Although the offseason got started a few weeks back for the Minnesota Vikings, one of the lingering questions has been asked even before it began: how is this team going to handle their salary cap situation?
For a team that missed the playoffs, the Vikings are in a miserable spot, cap-wise. Currently, Minnesota is in the second-worst position in the league, being roughly $48 million over the cap.
How do they navigate this situation? Executive Vice President of Football Operations Rob Brzezinski has his work cut out, but with a few particular moves, the Vikings can get near even. In fact, they don't even have to cut a player to nearly break even.
Minnesota Vikings can clear $45 million in cap space by restructuring four key contracts
Here we go. We've all heard the saying, "the salary cap is a myth." So, let's prove it to be true. Starting with wide receiver Justin Jefferson, the Vikings have a select few contract restructures they can make happen. If they were to restructure Jefferson's deal, they'd start out clearing a crisp $18 million.
There's no question Jefferson is here for the long haul, so the Vikings won't have any issue fronting some money as it converts into bonuses for a franchise cornerstone.
Next up, Minnesota could save $9 million by restructuring Christian Darrisaw's contract. The starting left tackle should still be viewed as another one of those cornerstone players, but injuries have obviously become a major concern.
After tearing his ACL and MCL in October of 2024, Darrisaw once again saw knee issues flare up late last season and was shut down once more. In the last two seasons, he's missed 17 games, total. Still, at 26 years old, the hope is that he can fully recover and return to the field once he's 100 percent.
Tight end T.J. Hockenson is an interesting case. If the Vikings wanted to cut him, they'd save $9 million by doing so. Oddly enough, by restructuring his contract, they'd also save $9 million. This is a question of whether or not the team sees him as a part of their future.
He'll be 29 this summer and has had a couple of down years in a row. Quarterback play certainly has some part in it, but we'll see how the team views him when the time comes to evaluate his production and contract.
Finally, guard Will Fries could save the Vikings another $9 million with a restructure. This now brings the total money saved to over $45 million.
Minnesota will very likely entertain some cuts as well, which would put them under the cap and give the team some breathing room. But that's a topic for another day. At least we know, now, that there is plenty of hope for Minnesota to put itself in a much healthier position, and soon.