Three offseason moves the Vikings must make
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson.
With the NFL Draft in the rearview, most of the big moves this offseason have already been made. However, that doesn’t mean there isn’t business to attend to.
With that in mind, here are three moves the Minnesota Vikings must make ahead of the 2024 season.
Extend WR Justin Jefferson: Despite rumors that the Vikings were willing to potentially trade the star wideout if it meant moving up in the draft to select a quarterback, Jefferson is still here. That would lead most to believe he’s part of the team’s plans moving forward, which means a record-breaking contract is on the horizon.
Recently, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah said the two sides would “keep working” toward getting a deal done and sounded optimistic it would occur. But now that the draft is over and Philadelphia Eagles WR A.J. Brown has set the market, it’s time to make it happen so each side can go into training camp happy.
Sign a guard: The Vikings’ depth at guard remains a question mark. They did invest a seventh-round pick in ex-Wake Forest guard Michael Jurgens, but other than that, the position has gone virtually unchanged this offseason.
For now, Ed Ingram seems locked in as the starter at right guard, but the most significant uncertainty lies at left guard, where the Vikings are planning to lean on Blake Brandel. A sixth-round pick (No. 203) in 2020, the former Oregon State tackle turned guard has made only five starts over three seasons in Minnesota.
With a shiny new quarterback, ex-Michigan standout J.J. McCarthy, likely to be the Week 1 starter, having reliable protection in front of the rookie is paramount. If the Vikings want to ensure his security, looking for more help at guard would be a smart move.
Sign a veteran WR: Jefferson and budding star Jordan Addison lead Minnesota’s wide receiver room, but the position could still use some help.
Brandon Powell will be a solid option in the slot, but beyond that, the Vikings don’t have much depth at wideout. Former 2019 first-round pick N’Keal Harry will also be in the mix, but it’s unlikely he’ll be a contributor after already failing to make an impact in two separate spots.
The Vikings probably won’t find a game-changer on the open market, but adding more reliable options is necessary. Currently, they’re one injury away from being extremely shorthanded at a crucial position, with the high possibility of a rookie QB leading the way.
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