How come the Vikings haven’t extended Mike Zimmer yet?
By Dean Jones
Why are the Vikings waiting?
There are so many pressing priorities regarding the Vikings’ roster that need to be resolved. This might have left Mike Zimmer and the organization agreeing to put off any contract negotiations until they have sorted out glaring needs.
It is entirely reasonable to think that Zimmer might have been promised a new deal following free agency and the NFL Draft. What this gives both parties is time to form a plan of action that will stand the Vikings in good stead for years to come.
Zimmer and other decision-makers in Minnesota have made some bold moves during the offseason so far. Releasing high earners who were underperforming was expected and the locker room will be a much calmer place now that wide receiver Stefon Diggs is no longer with the franchise.
With that said, departed players need replacing with people who can match, if not improve, their production. The Vikings are going to need a few home runs in the draft to give them the best possible chance of succeeding going forward.
There is a slight chance that the Wilf family is not entirely convinced Zimmer is the man to take the team forward. Opting to wait until his contract has expired is a gamble in itself. The head coach will not be short of suitors if Minnesota has a good season and it will cost nothing for a team to bring him in.
This would result in a very precarious situation for the Vikings if they wanted to retain Zimmer’s services.