On defense, with the line playing better of late and the linebacker group now healthy, Brian Flores’ main areas of concern surround the secondary, where they were short on experienced talent coming into the season, and now Jeff Okudah is going on his third-straight week recovering from the second concussion of 2025.

But recently, a glimmer of possible hope touched down at MSP Airport, in the form of cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. Minnesota was one of a handful of teams that got a chance to work Samuel Jr out to see if he is medically ready to get back on the field, after missing over a year out with a scary spine/neck injury.

Asante Samuel Jr gives Vikings the cold shoulder

Prior to his season ending four games into 2024, Asante Samuel Jr. was one of the top up-and-coming cornerbacks in the NFL. The timing was unfortunate too, being 2024 was the final year on his rookie-scale contract. Now, Asante has to prove with another team that he can still be that guy.

Unfortunately, that will not happen in a Minnesota Vikings uniform. This afternoon, news broke that the 26-year-old defensive back is signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers, as a member of their practice squad.

Free-agent cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. is signing with the Steelers practice squad, per source.

A top-25 free agent in March, Samuel recovered from spinal-fusion surgery in time to sign for the season’s second half. Now, he gets a new start with Pittsburgh. pic.twitter.com/pK5QfhfEy0

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) November 11, 2025

Related: Vikings Rival Coach on Hot Seat?

Asante Samuel Jr lands in Pittsburgh with four seasons and 50 NFL games under his belt (47 starts). He’s totalled 6 interceptions and 37 passes defended in those appearances, to go along with 176 total tackles.

It’s not like there was a bidding war for Samuel’s services, being he is signing with the Steelers practice squad. Obviously, this was a decision based on fit.

Whether or not the former Florida State Seminole is capable of making a major impact, at this point in his recovery from spine surgery has yet to be seen. In other words, the jury is still out on whether or not this was a missed opportunity for Minnesota.

Minnesota Vikings’ issues are on offense anyway…

While there are definitely warts that could use fixing on the defensive side of the football, it’s far the Vikings’ biggest problem. From what we have seen throughout the first nine games, those issues reside on offense.

Whether the quarterback has been JJ McCarthy or Carson Wentz, the results have oftentimes been the same. Minnesota remains bottom of the league in just about every important offensive category.

And at the end of the day, those questions need answered much more quickly than anything on defense, where the Minnesota Vikings have been much better than the offense.

Afterward, the Vikings told reporters that they did not make any moves because they really don’t have any holes on the roster. Of course, we all know that isn’t true, which leaves us to ponder the real reasons behind Minnesota’s inaction at the deadline.

Some (me), for example, pointed to the $344+ million spent on the 2025 roster and questioned whether or not Kwesi might have found the bottom of what we believed to be a bottomless Wilf wallet. Is it possible Zygi and Mark told their third-year GM that they’re tired of having to overspend to fix his drafting deficiencies?

As is the case with most things in life, the answer to why the Minnesota Vikings stayed silent at the deadline is not black and white. For example, the Vikings are already scheduled to be nearly $25 million over the salary cap in 2026.

That makes trading and signing free agents more complex than whether they fit in under the 2025 cap, where Adofo-Mensah and his front office still have over $16 million in space (per Spotrac). But no matter the reason for their silence yesterday, it doesn’t appear the GM has some financial wiggle room to work with.

Minnesota Vikings hosting star cornerback on free agent visit

Because there is no way they’d host top free agent cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. on a visit, if they didn’t have the financial backing to pay him should he choose to wear purple, right?

Well, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the (4-4) Vikings are doing just that at some point in the near future. On Wednesday, the 26-year-old former 2nd round pick is first visiting the Carolina Panthers. The division-rival Packers are also on the list of visits Samuel Jr reportedly has scheduled.

Sources: The #Packers and #Vikings are also scheduled to have visits with CB Asante Samuel Jr.

But #Panthers are first today, I'm told. 👇 https://t.co/WwREq9Zw0R pic.twitter.com/4mjEriHj83

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) November 5, 2025

Over the course of his four-year NFL career, Asante Samuel Jr. has compiled 50 games played, 47 starts, 6 interceptions, 37 passes defended, 148 tackles and 3 tackles for loss.

Why is Asante Samuel Jr. available and is he good?

