Seven predictions for the rest of the Vikings offseason
The Vikings are entering into another whirlwind offseason most likely filled with older contributors leaving and newer, more inexperienced talent coming in.
With the way the salary cap could be structured, Minnesota is most likely going to have little cap space in 2021. The team will be left with decisions to make: Should it restructure, trade, cut or extend players to lessen the cap hits on 2021?
We’ll find out what the Vikings do in the near future. For now, here are some predictions Vikings Wire has for the team:
TE Kyle Rudolph gets cut
Photo: AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn
Rudolph has a high price tag and the Vikings have two decent tight ends who seem ready for bigger roles. Not only that, but Rudolph said he's worth every dime of his contract, so I don't know if a restructure is on the way. It seems like it's time for the team to move on from a great contributor over the years.
The Vikings let Anthony Harris walk in free agency
Photo: AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn
Harris will likely command a big contract in free agency and the Vikings appear to be strapped for cash this offseason. Minnesota will most likely not be able to re-sign the star safety.
The Vikings will sign a guard in free agency
Photo: Joe Robbins/Getty Images
Sure, Washington’s Brandon Scherff and New England’s Joe Thuney will probably be out of the Vikings' price range. That said, the team could theoretically sign a different guard in free agency, like Jon Feliciano or Nick Easton.
S Harrison Smith gets extended
Photo: AP Photo/David Berding
Harrison Smith is 32, but he showed no signs of decline in 2020. Minnesota needs to find a way to lessen cap hits on 2021, in order to sign at least a few bargain free agents and the team's draft picks. In this scenario, Smith gets more years on his contract, while the Vikings get a smaller cap hit on 2021.
The Vikings keep Anthony Barr instead of Eric Wilson
Photo: AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn
Wilson could command a big contract in free agency. Barr already has a big contract, but what he provides as a field general and in pass defense, the Vikings would be picking the more valuable linebacker if they went with Barr over Wilson. It'd be great if the team could keep both, but that doesn't seem all that likely.
Vikings will draft a defensive end in the first three rounds
Photo: Tim Heitman/USA TODAY Sports
OK, so this isn't one of the boldest predictions on this list. As of now, the team has three picks in the first three rounds, but no second-rounder. One of those picks has to be a defensive end who can contribute right away. That doesn't necessarily mean the Vikings have to draft a starter, but the pass rush has to get better than what it was last season. Danielle Hunter's return will help, but the team can't rely on him alone.
Vikings keep Kirk Cousins and don't add QB serious competition
Photo: Brad Rempel/USA TODAY Sports
As great as it would be for the Vikings to draft a quarterback in the first round, my guess is that they don’t do that. Barring anything unexpected, Minnesota will keep Cousins as the starting quarterback. I also don't see the team adding a backup quarterback who could seriously battle for the starting position.
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