Prior to McCarthy’s season-ending knee injury, the vibes at TCO Performance Center felt fresh. It was the start of a new era. That is still partially true, even after McCarthy was placed on season-ending injured reserve, instead of the 53-man roster. With Kirk Cousins out of the picture, the atmosphere is naturally going to feel different.

Geriatric 2024 Minnesota Vikings?

But now that NFL rosters have been whittled down, a closer look at the ages of Minnesota Vikings players does not reveal a young roster busting with young 20-something talents. In fact, the Vikings will enter the 2024 season with one of the oldest rosters in the National Football League.

Despite seemingly getting younger, the @Vikings have the second oldest team (average age) in the #NFL at 27.2 😳

The #Dolphins are the oldest at 27.3.

📸: All Sports Culture / IG pic.twitter.com/X31X7g2N5y

— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) August 30, 2024

The above chart has the Viking currently the 2nd oldest team in the NFL, at 27.2 years old, on average. You think about some of the most important players on this roster.

Harrison Smith is 35, Stephon Gilmore is (pretty much) 34, Brian O’Neill is (pretty much) 29, Aaron Jones is 29. So are Shaq Griffin and Garrett Bradbury. Of course, rosters are changing everyday, throughout the NFL. That’s not only true right now, but all the time. There are other factors in-play, too.

For example, Bookies.com claims to use a more exact science of totaling up ages for each team. Their rankings dropped on Thursday, and they had the Minnesota Vikings at No. 7. But no matter how you slice it, our favorite football team is one of the oldest in the NFL.

1. Browns – 27 years, 11 months, 17 days
2. 49ers – 27 years, 7 months, 14 days
3. Dolphins – 27 years, 7 months, 2 days
4. Jets – 27 years, 6 months, 31 days
5. Panthers – 27 years, 6 months, 30 days
6. Bills – 27 years, 5 months, 29 days
7. Vikings – 27 years, 4 months, 23 days
8. Commanders – 27 years, 1 month, 29 days
9. Bears – 27 years, 1 month, 24 days
10. Titans – 27 years, 1 months, 14 days

Is being old bad?

Is that a bad thing? Not necessarily. But it does add to some of the pressure that Kwesi Adofo-Mensah is under to prove to ownership that this organization, and the direction it is currently traveling, is in a good place. The Wilfs do not like to lose, and both KOC and Kwesi have just two years remaining on their contracts.

Veteran teams are supposed to win and the Vikings are not projected to do a whole lot of that, in 2024. Most sportsbooks have them at 6.5 wins and a dead-last finish in the NFC North. If that’s how things play out, then what? We’ve all heard about the stacks of cash they will have to spend, under the salary cap, for the 2025 season.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Interested in Another Talented Young Quarterback?

But would it make sense to double down on a losing team that is way older than they are good? Time will tell, but any talk about 2024 being a rebuild year needs to be thrown out the window, given the veteran status of this team. The expectation should be playoffs or bust.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Playoff Odds for Christmas

But NFC North common knowledge isn’t as common out on the east coast among Carolina Panthers fans and media members. That was until Christmas Eve, when this late-game (obvious) incompletion from Jordan Love to Romeo Doubs was reviewed and called a catch by NFL officials.

On a critical 3rd down late in a 30-30 game, officials ruled this play a completed pass to Romeo Doubs.

Upon review, the call was upheld as a catch. pic.twitter.com/GV9uLF1aHn

— John Ellis (@1PantherPlace) December 24, 2023

In most scenarios, this being called a catch would be absolutely shocking. The type of call that makes you question everything about what is real and what is not, in the world of professional sports. But not if it’s an NFL game and when one of the teams on the field has a Giant G on their yellow and green helmets.

Adam Thielen educates Panthers reporters on life vs the Packers

That’s why, after the game, long time Viking and even longer time Minnesota sports fan, Adam Thielen, found himself in the Panthers locker room explaining to Carolina reporters how calls like the one on Sunday are to be expected when playing against Green Bay. Even if you’re the home team.

