2021 Off-Season Thread

[Vanimal46]

I’m amazed, honestly, that we haven’t encountered cap issues after spending to the cap limit for 4-5 years now. Give Rob Brzezinski a lifetime contract managing the cap. Am I reading this correctly on Spotrac? We now have $28 million in cap space to sign players before training camp? I keep thinking we’ll end up in cap hell like the Eagles… most recently the Falcons who traded Julio Jones in order to afford their draft class.  
 

Under that assumption, there’s plenty of room to extend O’Niell, and make another splash signing or 2 in the second wave of free agency. 

[Danchat]

  On 6/14/2021 at 11:00 PM, Vanimal46 said:

I’m amazed, honestly, that we haven’t encountered cap issues after spending to the cap limit for 4-5 years now. Give Rob Brzezinski a lifetime contract managing the cap. Am I reading this correctly on Spotrac? We now have $28 million in cap space to sign players before training camp? I keep thinking we’ll end up in cap hell like the Eagles… most recently the Falcons who traded Julio Jones in order to afford their draft class.  
 

Under that assumption, there’s plenty of room to extend O’Niell, and make another splash signing or 2 in the second wave of free agency. 

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Spotrac has completely removed Hunter until the details of the deal are released, it seems. He was originally signed up for $17.25M and Tomasson's tweet states we'll save $3.73M of cap via the signing bonus, so doing the math (28.74 - 17.25 + 3.73) we are at $15.22M in cap space.

There are now rumors about the Vikings potentially bringing back Sheldon Richardson, which would be a great addition to rotate with Pierce and Tomlinson. That group of 3 DTs would be a massive upgrade from the disaster that was the DT spot in 2020.

[Mike Sixel]

I believe Hunter gets $20MM the following year also, or is cut, or is signed to a longer term deal. So, ya, good! Great even. 

[Vanimal46]

If Richardson is indeed on the way, I can’t help thinking about a lot more 3-4 defensive looks next season. Richardson and Tomlinson on the outside, Pierce at nose. Barr finally lives his best life as an EDGE opposite Danielle. Man… That would be fun. 

[DocBauer]

I am and have pretty much always been OK with pro athletes earning as much as they can. (I've ALWAYS objected to the "this is it " mantra that I can't do anything the rest of my life at 35yo BS).  And Hunter is AMAZING and may be the best DE in the NFL. And he's still young! Healthy, he may be a HOF player who re-writes records. But come on, after a serious injury and missed season that could affect your entire career you want a raise? Sorry, but that bothers me. And despite the millions and billions that is the NFL....and the salary cap will absolutely rise next season.....you can only have so many $20M players on your team before the cap implodes. 

But I'm glad he's "in the fold" again. 

Richardson is unexpected. I really thought they would spend some $ on a veteran DE to help with the defense rather than trust Weatherly and a bunch of kids with potential.

This is all very exciting to me. We COULD have an amazing DL. But we are suddenly 6 deep at DT with no room for Watts, Lynch or Twyman? Are we only baking on 1yr vs the future? 

And does signing Richardson mean we don't have $ for another OL signing to compete/delete Dozier and add to OL depth?

Or does the FO and coaching staff really and truly believe we have a collection of players to actually put together not only a quality OL, but they believe the guys on hand to provide real depth?

Hey, I think Hinton has a chance to be a legit interior OL. I think he may have been a major steal. I think Brandel has a chance to be a quality reserve. I'm tired of the FO telling us Odo has amazing potential without playing him. Cole is a legitimate contender for a starting spot or quality reserve spot?

Love my Vikings but still not sure I see them addressing all needs at this point.

[Danchat]

  On 6/15/2021 at 12:02 AM, Mike Sixel said:

I believe Hunter gets $20MM the following year also, or is cut, or is signed to a longer term deal. So, ya, good!

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I did see that, just not sure if that's a flat $18M bonus that hits in 2022? His original cap hit in 2022 is $17.75M, which adding the restructure ($3.73M) and the bonus puts it at a ridiculous $39M, almost as much as Kirk's ludicrous $45M cap hit. I imagine that bonus will be spread over multiple years if accepted.

  On 6/15/2021 at 1:21 AM, DocBauer said:

We COULD have an amazing DL. But we are suddenly 6 deep at DT with no room for Watts, Lynch or Twyman? Are we only baking on 1yr vs the future? 

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They've went with 5 DTs for the past couple years, so I wouldn't put it past them to go 5 again this year. Watts probably makes the team with Lynch & Twyman fighting for the final spot, with the other going to the PS.

[TheLeviathan]

Hunter being locked in and a return by Richardson brings automatic dividends.  Our pass rush was the worst I can remember in my lifetime as a Vikings fan last year.  Richardson, Tomlinson, Hunter, and a rotation of young guys sounds worlds better to me.

Combo that with Darrisaw-Cleveland-Bradbury-Davis-O'Neill on the OL and I haven't felt this good about the trenches since Favre was QBing this team.

