Kirk Cousins extension incoming???

Well, it was reported earlier this offseason, before the NFL Draft, that Cousins was open to taking a team-friendly deal, in exchange for some long-term security. The Vikings didn’t rule out an eventual agreement this summer but decided to keep their options open at the time.

Now that the draft is over and the Vikings didn’t find an obvious successor for Kirk, a new contract looks more likely than any time this offseason. Darren Wolfson (SKOR North, KSTP) dove into the subject on Thursday’s episode of “Minnesota Sports with Mackey & Judd“.

JUDD:“Do you guys think the third contractual domino to fall [after Hunter and Jefferson] is a Kirk [Cousins] extension?”

WOLFSON: “Oh that’s not reckless [speculation]. That’s very very much in play, yes.”

Minnesota Sports with Mackey & Judd (SKOR North)

JUDD: “I wonder if this is a long play, as far as spring and summer goes, to get to a Kirk extension around Training Camp?”

WOLFSON: “I would not rule that out at all, Judd. Just put it that way. I’m not sitting here telling you there is a 98% chance it will happen. But it is certainly within the realm of possibility. Absolutely have [the possibility of a Cousins extension] on your radar. Like, I’ll give you an example. An extension for KJ Osborn is not in my realm of possibility. Jordan Addison just got drafted. KJ Osborn is going to have a big role this year. Then, he’s going to get a payday next March, in all likelihood, elsewhere. I spoke with Ezra Cleveland the other day, another guy in a contract year. There’s just no steam there on any sort of extension. But I can’t sit here and tell you there’s zero steam on that possibility with Kirk Cousins. Absolutely keep that on your radar.”

Minnesota Sports with Mackey & Judd (SKOR North)

The Vikings took at quarterback in April’s NFL Draft, but Jaren Hall wasn’t drafted until the 5th round and he’s a long shot to ever compete for a QB1 role.

Because of that, it’s most likely Kirk is the starter in 2024 and beyond. And clearly, the Vikings aren’t ruling that out when insiders like Doogie are opining on the situation.

Stay tuned…

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

(Featured Image: Michael Reaves – Getty Images)

Rudy Gobert disappears into the darkness

But that’s not what happened. Instead, Gobert looked like a shell of himself in all areas of the game. Maybe his decline was due to the EuroBasket Championships that wore him down before the NBA season even got started. Maybe he is just getting old or didn’t transition to a new team very well…

No matter what it was, there was only one logical way to move forward after such a disappointing season. Escape into darkness, just like Aaron Rodgers did after last football season. Only in the darkness at “Sky Cave Retreats” in southern Oregon can one really get in-touch with their inner-selves. Rudy posted on Instagram after that he spent 64 hours in darkness and it was “one of the most powerful experiences I’ve had in this lifetime”.

If I ever get the chance, I will have to ask Rudy if he remembers any of his other lifetimes. Until then, I’ll just have to take his word for it. If darkness is what it takes to help get Gobert back to what he used to be on a basketball court — one of the best defensive players on the planet — then I’m all for giving him as much darkness he needs.

What is a “darkness retreat”?

Sky Cave Retreats is indeed the same place that Aaron Rodgers used for his darkness retreat. The camp consists of three hobbit looking “cabins” near Klamath Oregon, according to CNN. Each cabin includes a bed, toilet, sink and bathtub. Participants get three meals per day and limited opportunities for conversation with someone else.

“The reasons for doing this range from people wanting to know themselves more, to people who want to rest, reset and relax, to those who want to explore consciousness and deepen their meditation practice,” said Scott Berman, who owns Sky Cave Retreats along with his wife Jill, adding the darkness helps illuminate what really matters by stripping away the constant bombardment of sensory input and stimulation many people experience in their hectic modern lives.

