The Minnesota Vikings suffered a devastating loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Monday night, officially ending their season. As the team begins to look towards the offseason, there are some clear priorities that need to be addressed in order to ensure a successful future. Here are the top five offseason priorities for the Minnesota Vikings:
1. Improving the Offensive Line
One of the main reasons for the Vikings’ struggles this season can be attributed to their offensive line. Poor pass protection and inability to open up holes for the running game have plagued the team all year long. It’s no secret that quarterback Kirk Cousins has been under constant pressure and has been sacked a staggering 35 times, ranking him among the top five most sacked quarterbacks in the league. This is simply unacceptable for a team with Super Bowl aspirations. Improving the offensive line should be the top priority for the Vikings this offseason, whether it be through free agency or the draft.
2. Solidifying the Wide Receiver Corps
Another area that needs improvement is the wide receiver corps. While Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs have both had standout seasons, the lack of depth behind them was exposed by injuries and inconsistent play. The Vikings need to add more weapons to their passing game in order to take some of the pressure off of their top receivers. Bringing in a reliable third option will not only make the passing game more dynamic but also open up opportunities for Thielen and Diggs.
3. Addressing the Backup Quarterback Situation
With the uncertainty surrounding Kirk Cousins’ future in Minnesota, the Vikings need to address their backup quarterback situation. Sean Mannion proved to be an unreliable backup this season and it’s clear that the team needs someone with more experience and potential. This offseason presents an opportunity for the Vikings to bring in a solid backup who can potentially take over the starting role in case of an injury or underperformance from Cousins.
4. Revamping the Secondary
The Vikings’ defense was once again a bright spot this season, but there is room for improvement in the secondary. Xavier Rhodes’ performance has been disappointing and the team needs to address this issue, especially with the chances of bringing back Trae Waynes and Mackensie Alexander looking slim. With some talented cornerbacks available in free agency and the draft, the Vikings have an opportunity to revamp their secondary and add some much-needed depth.
5. Re-signing Key Players
The Vikings have some key players set to become free agents this offseason, including safety Anthony Harris, defensive end Everson Griffen, and tight end Kyle Rudolph. Keeping these players should be a priority for the Vikings, as they are vital pieces of the team’s success. Harris has been one of the top safeties in the league this season and Griffen has been a dominant force on defense. Rudolph, meanwhile, has been a reliable target for Cousins and a leader in the locker room. These players are important not just for their on-field contributions, but also for their leadership and chemistry within the team.
In conclusion, while the Vikings’ season may have ended in disappointment, there is still plenty for the team to look forward to in the upcoming offseason. Addressing these top priorities will not only improve the team’s chances of success in the future but also give hope and motivation to the fans. With the right moves, the Minnesota Vikings can bounce back and make a strong run next season. Skol Vikings!