[Vanimal46]

The Sheldon Richardson signing is official now. On another note, I don’t think WR 3 is much of a priority for the team, but I’d make an exception for Larry Fitzgerald Jr if he wants to play here. 

[Danchat]

Dang, that's cheap. The middle market for FAs crashing has certainly helped the Vikings this offseason.

 

 

[Mike Sixel]

I have no idea what Richardson has left....but he's 1000000x better than what they had last year. If the hurt DL come back good, this D is so much better......

[TheLeviathan]

3M for one of the leagues best interior pocket pushers?  Um, yes.

[nicksaviking]

I'm pretty shocked at all the usable vets the team has been able to bring in. I hope their experience makes it easy to mesh and it's not one of those situations where there's too many fresh faces who are going to have a lot of adjusting to do before they're compatible. I think it will be the first option though.

Anyone know what the Vikings vaccination percentage is? Because that's what they have to get to work on next. I think the teams that have the lifted restrictions are going to be way more in sync than those that still have to distance, mask up, travel separately and test daily. I'll bet there will be a noticeable correlation between a team's vaccination percentage and win percentage this year.

[Danchat]

  On 6/17/2021 at 5:25 PM, nicksaviking said:

I'm pretty shocked at all the usable vets the team has been able to bring in. I hope their experience makes it easy to mesh and it's not one of those situations where there's too many fresh faces who are going to have a lot of adjusting to do before they're compatible. I think it will be the first option though.

Anyone know what the Vikings vaccination percentage is? Because that's what they have to get to work on next. I think the teams that have the lifted restrictions are going to be way more in sync than those that still have to distance, mask up, travel separately and test daily. I'll bet there will be a noticeable correlation between a team's vaccination percentage and win percentage this year.

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I've read they're under 50%... I'll have to double-check my source, as that seems very low...

[Vanimal46]

MegaQuon Treadwell resurfaces again. He signed with the Jaguars today. 

[nicksaviking]

  On 6/18/2021 at 2:19 AM, Danchat said:

I've read they're under 50%... I'll have to double-check my source, as that seems very low...

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That's very disappointing. 

[Vanimal46]

  On 6/18/2021 at 6:46 PM, nicksaviking said:

That's very disappointing. 

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Doesn’t help that our veteran leaders are not getting the shot. Might as well put Kirk “If I die, I die” in that category too. That’s why Zimmer is being vocal about it. 

 

[DocBauer]

  On 6/15/2021 at 1:43 AM, Danchat said:

I did see that, just not sure if that's a flat $18M bonus that hits in 2022? His original cap hit in 2022 is $17.75M, which adding the restructure ($3.73M) and the bonus puts it at a ridiculous $39M, almost as much as Kirk's ludicrous $45M cap hit. I imagine that bonus will be spread over multiple years if accepted.

They've went with 5 DTs for the past couple years, so I wouldn't put it past them to go 5 again this year. Watts probably makes the team with Lynch & Twyman fighting for the final spot, with the other going to the PS.

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Yes. 5DT. No problem. But Watts actuallyshows real potential. Lynch was rather disappointing as a rookie, but also has real potential and was tossed in to a weird season with NO camps or pre-season to develop. Then we draft Twyman late who would have been a 2nd round pick last year if he came out. But sitting out and a poor performance in workouts made him slide.

I'm OK with the Richardson signing because it makes us deeper and better! But from a futures perspective, who from Watts, Lynch and Twyman do you see going unclaimed in order to be part of the PS? I'm thinking we'd be very lucky to keep any cut.

[Mike Sixel]

Not sure I will root for them this year. Really haven't decided yet.

[Danchat]

  On 6/20/2021 at 3:06 AM, DocBauer said:

Yes. 5DT. No problem. But Watts actuallyshows real potential. Lynch was rather disappointing as a rookie, but also has real potential and was tossed in to a weird season with NO camps or pre-season to develop. Then we draft Twyman late who would have been a 2nd round pick last year if he came out. But sitting out and a poor performance in workouts made him slide.

I'm OK with the Richardson signing because it makes us deeper and better! But from a futures perspective, who from Watts, Lynch and Twyman do you see going unclaimed in order to be part of the PS? I'm thinking we'd be very lucky to keep any cut.

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Watts and Lynch would be iffy, but I would guess Twyman clears waivers. Most 6th/7th rounders can clear waivers and make it to practice squads. There will always be exceptions, but if Twyman was thought of more highly he would have gone a round or two higher. Last year all 6 of our 6th & 7th rounders cleared waivers, though Twyman is probably better than all of them.

[DocBauer]

  On 6/21/2021 at 10:27 PM, Danchat said:

Watts and Lynch would be iffy, but I would guess Twyman clears waivers. Most 6th/7th rounders can clear waivers and make it to practice squads. There will always be exceptions, but if Twyman was thought of more highly he would have gone a round or two higher. Last year all 6 of our 6th & 7th rounders cleared waivers, though Twyman is probably better than all of them.

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I get you 100%! But other teams have scouts and, presumably, they are competent. Watts has shown flashes and some projection. Lynch was largely a disappointment, but is only in his 2nd year. Twyman opting out and then getting overweight and blowing his testing is what shoved him down the board, not his potential or what he did previously.

