of extending core veterans, restructuring massive star contracts, and making strategic cuts of older players.
..
1. High-Impact Extensions
Extending key veterans who are entering the final year of their deals is the most effective way to lower immediate cap hits while securing core talent.
RT Brian O’Neill: Extending O’Neill (currently a $23.1M hit) is considered the “crown jewel” move. A three-year extension could save the Vikings over $15 million in 2026 cap space.
LB Blake Cashman: Signing him to a two-year extension could free up an additional $4.5 million.
..
2. Strategic Contract Restructures
The Vikings have a “young core” with contracts designed to be restructured. Converting base salaries into signing bonuses allows the team to spread the cap hit over future years.
..
WR Justin Jefferson: A maximum restructure of his massive $38.9M hit can save approximately $19.6 million.
EDGE Jonathan Greenard: A full restructure of his deal could clear roughly $13.2 million.
LT Christian Darrisaw: Restructuring his contract is projected to save nearly $10 million.
CB Byron Murphy: Pushing money into the future via restructure could save $10 million.
..
3. Tactical Personnel Cuts
The Vikings’ free-agent strategy in 2025 utilized shorter commitments for older veterans, providing clear “off-ramps” in 2026.
..
DT Javon Hargrave: Releasing him would save $10.5 million to $11 million.
C Ryan Kelly: Due to injury concerns and a lack of guaranteed money left, cutting or retiring Kelly would save $8.3 million to $12.1 million.
RB Aaron Jones: Releasing Jones before his March roster bonus is due would save approximately $7.2 million to $7.7 million.
..
2026 Projected Cap Savings Summary
..
Move Type ; Primary Candidates ; Est. Savings
Extensions ; Brian O’Neill, Blake Cashman ; $20M+
Restructures ; Justin Jefferson, Jonathan Greenard, Christian Darrisaw ; $40M+
Cuts ; Javon Hargrave, Ryan Kelly, Aaron Jones ; $25M+
Total Potential ; $85M+
..
Note: The Vikings are also expected to benefit from roughly $22.5 million in rollover cap space from the 2025 season, which significantly reduces the net amount they must “find” to reach compliance.
next AI question …
“How much cap space would this create for use in the 2026 offseason and what does it do to the 2027 cap number”
Implementing the comprehensive plan of extensions, restructures, and cuts would create approximately $81.9 million in total cap savings for the Minnesota Vikings in 2026.
..
As of February 10, 2026, the Vikings are roughly $40 million over the cap (liabilities of $351.7 million against a projected $295 million cap). Executing these moves would move the team from a deep deficit to roughly $41.7 million in positive cap space for the 2026 offseason.
..
Impact on 2026 Cap Space
..
The projected $81.9 million in savings is generated through these primary maneuvers:
- Extensions ($20M+ Savings): Extending Brian O’Neill clears $15.1 million, while a two-year extension for Blake Cashman creates $4.5 million in 2026 space.
- Restructures ($40M+ Savings): Converting base salaries to signing bonuses for Justin Jefferson ($17M), Jonathan Greenard ($13.2M), and Christian Darrisaw ($10M) provides the bulk of the immediate relief.
- Cuts ($26.6M Savings): Releasing Javon Hargrave ($10.5M), Ryan Kelly ($8.3M), and Aaron Jones ($7.8M) provides significant “clean” savings with minimal remaining guarantees.
..
Impact on 2027 Cap Number
..
While these moves “kick the can” down the road by prorating bonus money into the future, the impact on 2027 is manageable due to several factors:
- Net Positive Trajectory: Analysts project that without adding excessive void years, these moves add less than $20 million in new cap hits for 2027.
- Off-Ramps: Strategic cuts made in 2026 (such as releasing DT Jonathan Allen) can actually save upwards of $22.5 million against the 2027 cap, potentially making the Vikings’ 2027 cap space net positive even after the 2026 restructures.
- Rising Cap: The NFL salary cap is projected to continue rising significantly, helping to absorb the increased hits from the 2026 restructures.
