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ESPN Grades “Aggressive” Minnesota Vikings Offseason

By Adam Carlson

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The Minnesota Vikings have had an interesting offseason.  They traded away Matt Cassel (their starting quarterback from the beginning of last year), lost former Pro Bowl and All Pro fullback Jerome Felton, released veteran wide receiver Greg Jennings and let starting left guard Charlie Johnson walk.  On the other hand, the team traded for Mike Wallace, picked up cornerback Terence Newman, and had a solid draft to make fans optimistic about the 2015 season.

In an article and video on the ESPN website, staff writer Ben Goessling places a grade of A- on the Vikings offseason.  He also described Minnesota’s offseason as “aggressive”.

Goessling sites several reasons for his positive review of the Minnesota Vikings offseason.  Here are the top examples:

Aug 8, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) talks along the sidelines during the game with the Oakland Raiders at TCF Bank Stadium. Vikings win 10-6. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

Best Move: Adrian Peterson

  • Goessling says that the Minnesota Vikings best move this offseason was committing to keeping former NFL MVP and star running back Adrian Peterson.  He even gives a nod to head coach Mike Zimmer for his part in getting Peterson to remain in purple. Here’s what he said: “Peterson’s relationship with coach Mike Zimmer was a major factor in his return, and his presence should give quarterback Teddy Bridgewater some more forgiving looks from defenses in 2015.”

Nov 9, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Mike Wallace (11) runs to scores touchdown during the third quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Detroit won 20-16. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

Riskiest Move: Mike Wallace

  • Trading for disgruntled Miami Dolphins wide receiver Mike Wallace could provide the Minnesota Vikings with a viable deep threat that they haven’t had in a long time.  Or, it could be an expensive move that backfires.  From the first impression, Wallace seems ready to contribute, but as Goessling says in the article: “if things don’t work out this season, the Vikings could face a tough decision on Wallace, who is due to make $11.45 million in 2016.”

Ben Goessling also cites added competition in the secondary and drafting linebacker Eric Kendricks as reasons to be excited about the moves made in free agency and during the 2015 NFL Draft for the Minnesota Vikings.  However, he does add that there is still concern about depth on the defensive line and an open spot on the offensive line that weren’t addressed well.

What grade would you give the Minnesota Vikings for their offseason?  Do you feel the organization did enough this season to warrant such a high grade from ESPN’s Ben Goessling?  Let me know what you think in the comments below.

Next: Minnesota Vikings 2015 Game By Game Previews

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