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Now that the Super Bowl match-up and the top 30 draft positions are set we can really dive into the possibilities for 2020. Obviously, there has been some coaching changes which I am not qualified to say is good or bad so I will stick with it’s okay.
The Vikings are under the cap and have to do some serious gymnastics. I was motivated to do this version because there seems to be a belief among some fans that the Vikings do not have many options to get enough space under the cap and that they cannot be players in the free agent market. They may choose not to be active but that is a different discussion.
So without further ado I am presenting a sort of dream scenario for me ...
I am using the overthecap calculator to make moves because they allow you to extend players and to set the restructure amount. I am using fanspeak for the mock. Their Ultimate GM simulator is OK but it does not allow extensions and it determines the restructure amounts.
https://overthecap.com/calculator/minnesota-vikings/
Here is what overthecap has to start. I believe the ($9,673,264) amount includes 5 mil for the rookie pool which is unnecessary until the final 53 cut down. Here is an article that explains this fact.
https://overthecap.com/explaining-the-nfl-rookie-pool-and-its-impact-on-the-salary-cap/
Cap space by season
Year - Total Liabilities - Salary Cap (Projected) - Cap Room
2020 - $210,679,240 - $201,005,976 - ($9,673,264)
2021 - $177,070,807 - $201,005,976 - $23,935,169
2022 - $136,829,266 - $201,005,976 - $64,176,710
2023 - $79,130,000 - $201,005,976 - $121,875,976
2024 - $16,000,000 - $201,005,976 - $185,005,976
The first moves are easy to suggest if you are not actually running the team.
Griffen’s deal can void if he wants or the team can release him to free the cap space. Either way he is not going to have that cap number in 2020.
Rhodes seems to be a popular player to release which may or may not happen. I can see the Vikings trying to restructure Rhodes especially if they anticipate not being able to extend Waynes and Alexander.
Cutting Reiff would create a huge need for a left tackle or right tackle if they want to move O’Neil over which I think is not a bad idea. Tyron Smith and Nate Solder both started off on the right side. Seeing as O'Neill played his last season at Pitt at left tackle it should not be too tough for him to reacclimate. I think Reiff’s 13 mil cap hit may be too much to leave as is and unless they are going to extend him a season or two there is not much room to restructure. I think it would be difficult to ask him to take a pay cut too.
Cutting Joseph would be the hardest thing to do and restructuring his deal would free up some money this season and then make it much easier to release him next season. But we will leave it as it is for now but keep it as a consideration.
Release Griffen, Rhodes, Joseph, Reiff
Year - Total Liabilities - Salary Cap (Projected) - Cap Room
2020 - $170,129,240 - $201,005,976 - $30,876,736
2021 - $122,120,807 - $201,005,976 - $78,885,169
2022 - $94,979,266 - $201,005,976 - $106,026,710
2023 - $79,130,000 - $201,005,976 - $121,875,976
2024 - $16,000,000 - $201,005,976 - $185,005,976
These next moves do not require player permission. In large contracts, teams have included the ability for them to restructure.
https://www.profootballrumors.com/2019/06/nfl-restructuring-contracts
Restructure Diggs - $6,000,000 of 2020 salary saves 5,000,000
Restructure Thielen - $3,500,000 of 2020 salary saves 2,800,000
Restructure Barr - $4,000,000 of 2020 salary saves 3,000,000
Restructure Hunter - $5,000,000 of 2020 salary saves 3,750,000
Year - Total Liabilities - Salary Cap (Projected) - Cap Room
2020 - $156,079,240 - $201,005,976 - $44,926,736
2021 - $126,570,807 - $201,005,976 - $74,435,169
2022 - $99,424,266 - $201,005,976 - $101,581,710
2023 - $83,580,000 - $201,005,976 - $117,425,976
2024 - $16,700,000 - $201,005,976 - $184,305,976
Extend Trae Waynes with a 4 year 36 mil deal
contract comps Bradley Roby, Justin Coleman, Steven Nelson
Year - Total Liabilities - Salary Cap (Projected) - Cap Room
2020 - $160,079,240 - $201,005,976 - $40,926,736
2021 - $135,570,807 - $201,005,976 - $65,435,169
2022 - $110,924,266 - $201,005,976 - $90,081,710
2023 - $95,080,000 - $201,005,976 - $105,925,976
2024 - $16,700,000 - $201,005,976 - $184,305,976
Extend Anthony Harris with a 4 year 40 mil deal with incentives
contract comps Adrian Amos, Lamarcus Joyner
Year - Total Liabilities - Salary Cap (Projected) - Cap Room
2020 - $164,079,240 - $201,005,976 - $36,926,736
2021 - $147,570,807 - $201,005,976 - $53,435,169
