>>>ALL THINGS VIKINGS<<<

Come on over to the news & notes thread, if you wish... there will be more traffic there.

 

Nice goal line stand Vikings 0 Packers 3

 

JJ McCarthy hope the Vikings keep him he's a young guy IMO it makes no sense to trade him even though Sam Darnold is having a outstanding year who's to say he will be the same qb next year KEEP JJ McCarthy he's the future not Sam Darnold what can the Vikings get for him

 

I keep seeing this and reading this might be some damn click bait

 

The Vikings signed quarterback Daniel Jones to the active roster from the practice squad, the team announced. They waived quarterback Brett Rypien in a corresponding move.

 

Flores getting a good haul of HC offers, I doubt highly he wont be back next year.

 

Kwesi Adofo-Mensah: Sam Darnold played some incredible football for us

After going through the best season of his career with the Vikings, quarterback Sam Darnold is set to become a free agent in March.

But with two poor performances to end the year against the Lions and Rams, it’s an open question as to whether Darnold will be back with Minnesota next season — or if the organization even would like to have him after drafting J.J. McCarthy at No. 10 overall last spring.

General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, as expected, did not provide any definitive answers during his season-ending press conference on Thursday. But he did praise Darnold for what he did overall in 2024.

“We got to see Sam play some incredible football for us,” Adofo-Mensah said. “Won a lot of big games — at Seattle, at Lambeau. The production he was able to do, we’re talking bout games where he won games for us. There were a lot of games where he was a ‘win because of’ type player. And you also have to net that with all of [it] in totality.

“So, we’re going to approach this offseason — I don’t want to give you the stock answer, but it really is — everything we do is about, OK, what’s the team around him going to look like? What does this piece fit into our whole championship equation? And we’ll do those exercises like we did last offseason, came out with a plan that we came up with. We’ll have those conversations with Kevin [O’Connell], my staff, everybody in this building to come along board. Because at the end of the day, you’re making decisions under uncertainty. But what happens is, once you find a course of action, it’s how you implement your plan — how you show up every day and get the best version of whoever you decide to go with at quarterback. How does that fit into your long-term picture? The contract structure, all those different things will go under our plan. And I’m excited to have those conversations because I think we’ve got a lot of good options. And at the most important position in the sport, I think that’s a great thing.”

Adofo-Mdnsah added that there was a belief in the building even before the season that Darnold could play at a high level, even before it became clear that Darnold would be the starter throughout 2024 because of McCarthy’s season-ending injury. But Adofo-Mensah did not say how Darnold’s play may have changed the team’s plans at quarterback — if at all — going forward.

“I think everybody looks at these things as binary — yes/no, left/right. I don’t think it is that,” Adofo-Mensah said. “I think it’s making sure you have a certain level of play at the quarterback position for as long as Kevin and I are here. I think we’ve set ourselves up to do that and we’re excited about that opportunity.”

Daniel Jones could also factor into the equation at quarterback, though Adofo-Mensah noted that Jones also has to decide if Minnesota’s building is right for him for the future.

PFT/Simmons

 

Kevin O'Connell: 'Great' relationship, dialogue with Vikings ownership

EAGAN, Minn. -- Minnesota Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell met with the team's ownership group this week and said Thursday that he wants to sign a contract extension to remain with the team.

"I do," O'Connell said. "I do. I've had great dialogue with our ownership this week and reflection as the season came to an end. Anything beyond that, I would prefer to kind of keep those discussions internal."

The revelation came amid continuing reports that other NFL teams had interested in trading for O'Connell if the Vikings made him available during the current coaching cycle. Sources told ESPN last week that the Vikings had no interest in a trade, and O'Connell himself said that the Vikings organization is "where I want to be."

O'Connell's current contract, signed in February 2022, expires after the 2025 season. He went 13-4 in his first season and 7-10 in his second, after which owners Zygi and Mark Wilf declined to offer extensions either to him or general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. Multiple sources told ESPN that O'Connell was displeased by that decision, but Mark Wilf said in August that contract discussions -- if warranted -- would take place after the 2024 season.

In what was in essence a "prove-it" season, O'Connell led the Vikings to a 14-3 record and a second trip to the playoffs in three years. With a 34-17 career record, he is now in position to command a more lucrative deal than he would have received after the 2023 season.

Speaking Thursday to Minnesota reporters, O'Connell did not directly answer whether there is any lingering tension that must be worked through before a deal can be finalized.

"What I would say is I love being the head coach of the Minnesota Vikings," he said, "and with that becomes the fact that I love our ownership. I have a great relationship with our ownership and feel so fortunate not only just the way they support us and believe in us, but also the impact they have on our players on our locker room and ultimately where we all want to go together. Feel very, very great about that."

Like O'Connell, Adofo-Mensah signed a four-year contract when he was hired in January 2022. He said Thursday that he met this week with the Wilfs as well.