Why is Samuel Jr. available during week 10 of the NFL season? It’s because the former Florida State Seminole suffered an injury last year that forced him to miss the final 13 games of LA’s 2024 season.

In April, he had spinal fusion surgery that he hopes has fixed what he essentially describes as a permanent stinger-type pain in both shoulders. This week, he was cleared to play by independent doctors, which is why he’s now planning free agent visits.

The former Florida State Seminole is still very young, at just 26. If his next team gets the lockdown CB Asante Samuel Jr. was from 2022-2023, the impact would be comparable to what the Colts just paid two first rounders for at the deadline, to get Sauce Gardner.

GIVE ME ASANTE SAMUEL JR OR GIVE ME DEATH pic.twitter.com/vgtFsVGB2B

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) November 5, 2025

But the four games Samuel Jr. played in 2024 prior to injury were not very good, according to Pro Football Focus. After earning PFF grades of 72.6 and 73.9 in 2022 and 2023, respectively, Asante graded out as a 59.3 last season, his worst since 2021, when he was a rookie.

How much will Asante Samuel Jr. cost and can MN Vikings afford it?

The next question surrounds how much Samuel Jr. will cost. If he is visiting the Minnesota Vikings, then he is clearly open to a one-year deal, in order to prove he can play like his 2022-2023 self. If that is the case, then the Vikings have as much as they need, to get a deal done.

It’s important to remember, however, that NFL teams roll their cap savings from one year into the next. So anyone they sign this year, whether it be Asante Samuel Jr. or someone else, will affect how much wiggle room they have in 2026… which is currently 24.6 million in the red.

Thus, we will see how much money Samuel Jr wants, should he decide the MN Vikings are his best fit. Nonetheless, this is quite the development, given how quiet this organization was at the deadline on Tuesday.

Adam Thielen represents a near-perfect option to step in alongside Justin Jefferson. Not only does he know the offense, but he provides a safe floor once additional talent returns to the lineup.

Unfortunately neither side has budged yet and the talks remain up in the air. It’s possible, and maybe even logical, that the MN Vikings grab a pair of wideouts though. Enter K.J. Osborn.

K.J. Osborn released by Washington Commanders

Before Jalen Nailor took over as the Vikings third wideout, there was K.J. Osborn. A 5th round pick in 2020, Osborn spent the first four years of his career with Minnesota. The franchise allowed him to hit free agency and explore other options. Now back available, a reunion makes a ton of sense.

Commanders are releasing veteran WR KJ Osborn, who now becomes a free agent. pic.twitter.com/gaMWzpVIWQ

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 26, 2025

Osborn has played 67 career games, of which 59 have come for the Minnesota Vikings. And now, it’s very possible his 68th could be in purple as well. Two offseasons ago, Nailor needed more reps and more opportunities. Thus, there wasn’t a reason to pay Osborn market value.

So, the former Miami Hurricane hit the open market and ultimately signed with the New England Patriots. He didn’t last the season though, and latched on with Washington to end the year

Last season Osborn played in eight games, drawing four starts. He turned 48 receptions into 540 yards with 3 touchdowns. While not spectacular numbers, they are more than serviceable for what his former team needs.

Drake Maye delivers a TD strike to KJ Osborn!

📺: #NEvsJAX on NFL Network
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/1NAg68cI2f

— NFL (@NFL) October 20, 2024

Related: MN Vikings Make Shocking Cut on Defense

Last year, Nailor caught 28 passes for 414 yards and six touchdowns. He also contributed key drops and frustrating moments at integral times in multiple games.

There is no reason he should just be given the role, and his injury only complicates those matters. Which brings us to the other camp cut from Tuesday that makes almost too much sense to land in Minnesota

Robert Woods released by Houston Texans

Right after the Osborn cut was announced, Robert Woods was released by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Now 33 years old, the former USC phenom has spent a lot of his NFL career in a Kevin O’Connell style offensive system.

That includes two of his five seasons in LA, where he played for KOC from 2020-2021, when O’Connell was Rams offensive coordinator under Sean McVay.

The #Steelers are releasing veteran WR Robert Woods, source said, though the door is open for a possible return. Either way, he plans to play in 2025.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 26, 2025

At his somewhat advanced age, Woods is no longer one of the fastest, shiftiest players in the league, which he most certainly was during his prime. Still, he would fit what the Minnesota Vikings need in 2025 extremely well.

