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Minnesota Vikings improve even after cutting important players

By Mohamed Salad

Nov 20, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah talks with head coach Kevin O’Connell prior to the game against the Dallas Cowboys at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 20, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah talks with head coach Kevin O’Connell prior to the game against the Dallas Cowboys at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /
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Since the start of free agency the Minnesota Vikings have been cutting some of their biggest names, players who have played a big part in the Vikings’ success over the last few years. But it wasn’t for no reason, their performances dropped, they were getting older and carrying a massive cap hit.

Usually, we see these kinds of cuts when a team is in rebuild mode, and although the Vikings are
trying to rebuild, they would like to stay competitive. Second-year general manager Kwesi Adofo-
Mensah explained that; “we are to navigate both worlds, we’re trying to live in today and
tomorrow, or the competitive rebuild, however, you want to phrase it”.

The Vikings finished 13-4 last season, but 11 of those wins were by one score or less. There were a lot of positives for the Vikings and those positives will certainly be there next season. Other than
running back Dalvin Cook and wide receiver Adam Thielen who has seen his role and production
decrease, the offense that ranked seventh in overall offensive will all be back with the addition of
dynamic wide receiver Jordan Addison that was selected in the first round.

The offense will look even better in 2023 with head coach Kevin O’Connell going into his second year with the team, continuity that the offense hasn’t had for 4 years. Pro Bowl tight end TJ Hockenson will have an entire off-season with the unit.

The issue with the Vikings last season was their defense. The unit finished 28th overall and bottom five in almost every other category. With Brian Flores coming in as defensive coordinator,
and the injection of fresh young blood, the Vikings as a whole are a better team despite losing five
starters from 2022.

Most importantly, the Vikings have freed up over $18 million in cap space which could be used to
bolster their roster even more or perhaps save it for next year when star wide receiver Justin
Jefferson is due to be paid, along with other key pieces such as TJ Hockenson, Christian Darrisaw and perhaps Kirk Cousins.

The Minnesota Vikings are in a very good position even though on the outside it may be looking like they are clearing house. Vikings fans should expect a similar type of season and a playoff run.

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