"They expressed to me their appreciation for Kevin and I's leadership," Adofo-Mensah said. "They're really supportive of us. I'll always think back to the unbelievable opportunity they gave me. I've always dreamt of being a general manger in an organization that is trying to do the thing they haven't done before. I still wake up in the morning and think about what that can be like. I'll always go back to the gratitude I have for them, and I want to be the general manager going forward. ... I don't think I'm entitled to anything. If I sign that contract tomorrow, I'll be running like I was scared, just trying to always earn it."

ESPN

 

J.J. McCarthy is throwing

During his end-of-the-season press conference, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah was asked about McCarthy's recovery and he gave a very positive response.

"He's on the field, throwing and training. I try and go get a walk in before I talk to you guys. So I don't talk as quickly, you know. So people tell me I talk a little quick sometimes. So I was in there, and he was actually in there doing some, you know, those cool quarterback thrusty things that Dak does. You know, with weights, he was in there doing them. He looks great. He's excited. You know, you talk about a kid who's just obsessed with football and loves being around the game. So we're excited about what we have in him."

 

Like this cause its time to move on it's JJ McCarthy time in the spotlight just hope he's not injury prone Sam Darnold has played well but he.just reminds me of Capt Kirk good in the regular season but a disaster in the playoffs time for him to go another player that's not ready for prime time!

 

In my opinion, its looking more and more, Flores might be back for 2025. This is good for the Vikings, but maybe not Flores who has aspirations to be a HC in the NFL. Teams that had possible interests have gone in other directions... maybe some of Flores dealings (lawsuits and the like) have had some repercussions for other suitors to go elsewhere, but if he's back, I welcome it. His aggressive, all out mixed up formations and blitz's is a refreshing breath of fresh air, and it worked well this year. He will also have some new and improved blood to work with via the secondary and the defensive line is improving also with the addition to players that have been waiting in the wing.

The Vikings are set really good for 'cap-Space' headed into '25, so there is wiggle room for FA additions and this defense that was pretty damn good, could get better. Imagine that.

I wasnt a fan of Flores at all when he was with Miami, but what he showed me and learned me is that he can get the average player to excel, and he knows how to create schemes that reak havoc on opposing offenses... and I can dig that.

After-all, the Vikings could be stuck with worse, but I welcome Flores, IF he returns.

 

Be nice if he does comeback to coach up the young guys,Kwesi get to work on the O-line and take a real long look at the rb at IOWA he a tough runner

 

If Brian Flores leaves i want it to be the Jaguars in the AFC I wouldn't like it but Robert Saleh sounds good as DC just don't stay in the NFC North like Ben Johnson did

 

Oh man the Vikings need to kick Sam Darnold to the curb i really doubt he can win the big game he just reminds me of Capt Kirk 2.0

 

IMHO, the Vikings should try real hard to resign, Darnold... but only if its team friendly in a sense that he would agree to a 2 year deal, the franchise tag would be expensive to start with. At the moment you have a 14 game winner under KOC, so you have to think real hard at what it would cost to sign him and what you would loose or gain if he walks and signs elsewhere. A lot depends on what other teams offer and as it stands, he still might draw some big time attention.

Kwesi, must be prepared to handle both sides of the probabilities. And I might also add, there is no other positions as important or vital to a teams success as the QB... so what are they going to do is a huge question.

I like Darnold, I did not like what happened the last 2 games last season (obviously), but you have to really consider hard the options without him on the roster.

 

The Vikings have 25 freeking FA's. I hope a bunch return. The ones Im concerned about are as follows.

Starting in the secondary for the Vikings, a well known problem with pass defense... Bynum, Murphy and maybe Smith need to be resigned, Smith is old and might hang up the cleats, Murphy was fantastic. They are proven to be good and are all 3 FA's that, imo, need to stay in Minnesota. Vikes have some cash and might be able to land a vet or 2 to help in that secondary, but my biggest concern is on the offensive side of the ball.

Speaking of QB's, it would be great to see Daniel Jones stick around. Give him a decent offer and see if he bites. Imagine a QB going down, whether its JJ, Darnold or whoever comes along, this guy is a premium backup, if he would except the role. I wouldnt be scared if the starter went down and Jones was the replacement.

Aaron Jones needs resigned. Obviously RB1 and played in all 17 games. Sign him, keep him, and look for a stud in the Draft to be the next in line.

Vikings have Cap space and could wiggle something in the Draft, but a few of the FA's need to be addressed or resigned.

Im all for addressing the trenches on offense, but QB and RB stand out in my mind... this needs to be prioritized.

 

Vikings' Kevin O'Connell Reveals True Feelings on Daniel Jones

The Minnesota Vikings did not sign Daniel Jones midway through the 2024 season for him to ride the bench behind Sam Darnold; they saw the move as a de facto job shadow for the 2025 season.