Woods would come in with more knowledge of the offensive scheme than just about any available wide receiver not named Brandon Powell, KJ Osborn or Adam Thielen. Last year, Woods played in 15 games for the Houston Texans, mostly as a depth receiver/returner (where the Vikings also need help).

As a Texan in 2024, the former 2nd round pick out of USC totalled 20 receptions on 30 targets, for 203 receiving yards and 0 touchdowns. During his 12-year NFL career, Woods has played for four different teams, totalling 8,233 yards, 38 touchdowns and 12.1 Y/R.

Since it’s New York Giants week, let’s take it back to when Robert Woods turned a 3rd and 33 into a HUGE touchdown! 🙌🏽🔥 pic.twitter.com/wDYOAmDv5j

— Rams Tapes 🇵🇷 (@RamsTapes) December 29, 2023

Related: Rookie Punter Could Still Land Back with MN Vikings

Neither Osborn nor Woods are atop Minnesota’s list of potential wide receiver additions, while Addison serves his suspension. Despite their playbook and scheme familiarity, they no longer possess the NFL talent necessary to be Justin Jefferson’s temporary running mate, weeks 1-3,

Both wide receivers come in high up on the Vikings’ list of potential outside additions, just behind Osborn’s former teammate, Adam Thielen. Both he and Woods are worth a look, for sure. Either guy would push Nailor to earn playing time, especially when Addison returns week 4.

If Minnesota really wants to bolster the wide receiver room, and give young quarterback J.J. McCarthy options, then Osborn paired with someone else is the way to go. Minnesota must cut the active roster down to 53 players by 3pm CDT.

The Las Vegas Raiders released Christian Wilkins and voided more than $35 million still left on his contract. He signed a four-year deal with the team prior to the 2024 season, and the Minnesota Vikings had tried to land his services as well.

Now back on the open market, and as a former member of the Brian Flores coached Miami Dolphins, the Vikings defensive coordinator wouldn’t turn down a reunion.

Christian Wilkins would be welcomed by Minnesota Vikings

The Miami Dolphins selected Christian Wilkins with the 13th overall pick during the 2019 NFL Draft. Brian Flores was his head coach from 2019 through 2022. He’s now one of the best defensive coordinators in the league, and he’d be open to his former lineman joining his new team.

Vikings DC Brian Flores was the Dolphins' HC for part of DT Christian Wilkins' time there, and the Vikings tried to sign Wilkins as a UFA in 2024. Here's what Flores said today when asked if he would be interested in adding him to a deep defensive line: pic.twitter.com/c2yxjkeR1T

— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) July 28, 2025

Of course Flores isn’t the ultimate decision-maker when it comes to the roster. Head coach Kevin O’Connell probably gets the ear of general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah a bit more. That doesn’t mean a top assistant can’t speak into a desired opportunity.

Wilkins has 86 games (82 starts) at the NFL level under his belt. He has already amassed 22.5 sacks and has a whopping 45 tackles for loss in just six seasons as a pro. While Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave are nice additions, Wilkins would take the group to a new level.

The Vikings still have cap space to utilize, and while they have a presumed hole at the cornerback position, they could opt to rekindle contract talks. Wilkins was on their radar just last summer, and now he’s available once again.

Narrative gets interesting for Christian Wilkins

There has been plenty of discussion surrounding the abrupt release of Christian Wilkins. He had a foot injury last seasons and Adam Schefter reported that was at the center of the Raiders decision to release him. That is definitely not what the story was on Pat McAfee’s show Monday morning.

Regarding the “incident” involving Christian Wilkins: Per @AdamSchefter, he playfully went to kiss a teammate on the top of his head, and some people have said that player took offense to it.pic.twitter.com/Ed4GdxCpTn

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) July 28, 2025

“From speaking with people inside the locker room, I think what everybody is dancing around and tip-toeing around, is the fact that when you speak to people there, inside the locker room, they say that Christian [Wilkins] playfully went to kiss a teammate on top of his head. Those same people said that that player took offense to it. So that’s what everybody has been dancing around and tap dancing around. An incident in the locker room where he, allegedly, playfully, kissed a teammate on top of his head. That teammate felt offended by it.”

