Jul 28, 2022; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell and wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) talk during training camp at TCO Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports
For a really long time, the Justin Jefferson extension was a Vikings problem.
Sure, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah reworked the issue a bit, dubbing it a “champagne problem” while consistently noting that a deal was going to get done. Behind the scenes, though, there must have been moments of angst and frustration, doubt and worry. For over a year, this was a major story. The simple fact that it’s now behind Minnesota is a huge win; can you imagine the media headache if the extension still wasn’t finalized?
Dec 31, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) catches a pass against the Green Bay Packers in the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
More recently, the unsigned J.J. McCarthy contract was creating a bit of consternation. The future QB1 was among the very last 1st-Round selections to put pen to paper. What was the issue?
Well, whatever the problem, things have since been resolved. ESPN’s Adam Schefter offered the word: “Sources: Minnesota Vikings No. 10 overall pick J.J. McCarthy is signing a four-year, fully-guaranteed contract worth $21.85 million that includes a $12.71 million signing bonus and a fifth-year team option.”
The Vikings Problems that Have Been Resolved
Combined, Jefferson and McCarthy are likely the two most important Vikings. The hope is that they’ll develop tremendous chemistry on and off the field, explaining the decision to make them locker buddies.
Oh, and another thing: 1st-Round pass rusher Dallas Turner also signed his deal. Schefter’s update: “Minnesota Vikings No. 17 overall pick Dallas Turner signed a four-year, fully-guaranteed contract worth $15.76 million that includes a $8.28 million signing bonus and a fifth-year team option.”
The team itself has since confirmed both deals.
Sep 2, 2023; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive back Khyree Jackson (5) tackles Portland State Vikings quarterback Dante Chachere (15) for a loss during the first half at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports
That being said, there are still issues that Minnesota is navigating. Recently, Khyree Jackson passed away in a car accident. The news was stunning and heartbreaking, a sober reminder that there are things far more important than football. Jackson will be missed and Minnesota is still grieving the loss of the young corner as camp gets going.
Yet again, Jordan Addison is in trouble for a driving incident.
Last year, the young receiver got dinged for driving way too fast. More recently, there was an issue of him being asleep at the wheel and blocking traffic. Given the broader context, the Addison driving incident is very bad.
For whatever it’s worth, several of Addison’s teammates have defended their teammate, but it remains to be seen what kind of punishment will be handed down by the Vikings and/or the NFL.
Jan 7, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison (3) catches a pass for a touchdown and celebrates with wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) during second half of the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-USA TODAY Sports
Moreover, there are the run-of-the-mill problems that any team faces, some of which got detailed in a recent Janik Eckardt piece for PurplePTSD.
How do things look along the interior of the offensive line? Whoever is tossing the ball would prefer to avoid Dexter Lawrence in Week 1. Does the secondary have what it takes to matchup with the league’s many excellent receivers? Minnesota’s defense finished in last place in the NFL for completion percentage allowed in 2023. Can the defensive line generate any pressure at all? Harrison Phillips looks like the only sure thing for starters and his forte is defending the run.
One more thing: does the QB plan actually work? Sam Darnold, J.J. McCarthy, Nick Mullens, and Jaren Hall. Someone from within that cluster — most likely Darnold — needs to offer at least passable play (pun fully intended).
Oct 17, 2021; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold (14) fakes a handoff during the first quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
The good news, folks, is that Kwesi Adofo-Mensah ticked some major items off of his offseason checklist by agreeing to deals with Justin Jefferson, J.J. McCarthy, and Dallas Turner. Those Vikings problems will thus be a non-issue for a long time.
Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Reference helped with this piece.
K. Joudry is the Senior Editor for Vikings Territory and PurplePTSD. He has been covering the Vikings full time since the summer of 2021. He can be found on Twitter and as a co-host for Notes from the North, a humble Vikings podcast.
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Publish date : 2024-07-22 09:30:00
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