The Minnesota Vikings are about to enter a crucial free agency coming up this 2024 offseason. As the NFL offseason kicks into gear the Vikings find themselves in a pivotal position. After a season of highs and lows, the Vikings have an opportunity to bolster their roster and make strategic moves to position themselves for success in the upcoming season. Here are some of the top moves the Vikings could make in the 2024 offseason.
Strengthen The Minnesota Vikings Offensive Line
To start one of the primary areas of concern for the Vikings has been their offensive line. Improving protection for their quarterback and creating running lanes for their backs should be a top priority. This could involve pursuing key free agents, some that are crucial in the offensive line.
These players include OT Tyron Smith, OT Mike Onwenu, G Kevin Zeigler, C Conner Williams, and many other talented weapons to add to the offensive line’s arsenal. Also Minnesota could target offensive linemen in the upcoming NFL draft to try and solidify the unit overall.
Either Extend Danielle Hunter or Explore Chase Young
Now for the Defense I think the Vikings will extend Danielle Hunter, but if they don’t I think maybe they explore Chase Young. Although I see an extension of Hunter to be the best option for Minnesota moving forward. The best option for Minnesota going forward defensively I believe is to make sure to keep your key D-line players like Hunter, Ivan Pace Jr, Jordan Hicks, and Marcus Davenport.
I think the Vikings secondary has struggled at times, players like Harrison Smith and Camryn Bynum have done very good but the DB’s need to step it up. I think the Vikings need to acquire talented defensive backs through free agency or the draft, so they can shore up this arena of weakness and create a more formidable defense overall.
Exploring Quarterback Options if Cousins Doesn’t Return
Now we explore Quarterback options. With the quarterback position being of paramount importance in the NFL, the Vikings may consider exploring their options at this position. Whether it’s through the draft, and Minnesota drafts J.J McCarthy with the eleventh pick in the first round, or whether it’s exploring a star quarterback like Russel Wilson, or Baker Mayfield in free agency.
Another option potentially is getting a quarterback via trade. With talks of Kirk on the way out, and the Vikings freeing up space to potentially sign all pro wide receiver Justin Jefferson. It should be a priority that the Vikings find a signal-caller who can lead the team effectively while maintaining salary cap flexibility. Minnesota must make strategic decisions to ensure they have the flexibility to make moves throughout the season as needed, whether signing free agents, extending players contracts, or making trades.
Making the Right Decisions
I think the Vikings have a multitude of options to consider as they navigate the 2024 offseason. By addressing areas of weakness, securing key players, making strategic moves, and emphasizing player development so players can reach their full potential and contribute more effectively on game day. The Vikings can position themselves as contenders in the upcoming season and beyond.
With careful planning and execution, the Vikings have the potential to achieve their goal and compete with the best teams at the highest level in the NFL. They just have to make the right decisions and strengthen up a few key spots, make a couple big signing and extensions, and really focus on addressing any glaring weaknesses before the upcoming 2024 NFL season.