Adam Schefter – The McAfee Show

Listen, I can get behind that sort of behavior from Wilkins being weird. If that’s enough to release a star player with buckoo bucks left on a $110 million contract though, I’d like to take a pause. That doesn’t seem logical, and NFL insider Mike Florio threw out that’s certainly not what he has heard either.

That is definitely NOT the story that has been making the rounds. https://t.co/22nK6PRGbT

— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) July 28, 2025

At the end of the day we have no idea what to believe as truth. What is reality is that Wilkins is a free agent on the open market and he’s looking for a new home. If the Vikings were to go from their former rag tag collection to an interior that includes Allen, Hargrave, Harrison Phillips, and Wilkins, it would be a laughable embarrassment of riches.

Maybe the Minnesota Vikings still need a cornerback. If they’re going to swallow up the running game and crush opposing quarterbacks on every play though, maybe they don’t?

Of course, championships aren’t won in the offseason (or the Chicago Bears would have many), but without a successful roster building campaign in the spring/summer, winning games in the fall becomes a lot more difficult. So far, so good says NFL writer Mike Jones (The Athletic).

High praise for Minnesota Vikings offseason

In an article posted earlier this week, Jones named the Minnesota Vikings as one of his 2025 NFL offseason winners, praising the work Kwesi did during free agency and the draft.

The NFL insider pointed specifically to the offensive and defensive lines, which Vikings leaders promised were priorities following another underwhelming season in the trenches.

A storybook season featuring an unlikely hero in quarterback Sam Darnold ended in dramatic disappointment, with a loss to the Rams in the wild-card round. Darnold signed with the Seahawks during free agency, but Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah still has positioned his team for a prompt rebound — possibly in the form of an NFC North title.

The Vikings invested heavily in the trenches in free agency, signing defensive tackles Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave and offensive linemen Ryan Kelly, Will Fries and Justin Skule, while adding veterans at other key positions. The Vikings also used early draft picks on Ohio State guard Donovan Jackson and Maryland wide receiver Tai Felton. Young quarterback J.J. McCarthy, after missing his rookie season with a torn meniscus, finds himself surrounded by a fantastic supporting cast as he prepares to take over as starter.

Mike Jones – The Athletic

In calling the Minnesota Vikings “winners” Jones quickly noted just how much work was done up front. Both sides of the ball needed help in the trenches, and Adofo-Mensah targeted that in a big way. Of course the Vikings will need those players to remain healthy, but there’s a ton of talent if they do so.

Similar to Darnold last season, J.J. McCarthy will be surrounded by arguably the best situation across the entire league. He has elite offensive weapons and now has protection that even Darnold didn’t have the benefit of.

Last season saw the MN Vikings put together a very solid year, but still trail the Detroit Lions within the division. It’s not clear the result will be the same this time around, and it’s Minnesota whose arrow is pointing up.

Lions losing ground in NFC North to MN Vikings?

While Jones was quick to point out just how good of an offseason that the Minnesota Vikings had, he also weighed in on the reigning NFC North champions. Jones dubbed the Lions “losers” and laid out fair reasons why.

“Having the NFC’s best regular-season record (15-2) came at a price for the Lions. This offseason, coach Dan Campbell lost both of his top assistants. Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson left for the head coaching job in Chicago, and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn took the head coaching job with the Jets. Campbell brought offensive coordinator John Morton in from Denver, where he coached under Campbell’s former mentor Sean Payton, and he promoted former Glenn assistant Kelvin Sheppard to defensive coordinator. Both units appear likely to endure some growing pains under the new play callers, and in a competitive NFC North, setbacks of any kind could prove costly.”

Mike Jones – The Athletic

Of course you’re the champion until someone knocks you off, and that doesn’t happen in the offseason either. There is always significant turnover in the NFL and the Detroit Lions experienced that most in the coaching realm.

Related: Former MN Vikings Cornerback No Longer an Option for 2025

Dan Campbell will now need to prove he isn’t a byproduct of the assistants he had to support him. With new faces in key roles, the Lions will look to repeat atop the NFC North. That won’t be easy with both Minnesota and Chicago having taken clear steps forward.

The North could be one of the most intriguing divisions across the entire league in 2025.

Going into the offseason, it was evident in both the passing and running game that the Vikings needed help up the middle of their offensive line. Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neil have cemented themselves as key on the outside, but interior guys like Garrett Bradbury, Blake Brandel and Dalton Risner/Ed Ingram proved deficient.

