Did any team have a more impactful free agency than the Minnesota Vikings? General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has done a great job maneuvering with free agency in multiple ways.
First, the Vikings filled every major hole with talented players, especially in the trenches. Defensive tackle Jonathan Allen and right guard Will Fries were the biggest ticket players the Vikings added to fortify the trenches.
Most importantly, the roster is in a great place for J.J. McCarthy to take over as the starting quarterback. This is the time for a Super Bowl run for the Vikings and the National Football League world is starting to take notice.
Latest NFL Power Rankings give Vikings respect
As we exit the second wave of free agency, it’s a good time to reflect on what’s happened over the first two weeks of the league year. Pro Football Focus’ Mason Cameron compiled power rankings and gave the Vikings plenty of respect by putting them at seventh, just behind the Washington Commanders.
The Vikings faced a critical decision at quarterback — retain Sam Darnold or transition to J.J. McCarthy. Ultimately choosing the latter, Minnesota used its cap savings to aggressively attack the free-agent market, bringing in multiple starting-caliber players on both sides of the ball, including Will Fries and Jonathan Allen.
Losing a starting quarterback would typically result in a slide down the rankings, but the Vikings are still well-positioned for success. Kevin O’Connell has a proven track record of maximizing quarterback play, as evidenced by Sam Darnold’s career-best 82.0 PFF grade in 2024. Expectations will be the same for McCarthy’s development as he steps into the starting role.
Cameron’s reasoning for the Vikings is well-written. They did use their free agency money to fortify both sides of the football, but it’s the tidbit about how the Vikings are at quarterback that stands out.
He’s right that losing a starting quarterback likely means you fall down, but this isn’t a normal situation. Head coach Kevin O’Connell is a quarterback whisperer and he will do a great job with J.J. McCarthy. It also helps that McCarthy will be given the keys to a fully loaded roster that is ready to make a big run.
The Vikings continue to be in a great spot and the NFL is on notice.