The Minnesota Vikings started the season with the intention of competing, but knew this was a season that many predicted to be an average season at best. They were under some financial restraints of the NFL salary cap and were in talks to get a Justin Jefferson deal done before the start of the regular season. The Justin Jefferson deal did get done and it was a historic 4-year $140 million deal with $110 million guaranteed ($88.7 million guaranteed at signing). The Vikings also signed QB Sam Darnold back in March to be the starter on a 1 year $10 million contract. He was the backup QB on San Francisco's Super Bowl 58 team and was a viable option to bridge the Vikings to the 2025 season. In the 2024 NFL Draft (In Detroit), Minnesota selected who they believe could be their franchise Quarterback in Michigan QB JJ McCarthy. The organization also took advantage of a recent opportunity in signing now former New York Giants starting Quarterback Daniel Jones as a future backup option going forward.
The Minnesota Vikings defense so far this season has been solid. Ranked fourth in the league allowing an average of only 250 yards per game with 40 sacks and a +8 turnover differential.
Minnesota entered the 2024 season undefeated through their five games (which included wins over 2023 NFC Champion San Francisco & Houston) and a surprise to many. They then dropped their next two vs the now division leading Detroit Lions and the Los Angeles Rams. Coach Kevin O'Connell got the team back on track and have now won six straight games and are in prime position to make the 2024 NFL Playoffs. Regardless of the outcome, the Minnesota Vikings have exceeded expectations.
Minnesota will have some decisions to make in the offseason (particularly at QB), but will have around $100 million in cap space to fill team needs in 2025. It is a team on the rise and will be a team that will continue to compete as a playoff-caliber team.