- JJ McCarthy Benefit: The team benefits from JJ McCarthy’s rookie contract, which carries a relatively low $6 million hit in 2026 and 2027, providing a crucial window to over-leverage other veteran contracts.
next AI question …
“OK. What would the final available cap number be for 2026 with a projected 303.5M cap and what would the final cap number be for 2027 with a projected cap number of 325M and cuts of Jonathan Allen and Josh Metellus”
..
Based on the projected salary cap of $303.5 million for 2026 and $325 million for 2027, the Minnesota Vikings would move from a significant deficit to a healthy surplus by executing your proposed plan.
..
2026 Final Available Cap Number
With a projected $303.5 million cap and the creation of $81.9 million in space, the Vikings would finish the 2026 offseason with approximately $33.7 million in available cap space.
..
Initial Standing: The Vikings currently have $351.7 million in total liabilities. Against a $303.5 million cap, they would start $48.2 million over the limit.
..
Total Savings: Implementing the $81.9 million plan (including the $15.1M Brian O’Neill extension and $17M Justin Jefferson restructure) clears the deficit and leaves a surplus.
..
Final Surplus: $33.7 million available for free agency and draft picks.
..
2027 Final Available Cap Number
With a projected $325 million cap and the releases of Jonathan Allen and Josh Metellus, the Vikings would have approximately $88.4 million in available cap space.
..
Initial Standing: Before any moves, the Vikings are projected to have roughly $261.6 million in existing liabilities for 2027. Against a $325 million cap, they start with $63.4 million in space.
..
Release Savings:
Jonathan Allen: Releasing him prior to June 1, 2027, saves $17.85 million against the cap while incurring only $4.67 million in dead money.
Josh Metellus: A pre-June 1 release in 2027 saves $8.0 million while leaving behind $6.0 million in dead money.
Combined Impact: These two cuts alone add $25.85 million in new space.
Final Surplus: $89.25 million (not factoring in the minor proration carryover from 2026 restructures, which is estimated to be less than $20 million).
..
Impact Summary Table
..
Year ; Projected Salary Cap ; Total Liabilities (Pre-Moves) ; Proposed Savings ; Final Available Space
2026 ; $303.5 Million ; $351.7 Million ; $81.9 Million ; $33.7 Million
2027 ; $325.0 Million ; $261.6 Million ; $25.85 Million* ; $88.4 Million
*Reflects only the savings from cutting Allen and Metellus.
..
Long-Term Outlook
Cutting Allen and Metellus in 2027 acts as a “pressure release valve,” effectively neutralizing the money pushed forward by the 2026 restructures. This strategy allows the Vikings to maximize the final two years of JJ McCarthy’s rookie contract before his projected fifth-year option in 2028.
last AI question …
“does the final 2026 cap number include the carry over”
..
No, the final 2026 cap number of $33.7 million does not include the projected 2025 carryover. Standard salary cap trackers (like Over The Cap and Spotrac) generally do not factor in rollover until the 2025 league year is finalized in March 2026.
If you add the projected carryover, your 2026 available space increases significantly.
Adjusted 2026 Cap Space with Carryover
Estimates for the Vikings’ 2025 rollover range between $22.5 million and $30 million.
- Final Calculated Space: $33.7 Million
- + Projected 2025 Carryover: ~$22.5 Million
- = Total Adjusted 2026 Space: $56.2 Million
..
Why This is Important
This extra “cushion” from carryover serves as a critical pressure-release valve.
Aggressive Pursuits: With over $50 million in total effective space, the Vikings could feasibly target a top-tier free agent at a position of need, such as interior defensive line or cornerback, while still keeping their 2027 books healthy. you have enough room to sign the 2026 rookie class (est. $10–$12 million) and fill out the “Rule of 51” roster requirements without making deeper cuts.
In-Season Buffer: Teams typically like to hold $5–$10 million in reserve for mid-season injury replacements and practice squad salaries.
Aggressive Pursuits: With over $50 million in total effective space, the Vikings could feasibly target a top-tier free agent at a position of need, such as interior defensive line or cornerback, while still keeping their 2027 books healthy.
Draft & Depth: It ensures you have enough room to sign the 2026 rookie class (est. $10–$12 million) and fill out the “Rule of 51” roster requirements without making deeper cuts.
