The Minnesota Vikings 2024 Free Agency period has seen a whirlwind of activity around the team offices in Eagan, Minnesota. There have been departures and arrivals, and plenty of ratings of the players who have come and gone. And also, much speculation on what the next moves will be, including the team’s draft strategy and evaluation of position needs.
But rather than alphabetically rate every transaction or attempt to report on all of the player movements. I will instead focus my attention on the key departures and arrivals and where the Vikings stand as a team after these activities.
Vikings Departures
Kirk Cousins
Vikings fans have very polarizing opinions about Kirk Cousins. On the one side, you have the fans that troll about his gaudy statistics and rave about his three Pro-Bowl appearances playing for team. And just as vociferous are the fans on the other side who chide him for his inability to win big games. Not to mention his wacky approach to vaccinations during the pandemic. Or his inability to sense pressure, while trying to buy time to throw a pass.
I suppose the truth is somewhere in the middle of these factions. Cousins did put up some impressive statistics during his time in Minnesota and he was responsible for several fourth quarter comebacks throughout his six years here.
On the other hand, he leaves with only one playoff win during his Minnesota tenure. Not to mention the fact that he demonstrated an inability to lift the Vikings over the top in many crucial situations. And the early negotiations with Atlanta and his snarky farewell comments did not endear him to the Minnesota faithful.
This one will definitely hurt for the short term as his replacement constitutes a step down in talent. Maybe the best way to describe Cousins’ time with the Vikings is: ‘Kirk, we hardly knew thee.”
Danielle Hunter
Unquestionably, Vikings edge Danielle Hunter has been one of the most ferocious pass rushers since he entered the league in 2015. His 87 1/2 sacks during this period are a testament to that. He also became quite accomplished at stopping the run in his last few seasons in Minnesota.
But this situation boils down to simple mathematics. Hunter and his agent knew that edges play, like running backs, starts to deteriorate after the age of 30. Hunter, who will be 30 in the middle of next season, could see the writing on the wall. This was probably his last chance to rake in a large payday as a player, so he did just that. Good for him.
Thanks for the memories, Danielle. We wish you well.
Jordan Hicks
Jordan Hicks came to the Minnesota Vikings a couple of seasons back with a reputation as a great run stopper and competent three down middle linebacker. The Vikings were no doubt disappointed in his performance during the 2022 season. He played slower, was an erratic tackler, and frequently looked lost in pass coverage.
But he rebounded quite well last season as he formed a tough inside duo with fellow middle linebacker undrafted rookie Ivan Pace Jr. This is still another case of economics being the biggest factor in the departure of a player. The Vikings chose a player over Hicks who was younger and more affordable.
K.J. Osborn and D.J. Wonnum
I selected these two because they have very similar career paths. They both went through periods of time with the Vikings where they appeared to be expendable and not part of the team’s future. But they both showed flashes of brilliance, Osborn in 2022, and Wonnum last season.
The hope for both of these young players is that they find more consistency in their play, which would make them welcome additions to their new teams.
Vikings Arrivals
Sam Darnold
I won’t kid you. This is a tough one to put a positive spin on. Darnold has been unimpressive in his three previous NFL stops, save for a short stretch in Carolina. This maybe the former sixth overall pick’s last chance to show that he can play in this league.
The hope is that head coach Kevin O’Connell and new quarterbacks coach Josh McCown can mind melt some of their offensive knowledge to Darnold. Further, it is hoped that the Vikings offensive line can continue their improvement and buy Darnold additional time to find his receivers.
The jury is still out on this one.
Aaron Jones
I really like this addition. I have always been a big fan of Jones’ and feel that if anything he was underutilized in Green Bay. A very versatile back who had a strong second half of the season in 2023.
He has been hampered by injuries the past two seasons but being paired with Ty Chandler should eliminate some of the wear and tear he usually absorbs. There is also a good chance that he becomes one of Sam Darnold’s best friends because he is a lethal weapon coming out of the backfield on pass plays.
Vikings Twins: Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel
I paired these two together because they constitute the Vikings’ new bookends on the defensive line. Greenard had a breakthrough season last year as he recorded a career best 12.5 sacks. He also is mobile and flexible and should fit nicely into defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ many schemes.
Flores’ is familiar with Van Ginkel from his Miami days. He is an accomplished two-way player, excelling at both stopping the run and putting pressure on the quarterback. He certainly provides an upgrade at this position as he replaces the AWOL Marcus Davenport.
Blake Cashman
Feel good story of the month. Eden Prairie Minnesota native, and University of Minnesota graduate returns home. Cashman was something of a revelation to the Texans last season. Principally a special teams performer during his first three seasons in the league, Cashman had a breakout season in 2023.
He led the Texans in tackles with 106. He also added two sacks and nine tackles for losses to his statistically productive season. The Vikings hope that he continues his upward trajectory and that he forms a fearsome pair with Pace in the middle of the Minnesota defense.
Minnesota Vikings’ fans and management hope that the addition of these and other free agents, as well as some key draft picks will propel them to a winning season in 2024. The road is uncertain. but hope springs eternal.
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Greg Simbeck covers a variety of sports for Total Apex Sports. He specializes in MLB coverage. Greg has covered various sports for numerous other publications over the years.
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