Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Training camp will kick off later this week with the arrival of the rookies, while the veterans follow a couple of days later. Minnesota will enter a new football era following Kirk Cousins’s departure after six seasons with the club, but the organization must answer some questions.
Vikings Training Camp Surrounded by 2 Major Question Marks
There are currently two distractions the team must resolve sooner rather than later to calm the franchise down.
1. What’s Going on with the Rookies?
Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy makes a pass against Alabama linebacker Dallas Turner during the first half of the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, on Monday, Jan. 1, 2024.
Most rookies have already signed their contracts, but the two top rookies in Minnesota have not. Neither J.J. McCarthy nor Dallas Turner are technically Vikings at this point, which is quite strange.
There are some rumblings that McCarthy demands his full signing bonus upfront, while the front office wants to pay the signing bonus in various installations.
Will Ragatz wrote on SI.com: “McCarthy, the No. 10 overall pick, will eventually sign a four-year, $21.8 million deal with a $12.7 million signing bonus; those numbers are set by the CBA. So what’s the holdup? It could have something to do with how much of that signing bonus McCarthy will receive upfront versus in installments. There are other minor details of these rookie contracts that can be negotiated, with both McCarthy’s camp and the Vikings trying to do what’s best for themselves.”
The only other unsigned first-rounder besides Minnesota’s duo is Bengals offensive tackle Amarius Mims.
Dec 10, 2023; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Minnesota Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell (left) and general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah react during the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The good news is that, in all likelihood, the two players eventually sign their deals, and the subject will be forgotten within days. Why? Because that’s how the Vikings do business sometimes.
While Lewis Cine signed his rookie contract in May, both second-rounders in 2022, Andrew Booth and Ed Ingram, waited until July 24. A few years before that, Justin Jefferson signed on July 22.
At this point, it is not really a concern. However, it will be if the duo remains unsigned multiple days into training camp, preventing them from stepping onto the practice field. McCarthy will try to acclimate quickly to challenge Sam Darnold for the starting job, while Turner could make a good impression with Andrew Van Ginkel possibly sidelined.
Jordan Addison’s Potential DUI
Nov 5, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison (3) shown on the field prior to the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Sophomore wideout Jordan Addison was reportedly arrested last week for sleeping behind the wheel and blocking a lane on the freeway. There are still few public details, making it hard to evaluate the situation.
Regardless, at the very least, it is a bad look for the player and the organization, and the recent death of rookie defender Khyree Jackson only increases the relevance.
Usually, the league handles cases of DUI, and the team waits for the punishment to arrive. In this case, the team could proactively announce some disciplinary action to calm the situation because of the recent tragedy.
Aug 5, 2023; Eagan, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell talks to wide receiver Jordan Addison (3) during training camp at Twin Cities Orthopedic Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Regardless of how the involved parties decide to attack the crisis, it is another mystery in training camp and the preseason, raising additional questions. Will Addison be allowed to play all 17 regular-season games? Do the Vikes need another wideout? Is the franchise, and are his teammates still supporting the talented 22-year-old despite his second alleged driving violation?
The avoidable situation doesn’t help the organization enter the previously mentioned new era.
Janik Eckardt is a football fan who likes numbers and stats. The Vikings became his favorite team despite their quarterback at the time, Christian Ponder. He is a walking soccer encyclopedia, loves watching sitcoms, and prefers Classic rock over other genres. Follow him on Twitter if you like the Vikings: @JanikEckardt
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Publish date : 2024-07-17 23:11:46
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