If fans look only at the Minnesota Vikings' record from the 2025 NFL season, they would think there wasn't much work for the team to do during the offseason to prepare for the upcoming slate of games on the schedule.
However, the Vikings had to deal with underwhelming play at multiple positions as well as a massive salary cap issue that would be an obstacle for the purple and gold as they attempt to recruit free agents to Minnesota.
It feels like the franchise is moving forward with a plan to beef up the trenches while getting younger and less expensive at multiple positions. Even though they still don't have a general manager in place, the front office is setting the wheels in motion for the team to prepare for the future.
CBS Sports is not impressed with how the Minnesota Vikings executed their offseason moves heading into the 2026 NFL season.
Recently, CBS Sports writer Tyler Sullivan shared an article that gave a grade to every NFC franchise in the NFL. The NFC North fared rather poorly when it comes to these grades, and the Minnesota Vikings were in the middle of the road by earning a C grade.
Interestingly, the article focuses on how the offseason will hinge on the performance of Kyler Murray. Minnesota's free agent quarterback signing should be a key factor in how far the Vikings can go, but their analysis of losing a few expensive veteran players and replacing them with younger, more salary-cap-friendly players was also met with hesitation.
"Defensively, the Vikings traded away Jonathan Greenard to the Eagles and parted ways with Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave in cost-cutting moves, so the defense may take a step back as well."
Dallas Turner will step into Jonathan Greenard's role and hopefully see his production soar. The jury is still out on the Vikings' first-round draft pick, Caleb Banks, who has dealt with foot injuries leading up to his arrival in Minnesota.
The purple and gold weren't going to wow anyone with their roster moves this offseason. The goal was to create a roster that wouldn't jeopardize the future in terms of salary cap or draft picks, and the Minnesota front office seemed to execute those moves well.
The Minnesota Vikings tied for the best grade in the NFC North. The Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers also received a C, while the Chicago Bears got a C- for their offseason.
Add us as a preferred source on Google