“When someone goes into the darkness, all these things that were important to them like money, fame, power, status, being worthy – they all become insignificant and meaningless in the dark,” Berman said. “In the dark, all you have is the present moment which reveals what is truly meaningful – whether it’s love, forgiveness, peace – and it begins to transform you as you truly authentically touch what is most important to you.”

CNN

Whatever it was Rudy Gobert was seeking to find in the darkness, I hope he succeeded. If Rudy continues his downward trend in productivity, the Timberwolves are in big trouble. If he turns things around, however, who knows what could happen with a team anchored by the ascending Anthony Edwards surrounded by elite pieces on offense and defense.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

What’s next for Dalvin Cook?

Cook will not be at voluntary team activities next week and it’s HIGHLY unlikely he plays another game in a Vikings uniform. But, as of Friday, he’s still on the roster. Previous reports expected Dalvin to be traded to the Miami Dolphins for a 5th round pick.

But on Friday’s 10 AM CT SportsCenter, Jeremy Fowler (ESPN) reported that Minnesota’s most likely move is to release their 4x pro-bowler once the calendar flips to June. And only one team is mentioned as a possible landing spot. You guessed it: Miami. Apparently, the Vikings “want to do right by Dalvin Cook” whether that means trade, release or restructure. Waiting until June 1 to cut Cook would net $3.1 million in additional 2023 cap relief ($9M) vs doing it before June 1 ($5.9M).

Seems the #Vikings will most likely cut Dalvin Cook (post June 1). pic.twitter.com/H3ODlMMrAI

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) May 19, 2023

“So, his future is up in the air and the Vikings can receive $9 million against the cap if they release him after June 1. I’m told they want to do right by him, whether it’s a trade, release or bringing him back on a re-worked salary. But this is a guy they do value and they don’t want to cut bait without some sort of understanding between the player and team.

Now I’m told he is training in Miami right now. He is cleared, coming off that torn labrum surgery, to do some explosive work and some running around so he is doing that now. Teams I talked to do expect him to eventually be released, based on the way this has all shaked out. And this is guy who is from Miami so he could have some interest in playing for the Dolphins. Miami has been linked to [the Vikings] as potential trade option for Cook a few months ago so it could be a team to watch.”

Jeremy Fowler – SportsCenter – Friday 10 AM CT Hour (ESPN)

Let’s read between the lines, here. Cook isn’t taking a paycut in Minnesota. He’s said as much. Now, it seems the Vikings do have some interest in Cook, from other teams, but those suiters are limited. And any trade offers Kwesi might actually have in-hand do not excite him.

So unless a team ups the ante before June 1, the Vikings appear ready and willing to cut Dalvin Cook. A clean release would allow them to save as much cap space as possible, while also giving Dalvin an opportunity to sign with whichever team fits him best. That’s what Fowler means when he says the Vikings “want to do right by Dalvin Cook”.

Hopefully, Kwesi & Co do receive that surprise offer because losing Dalvin Cook for nothing but cap space relief would be the most disappointing ending possible for this long, drawn-out offseason saga surrounding Dalvin Cook.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

The #Vikings should be about $22M over the salary cap after future signings. We have them ranked 31st in draft capital using mine and @PFF_Brad chart.

— Jason_OTC (@Jason_OTC) January 16, 2023

In order to maneuver around their cap constraints, the Vikings will have to push money down the road for guys like Kirk Cousins and Brian O’Neill. It would mean agreeing to free agent contracts that are light on the salary cap in early years, but cost them arms and legs down the road. In other words, they’ll have to mortgage some of their future if they want to have any chance of competing in the present.

Vikings Super Bowl odds are not good…

And that’s what they’ll likely do. The Wilfs want to be competitive every year because that’s what makes them money. If they weren’t willing to blow things up last offseason, after bringing in a new coach and GM, then they probably never will.

But is “going for it” the smartest option for the 2023-24 Minnesota Vikings if the ultimate goal is winning a Super Bowl? Something they are yet to do in their 60+ years as an NFL franchise? Currently, DraftKings has the Vikings as +4500 underdogs to do the impossible next season, the 19th best odds in the league.

