There are some positions open for new starters or contributors during the 2024 NFL season and the Minnesota Vikings will need to fill those holes.
When looking at the players scheduled to hit free agency this offseason, it becomes clear that the Minnesota Vikings will have some huge work to do. Replacing those departing players could be a bigger task than many fans think.
The Vikings have some resources available. A limited amount of salary cap space and selections in the 2024 NFL Draft could allow the team to reload on talent, but finding an immediate starter isn't a simple task.
Some of the positions that will be up for grabs in 2024 are major positions where those individuals will have a huge impact on the outcome of games. Making the right decisions this offseason will shape the future of the franchise in Minnesota.
The Minnesota Vikings will be busy this offseason. Adding talent at multiple positions is essential. Making sure they have quality players at these six positions will need to be a top priority for Kwesi Adofo-Mensah in order to have a successful 2024 season.
Vikings position up for grabs No. 1
Quarterback
It feels strange to think that the Minnesota Vikings don't have a starting quarterback on their roster at the minute. For several years, Kirk Cousins was the reliable option for the Minnesota Vikings but now he could move on to another team.
Making the decision on whether to re-sign Cousins or attempt to find a potential quarterback of the future is going to be a massive choice that will impact the team immensely. Committing to one resolution will be tough.
At the moment, the Vikings have Nick Mullens and Jaren Hall returning for 2024. Although both those players are interesting, neither should be considered as a serious candidate to be Minnesota's starter in 2024.
Adding to the stress of the quarterback situation, Justin Jefferson has expressed that hewants to know the quarterback situation before he signs an extension. And getting that decision wrong could cause a huge domino effect.
Vikings position up for grabs No. 2
Edge rusher
The media has been talking about the Minnesota Vikings and their situation at quarterback non-stop since the start of the offseason but the team also has a massive issue on the defensive side of the ball that could be a major problem.
Danielle Hunter is coming off a career-year and is set to be paid as one of the top edge rushers in the NFL. A team will likely offer him an absurdly large contract that will be nearly impossible for the Vikings to match.
Hunter isn't the only edge rusher that is set to hit free agency this offseason. Marcus Davenport and D.J. Wonnum could both be testing free agency if they aren't re-signed before they hit the open market on March 13.
Considering how aggressive Brian Flores can be with the Minnesota Vikings defense and the youth at in the secondary, making sure there are quality pass rushers available needs to be a top priority this offseason.
Vikings position up for grabs No. 3
Wide receiver 3
The Minnesota Vikings have superstar wide receiver Justin Jefferson and 2023 first-round pick Jordan Addison returning for the 2024 NFL season but the depth past them is highly questionable and the team will need to find contributors.
K.J. Osborn and Brandon Powell are both set to hit free agency, leaving the door wide open for one of the young receivers on the roster or a fresh face to carve themselves a major role for the upcoming 2024 NFL season.
Considering Minnesota doesn't know who will be throwing the ball to these players yet, chemistry might not be an important factor in signing or drafting a pass-catcher and potential could be more important.
Although not likely a top priority this offseason, making sure the next Minnesota Vikings quarterback has as many weapons as possible could mean the difference between a successful season and a frustrating one.
Vikings position up for grabs No. 4
Inside linebacker
If not for a contract alteration, the Minnesota Vikings could have been looking for two interior linebackers last season. However, Jordan Hicks stuck around for another year and did a good job holding down things in the middle with breakout rookie Ivan Pace Jr.
Now, Hicks is hitting free agency and Minnesota is once again looking for a linebacker who can hold things down in the middle. Troy Dye and Nick Vigil are also set to become free agents, removing some depth as well.
Expect the Vikings to sign a budget linebacker or use a mid-round draft pick on a player to fill Hicks' shoes in 2024. Another option is to look to trade for an established player they believe could be of assistance.
Having talent for Brian Flores during his second year as the defensive coordinator of the Minnesota Vikings is important and the team will need to do a little reloading in the middle of the team's defense this offseason.
Vikings position up for grabs No. 5
Left guard
Ezra Cleveland was traded away for draft compensation during the final year of his contract and replaced with Dalton Risner at left guard, who had a very strong season upon signing with the Minnesota Vikings.
Protecting their new quarterback and opening up holes in the run game are two parts of the offense that need to be evaluated seriously this offseason. There were major struggles in both those areas and deciding who should be the team's left guard is where it starts this offseason.
Bringing back Risner would be the easy answer, but the young offensive lineman has likely played himself into an opportunity to land a much larger contract annually than his previous one in Minnesota.
Chris Reed is also becoming a free agent, making depth on the interior of the line thin. Expect the Minnesota Vikings to address the right guard position at some time in the middle rounds of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Vikings position up for grabs No. 6
Kicker
Greg Joseph is hitting free agency and the Minnesota Vikings will need to decide if they want to try to re-sign him or if they want to move on to find a different player to take over that duty for the 2024 NFL season.
Last year, Joseph was completely flawless with his kicks from inside 40 yards, where he hit all 17 of his attempts. However, from 40 and out, he made seven of his 13 kicks including a season-long 54-yard boot.
Being automatic from short and medium range is good but only hitting about half of the kicks from deeper is a bit of a concern. Bringing Greg Joseph back would be a safe and inexpensive move and it would give him an opportunity to improve on the longer kicks.
In today's NFL, kickers aren't as highly sought after in the draft anymore. The Minnesota Vikings could look to an undrafted free agent or two to compete for the kicker position this season but hopefully they make a good decision.