The full response from Adam Thielen on that controversial Romeo Doubs catch that was ultimately upheld after official review. The play was made right in front of Thielen and a few others on the sideline.

“Kind of what you get when you play the Packers.” pic.twitter.com/rrPPdYM6uX

— Alex Zietlow (@alexzietlow05) December 24, 2023

Thielen: “At full speed that’s no catch. So… that’s kind of what you get when you play the Packers.”

Reporter: “What do you mean by that?”

Thielen: “Usually they get the benefit of the doubt on some calls.”

Related: Justin Jefferson Talks About How Much Vikings Miss Kirk Cousins

Thielen realizes, after the transcribed exchange above, that he may have just put up a headline quote for everyone back in Green Bay, so he quickly turns to praising the Packers about how his discourse regarding that one call did not discount the Packers win, that they came in and earned it.

But we all know what AT was really thinking.

The @Broncos defense continues its hot streak!

📺: #MINvsDEN on NBC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/XjBVd5cU8l pic.twitter.com/nfbr2iFofr

— NFL (@NFL) November 20, 2023

NFL suspends Kareem Jackson for hit on Josh Dobbs

But, those three points are fruit from a poisonous tree, just like the fumble that preceded it. Because the hit from Kareem Jackson was illegal and should have been flagged for a 15-yard penalty, which would have pushed the Vikings into scoring position and negated the fumble that resulted from Jackson’s dirty “targeting” shot on Dobbs.

Related: Vikings Suddenly Stacked with Backup Quarterbacks

Unfortunately, a flag wasn’t thrown so the fumble stands, just like the Broncos’ field goal. On Monday morning, however, the NFL announced it was reviewing the play for potential discipline.

The NFL is reviewing #Broncos safety Kareem Jackson’s hit on #Vikings QB Josh Dobbs on Sunday night for potential discipline.

Jackson just returned from a two-game suspension, so a violation could trigger another suspension.

No flag was thrown. pic.twitter.com/0uS3B0mCgG

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) November 20, 2023

After Pelissero’s tweet, the league announced that it had indeed suspended Jackson four games for the illegal hit on Dobbs. This represents the second time on the season that the safety has been suspended for an illegal hit.

This is frustrating, but as much as I’d love to blame referees for last night’s loss, the Vikings still should have won. It’s hard to be mad at zebras when you can’t get over Mattison’s 4th quarter fumble, Matellus’ dropped 2nd quarter interception and Dobbs’ failed final drive.

Minnesota Vikings appear open for business at trade deadline

Related: Vikings Have No Plans to Trade Kirk Cousins but Continue to Take Calls on Others

Even after a victory on Sunday over the Bears, Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah is signaling to approaching teams that they are open for business, as sellers, approaching the NFL trade deadline on October 31.

Local insiders Darren “Doogie” Wolfson and Judd Zulgad both have very reliable sources telling them the same thing, as they reported on SKOR North’s “MN Sports w/Mackey & Judd” Tuesday.

Mackey: “What’s your read on [how the Vikings are approaching the trade deadline]?”

Wolfson: “Well, my read is, based on a text message I literally just got from an AFC front office executive, getting the sense that the Vikings are very much, even after last Sunday’s win, open for business heading into the trade deadline on October 31.”

SKOR North – MN Sports w/Mackey & Judd

Vibes are good at TCO Performance Center, regardless of uncertainty

In his next breath, Wolfson goes on to say that vibes around TCO Performance Center remain upbeat. That, even with a 2-4 start and all sorts of questions surrounding the franchise from the outside, Minnesota’s locker room chemistry remains strong and there seems to be very little friction palpable within the organization.

But there’s no doubt teams across the league are very interested in the wide variety of individual talent the Vikings will have up for grabs, should Kwesi really hit the sell button any time in the next two weeks.

Both Doogie and Judd confirm that Kwesi’s bat phone is ringing off the hook and Vikings front office members are actively taking offers for players like Danielle Hunter, Jordan Hicks, Harrison Smith, Ezra Cleveland and others.

Judd: “I’m hearing the same thing, though. I’m hearing the phone calls, and it’s not just us — it’s been reported nationally as well — the phone calls are coming in fast and furious from teams who are curious to see if the Vikings are going to be a seller.”