Those odds are lower than both the Saints and Ravens, neither of which currently have a quarterback. The hapless Broncos, Jets and Jaguars sit ahead of the purple, as well. Even the Detroit Lions have a better chance of winning the 2023-24 Super Bowl than the Minnesota Vikings right now. Think about that.

Word is the #Saints have a level of interest in FA QB Baker Mayfield.

They still want to sign Derek Carr, but should he find more money elsewhere, New Orleans could target Mayfield.

— uSTADIUM (@uSTADIUM) February 19, 2023

Vikings likely to go for it… but should they?

What does Kwesi Adofo-Mensah have to do to improve their perceived chances? Oh not much, just find fixes at cornerback, defensive tackle, defensive end, outside linebacker, middle linebacker, safety, wide receiver, center, and guard. All while starting $20+ million in the hole.

Maybe Kwesi works a miracle and the Vikings pull off a successful offseason that leads to a deep playoff run. If so, sign him to a lifetime contract as Vikings’ President of Football Operations. But from an objective standpoint, hitting the short-term rebuild button could look like the better option, in retrospect.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

And according to Dan Hayes (The Athletic), they came out of those internal meetings determined to find another path to immediate success. Twins’ higher ups, Derek Falvey and Dave St. Peter, along with other internal sources, told Hayes that there will be no rebuild.

After falling $65 million shy of San Francisco’s offer in their bid to retain Correa, the Twins again find themselves in the all-too-familiar territory of having to pivot from their intended target. Believing their division is winnable, the Twins don’t plan to dial it back for the 2023 season, even after losing out on their best chance at acquiring impact talent. — Dan Hayes (The Athletic)

Shortstop Problems

As pointed out in the story, the Twins’ front office is used to offseason pivots because Plan A rarely (if ever), works out for them. The free agency market is thin, at this point, and while there is still some talent available, trades seem like the more likely route.

Finding what they need, if they really want to compete for a division crown, will be easier said than done. They still need a shortstop and Dansby Swanson is the only remaining free agent worth his weight in salary. Unfortunately, Swanson isn’t showing much interest in the Twin Cities and appears destined for Atlanta or Chicago (Cubs).

That means the 2023 Minnesota Twins are likely to write in newly acquired Kyle Farmer into the starting lineup at SS, until Royce Lewis returns from his 2nd ACL tear. That’s not expected to happen until midseason.

Twins Eyeing Remaining Free Agents

According to Hayes, the Twins are targeting (3B) Justin Turner, (DH) Joey Gallo and (OF) AJ Pollock in free agency. All three are decent players but all three are also 30 y/o or older and on the decline. It’s unlikely that acquiring any of the three would move the needle for fans or the Twins’ hopes at a 2023 division title.

Alternatively, a team source said some current free-agent targets include veteran right-handed hitters Justin Turner, Joey Gallo and A.J. Pollock. The Twins also are engaged on the trade market, with president of baseball operations Derek Falvey saying he’ll use the entire offseason up to Opening Day working to improve the roster. — Dan Hayes (The Athletic)

In reality, the front office will look to improve their roster via trade and, there again, Derek Falvey and Thad Levine will face a plethora of obstacles because the farm system doesn’t have a lot to offer. Unless they’re willing to part with a blue chip prospect like Brooks Lee, which is highly unlikely.

Front office looking to “surprise some people”

Nonetheless, the Twins appear intent on trading their way to competitiveness, even if the deals they make send shockwaves through the fanbase. This quote from Dave St. Peter caught my eye.

“I know the offseason isn’t done yet and this will take twists and turns. Some of those moves are probably going to surprise some people. We’ll see where this takes us.” — President Dave St. Peter (via Dan Hayes – The Athletic)

We’ve already seen Luis Arraez’ name floated in trade rumors, along with Max Kepler. But Kepler isn’t going to be the Twins’ main trade chip in any blockbuster deal that will immediately change their outlook in 2023. And it’s difficult to imagine the team getting better by trading away the 2022 AL batting champion.

