5 most questionable Vikings moves during the 2022 offseason
By Dean Jones
Letting Tyler Conklin walk
This was probably taken out of the Vikings’ hands to a certain degree considering how much Tyler Conklin got from the New York Jets in free agency. The former fifth-round pick signed a three-year, $20.5 million deal that also came with a $5.06 million signing bonus and $10 million guaranteed, which was something his previous employers couldn’t match at the time due to their financial complications.
Conklin made the most out of additional reps after Irv Smith Jr. missed the entire campaign through injury. The tight end was a real force blocking and also managed to grab 61 receptions from 87 targets for 593 receiving yards and three touchdowns.
The Vikings are clearly banking on Smith to finally rid himself of the injury problems that have blighted his time in the league so far. There is no denying the player’s talent. It’s keeping the Alabama product on the field that poses the biggest obstacle.
Minnesota has not addressed the tight-end position effectively behind Smith. Something that could leave them regretting the fact that they didn’t do more to keep Conklin on the books.
With that being said, the Jets is a tremendous landing spot for Conklin. The team has done everything to assist second-year quarterback Zach Wilson this offseason, which could lead to bigger and better things for Gang Green moving forward.