The Minnesota Vikings’ roster will likely look very different next offseason as a number of players in 2017 are playing in the last year of their contract.
This current offseason has been a little different for the Minnesota Vikings than the previous two under head coach Mike Zimmer. Eight players from their 2016 roster have opted to sign with different teams this year including offensive tackle Matt Kalil, cornerback Captain Munnerlyn, and wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson.
Even more turnover should be expected next offseason as 22 members of the Vikings’ current roster are scheduled to either be a restricted or unrestricted free-agent in 2018. Of the players who are currently playing in the last year of their contract, who may no longer be wearing a purple and gold uniform past the 2017 season?
Terence Newman, CB:
The 38-year-old cornerback just re-signed with Minnesota to stay in town for at least another year. If he does end up on the Vikings’ 2018 roster, it may not be a good sign for their defensive backfield.
It is not knock against Newman’s skills, but Minnesota has invested some pretty high draft picks in the past two offseasons in Trae Waynes and Mackensie Alexander and they would rather have those investments pay off. If Newman is still on the roster next year, take it as a sign that the team is still not comfortable with Waynes or Alexander out on the field.
Marcus Sherels, PR:
Sherels has been one of the most reliable players on the Vikings’ roster since he became the team’s punt returner in 2011. With Patterson gone now, Minnesota may even have him assume the kick return duties as well next season.
He may only have one year left on his deal with the Vikings, but he is a hometown guy and his return ability would likely have to take a nose dive next season for Minnesota to really think about letting Sherels go elsewhere in 2018.
Sam Bradford, QB:
A decision on Bradford’s future with the Vikings might even be made before the 2017 season even begins. Depending on what Minnesota finds out this offseason regarding Teddy Bridgewater’s chances of ever returning, the team may decide to give Bradford a short-term extension at the least.
The quarterback had the best season of his career in 2016 and a similar type of year in 2017 would all but guarantee a new deal for him with the Vikings (especially if they make the playoffs).
But there is also the chance that Bradford could reject any type of contract offer from the team and choose to play for an organization outside of Minnesota after this upcoming season. In just one year, the Vikings quarterback situation could be in shambles.
Joe Berger, OL:
In the last few years in which Minnesota’s offensive line has looked like an abomination, Berger has been one of the position group’s few bright spots. But he will be turning 35 in May and he actually may decide to call it a career before the Vikings can make a decision about bringing him back or not.
Minnesota is hoping for an improvement in their offensive line next season with the addition of Riley Reiff, Mike Remmers, and some players from this year’s draft. If everything works out, the Vikings likely will not be offering Berger a new contract after 2017.
Jerick McKinnon, RB:
If McKinnon’s role in the Vikings’ offense was a bit smaller than it has been in the last three years, than bringing him back may be an easier decision to make. But due to other injuries in the team’s offensive backfield, McKinnon has been given a little more than his 5-foot-9 plate can handle.
In 2015, when Minnesota had a full-fledged starting running back in Adrian Peterson in the lineup, McKinnon excelled as the team’s third-down back. If he can get back to this type of role and production in 2017, he may be able to earn a new contract with the Vikings even if the team decides to draft another running back this year.
Sharrif Floyd, DT:
Floyd’s season ended early in 2016 and if someone were to ask Mike Zimmer about it, they would have thought it was the third year in a row Floyd missed a chunk of games due to injury. However, before the 2016 season, the defensive tackle had only missed a total of five games during his first three years in Minnesota.
Although he does not seem to be in a favorable position with the team’s head coach right now, a good season from Floyd in 2017 could keep the 24-year-old with the Vikings for a few more years.
Next: Kalil says he was 'harassed' by Vikings fans online
And yes, he is still only 24-years-old.