Los Angeles Rams sign David Quessenberry

David Quessenberry had been used by the Minnesota Vikings as an emergency swing tackle for botht he 2023 and 2024 seasons. On Thursday, he signed a contract to do the same thing, just with the Los Angeles Rams, instead of the Vikings.

We've signed OT David Quessenberry to a one-year deal. ⤵️

— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) May 29, 2025

Quessenberry has appeared in 84 games across his career while making 30 starts. He started four games for Minnesota in 2023, but his only true run as a consistent starter came in 2021 with the Tennessee Titans. That season saw him start all 17 games for the AFC South squad.

Last season, David Quessenberry signed a one-year deal worth $1.885 million with the Minnesota Vikings. It nearly doubled his 2023 deal with Minnesota. The financials his new contract have not been announced, but it won’t be substantial. Across seven years in the NFL, the former 6th round pick has earned just under $10 million.

Quessenberry playing in familiar offense with Rams

Sean McVay’s Rams squad should provide a level of familiarity for Quessenberry. Of course Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell comes from the McVay coaching tree. The scheme should be similar, and veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford is well-established under center for the Rams.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Superstar Present for Start of Voluntary OTAs

Alaric Jackson is the starting left tackle for Los Angeles and Rob Havenstein starts on the right side. Quessenberry will look to get rotational work or factor into the special teams gameplan. The Minnesota Vikings are not currently scheduled to face Los Angeles in 2025. They could meet up again in the playoffs.

Minnesota’s offseason isn’t over, but the heavy lifting is largely done. That means the GM and head coach can focus on plugging smaller holes and tweaking the roster, as the Vikings get ready for the season ahead.

The Minnesota Vikings went on quite the talent shopping spree this offseason?

To date, the Minnesota Vikings have shored up both the offensive and defensive lines, by signing (C) Ryan Kelly, (LG) Will Fries, (DT) Javon Hargrave, and (DT) Jonathan Allen, all of which were ranked inside The Athletic’s Top 15 free agents entering the offseason.

Jonathan Allen with the spinning back fist sack pic.twitter.com/tl1kqBvaGm

— mike (@bengals_sans) July 5, 2024

They also re-signed Byron Murphy Jr. and Aaron Jones, along with less celebrated free agent signings like (CB) Isaiah Rodgers, (CB) Jeff Okudah, (S) Bubba Bolden, (LB) Eric Wilson and (T) Jacob Skule, among others.

Related: Report: NFL Teams Still Wonder if Aaron Rodgers is Waiting for MN Vikings

Of course, high-end help isn’t cheap. And given how many good players the Minnesota Vikings added/brought back this offseason, the total bill ended up being way more than any other team in the NFL has spent, since the 2024 season ended in February.

How much did all this talent cost the Vikings?

According to Charley Walters of the Pioneer Press, the Vikings $362.3 million in total contract dollars is $22 million more than the second place Buffalo Bills. The Chicago Bears are second in the NFC North, in contract dollars signed, at nearly $319 millions.

The $264 million Minnesota has spent on 12 free agent contracts ranks second in the NFL and trails only the New England Patriots’ $359.6 million spent on 16 contracts.

The Vikings so far this year are No. 1 in the NFL in cash spent on players, $362.3 million, per spotrac.com. The Packers at $259.5 million, are No. 27 in the 32-team league. Last season, the Vikings ranked 18th at $228.4 million, the Packers 19th at $234 million.

Charley Walters – Pioneer Press

If we know anything in Minnesota, it’s that in other sports like baseball, money buys happiness. Unfortunately, with a hard salary cap in place, the same cannot be said in the National Football League, where money spent in free agency rarely correlates to winning.

For Kevin O’Connell and the rest of the Vikings coaching staff, that is their challenge. Fitting all of these new (and sometimes expensive) pieces into a puzzle that can win games, both in the regular season and playoffs.

If there’s an area where the Vikings should still be looking for a potential Week 1 starters, however, it’s probably at cornerback. With just over 48 hours remaining until the draft, Minnesota currently has Byron Murphy Jr. slotted in at CB1, after he signed an impressive new contract last month.

