Over the past couple of years, the Minnesota Vikings have been making some bold moves in terms of player contracts. Some of these deals were considered massive and raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike. However, as time has passed, it is clear that these contracts have paid off and have been instrumental in the team’s success.
One of the most talked-about contracts was that of quarterback Kirk Cousins. In 2018, the Vikings signed him to a three-year, $84 million fully guaranteed deal, making him the highest-paid player in the NFL at the time. Many questioned this move, as Cousins had yet to prove himself as an elite quarterback. But the Vikings saw potential in him and were willing to invest in his talent.
Fast forward to present day, and Cousins has proved all his doubters wrong. He has become a leader on the field, leading the Vikings to two playoff appearances in the past three years. In the 2019 season, he threw for over 3,600 yards and 26 touchdowns, solidifying himself as a top quarterback in the league. The Vikings’ faith in Cousins has paid off, and he has become a vital piece of the team’s offense.
Another significant contract that raised some eyebrows was the extension given to receiver Adam Thielen in 2019. He signed a four-year, $64 million deal, making him one of the highest-paid wide receivers in the league. Some critics argued that Thielen had only had one standout season and was not worthy of such a hefty contract.
But Thielen has proven his worth time and time again. He has been a consistent target for Cousins, recording over 1,300 receiving yards in the past two seasons. He has also been selected to the Pro Bowl in both 2018 and 2019, showing that he is one of the best receivers in the league. The Vikings’ investment in Thielen has paid off, and he has become a crucial piece of their offense.
The Vikings have also made some smart moves on the defensive side of the ball. In 2018, they signed defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson to a one-year, $8 million deal. Many believed that the Vikings overpaid for Richardson, who had not lived up to his potential in previous teams. But the Vikings saw something in him, and their gamble paid off.
Richardson had a tremendous impact on the Vikings’ defense, recording 49 tackles and 4.5 sacks. His presence on the defensive line helped the Vikings become one of the best defenses in the league, ranking in the top five in points allowed and yards allowed. Richardson’s contributions earned him a spot on the Pro Bowl roster and a three-year, $37 million contract extension with the Vikings.
The Vikings have also been proactive in securing their homegrown talents. In 2019, they signed linebacker Eric Kendricks to a five-year, $50 million extension. This may have seemed like a steep price to pay for a linebacker, but Kendricks has proven to be worth every penny. In the past two seasons, he has recorded over 100 tackles and has established himself as a leader on the Vikings’ defense. He was also selected to the Pro Bowl in 2019, showcasing his talent and value to the team.
Overall, the Vikings’ decisions to hand out these “massive” contracts have proven to be wise investments. These players have become key contributors to the team’s success and have helped the Vikings become a force to be reckoned with in the NFL. While some may have questioned these moves at the time, it is clear that the Vikings’ front office had a vision and a plan in place, and it has paid off tremendously.
In conclusion, the Minnesota Vikings have made some bold moves in the past couple of years, signing some massive contracts that have raised eyebrows. However, these deals have ultimately paid off, with the players proving their worth and becoming crucial pieces of the team’s success. The Vikings have shown that they are willing to invest in talent and have a keen eye for potential. As a fan, it is exciting to see what the future holds for this team, and I have full confidence that their decisions will continue to lead them to success. Skol Vikings!