In-Season Buffer: Teams typically like to hold $5–$10 million in reserve for mid-season injury replacements and practice squad salaries.
an P.S. question
“The above plan for 2026 does not include anything about TJ Hockenson. Would a restructure be a good idea and how would it affect both the 2026 and 2027 cap space”
Restructuring T.J. Hockenson is a viable alternative to cutting him, though many analysts predict he may be a “cap casualty” due to declining production. A restructure is a good idea if the Vikings believe he can return to his pre-injury Pro Bowl form and want to avoid a massive hole at tight end.
..
2026 Cap Impact: Restructure vs. Cut
A maximum restructure would involve converting most of Hockenson’s $15.4 million base salary into a signing bonus and spreading that hit over the remaining two years of his deal plus possible void years.
Restructure Savings: This would save the Vikings approximately $9 million to $10 million in 2026 cap space.
Alternative (Cut): Cutting him before June 1 would save roughly $8.9 million (but incur $12.4M in dead money), while a post-June 1 cut would save $16 million in 2026.
..
2027 Cap Impact
The primary downside of a restructure is that it increases his already high 2027 cap hit.
Increased Hit: A 2026 restructure would likely push his 2027 cap number from $23.3 million to over $28 million.
Reduced Flexibility: Restructuring makes it significantly harder to move on from him in 2027, as the dead money hit would increase if he were cut later.
..
Hockenson vs. The 2026 Plan
Adding a Hockenson restructure to your current plan would increase your final 2026 available space (with carryover) from $56.2 million to roughly $65.2 million.
..
Action ; 2026 Cap Hit (Pre-Move) ; 2026 Savings ; 2027 Cap Hit (Post-Move)
No Action ; $21.3 Million ; $0 ; $23.3 Million
Restructure ; ~$12.3 Million ; $9.0 Million ; ~$28.3 Million
Pre-June 1 Cut ; $12.4 Million (Dead) ; $8.9 Million ; $0
Post-June 1 Cut ; $5.3 Million (Dead) ; $16.0 Million ; $7.1 Million (Dead)
..
Conclusion: If you value Hockenson as a core piece for JJ McCarthy, a restructure is the preferred “save space” move. However, if the team prefers a “clean” 2027 cap, a Post-June 1 Cut provides the most total relief across both seasons.
After all of the above without a move with Hockenson (yet) here are the free agent signings …
Center Connor McGovern 3 yr 51M
Safety Jalen Thompson 3 yr 33M
Cornerback Alontae Taylor 3 yr 39M
Running Back Travis Eitenne 3 yr 34.5M
Linebacker Leo Chenal 3 yr 30M
Tight End Chigoziem Okonkwo 2 yr 12M
Yore Mock
Trade Partner: EaglesSent: 1.18, 3.82Received: 1.23, 3.68, 4.122…Trade Partner:SteelersSent: 2.49Received: 2.53, 5.159, 7.237…Trade Partner: SaintsSent: 3.68Received: 3.73, 5.170…
Pick 23 DL Kayden McDonald Ohio State | 6’3” 326Pick 53 S Dillon Thieneman Oregon | 6’0” 205Pick 73 TE Max Klare Ohio State | 6’5” 245Pick 97 RB Nick Singleton Penn State | 6’0” 224Pick 122 LB Harold Perkins LSU | 6’1” 222Pick 159 DL Zane Durant Penn State | 6’1” 287Pick 161 WR Josh Cameron Baylor | 6’1” 223Pick 170 CB Domani Jackson Alabama | 6’0 5/8” 192Pick 195 IND OT Trey Zuhn III Texas A&M | 6’6 3/8” 309Pick 234 LB Kaleb Elarms-Orr TCU | 6’1 1/2” 233Pick 237 S Jakobe Thomas Miami (FL) | 6’2” 200Pick 240 CB Devon Marshall NC State | 5’11” 20
Again, we all know the rules, but in case someone is new:
While navigating the open thread, just assume it’s sarcasm
No discussion of politics or religion
No feeding of the trolls
Leave the gender hatred at the door
Keep the bad language to a minimum (using the spoiler tags, if you must)
Speaking of which, if discussing a newer show or movie, please use spoiler tags
No pictures that could get someone fired or in serious trouble with their employer
If you can’t disagree in a civil manner, feel free to go away