So that begs the question, what kind of trade ideas could Minnesota’s front office possibly have up their sleeves that would (a) surprise people and (b) make the team immediately competitive next season?

Or are Minnesota Twins fans, again, being asked to buy an offseason package of fraudulent goods from this organization?

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

After answering questions about their playoff loss to St. Louis and the disappointment that followed, the conversation turned to the team’s future. Are the Wild trying to bring back both Marc-Andre Fleury and Cam Talbot? Yes. Jake Middleton, Matt Dumba? Yes.

And what about Kevin Fiala? Well… Bill Guerin conveyed more uncertainty when asked about the star winger.

-Guerin said he will try to re-sign Marc-Andre Fleury and that doesn't affect Cam Talbot. "There's no controversy. There's no drama," Guerin said. "We like both goalies. We like both people. We want them both back, and we think we can be successful with both of them."

— Sarah McLellan (@sarah__mclellan) May 17, 2022

Guerin said there’s “uncertainty” with Kevin Fiala. “We’d love to have Kevin back. I don’t know if it’s going to be possible. I’m uncertain. I am. We can do anything, but at what cost?”

— Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) May 17, 2022

Different Players, Different Answers

We know about the salary cap squeeze the Minnesota Wild are forced to work around over the next three seasons, given the ridiculous price they had to pay to buy out Zach Parise and Ryan Suter’s contracts. Because of that, roster decisions this offseason were always going to be difficult.

But Bill Guerin answered the direct question, regarding Fiala’s future, much differently than he answered questions about Fleury, Talbot, Middleton or Dumba; all of which aren’t guaranteed to return (for the same reasons as Fiala). And there’s no upside in Guerin underselling the Wild’s determination to sign Fiala.

Overselling would make more sense. Trying to convince other teams that you are fighting to re-sign Fiala could, in theory, raise his potential asking price. But what we saw from Guerin today is derived from honesty. He’s just admitting what we already know.

Letting Kevin Fiala walk is the easiest and most logical route to cap compliance for the 2022-23 Minnesota Wild. This is just Bill Guerin admitting what is likely inevitable, just like Fiala did himself on Monday.

Fiala: “We will just have to see what happens.”

He’s well aware this could be his last day with the #mnwild. The cap is the cap pic.twitter.com/MN6LE9D51E

— Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) May 16, 2022

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

The 2020-21 Minnesota Twins offseason has been about as quiet as their 2020 playoff exit… but that’s going to change on Wednesday. By 7:00 PM CT on December 2, 2020; all Major League Baseball teams must offer contracts to the arbitration-eligible players on roster or those players become “non-tendered”.

If a player becomes “non-tendered”, the team loses its exclusive contract rights to said player and he is released into free agency, which starts January 15.

What does it mean to be “non-tendered”?

When a club “non-tenders” a player on its 40-man roster (i.e., not yet eligible for free agency), it has declined to give that player a contract for the upcoming season. The player then becomes a free agent.

When this happens, it is typically because the player’s likely raise in the arbitration process exceeds what the club projects his on-field value to be. Or a club can non-tender a player simply to clear a spot on the 40-man roster.

The decisions made at the non-tender deadline can often significantly expand the free-agent player pool.

mlb.com

Eddie Rosario

Eddie Rosario’s estimated arbitration contract for 2021 is expected to be around $11 million. That’s a lot of dough for a team that has three corner outfielders in AAA, who might be better than he is.

Even if Rosario were willing to take a big pay cut, I don’t know how willing the Twins would be to negotiate with him. Alex Kirilloff is ready to be a starting outfielder in the big leagues and he’s not the only one. Brent Rooker and Trevor Larnach could start for a lot of teams around Major League Baseball in 2021, too.

Teams around MLB are ready to hit the “dump” button.

