Four Vikings in make-or-break years
The Vikings have some players across their roster that are entering pivotal stages of their career.
Minnesota has young players who need to prove they can make it in the NFL. The team also has some veterans who need to step into bigger roles or show that they can still be consistent.
The Vikings disappointed in 2020. Now, the team will have big expectations in another year under Mike Zimmer and Rick Spielman — can the team get back to the postseason or will the team be at a crossroads yet again?
For the team as a whole, it’s a make-or-break year, but here are some players who especially need to perform for the sake of their careers:
PR K.J. Osborn
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver K.J. Osborn warms up before the start of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears Monday, Nov. 16, 2020, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Osborn struggled at punt returner as a rookie. He averaged just 3.9 yards per punt return. He also struggled to hang onto the ball at times. Minnesota has drafted some players like Kene Nwangwu and Ihmir Smith-Marsette, both of whom could compete for this role. If Osborn has a disappointing start to 2021, he could be out of a special teams spot.
Dec 23, 2019; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive lineman Stephen Weatherly (91) celebrates a sack in the fourth quarter against Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports ORG XMIT: USATSI-403397 ORIG FILE ID: 20191223_sal_ai9_9839.JPG
Weatherly had zero sacks in nine games for the Panthers in 2020. Now, he has a chance at a big role in Minnesota. Weatherly was a useful reserve in his first stint with the Vikings. Was his inconsistency in Carolina a blip? He has 2021 to prove it. Weatherly's one-year deal means a year where he is a starting-caliber defensive end could lead to a decent new contract.
Minnesota Vikings defensive end Danielle Hunter (99) celebrates after sacking Detroit Lions quarterback David Blough during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Andy Clayton-King)
Hunter was reportedly unhappy with his contract situation this offseason. Hunter has shown that he is a good NFL player — he tallied 14.5 sacks in back-to-back seasons. However, this past season Hunter was out with an injury. Will he return to his past production or will the injury have a big effect? Hunter having a poor performance could be costly for his next contract. He will need to go out and show that he's the same player he's been.
QB Kirk Cousins
Dec 6, 2020; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) passes in the second quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Minnesota drafted Kellen Mond in the third round of the 2021 NFL draft this year. Is Mond a replacement for Cousins? It depends on both of the quarterbacks. If Cousins leads his team back to the postseason and has stellar numbers, the team could stick with him. If he's inconsistent? Then maybe the Vikings try to deal him in 2022 or just move on in 2023.
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