4 biggest disappointments from the Vikings 2022 offseason
By Dean Jones
What are the biggest disappointments from an eventful 2022 off-season for the Minnesota Vikings?
We are officially in gameday week for the Minnesota Vikings ahead of their 2022 season opener against the Green Bay Packers. A major opportunity for the new coaching staff to make a statement against their fierce NFC North title rivals.
It’s been a dramatic offseason from start to finish where the Vikings are concerned. Some huge decisions were made to get this organization trending in the right direction, which has left many wondering whether Minnesota can emerge as a lively outsider for the Super Bowl if everything clicks into place.
That might be a stretch for a team that missed the postseason for a second-straight year in 2021. But it cannot be dismissed entirely given the strength at key positional groups and an offensive-minded approach with Kevin O’Connell at the helm.
Before we focus on the new campaign, here are four big disappointments from the Vikings’ 2022 offseason.
Big Disappointment No. 1
Letting Xavier Woods walk
Much will depend on how Lewis Cine and Camryn Bynum step up next season, but considering how much Xavier Woods got from the Carolina Panthers in free agency, keeping him around was an attainable goal.
The safety enjoyed a bounce-back campaign in 2021 alongside Harrison Smith. Woods has also been praised for his integration and ability to enhance communication in Carolina despite missing the early offseason workouts due to a personal matter.
Hopefully, the Vikings have enough to compensate for Woods’ departure. But there is just no telling for sure until these young guys get a good sample size in a competitive setting.