The Kirk Cousins latest story about him not wanting the Vikings to draft a QB being the reason he did not re-sign, if true, is amusing. I do not really buy it to be honest. I think the 100M guaranteed is what really did the trick.

I am more inclined to want to see JJ McCarthy sit the bench for the entire season just like Mahomes had to do. The concern is with Sam Darnold. Can he stay healthy and will he play well enough to remain starting? Also, and probably a silly thing to wonder, could the team go with Jaren Hall first if they decide to replace Darnold? That would be fantastic for the debates (er., arguments) that could rage here. I would love it!

I am hoping and praying that the Vikings have found their QBOTF. I am not buying all the folks who produce great stats, etc. trying to convince others that he is really good and just did not have the chance. I do think he is good but have to see more of it to believe it. I will get my chance.

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2024 NFL Free Agency Tracker: Best Remaining Free Agents

Players I like …

WR Tyler Boyd

WR Zay Jones

WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling

OG/OT Andrus Peat

OC/OG Connor Williams

CB Steven Nelson

CB Ahkello Witherspoon

News and Links

The Vikings’ 2024 schedule release will probably start early

We now know why Kirk Cousins chose not to re-sign in Minnesota

When Will JJ McCarthy Start?

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Ranking Minnesota Vikings biggest needs post NFL Draft

The Minnesota Vikings Mailed in the Guard Position Again – Minnesota Football Party

Why haven’t the Vikings re-signed Dalton Risner?

Being that Risner is viewed by many in the same bucket as Cleveland, that would mean getting around $9.5 million per season. That is too much for what the Vikings are willing to pay and Risner being a free agent exemplifies that.

Now, is that the right call? Well, you could argue that they should pony up the money because Blake Brandel is set to be your starting left guard. Now, Brandel is a quality player but not someone you want to trust as a long-term starting left guard. Something to watch for with Risner is the potential of signing late like he did in 2023.

Vikings’ Shaq Griffin Signing, Which Could Cost Them a Comp Pick, Still Baffles

Over a month later, the Vikings’ decision to sign veteran cornerback Shaquill Griffin to a one-year, $4.55 million deal in late March remains baffling.

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The Vikings were projected to receive a pair of third-round comp picks (which are in the late 90s overall) for losing Kirk Cousins and Danielle Hunter in free agency this year.

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And the Vikings’ decision to sign Griffin looks even more bizarre after a draft where they traded up multiple times in the first round, surrendering several of next year’s picks in the process.

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A 29-year-old cornerback on a one-year deal is, objectively, not nearly as valuable of an asset as a pick in the 98-100 range that comes with a four-year rookie contract.

Matthew Coller: Dallas Turner pick is about calculating the reward

Turner is set to make around $16 million over the four years that he’s on his rookie deal. Brian Burns makes $28 million per year. If Turner becomes a top-notch player, which his background and consensus board ranking would suggest is possible, the gap in cap savings between Turner and the top edge rushers is enormous. It’s not exactly the same level cap hack as a rookie QB contract but it’s getting closer as edge rusher prices go up. That has to matter in the equation.

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