Report: Vikings add another year to Rick Spielman’s contract

Just as it was revealed a few weeks ago that the Minnesota Vikings had extended the contract of Mike Zimmer, they have reportedly done the same for their general manager.

For the last seven seasons, Rick Spielman has been the general manager for the Minnesota Vikings. During this same time period, each of the other three teams in the NFC North have switched their general managers at least once.

It’s no coincidence, that the Vikings have accumulated the most total wins (40) of any team in the NFC over the last four years with Spielman in control. During his time with Minnesota, he has been able to construct a roster that has allowed the franchise to remain competitive as they head into each season.

Heading into 2019, it has been previously reported that the current contract for the Vikings general manager only has him signed through the upcoming season. However, a recent report has revealed new details about Spielman’s current deal with Minnesota that indicate he will be sticking around for at least a little bit longer.

On Tuesday, the Star Tribune’s Ben Goessling reported that the Vikings have extended their general manager’s contract through the 2020 season, just as they did with head coach Mike Zimmer back in February.

It’s a move that shouldn’t be too surprising to most. Minnesota’s ownership has certainly been satisfied with the work that Zimmer and Spielman have done together over the past few years. But the Vikings’ owners also know that changes may have to be made if next season results in the team missing out on the playoffs once again.

Does the extension mean a whole lot for Spielman’s future in Minnesota? No, not really. It’s just makes it easier for the Vikings to negotiate a longer extension if the team ends up being successful in 2019.

Spielman gets ripped on by some of the Minnesota fan base for missing on a handful of draft picks and free agent signings during his time with the team. Without him in control though, the Vikings probably don’t have players like Danielle Hunter, Stefon Diggs, Dalvin Cook, Eric Kendricks, Harrison Smith, Linval Joseph, or Adam Thielen on their current roster.

He’s definitely made some bad decisions during his tenure as Minnesota’s general manager. But the good choices Spielman has made over the years with the Vikings far outweigh any of the bad.