Wolfson: “Judd, that’s what I’m hearing, more than the Vikings being proactive, making phone calls, it’s more them receiving phone calls. Now, maybe it shifts if the Niners win by double digits on Monday night. Then, you’re at 2-5. Does that change things before the Green Bay game, two days before the trade deadline? But my understanding is, it’s the Vikings way more receiving phone calls, certainly listening, but not being super proactive right now.”

SKOR North – MN Sports w/Mackey & Judd

Kwesi can prepare for trades but will he be allowed to execute them?

Without a doubt, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah is preparing to sell veterans at the trade deadline, should he get worthy offers for the right players. But, I remain adamant that the Wilfs’ desire to win and make money will trump any rebuilding plans their young GM might have.

I’d be shocked, should Minnesota pull out an upset over the Niners on Monday night, if there was a trade announced involving key pieces of their 2023-24 team. Let’s face it, both the offense and defense seem to be hanging on for dear life, most weeks.

Trading a Danielle Hunter, after Marcus Davenport was reported as out for 4-6 weeks, would eliminate any chance the defense has at putting regular pressure on quarterbacks, going forward.

Related: Jaguars Want Danielle Hunter but May Lack Draft Capital Needed to Entice Vikings

Hunter leads the team in sacks (8.0), tackles for loss (11) and QB hits (7). Nobody else on the roster has more than 3.0 (H. Smith), 3 (H. Smith), and 5 (3 tied) in each respective category. But Danielle isn’t the only defensive subtraction that would severely hinder the team’s chances of winning games, something head coach, Kevin O’Connell all but admitted this week.

"Yesterday Danielle showed up more even much more so than his two sacks, really active on the edge, physical, explosive. Danielle's a huge part of our defense…it's critical to have him back." – Head Coach Kevin O'Connell on how important it is to have Danielle Hunter back. pic.twitter.com/sAEILAGEix

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) October 16, 2023

Most of the other rumored trade candidates — including Harrison Smith, Jordan Hicks and Harrison Phillips — would be devastating to Minnesota’s defensive production the rest of this season. Even on offense, losing KJ Osborn or Ezra Cleveland would be devastating to a depth chart already riddled with injuries.

For many players, it’s win or be traded

So, if you are a Minnesota Vikings player reading this blog, and you want to keep your locker room together and playoff hopes alive, your only option is to win your next two games and force your GM to choose future priorities over winning now.

Even then, Kwesi would have to convince a Wilf ownership group — with an insatiable appetite to max out revenue on a yearly basis, no matter the team’s realistic championship aspirations — to buy-in on selling out, which would be, by far, the most difficult step of Kwesi shifting the franchise focus to the future.

But one more loss, vs either the 49ers or Packers, prior to the trade deadline, and I’d imagine Kwesie will be given the full go-ahead to sell sell sell.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

Both the New York Post and ESPN have the Vikings in their top-5 (#4). Others, like Yahoo Sports and Walter Football, have the purple ranked as low as #13. Of the 11 power rankings listed below, the Minnesota Vikings average #8.5.

New York Post: #4 (Last Wk: #4)

The Vikings have won three straight despite trailing with less than five minutes remaining in each game. The Bears held a one-point lead but couldn’t stop the Vikings from converting five third downs on a drive that finished with Kirk Cousins sneaking into the end zone and throwing a two-point conversion to Justin Jefferson to steal a 29-22 win.

ESPN: #4 (Last Wk: #7)

The Vikings already have an excellent chance to make the playoffs thanks to their hot start. But they’ve needed to overcome a late fourth-quarter deficit in each of their past three games, and that pattern probably isn’t sustainable over time. Although it’s an excellent sign that the Vikings had the confidence and leadership to surge back into the lead in each instance, they’ll need to produce some steadier performances in the second half to ensure they are playing with a lead and not leaving it up to the other team to take advantage.