Behind Murphy Jr on the depth chart sit former Packer/Eagle, Isaiah Rodgers, who the Vikings made a priority early on in free agency. The 27-year-old CB is being paid like a fringe starter, too. Nonetheless, Rodgers only started three games last season in Philly and has never been a lock starter during his four-year NFL career.

Minnesota Vikings still in need of cornerback help

After Rodgers, the Minnesota Vikings have Mekhi Blackmon, who’s still recovering from offseason ACL surgery. Then, we get into depth talent like Jeff Okudah, Ambry Thomas, Dwight McGlothern and Bubba Bolden.

While some believe the purple CB group could hold its own in 2025, as currently constructed, it seems more likely they add another starter-type talent to the cornerback room between now and the end of training camp.

Rumors have flown around regarding who that cornerback will be, including some intoxicating speculation connecting the MN Vikings to stud talent, Asante Samuel Jr. Then, there are Stephon Gilmore and Shaq Griffin, two veterans who were staples of Minnesota’s secondary in 2024.

Both currently remain free agents and there has even been chatter that one (or both) could be on the Vikings’ radar for 2025, too. Until they are signed, sealed and delivered to TCO Performance Center, however, free agents are still expected to at least flirt with other teams, should opportunities present themselves.

Stephon Gilmore flirting with Dallas Cowboys

Take Stephon Gilmore, for instance. Yes, the 34-year-old veteran was good in purple last season, but he’s familiar with a lot of different NFL surroundings, seeing as he has played for six different teams through the course of his 13 year professional football career.

His most recent home, prior to joining the Minnesota Vikings, was in Dallas where the five-time Pro Bowler played with the Cowboys for one season, in 2023. He started all 17 games that year, and on Tuesday, he was spotted in Dallas visiting the Cowboys and discussing a possible return to the Big D.

Former Cowboys CB Stephon Gilmore is at The Star today

— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) April 22, 2025

Gilmore will be 35 years old by the end of the 2025 season. While he claimed he was pondering retirment earlier in the offseason, that appears unlikely, at this point. While he isn’t the shutdown CB he once was, Stephon Gilmore would immediately change the complexion of Minnesota’s secondary, if he found his way out of Dallas and back at TCO Performance Center.

Is Stephon Gilmore any good still?

Per Pro Football Focus, Gilmore posted a 62.2 defensive grade last year, way down from the 70-80+ grades he’s earned throughout his illustrious NFL career. His 904 total snaps with the Vikings were on par with the 1,000+ he reported the two previous seasons, had he played all 17 regular season games, instead of just 15. While his overall and coverage grades were down (59.2), Gilmore was solid defending the run (72.6), per usual.

Stephon Gilmore was a very late training camp/preseason addition to Brian Flores’ defense last year. Upon signing, he was immediately slotted in as a regular starter next to Byron Muphy Jr. He snagged just one interception as a Viking, to go along with his nine passes defensed.

For what it’s worth, his lone INT was thrown by Aaron Rodgers during the Minnesota Vikings victory in a London over the New York Jets… Last year with Minnesota Gilmore played on a one-year deal worth $7 million. It’s unlikely he gets that much this time around, but unlike dollar bills, competent corners don’t grow on trees.

STEPHON GILMORE SEALS THE WIN WITH A PICK.#NYJvsMIN pic.twitter.com/3Li9D2uZw1

— NFL (@NFL) October 6, 2024

MN Vikings could still be in play for Gilmore

If Gilmore leaves the Dallas Cowboys facilities without a deal, he’ll remain in play for the Minnesota Vikings. Even if the Minnesota Vikings land a cornerback early in the NFL Draft, re-upping with a veteran that they are familiar with still makes sense.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Planning a Cornerback Reunion After the Draft…?

Rather than pivoting to an unknown commodity, either Stephon Gilmore or Shaq Griffin could slot it next to, or on the other side of Murphy Jr., with Isaiah Rodgers to round out the top what would then be a well-balanced CB room.

The 2024 first round pick still has to prove he’s ready, but that can’t happen until bodies start flying. Nonetheless, head coach (and QB whisperer) Kevin O’Connell seems confident that McCarthy is ready for QB1 duties. How confident? Actions speak louder than words and the Vikings’ actions speak mimic what they’re saying.

Minnesota Vikings seem uninterested in adding at quarterback

KOC is confident enough in last year’s No. 10 overall pick that he let Sam Darnold walk, when he would have returned to Minnesota on a relatively inexpensive and short-term deal for an MVP-caliber QB.