Organizations are desperately trying to cut salary this offseason so Minnesota isn’t the only team expected to non-tender a talented asset. In fact, Rosario is a rather obvious one, given the situation. I’d argue his time with the Twins would be up with or without a pandemic sucking money out of baseball. Hell, there are rumors saying the Cubs might non-tender Kris Bryant…

The fact that it can’t be ruled out is a complete and utter embarrassment. https://t.co/4PgAvqhLP3

— FullCountTommy (@FullCountTommy) November 24, 2020

Many around baseball are expecting some splashy surprises non-tendered on Wednesday. Hopefully, some of that talent can find its way to a Minnesota Twins roster that has some holes to fill.

Filling holes..

The Twins roster needs some work but it’s in great shape, compared to past offseasons. Outside of a possible need at DH, depending on what Nelson Cruz decides to do, and a utility backup to replace Marwin Gonzalez, the fielding/batting lineup seems pretty set.

Pitching is another conversation, entirely. With Maeda, Berrios and Pineda being the only sure-fire starters currently in the rotation, Falvine is hunting for starters who would be able to slot in somewhere from #3-#5. There will be a lot of pitchers coming available mid-January who will fit that bill.

The Minnesota Twins had a good bullpen in 2020 but we’re not sure who will be returning for 2021. Duffey and Rogers are both arbitration eligible and are expected to receive offers by the 12/2 deadline. The rest of their high-leverage guys from 2020 are set to hit free agency (May, Romo, Clippard).

Coming into focus

When the dust settles on the evening of December 2, the offseason plans of our favorite baseball team will become a bit clearer. Eddie Rosario might be a free agent and the hot stove will heat up quickly too. While free agency doesn’t start until January 15, the MLB Winter Meetings are being held from December 6-10.

“Winter Meetings” will be done remotely this offseason but that doesn’t mean the 2020-21 MLB hot stove will go cold.

Dec. 6-10: MLB’s annual Winter Meetings. They were scheduled to be held at the Omni Dallas Hotel in Texas this year, but MLB has canceled the Winter Meetings as an in-person event, and they will be held remotely instead. The annual owners meetings and GM Meetings, which typically take place in November, will take place remotely as well. The Winter Meetings are typically the busiest week of the offseason. They are chock full of trades and free agent signings and rumors.

CBS Sports

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

Last March, the Minnesota Vikings shipped star WR Stefon Diggs and one of their four 2020 seventh-round picks to Buffalo for a 2020 first-rounder (No. 22 overall), a 2020 fifth-rounder, a 2020 sixth-rounder, AND a 2021 fourth-rounder. With arguably the biggest draft of the Spielman/Zimmer era on the horizon, it felt like a plentiful return for an unhappy Diggs… but the offseason didn’t go as planned.

Roster Turnover On Defense

The Vikings knew they were cutting ties with (CB) Xavier Rhodes. They very-well knew a split with (CB) Trae Waynes and (DT) Linval Joseph were likely. Maybe they tried to retain (CB) Mackensie Alexander, but that ultimately didn’t come to fruition either. He would go on to sign with Cincinnati.

Not only did the Vikings end up losing those four defensive staples, but they saw locker room leader (DE) Everson Griffin eventually walk too. (DE) Stephen Weatherly, (S) Andrew Sendejo and (S) Jayron Kearse followed them out the door, before the final hammer dropped. Newly signed (DT) Michael Pierce, who Madden rated as Minnesota’s best defensive player this year, opted-out because of COVID concerns. I don’t know who this Sam guy is… but he saw it coming.

Bears – offense is a mess, meh QB, aging defense
Vikings – reallllll high defensive roster turnover in the cap purge, everyone just assumes 30 year old Theilen won't drop off without Diggs around
Lions – Lions

— Sam (@samhuppert) July 22, 2020

The end result was six new starters on defense, a 55% turnover on that side of the ball. But defense was far from their only problem. The Vikings also had a sub-par offensive line that, at the least, needed to be fortified on the inside.

