Which Minnesota Vikings could be living on borrowed time ahead of an important offseason for the team?
Another year without playoff football is a major frustration for the Minnesota Vikings. Things just haven’t come together for a talented roster in 2021 for a number of reasons and it appears as if the window of opportunity has well and truly closed unless substantial changes are made across the board.
Sunday’s defeat at the Green Bay Packers was disappointing, if not a little bit expected, with Kirk Cousins missing the game through COVID-19. There are some pivotal upcoming decisions upcoming for the organization and it remains to be seen just which direction they’re going to go.
With little in the way of cap space right now, the Vikings are working with one hand tied behind their backs. There is also the possibility of real changes transpiring behind the scenes if reports are to be believed.
With this in mind, here are five Vikings who could be living on borrowed time.
Viking No. 1 and No. 2
Adam Zimmer/Andre Patterson
Much improvement was expected of the Vikings defense in 2021 after an uncharacteristically poor campaign. However, having the No. 31 ranked defensive unit tells its own story, and that leaves the futures of joint-coordinators Adam Zimmer and Andre Patterson in doubt.
Minnesota hasn’t been helped by a series of injuries, including another long-term absence for star defensive end Danielle Hunter. However, there is more than enough talent to be doing better, and this falls on the coaching staff as well as the players themselves.
Appointing a tandem to work alongside Mike Zimmer was a gamble. One that hasn’t paid off.