Athlon Sports: #6 (Last Wk: #8)

For all the rough headlines surrounding some rookie head coaches, Kevin O’Connell sure is the lone wolf pressing the right buttons. Three fourth-quarter deficits turning into wins and tied for the second-best record in the league seems a bit unsustainable but there’s a sense of confidence around the Vikings that hasn’t been there before.

Sportsnaut: #6 (Last Wk: #8)

As long as quarterback Kirk Cousins and the Minnesota Vikings aren’t playing on primetime, this is one of the best NFL teams right now. It’s remarkable how much better the offense looks when Justin Jefferson is fed the football early and it helps set things up for Dalvin Cook. Minnesota should feast on Miami’s defense in Week 6. Speaking of defense, it’s the Achilles’ heel of this team.

NFL.com: #7 (Last Wk: #9)

You can flip the calendar and reboot the coaching staff, but some things will never change with a Kirk Cousins-led offense. Take Sunday, for instance: Cousins completed his first 17 passes against the Bears, leading the Vikings to touchdowns on their first three possessions while building a 21-3 lead. The blowout was on! Until it wasn’t. The offense went cold, and Minnesota allowed Chicago to crawl back in the game and even take the lead in the fourth quarter. Then Cousins and Co. regrouped to score the go-ahead touchdown in an eventual 29-22 win, but the hot-and-cold nature of the Vikings’ attack remains mystifying. “I’m not where I was at the end of last season in that old system,” Cousins said, “but we’re developing it and we’re getting there and I’m excited about that continued growth.”

The Ringer: #8 (Last Wk: #12)

The new favorite on FanDuel to win the NFC North (-130), Minnesota is thriving on offense under first-year head coach Kevin O’Connell. The Vikings lead the league in first-down conversion percentage on first down at 29 percent, and the offense is 10th in EPA per drive (0.25). Avoiding third downs is critical to the Vikings’ offensive success, as it keeps quarterback Kirk Cousins out of obvious passing situations where defenses often eat him alive. Cousins ranks 24th in EPA per dropback on third downs (-0.24) through Week 5.

The Athletic: #10 (Last Wk: #14)

Don’t Cameron Dantzler and the Vikings feel badly about what they did to their poor former teammate on the potentially game-tying drive? No doubt, Dantzler made a heck of a play when he forcibly stripped Smith-Marsette from behind, but these guys were teammates like six weeks ago! First, they released Smith-Marsette one day after the initial roster cuts to make room for Jalen Reagor, and then they pants him in the final moments of the game? Just seems mean. Trading with the Bears to get him back would at least let him know he’s loved.

Pro Football Talk (Mike Florio): #11 (Last Wk: #14)

This feels like a house of cards that could be knocked down with the gust from one solid SKOL clap.

Sports Illustrated: #12 (Last Wk: NA)

The Vikings have the third-best play success rate in the NFL behind the Bills and the Chiefs. Is that good? We should stop making fun of every team who hires Sean McVay’s friends. It seems to be working. 

Yahoo Sports: #13 (Last Wk: NA)

Don’t look now but the Minnesota Vikings are in first place in the NFC North. Seriously. Next: at Miami Dolphins

Walter Football: #13 (Last Wk: #15)

Overrated NFL Team: See why the Vikings are an overrated NFL team in our Overrated-Underrated page.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

On Monday, national media members who were mesmerized by Justin Jefferson slung their hot takes on TV and radio stations across the country. There were some doubters lingering, of course, but most were as gobsmacked as Mina Kimes (ESPN).

Justin Jefferson showed up in a BIG way for the Minnesota Vikings ‼️

"If you haven't already bought your ticket for the offensive player of the year, that train has left the station." —@minakimes pic.twitter.com/94xzRLfjuR

— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) September 12, 2022

But now it’s Tuesday morning and football games are over for the week. It is time to comb the fantasy football waiver wire for Dak Prescott replacement and agonize for hours on how much of your waiver budget should be thrown at Jeff Wilson Jr.

Week 1-2 Power Rankings

Oh, and given the Minnesota Vikings won, we have to check the new NFL power rankings lists being posted across the internet. Spoiler: They all love us too, for the most part. Except for one supposed Vikings fan. But we’ll get to Mike Florio later.