Miscalculated Draft

So how did Spielman and Co choose to fix all of these holes on both sides of their depth chart, when the 2020 NFL draft came around in April? They chased the ghost of Stefon Diggs. They took that newly acquired 1st round pick they received through the Diggs trade and used it to draft LSU WR, Justin Jefferson.

Jefferson is an electric talent with game changing skills, but wide receivers are one of the more superfluous positions in football. Look at the top WR’s in the game today. What do Deandre Hopkins, Odell Beckham Jr, Julio Jones AND Devante Adams have in common? Zero Super Bowls. 

Teams should only draft wide receivers in the first round if they feel sufficiently stacked in the trenches. When was the last time the Vikings fit that mold? If you have an immobile, stationary quarterback (like Kirk Cousins) who is surrounded by a below-average o-line, the last thing you should do is draft a wide receiver. Do I dislike Justin Jefferson as a player? Absolutely not. Do I think it was a foolish pick with the makeup of this Vikings roster? Damn right… and I said it back then.

I’m going to reiterate my point again, I don’t hate Justin Jefferson as a player. I think the guy could be great but I still believe the Vikings should’ve addressed the offensive line/DB.

If the Vikes can land Trent Williams, I will be a very happy man.

— Stephen Strom (@SStrom32) April 24, 2020

OL > WR

What did the Tampa Bay Buccaneers do after investing into a bovine 43-year-old Tom Brady? They traded up in the draft and selected the slam-dunk OL from Iowa, Tristan Wirfs. When veteran OL Trent Williams was begging out of Washington, Minnesota missed out. This is what separates good organizations from great organizations. 

Fast forward to now, the Vikings are 0-2 for the first time under Mike Zimmer. Stefon Diggs had more receiving yards on Sunday (158) than Kirk Cousins had passing yards (113). Dalvin Cook has no space to run, Cousins has been sacked five times in two games and the Minnesota Vikings have given up safeties in back to back weeks.

The same issues last year were stark going into the offseason, yet Minnesota failed to address many of them, even after they were gift wrapped a surplus of draft picks. This season is a reflection of what Spielman and Zimmer did in the draft. If the offensive and defensive lines don’t quickly transform, this will be a long season. But hey, at least Justin Jefferson has 5 catches for 70 yards on the year.

Want more fire from Strom on the Vikings? Listen to what he had to say this morning on his podcast, Wake Up Minnesota! Follow him on Twitter.

Stephen Strom | Minnesota Sports Fan

The Media was finally able to get a glimpse at the early stages of the 2019 Minnesota Vikings today, without one of their star players.  Stefon Diggs was the only player from the current 90-Man roster who hasn’t shown up through the first two days.  The good news is, after practice, Kirk Cousins confirmed that Diggs will be there tomorrow and that he looks forward to Stefon being there.

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_code _builder_version=”3.22.7″]

Kirk Cousins said today he expects Stefon Diggs to return tomorrow for the #Vikings’ third OTA. “That will be fun to have him back.”

— Andrew Krammer (@Andrew_Krammer) May 22, 2019

[/et_pb_code][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.22.7″]

Talk about sending Viking fans into a frenzy (something that has seemed to be the norm this off-season).  I mean, the fans are always a little crazy, but this offseason, I feel like the table has been full, and the takes have been hotter than ever before.

One of the biggest real talkers of the off-season was the Offensive Line, and how the front-5 would shake out after the Vikings signed Josh Kline, and drafted both Garrett Bradbury and Dru Samia.  Today, we got our answer…  Sort of.  4 of the 5 projected starters were practicing today.  Rashod Hill stepped in at RT for Brian O’Neill who wasn’t practicing because of something undisclosed.  The OL from right to left was Hill, Kline, Bradbury, Elflein, Reiff.

