Anonymous NFL executives critical of Vikings offseason moves

[ASFN Admin]

The Minnesota Vikings addressed several roster needs last month in free agency, but that doesn't mean everyone is a fan of their approach.

Mike Sando of The Athletic wrote a column this week in which he spoke to various NFL executives around the league. They shared their thoughts on moves made around the league by teams other than their own. The Vikings were criticized for taking older players, likening their transactions to those made by the Indianapolis Colts in 2015.

"It’s like the 2015 Colts all over again, signing older guys who have been hurt, who are on third or fourth contracts. . ."

The executive referenced the Colts doing the same thing when they signed Trent Cole, Andre Johnson, and Frank Gore in 2015. Ironically, the Colts' GM at the time, Ryan Grigson, has served as the Vikings' senior vice president of player personnel since 2022. Some are wondering if Kwesi Adofo-Mensah is truly in charge in Minnesota.

Still, the Vikings have had success adding veterans in recent seasons. That could mean Minnesota knows what it's doing, believing the reward outweighs the risk of adding players who missed significant time in 2024.

“There is no more fascinating team than Minnesota because they have 13- and 14-win seasons over the past three years but no playoff win to show for it and only one division title,” another exec said. “The head coach seems like a difference maker, a multiplier. If Kwesi does not get a new deal, would they just promote Grigson? It’s fascinating.”

"...You cannot build a team with old players, especially old players who have been cut because they were hurt,” the first exec said.

Fortunately, the Vikings haven't built a team with old players. In recent seasons, they've moved on from players like Adam Thielen, Dalvin Cook, and Eric Kendricks. Their quarterback, J.J. McCarthy, is 22 years old, and Christian Darrisaw and Justin Jefferson will be 26 when the season begins. Their core identity, the passing game, is full of youth.

Many players they added in free agency may be older but are being counted on to fill holes on the roster, not become cornerstone pieces. They also added players like Jordan Mason, who will also be 26, to split carries with Aaron Jones, who is 30.

Adofo-Mensah is an unconventional general manager. Right or wrong, he will be criticized for moves that go against the grain in most front offices. Still, the article feels like a massive reach by the other executives.

This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: Report: NFL Executives critical of Vikings offseason signings

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