Using the ten mainstream media outlets listed below, Minnesota’s average rank is 8.7 (of 32 teams). The Vikings moved up an average of 9.9 spots (only eight outlets reported changes from last week’s rankings)

The Athletic absolutely loves the Vikings, after their week one performance. Bo Wulf ranked the purple at #5 in their updated power rankings, pushing them up 18 spots from last week, to get them there. FOX Sports has jumped on the bandwagon as well. CBS Sports and the NFL.com both ranked them #7. State media (NFL.com) had to raise the bar 13 positions from last week’s rankings. Most ranked the Minnesota Vikings in their top-10, or just outside.

The Athletic: #5 (Last Wk: #23)

Justin Jefferson is so good. (How good is he?) Jefferson is so good he has semi-serious people touting Kirk Cousins as an MVP candidate. (Hahaha) (riotous applause) (confetti falls) — Not to knock Cousins, but let’s be real. Jefferson is among the tier of wide receivers who two-handedly raise the ceiling of an otherwise average offense to potentially elite. On that front, the dichotomy in Minneapolis between the Vikings and Packers was obvious. — Bo Wulf

FOX Sports: #5 (Last Wk: NA)

At this exact moment in time, we don’t know how good the 2022 Packers are. But we do know the Vikings absolutely dominated the reigning NFL MVP in one of the most impressive wins of the week. Justin Jefferson looks like he’s ready to take over the league. — David Helman

NFL.com: #7 (Last Wk: #20)

Here’s something dumb: A wide receiver has never won the MVP award. NEVER. Could Justin Jefferson end the drought? The third-year superstar was untouchable on Sunday against the Packers, piling up nine catches for 184 yards and two touchdowns in a 23-7 win over the three-time defending division champs. According to ESPN, Jefferson averaged 4 yards of separation on his 11 targets, gaining 138 of his receiving yards on plays when he had at least 3 yards of separation — next-level dominance. Give some credit to new coach and play caller Kevin O’Connell, who moved Jefferson around the field and appears ready to use his top receiver in more imaginative ways than previously seen in Minnesota. Jefferson is a cheat code, and the Vikes look primed to take full advantage. — Dan Hanzus

CBS Sports: #7 (Last Wk: #12)

They got off to an impressive start in beating the Packers in dominant fashion. The defense really impressed and Justin Jefferson was unstoppable. — Pete Prisco

New York Post: #8 (Last Wk: #19)

Justin Jefferson set a franchise-record with 158 yards receiving and heard “M-V-P” chants in the first half of a 23-7 win against the three-time defending NFC North champion Packers. None of the 10 new head coaches had a more impressive debut than Kevin O’Connell. The Vikings’ new-look 3-4 defense generated four sacks. — Ryan Dunleavy

USA Today: #9 (Last Wk: #17)

How good is WR Justin Jefferson? He exceeded 90 receiving yards Sunday both from the slot and while lining up wide. An historic season could be in the offing given his talent, production and versatility. — Nate Davis

ESPN: #10 (Last Wk: #23)

Rookie who stood out: G Ed Ingram — The right guard was one of two rookies, along with punter Ryan Wright, to play extensively from scrimmage in Week 1. Ingram was decent as a run-blocker, ranking No. 11 among guards in run block win rate, according to ESPN Stats & Information research. But he struggled on passing plays, giving up a third-down sack to Rashan Gary and a third-down pressure to Packers defensive tackle Kenny Clark. Overall, Ingram ranked No. 29 among guards in pass block win rate. — Kevin Seifert

Yahoo Sports: #11 (Last Wk: #19)

Justin Jefferson will get some MVP buzz at some point. He won’t win because non-QBs don’t get considered anymore, but he’ll have the type of season that gets that kind of attention. He has a chance to set some records with Kevin O’Connell featuring him prominently. — Frank Schwab

Walter Football: #12 (Last Wk: #15)

The Vikings will win every game this year if they play against defenses that leave Justin Jefferson wide open like the Packers did in Week 1. Credit new head coach Kevin O’Connell for designing plays to get Jefferson open like that.