Look, I am all about the Vikings building the best defense and DL they can! I'm just worried that if everyone is healthy, in shape, and working with Patterson with actual camps and pre-season that we are going to lose a quality DT to someone with real potential. And I just hate losing young talent.

[Mike Sixel]

  On 6/21/2021 at 11:37 PM, DocBauer said:

I get you 100%! But other teams have scouts and, presumably, they are competent. Watts has shown flashes and some projection. Lynch was largely a disappointment, but is only in his 2nd year. Twyman opting out and then getting overweight and blowing his testing is what shoved him down the board, not his potential or what he did previously.

Look, I am all about the Vikings building the best defense and DL they can! I'm just worried that if everyone is healthy, in shape, and working with Patterson with actual camps and pre-season that we are going to lose a quality DT to someone with real potential. And I just hate losing young talent.

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We can only hope they have so much talent they lose a good player...  

[Vanimal46]

Yikes. Hope he’s able to recover!

[Vanimal46]

No such thing as too much interior OL depth… We have the cap space to do this. 
 

Edit: After further review, I read he had ankle surgery last year and not healing properly. He’s contemplating his future. Dang. 

[Mike Sixel]

  On 6/24/2021 at 9:16 PM, Vanimal46 said:

No such thing as too much interior OL depth… We have the cap space to do this. 
 

Edit: After further review, I read he had ankle surgery last year and not healing properly. He’s contemplating his future. Dang. 

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Man I wanted the Vikes to draft him the year he was available....As usual, I was told an OG wasn't worth a high pick...go look at the 2012 draft....My 2nd choice was Claiborne...

[Danchat]

The Steelers have now lost DeCastro, C Pouncey (retired/injured), LG Feiler (FA), and LT Villaneuva (FA) all in a single offseason... yikes. And then they went RB with their 1st round pick despite not having an O-line to block for him...

Their projected starting O-line:

LT Chuks Okorafor (PFF 70th/79)
LG Trai Turner (can't stay healthy)
C B.J. Finney (career backup)
RG Kevin Dotson (2020 4th rounder)
RT Zach Banner (career backup / tore ACL in 2020)

Yikes!

[Vanimal46]

  On 6/25/2021 at 5:01 AM, Danchat said:

The Steelers have now lost DeCastro, C Pouncey (retired/injured), LG Feiler (FA), and LT Villaneuva (FA) all in a single offseason... yikes. And then they went RB with their 1st round pick despite not having an O-line to block for him...

Their projected starting O-line:

LT Chuks Okorafor (PFF 70th/79)
LG Trai Turner (can't stay healthy)
C B.J. Finney (career backup)
RG Kevin Dotson (2020 4th rounder)
RT Zach Banner (career backup / tore ACL in 2020)

Yikes!

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Thanks for the heads up. Najee Harris is now off my radar for fantasy football… Wouldn’t surprise me if they’re a bottom 5 offense in the league. Big Ben is cooked and their backup is still Mason Rudolph who’s worse. It’s too bad because their defense is really good. 

[Danchat]

  On 6/26/2021 at 3:33 AM, Vanimal46 said:

Thanks for the heads up. Najee Harris is now off my radar for fantasy football… Wouldn’t surprise me if they’re a bottom 5 offense in the league. Big Ben is cooked and their backup is still Mason Rudolph who’s worse. It’s too bad because their defense is really good. 

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I also found it odd that they didn't try to improve at backup QB... unless Dwayne Haskins pulls himself together, but I don't see that happening. 

Plus then they went TE in the 2nd round, and while Pat Freiermuth is not a bad pick there, it just reeks of a luxury pick when the rest of the offense looks like it's in shambles. Sure, they've got a nice WR room and Najee Harris is probably going to be good, but how is Ben going to survive with this O-line?

[cHawk]

Awesome, Adam Rank predicted we go 4-13. Thanks for jinxing us Adam?

[Vanimal46]

  On 7/13/2021 at 11:50 PM, cHawk said:

Awesome, Adam Rank predicted we go 4-13. Thanks for jinxing us Adam?

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That guy is a Bears homer. I would bet he’s predicted we have a horrible record every year he’s been relevant on TV. He predicted doom for us in 2019 too. 
 

 

[nicksaviking]

  On 7/14/2021 at 1:19 AM, Vanimal46 said:

That guy is a Bears homer. I would bet he’s predicted we have a horrible record every year he’s been relevant on TV. He predicted doom for us in 2019 too. 
 

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Yeah, he did claim that Justin Fields is the best QB in the division. 

That prediction seems to be the opposite of what he said last month:

https://www.nfl.com/news/state-of-the-2021-minnesota-vikings-time-for-mike-zimmer-s-crew-to-strike

 

"I know I wrote earlier that the Vikings will have no chance to contend for the division if Rodgers stays in Green Bay. But let me walk that back a little. Because the Vikings have all the ingredients to be one of those squads that shakes off a "good-not-great" early designation and ends up making an actual deep playoff run."