The Vikings face an uncertain future ahead at quarterback with Darnold expected to be the top free-agent quarterback and J.J. McCarthy on the mend from meniscus surgery. Minnesota needs to decide by March whether to re-sign Darnold or let him walk.

If Darnold leaves, the Vikings need a veteran buffer to protect McCarthy if he is not ready to start Week 1.

Head coach Kevin O'Connell confirmed that he and several Vikings players have seen signs that Jones could fill that role.

“I have a lot of confidence that Daniel could have a ton of success in our offense," O'Connell said Feb. 7 on Pro Football Talk. "I can’t tell you how many times Justin [Jefferson] or Jordan [Addison] or one of these guys at a practice would say ‘that was an unbelievable throw. This guy can really throw it.’ "

After being released by the New York Giants in November, Jones arrived in Minnesota for a crash course in O'Connell's offense and quarterback system.

The Vikings coach is highly regarded as a quarterback guru for his work in helping Darnold reach the first Pro Bowl of his career and coaxing an NFL record eight game-winning drives out of Kirk Cousins in 2022. It's led to him being the first Vikings coach to secure multiple 13-win seasons -- and he did so in just three years.

O'Connell received the NFL Coach of the Year award at the NFL Honors on Feb. 6 for his efforts in Darnold's career rehab -- a treatment that Jones could undergo next season.

O'Connell has found ways to get more out of his quarterbacks throughout his tenure in Minnesota, which has led to the dilemma of what to do with Darnold going forward.

Darnold is expected to garner offers in free agency for a contract worth at least $30 million a year. His performance was worthy of a contract of that stature, but given O'Connell's ability to make more with less, Minnesota may opt to move on and use that cap space in other ways.

McCarthy's average salary of just $5.4 million through 2027 offers immense benefits in building a better roster around him in Minnesota.

The Vikings were comfortable signing Darnold to a one-year, $10 million deal a year ago under the stipulation he would compete with McCarthy for the starting job.

Jones could see a similar contract from Minnesota as it looks like Darnold may be out of the VIkings' price range.

YARDBARKER; via Athlon Sports
_________
___________________

This makes a lot of sense, imo.

 

Kevin O'Connell speaks highly about Brian Flores

One of the things that the Super Bowl brings is a multitude of interviews that you normally don't get to see. O'Connell spent time talking with Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk and praised defensive coordinator Brian Flores, stating they have "unfinished business."

“I can’t speak more highly about what Brian Flores has brought to Minnesota,” O’Connell said. “When we identified him as the guy that we wanted to bring in coming off the 2022 season, he has been fantastic. Scheme, relationship with players, my personal relationship with him, how we build our team. I think Brian Flores should be a head coach in the National Football League. He will be again. . . . But, at the same time, we feel like we’ve got some unfinished business together in Minnesota and we can’t wait to get to work for 2025.”

The reason why O'Connell and Flores get to run it back is due to the latter not getting a head coaching opportunity this cycle. Despite getting many interviews, Flores failed to get one of the most coveted 32 jobs in all of football.

The defense of the Vikings took a massive step forward, finishing fifth in scoring defense and sacks, while also being second in run defense. Having a third year well of continuity with O'Connell is going to be a huge factor in the 2025 team taking the next step.

YARDBARKER
________
________________

Im liking the fact Flores is returning, simply because of the improved defensive structure and scheme. This Vikings team is really close to going over the top, especially if a couple pieces can be brought in via Free Agency and they nail the Draft. I have high hopes already... plenty of room for improvement, but looking positive while they address what they need.

 

Can't see Sam Darnold as a Vikings next season qb needy teams will be thowing around some serious loot,so many holes the O-line and D-line need work BIG TIME a rb a backup qb after starting last season Can't see him wanting to go back being a backup,if the Vikings could get someone like a Matt Stafford I think he's pretty much done in LA be kinda nice if his swagger could rub off onto JJ McCarthy

 

Well, Stafford is 37 and has been in the league 16 years, Darnold is the opposite. In my opinion, the Vikings better think real hard on keeping Darnold and I believe they just might. Darnold flourished last year under KOC and who's to say he wont even get better?

JJ McCarthy is still the non-proven 'question mark', but at the same time he is and will probably be the future, but will he be QB1 quality right out of the gate? Is he the next Jayden Daniels? We dont know.

If Darnold goes, Daniel Jones is the other option. Jefferson and Addison like his arm and say good things about him, so does KOC, so thats another variable to throw into to the 'think tank'.

Darnold will get offers, and the rumor has it being, the Raiders are going after him hard, according to, Adam Schefter.

Darnold wont be cheap, and if retained, Im guessing it would probably be the Franchise Tag, but you gotta spend if you wanna win in the NFL. Investing in Darnold just might be a great idea.