Sports Illustrated: #13 (Last Wk: NA)

This was the team I was afraid I was very wrong about this offseason. While it’s just one week, and the Packers have played some awful games early in the season during the Aaron Rodgers era, Kevin O’Connell’s ability to scheme Justin Jefferson to an average target separation (4 yards) almost double that of Ja’Marr Chase is stunning. — CONOR ORR

Enter Pro Football Talk (Mike Florio)

Then there is Mike Florio, who created ProFootballTalk.com and claims to be a Minnesota Vikings fan. Mr. PFT wasn’t impressed by what he saw unfold at US Bank Stadium over the weekend, apparently, and moved his favorite football team (supposedly) up just four spots in his power rankings, to #18 overall.

That’s five positions lower than any of the above outlets, and TEN spots below the Packers (#8), who the Vikings obliterated on Sunday. Florio’s reasoning for snubbing HIS purple in HIS power rankings? He doesn’t have any. All he wrote was, “Things could get very interesting in the NFC North this year”. On his Green Bay ranking, he wrote, “At least it wasn’t 38-3.”

And that is why Mike Florio is the worst.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

As veterans across the NFL are reporting for training camp today, some around the league are choosing not to. Instead, those individuals are opting out of their contracts and sitting out of the 2020 season, citing the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The Minnesota Vikings are the latest team, but not the first, to have a major contributor choose not to play. According to multiple reports, their big-ticket free agent, (DT) Michael Pierce, has opted-out of his $8M salary. $3 million will be pushed from 2020 to 2021.

#Vikings NT Michael Pierce is opting out of the 2020 season, sources tell me and @MikeGarafolo. Minnesota’s only big-ticket free agent this year leaves a hole up front on defense.

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 28, 2020

High-Risk Category – Asthma

Pierce, who played for Baltimore in 2019, was signed in the offseason to fill a gaping hole on the defensive line after Linval Joseph left in free agency. The 27-year-old has dealt with asthma since childhood and uses an inhaler daily.

He told the Pioneer Press’ Chris Tomasson, that he has experienced issues with his respiratory system and with breathing, making this a “high risk” opt out and not a “voluntary” one.

As stated earlier, the Vikings gain an additional $3M in cap this year, and his contract will toll to 2021. Pierce also will reportedly still receive a $350,000 stipend from the league as he is a high-risk employee.

#Vikings NT Michael Pierce: “I have really bad asthma among other respiratory issues. So it’s not one of those voluntary opt outs. It’s a high-risk opt out.''

— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) July 28, 2020

#Vikings NT Michael Pierce on opt out: “If I was a normal human being with a normal functioning respiratory system, I’d be out there without a thought. It’s an unfortunate situation but it’s something I’ve been battling and I've got to deal with the rest of my life.''

— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) July 28, 2020

Since I’m seeing some very misinformed NFL reporters. Here you go, from NFLPA Memo:

Voluntary opt-out: contract tolled, $150,000 salary advance to be paid back following season.

High Risk opt-out: contract tolled, $350,000 stipend. pic.twitter.com/v9gF9N9ouY

— Chris Nathanson (@ChrisN_SS) July 28, 2020

Pierce plans to return to the Vikings for the 2021 season. Pierce was supposed to be an anchor for the defensive line this year, but Vikings fans will have to wait a year as he is clearly making the right decision for himself and his own well-being.

Ameer Eldiomatti | Minnesota Sports Fan

With the NFL season quickly approaching, there is still a mountain of questions yet to be answered. Everything from official season roster size to what happens when a team has a coronavirus outbreak. But one question that could have far-reaching implications on the Vikings and the entire NFL is the fluid status of the salary cap entering the 2021 season.

According to NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero, the NFL and NFLPA are discussing the impact of any revenue shortfall from the 2020 season. They are discussing how to spread the damage over the course of the next few seasons.

The proposal being discussed by the NFL and NFLPA would spread the impact of any revenue shortfall in 2020 over four years, with a 2021 salary cap of at least $175 million, sources tell me and @MikeGarafolo. No change to the 2020 cap despite owners' proposals.

