By Jan Horstkoetter
The Minnesota Vikings are in the making!
Not a complete one where they more or less give the season away and go full-on to the 2024 draft. No, the Vikings are in a so-called “Competitive Rebuild” – a rebuild in which the franchise is still trying to remain competitive.
The Vikings must come under the salary cap by March 15. Long-time top performers were fired for this. Linebacker Eric Kendricks and wide receiver Adam Thielen had to leave the franchise, as did 2020 draft pick Cameron Dantzler. Probably just the beginning.
The expiring contracts of defensive players Patrick Peterson and Dalvin Tomlinson were not renewed, both are leaving the franchise. And the futures of high performers Harrison Smith, Za’darius Smith and Dalvin Cook are unclear. Pass Rusher Smith and Running Back Cook in particular are trades in the air to further increase draft potential in the years to come.
General Manager and Head Coach have been building the team since 2022
The strategy of general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, who took over together with head coach Kevin Kevin O’Connell before last season, is not a one-way street. The team should remain competitive, but the course for the future should be set at the same time.
That’s why the Minneapolis franchise is starting the 2023 season with quarterback Kirk Cousins. The 34-year-old has a year left on his contract with Minnesota and has the confidence of President and team co-owner Mark Wilf. “We’re very optimistic regarding 2023 and Kirk will be our leader on offense,” Wilf told Good Morning Football.
With Justin Jefferson, Cousins currently has perhaps the best wide receiver in the entire league. The franchise is to be built around him in the coming years. “We want to keep him for many years,” says Wilf regarding the only 23-year-old.
Potential for draft picks
To remain competitive, free agency tight end Josh Oliver was signed (three years, $21 million), best known for his excellent blocking. The defense has been strengthened with pass rusher Marcus Davenport, who is to stay for a year for the time being – keyword: competitive rebuild!
In addition, there are ten players from last year’s 2022 draft, for whom the hopes are primarily on the first and second round picks Lewis Cine (safety) and Andrew Booth Jr. (cornerback), who were hardly used last season due to injuries. In 2023, the franchise has – as of now – only five draft picks, but at least one first-round pick.
The goal for the 2023 season is to compete higher up, accumulate draft picks for years to come, and invest wisely. The options for the future are almost limitless if the Vikings manage to complete the “Competitive Rebuild”.