When the 1’s were getting reps, it was Pat Elflein at LG and (R) Garrett Bradbury at C.  The mystery is over, the decision has been made and we can now put that topic to bed.

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_code _builder_version=”3.22.7″]

via GIPHY

[/et_pb_code][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.22.7″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”]

Others missing from practice today included David Morgan (injury), Tashawn Bower (injury), Mike Hughes (Rehabbing the ACL), and Linval was active, but due to off-season surgery was a spectator.  It’s May 22nd, let’s not read too much into guys being dinged up, it’s most likely just nagging from the previous season, and these guys want to be 100% healthy before they get out there and give it a go.

Another of my OTA talkers was at WR3, and what on earth the Vikings are going to do about it.  Maybe a surprise to some (not to me), but Jordan Taylor saw reps with the 1st team with Stefon Diggs being absent and Laquon Treadwell saw reps with the 2’s.  Again it’s May 22nd.  But, the Vikings have given Treadwell every opportunity for these last 3 seasons, so I wouldn’t be surprised if they are keeping him on the roster as a Special Teams guy, and just holding the door for him at the end of the 2019 season.   Also worth noting: Jeff Badet, who to some is a “Dark Horse” in that WR Room, absolutely left Duke Thomas in the dust on a vertical route today.  With the departure of Aldrick Robinson to Carolina, Jeff Badet is definitely a name to keep an eye on.

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_code _builder_version=”3.22.7″]

There is fast…

And then there is @JeffBadet__ fast.#MinnesOTAs pic.twitter.com/hk423Yu2cN

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) May 22, 2019

[/et_pb_code][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.22.7″]

Can we just fast-forward to August, where the Twins playoff run is heating up, we’re sitting in the Gopher press box, and talking about REAL Vikings’ football games about to get underway???

Brian Heintz | Minnesota Sports Fan

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_code _builder_version=”3.22.7″]Follow @b_heintzz[/et_pb_code][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

If you went on your lunch break or had a late-morning meeting, you might have missed a flurry of offseason moves from the Vikings as everything opened up at 11 AM CT. It’s clear that the early objective was to clear some cap space. Although plenty of shoes are yet to drop, we’ve seen some hard decisions already made in both the secondary and on the offensive line.

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_code _builder_version=”3.19.14″]

Source: The #Vikings are not exercising the option on starting S Andrew Sendejo, making him a free agent. Another talented safety in the mix before free agency.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 11, 2019

The #Vikings are releasing starting guard Mike Remmers, source said. The O-line overhaul begins.

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 11, 2019

[/et_pb_code][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.19.14″]

But, it wasn’t all goodbyes for the Vikings. With one safety let go, another safety was tendered a pretty hefty 2nd-round pick that’d be surprising to see anyone pick up. They will also have the chance to match any offer given to Rashod Hill but wouldn’t get any compensation if they choose not to. You can get a clear breakdown of how the tenders work HERE.

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_code _builder_version=”3.19.14″]

Vikings placed the second-round tender on safety Anthony Harris, per source.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 11, 2019

#Vikings also have announced that they have tendered restricted free agent tackle Rashod Hill. That has been expected to be for $2.025 million.

— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) March 11, 2019

[/et_pb_code][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.19.14″]

We are still waiting for news on most of the franchise staples, like Rudolph and Griffen, that we’ve been talking about since the season ended and we’ll keep this post updated as the day goes on and more moves are made. Currently, the Vikings have effectively doubled their cap space if the Anthony Harris and Rashod Hill tenders stick. They’re currently working with about $10M after the moves we’ve seen.

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_code _builder_version=”3.19.14″]

The Vikings’ moves so far today — cutting Andrew Sendejo and Mike Remmers, and tendering Anthony Harris and Rashod Hill — have effectively doubled their available cap space. They began the day with $4.94 million available, and cleared another $4.93 million.

— Ben Goessling (@GoesslingStrib) March 11, 2019

[/et_pb_code][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.19.14″]

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]