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 24, 2020

THE VIRUS THROWS THINGS INTO CHAOS

This comes down to whether fans are allowed into games or if NFL teams can manufacture alternative ways to generate the loss of gameday revenue this fall. With that being a tall task in a short amount of time, the two sides are trying to get ahead of the curve to minimize any future labor disputes.

As Mike Garafolo states, both parties are looking towards lowering the 2021 salary cap to $175 million from an originally projected $210 million. However, that $175 million number is fluid. If teams find a way to bring in substantial revenue, that number could climb.

Next year’s salary cap would be no lower than $175m. If revenues are better than expected, it could be higher. If worse, it would have to be accounted for in future years through 2024. But a cap minimum to assure a reasonable floor in 2021 was important to the players.

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) July 24, 2020

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR THE VIKINGS?

This would mean big cuts for the Vikings in the coming spring. According to Over The Cap, the purple and gold are slated to spend around $189 million on their top 51 players in 2021. That projects to be more than $14 million over the proposed cap.

If the salary cap is $175 million in 2021, it should be noted that, according to Overthecap the #Vikings currently have $189.438 million of "under 51" liabilities on the books for 2021. They could be looking at big cuts next spring. https://t.co/B9gZOc8Rya

— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) July 24, 2020

So who do the Vikings look to when finding ways to shed salary? Well, one big name comes to mind right off the bat in offensive tackle Riley Reiff. Although he has solidified an horrific offensive line since signing as a free agent in 2017, he has just been…ok.

While the Vikings could definitely utilize his services in helping the younger players on the line mature into their roles, he engulfs a large chunk of the payroll. He along counts for $13.95 million against the cap in 2021. Cutting Reiff alone would put the Vikings in a more manageable situation to get under the cap next year.

Khalil Mack throws Riley Reiff down with one arm pic.twitter.com/seWvBnspeV

— Vikings Blogger (@firstandskol) November 19, 2018

However, how much do the Vikings trust rookie tackle Ezra Cleveland? Do they say screw it and throw him into the fire or try and go out and find someone cheaper and sacrifice potential ability?

POTENTIAL RESTRUCTURES

The Vikings could also look to move on from interior defensive lineman Michael Pierce ($5 million) and inside linebacker Eric Wilson ($3.259 million). But they would then need to focus on replacements for those positions alongside shedding more salary.

New Vikings' NT Michael Pierce is an⚓️in the middle of the defensive line. Here are a number of plays that show that from the Ravens' game against the Patriots, with two of the best Gs in the NFL in Shaq Mason and Joe Thuney. pic.twitter.com/GdTd3RzFjN

— Matt Fries (@FriesFootball) March 19, 2020

Outside of those three options, the team could look to restructure other contracts. Kirk Cousins for example could restructure to a more back-loaded contract or Dalvin Cook could agree to a more team-friendly deal with back-loading as well. Cousins’ restructuring may be more of a pipe dream considering he just signed an extenaion after last season. But these are options the team has to look at to ensure they aren’t penalized next season.

It will be a tricky situation to navigate. But it is nothing general manager Rick Spielman or Rob Brzezinski haven’t dealt with before. Heck, they did it earlier this year when everyone was screaming about the team’s cap issues.

Whatever happens, in Spielman and Brzezinski we trust.

Jack Kewitsch | Minnesota Sports Fan

NFL, NFLPA discussing plan for potential player opt-outs in 2020; opt-out date still TBD (via @TomPelissero)https://t.co/FvBLlUN2Ku

— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) July 8, 2020

According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the NFL and NFLPA are discussing options for players to opt-out of the 2020 season due to the pandemic. It hasn’t come to fruition yet, but it is likely. We have already seen other leagues, such as the NBA and MLB, already finalize their own plans.

With the NFL being the leader of the major professional sports in the country, they will no doubt follow suit. They also get the chance to take note of how it works for the other leagues so they can perfect it.

“My understanding is both the union and the league intend to have an opt-out for players who have either a pre-existing condition, family (members) with pre-existing conditions, just general concerns over COVID-19, would not want to play this season. General managers were told on a call earlier this week there would be a specific date by which players would need to opt-out. That date is still to be determined.”