Then, they let the entire 2025 QB free agency class sign elsewhere, including Daniel Jones, who chose to sign with the Colts, in large part because he didn’t feel like he stood a chance in a QB competition vs JJ McCarthy.

Hell, Aaron Rodgers is still believed to be waiting for the Vikings to look his way. Same can be said for Kirk Cousins, who would reportedly love to land back in Minnesota, even if it means toting a “backup” label, upon arrival.

But instead of jumping on one of the top QB free agents or trading for a veteran who can provide more peace of mind entering the offseason, the Vikings have intentionally ignored what seems like an obvious need, choosing instead to walk into draft week with two unproven quarterbacks on roster.

Other than the aforementioned 22-year-[86-day]-old 1st round pick — who missed all of his rookie season after season-ending knee surgery — the Minnesota Vikings have 28-year-old former undrafted free agent out of Boise State, Brett Rypien, who has impressed in Eagan since first signing last August, after he missed the final training camp cut in Chicago.

From what @Andrew_Krammer has “heard behind the scenes” is that it’s “not a shoe in” that Nick Mullens is QB2 and that the #Vikings are really “impressed” with what Brett Rypien has done that “he’s made them think and consider about their [QB] pecking order”.

Krammer noted that… pic.twitter.com/gTf9rwWhhN

— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) December 6, 2024

So, what gives? Why do the Vikings seem so uninterested in adding talent at QB so far this offseason? Well, there are a few reasons. First, they want to maximize their return in the 2026 comp pick formula.

General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and his front office believe they could get as many as three additional selections in next year’s draft, as things currently stand. Picking up a free agent QB could negatively impact that formula.

Paul Allen: Vikings really like Brett Rypien…

But according to radio voice of the Minnesota Vikings (and KFAN Radio morning talk show host) Paul Allen, the organization’s approach to this offseason’s QB market goes beyond comp pick strategy and their belief in JJ McCarthy.

In the final seconds of the opening hour of his show on Tuesday, PA told his producer, Eric Nordquist — along with millions of loyal listeners — that the Vikings like Brett Rypien “more than I think people would imagine”.

“I understand when people have the flippant, but out of nowhere opinion, ‘Brett Rypien are you kidding me?’ I understand that, because Brett hasn’t done much — if hardly anything — in the NFL.

But as I’ve shared before, without oversharing… they like him. They like him a lot. That doesn’t mean he’ll be the backup, like the 1A to McCarthy. I still do believe they’ll find a veteran backup. But, they like Rypien more than I think people would imagine.”

Paul Allen – KFAN

Rypien has 10 games (4 starts) of NFL experience. He last played with the Los Angeles Rams during the 2023 season. Brett’s 58.2% completion rate leaves plenty to be desired, as does his career 4/9 TD/INT ratio and underwhelming 950 total passing yards.

Ultimately, Allen expects the Minnesota Vikings to sign a different, more reliable, backup quarterback to sit behind, mentor and provide insurance for their young, unproven starter. But that doesn’t mean their belief in Rypien hasn’t factored into their laissez-faire approach to addressing QB so far this offseason.

MN Vikings running out of veteran QB options beyond Brett Rypien…

At this point, free agency is pretty bone-dry, after Joe Flacco signed with Cleveland. Ryan Tannehill, Carson Wentz, C.J. Beathard, and Teddy Bridgewater are the best remaining free agent options available, outside of Aaron Rodgers. Otherwise, they could look to the trade market, which feels more and more likely with every day that goes by.

Related: Pressure is on JJ McCarthy to Perform Starting Next Week

Ultimately, the Vikings will continue to tweak their roster for the next six months, all the way up until the start of the regular season in September. Still, until they name a starting quarterback and we see JJ McCarthy take the field, throw a pass, take a hit, etc… serious questions will remain surrounding this team’s ceiling for 2025.

While the Vikings were much busier during the early stages of free agency, than they will be during the draft, there is still one glaring spot on Minnesota’s depth chart that cannot be filled through the draft, and that is a veteran QB to pair with JJ McCarthy in 2025.

