Most interesting positional battles for Vikings heading into 2024-25
The free agency and draft dust has finally settled, so let's look at which position groups will be the most interesting to follow this offseason.
Quarterback
After moving on from Kirk Cousins, the Vikings brought in Sam Darnold as a free agent and drafted J.J. McCarthy with the No. 10 overall pick in last month's draft. Any time there are new options at QB it will dominate offseason talk and this year will be no different.
Darnold signed a 1-year $10 million deal this offseason, so the expectation is for him to at least begin the season as the starter, but McCarthy is already receiving rave reviews at OTAs. In all likelihood, the Vikings will roll with Darnold to start the year, but it will be interesting to follow how successful their QB of the future is in the offseason and preseason.
No. 2 Cornerback
Cornerback is a position that the Vikings have struggled to figure out over the last handful of seasons. Byron Murphy is the presumptive No. 1 guy this season, but after that, it is a toss-up.
Mekhi Blackmon, free agent Shaquill Griffin, Akayleb Evans or even Andrew Booth Jr. all have an opportunity to earn a serious role on this team. Evans returns having played the most snaps last season, followed by Blackmon then Booth, but Griffin signed a 1-year $4.5 million contract in the offseason.
This is a battle that could carry on well into the season, but it will play a major factor in determining the ceiling of this Vikings' defense in 2024-25.
© Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Left Guard
Interior offensive line is one of the least glorious positions on a football team, but it deserves to be mentioned. The Vikings traded away Ezra Cleveland at the deadline last season and then started Dalton Risner at guard alongside Ed Ingram.
They've opted not to re-sign Risner, opening the door for former sixth-round pick from Oregon State Blake Brandel to start at left guard. They brought in veteran Dan Feeney this offseason and he's had experience at guard, but most of his time has been spent at center throughout his career. The starting spot will be Brandel's to lose.