The offseason will officially begin on Monday, when the Super Bowl confetti will be removed from the field at the Mercedez-Benz Superdome. Most coaching vacancies and interviews have been resolved, so teams can move on from this process and uncertainty.
Although the Minnesota Vikings went 14-3 in 2024, they still need to fill roster holes. Twenty-five players are set to hit free agency, and so far, players from the 2023 and 2024 drafts who were not named Jordan Addison still need to prove their worth.
The 33rd Team listed four position needs for every team, and the Vikings have several familiar spots popping up again this offseason. The positions are:
- Cornerback
- Defensive tackle (or interior defensive line, as the Vikings play a 3-4 defense)
- Safety
- Interior offensive line
They explained the needs:
What the Minnesota Vikings continue to do without stars at key defensive positions is a testament to Brian Flores’ abilities. The change from reliable but limited veterans to more explosive young players is risky and not something most coaches enjoy, but it is necessary for the Vikings to hit their peak with this staff.
The offense can be an afterthought in comparison, but upgrades at left guard and center would benefit whoever is under center next year.
Most fans and analysts would agree with these spots. Josh Metellus is the only starter set to return in the secondary right now. The interior offensive line has been a mess over the past decade. And although the interior defensive line was effective in shutting down the running game, the Vikings need a consistent pass-rushing presence from the inside.
Fortunately, the Vikings have almost $57 million in “effective cap space” entering the 2025 offseason to address these needs. If they can enter the draft only needing to address one of these spots, the 2025 season could improve the 2024 season.