Knowing how quickly QB1s and QB2s fly off the board in free agency, it felt like quarterback would be one of the first signings of the Vikings’ 2025 class. But that’s not the way reality has played out, thanks to the Aaron Rodgers waiting game (which is still ongoing), along with a bloated number of available veteran quarterbacks.

Another veteran QB — Joe Flacco — falls off the free agent board

That was before Friday morning, when possibly the best QB2 on the market from the very beginning, 40-year-old Joe Flacco, signed with former Vikings OC Kevin Stefanski and the Cleveland Browns. Flacco — who won NFL Comeback Player of the Year in Cleveland, under Stefanski, in 2023 — chose the Browns over the Vikings and Steelers, per Adam Schefter.

Reunion: the Cleveland Browns and veteran quarterback Joe Flacco reached agreement today on a one-year, $4 million deal worth up to $13 million with incentives, his agency @JLSports3 told ESPN. Flacco now will return to Cleveland, where he won the NFL’s Comeback Player of the… pic.twitter.com/pOaCuhrVmS

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 11, 2025

So, here we sit on April 11, with the draft inching closer, and the Minnesota Vikings still need a veteran QB to pair with JJ McCarthy. Weren’t we led to believe that free agent quarterbacks would flock to Eagan, upon invitation, just so they could work for the the second-highest rated employer in the NFL, while having KOC whisper sweet QB nothings in their ear?

But Flacco isn’t the first veteran QB this offseason to give the Vikings and their head coach the cold shoulder… so what gives? Well, at this point, it has become very clear that those leading the MN Vikings organization are extremely comfortable with where JJ McCarthy is in his development, something that these veterans are picking up on too.

Veteran NFL quarterbacks afraid of MN Vikings QB competition vs JJ McCarthy?

Last month, Sam Darnold signed with Seattle — not because he wanted to leave Minnesota — but because neither the money nor the role being offered by the Vikings were comparable to that of the Seahawks.

Then, there’s Aaron Rodgers, who is still making the Steelers wait, while he holds out hope that the Vikings will change their minds. Right now, that seems like a pipedream. And don’t forget about Daniel Jones.

Related: Sportsbooks Not Buying the Draft Plans Vikings are Selling…

The Minnesota Vikings signed the 2019 No. 6 overall pick toward the end of 2024, after the New York Giants cut him loose. Most thought he would be the guy to push JJ McCarthy during 2025 Vikings training camp.

Instead, Jones landed in Indianapolis. Why? Because beating out Anthony Richardson for the Colts’ QB1 job felt more plausible than doing the same in Minnesota, vs McCarthy. See a pattern here?

"We know we're in a tough division, we know we have tough battles ahead, but having a young quarterback like JJ McCarthy leading us with coach O'Connells guidance gives us a lot of confidence."- Mark Wilf

My god can football season hurry up already. pic.twitter.com/DP1MjgY5FF

— The Brohioan (@TheBrohioan) April 1, 2025

While the Minnesota Vikings have not yet told McCarthy that he is their starter in 2025, they have leaked as much to media. And behind the scenes, there’s clearly something scaring these higher-end veteran quarterbacks away. That’s because, if given the option, these guys want to play. And in Minnesota, that must appear far-fetched.

So much so, that they leave their meetings with the Vikings thinking they don’t stand much of a chance at all, of winning a QB competition vs McCarthy during offseason workouts and in training camp. Either (a) JJ is already too good and/or (b) any preseason dual is likely to be rigged in his favor.

Who is left on the QB market for the Minnesota Vikings?

No doubt, the Minnesota Vikings are running out of veteran backup QB options for 2025. Right now, JJ McCarthy and Brett Rypien are the only to quarterbacks under contract. So, who’s left on the board? When it comes to free agency, the “high end” backup options are pretty much down to Ryan Tannehill, who has been linked to Minnesota for weeks.

Related: What Does Mel Kiper’s Latest Mock Tell Us About Vikings Draft Plans?

That connection became more serious the moment Daniel Jones signed in Indy and the Vikings made it clear they were out on Aaron Rodgers, who still happens to be the best QB available on the open market. Until he signs elsewhere, it’ll be impossible to completely silence the Vikings + Rodgers chatter.

Then, there are the trade options, the most intriguing of which is Kirk Cousins. He hates his life in Atlanta so much that rumor on the street is he’d embrace a backup role behind JJ McCarthy, if that was his only out. How will everything play out? Only time will tell…