Tom Pelissero, NFL Network

NOT FINALIZED YET

The opt-out date has yet to be finalized but expect it to be soon as camps begin in mere weeks. We should also expect players to take advantage of it. We have already seen stars in both the NBA and MLB take the season off. Even some NFL players, such as former Viking Stefon Diggs, have voiced their concerns.

But there’s so many unanswered questions with this upcoming season. I’d be lying if I said I was comfortable starting back up..

— DIGGS (@stefondiggs) July 7, 2020

One area of contention is how this will impact contracts. Pelissero believes there will be some tolling of contracts for those who opt-out. But with the NFL and NFLPA beginning to fight, don’t expect it to be an easy battle to decide.

An even more interesting question is how it will impact the Vikings. With Zimmer and Spielman on the proverbial hot seat, it was going to be a tumultuous year with or without COVID. Throw in some key players deciding to sit out…or even Dalvin Cook viewing this as a way around his holdout…and it could be disastrous for the purple and gold.

Whatever happens, just give me football. Especially with college football beginning to look grim in 2020. I do not want to see what occurs to the American public if they are deprived of their favorite sport.

Jack Kewitsch | Minnesota Sports Fan

The NFL is trying to officially shorten the 2020 preseason. Instead of playing the usual four games, the league is trying to cut it down to two. The players are all about less preseason games too… but the two games proposed by the NFL might still be too many.

As is the case quite often these days, the situation is in flux. The NFLPA is meeting tomorrow morning to discuss what they want to do. They could agree to the shortened preseason proposal or they could counter with their own offer of a one or even ZERO-game preseason 2020.

Updated NFL preseason schedule:
July 28: Nearly all NFL teams report to training camp
23 day acclimation period begins
Preseason Week 1: August 20th-24th
Preseason Week 2: August 27th-31st

September 10th: Chiefs vs. Texans. The games begin ?.

— Field Yates (@FieldYates) July 1, 2020

While the expectation for weeks has been the NFL goes to two preseason games, the NFLPA hasn’t signed off. and some in union leadership continue to question whether it’s smart to play ANY preseason games, sources tell me and @TomPelissero. Board of reps call Thursday. Stay tuned.

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) July 1, 2020

Be ready for 1 or 0 preseason games. Won’t be 2 https://t.co/b8cCB5dTRg

— Brandon McManus (@thekidmcmanus) July 1, 2020

This offer, which the union hasn’t signed yet, pulls the 1st and 4th week of preseason play. That means the originally scheduled Vikings games vs the Houston Texans on 8/14 and the Seattle Seahawks on 9/3 are all but cancelled, with more changes likely coming.

Anything Could Happen

Anything could happen with the schedule, from here… except playing > two games. For the Minnesota Vikings, both of the remaining games were originally scheduled to be on the road.

I highly doubt most “househould names” are playing in any preseason this year. These changes will mostly affect players on the roster bubble. As for fans, we’ll have to wait until August 21st for live Vikings football, at the earliest. Usually we don’t like preseason but, at this point, most fans would take whatever they can get.

At the end of the day though, it’s about having an NFL season. If the league and NFLPA feel that zero, one, two, or eight preseason games are needed, to get ready for football in the age of coronavirus, then so be it. We’ll see what the vote is tomorrow.

Here is Mike Garofolo (NFL Network) with more on the situation:

From @NFLTotalAccess: NFL teams would like to play two preseason games to get a read on their rosters and get ready for Week 1, though the NFLPA hasn't signed off on that and is wondering if it's wise to start mixing teams for games that don't count in the standings. pic.twitter.com/bHAFsAde8v

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) July 1, 2020

Second part of the report on the preseason from @NFLTotalAccess: The NFLPA has been vocal about the health and safety of their players, and not just publicly. The union will continue to discuss whether it's safe to play any preseason games. pic.twitter.com/ZVcBW28hfy

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) July 1, 2020

Skol

Cameron Thompson | Minnesota Sports Fan