2022 - $122,924,266 - $201,005,976 - $78,081,710
2023 - $107,080,000 - $201,005,976 - $93,925,976
2024 - $16,700,000 - $201,005,976 - $184,305,976
Andrew Sendejo receives 1 year 1.5 mil extension
Year - Total Liabilities - Salary Cap (Projected) - Cap Room
2020 - $165,579,240 - $201,005,976 - $35,426,736
2021 - $147,570,807 - $201,005,976 - $53,435,169
2022 - $122,924,266 - $201,005,976 - $78,081,710
2023 - $107,080,000 - $201,005,976 - $93,925,976
2024 - $16,700,000 - $201,005,976 - $184,305,976
Extend Dan Bailey with a 2 year 2 mil deal
contract comp Randy Bullock
Year - Total Liabilities - Salary Cap (Projected) - Cap Room
2020 - $167,379,240 - $201,005,976 - $33,626,736
2021 - $149,770,807 - $201,005,976 - $51,235,169
2022 - $122,924,266 - $201,005,976 - $78,081,710
2023 - $107,080,000 - $201,005,976 - $93,925,976
2024 - $16,700,000 - $201,005,976 - $184,305,976
Extend Britton Colquitt with a 2 year 2 mil deal
contract comp Jordan Berry
Year - Total Liabilities - Salary Cap (Projected) - Cap Room
2020 - $169,179,240 - $201,005,976 - $31,826,736
2021 - $151,970,807 - $201,005,976 - $49,035,169
2022 - $122,924,266 - $201,005,976 - $78,081,710
2023 - $107,080,000 - $201,005,976 - $93,925,976
2024 - $16,700,000 - $201,005,976 - $184,305,976
Extend CJ Ham with a 3 year 6 mil deal
contract comp Andy Janovich
Year - Total Liabilities - Salary Cap (Projected) - Cap Room
2020 - $170,169,240 - $201,005,976 - $30,836,736
2021 - $153,970,807 - $201,005,976 - $47,035,169
2022 - $125,424,266 - $201,005,976 - $75,581,710
2023 - $107,080,000 - $201,005,976 - $93,925,976
2024 - $16,700,000 - $201,005,976 - $184,305,976
Eric Wilson receives original round RFA tender of $2,144,000
Year - Total Liabilities - Salary Cap (Projected) - Cap Room
2020 - $171,803,240 - $201,005,976 - $29,202,736
2021 - $153,970,807 - $201,005,976 - $47,035,169
2022 - $125,424,266 - $201,005,976 - $75,581,710
2023 - $107,080,000 - $201,005,976 - $93,925,976
2024 - $16,700,000 - $201,005,976 - $184,305,976
Mannion, Treadwell, Abdullah, Hill, Jones, Dozier, Waynes, Sherels, Brothers, Weatherly, & Kearse will be free to test the market and maybe circle back.
After all these moves the Vikings have 29.2 mil left to add free agents. They have NOT extended Cousins in this plan. I think that by keeping Waynes, Harris, and Sendejo the secondary is not an urgent need. You need another safety for depth and maybe to take over for Smith one day. You need another corner just because you always need corners. But they signed 3 corners to futures contracts. The big need is an offensive tackle, defensive tackle, and an offensive guard.
In this dream plan, here is what I would do ...
Sign Joe Thuney to a 5 year 65 mil deal
comp Andrew Norwell, Brandon Brooks
Year - Total Liabilities - Salary Cap (Projected) - Cap Room
2020 - $175,793,240 - $201,005,976 - $25,212,736
2021 - $167,470,807 - $201,005,976 - $33,535,169
2022 - $139,924,266 - $201,005,976 - $61,081,710
2023 - $123,580,000 - $201,005,976 - $77,425,976
2024 - $33,200,000 - $201,005,976 - $167,805,976
Sign Jack Conklin to a 6 year 84 mil deal
comp Ja’Wuan James, Jake Matthews, Donovan Smith
Year - Total Liabilities - Salary Cap (Projected) - Cap Room
2020 - $182,283,240 - $201,005,976 - $18,722,736
2021 - $181,470,807 - $201,005,976 - $19,535,169
2022 - $154,924,266 - $201,005,976 - $46,081,710
2023 - $140,580,000 - $201,005,976 - $60,425,976
2024 - $50,200,000 - $201,005,976 - $150,805,976
2025 - $14,000,000 - $201,005,976 - $187,005,976
Sign Michael Pierce to a 3 year 15 mil deal
comp Malcolm Brown, Beau Allen
Year - Total Liabilities - Salary Cap (Projected) - Cap Room
2020 - $185,773,240 - $201,005,976 - $15,232,736
2021 - $188,470,807 - $201,005,976 - $12,535,169
2022 - $161,924,266 - $201,005,976 - $39,081,710
2023 - $140,580,000 - $201,005,976 - $60,425,976
2024 - $50,200,000 - $201,005,976 - $150,805,976
2025 - $14,000,000 - $201,005,976 - $187,005,976
These numbers reflect the projected salary cap staying the same amount in every year.
But, it is reasonable to expect the cap to go up at the same rate of 6.4% which changes the numbers to this ...
Year - Total Liabilities - Salary Cap (Projected) - Cap Room
2020 - $185,773,240 - $201,005,976 - $15,232,736
2021 - $188,470,807 - $213,811,952 - $25,341,145
2022 - $161,924,266 - $227,433,789 - $65,509,523
2023 - $140,580,000 - $241,923,466 - $101,343,466
2024 - $50,200,000 - $257,336,272 - $207,136,272
2025 - $14,000,000 - $273,731,019 - $259,731,019
That makes 2021, not look too bad considering that Dalvin Cook, Pat Elflein, Jaleel Johnson, Ben Gedeon, Aviante Collins, Ifeadi Odenigbo, Holtin Hill, Mike Boone, Hercules Mata’afa, Chad Beebe, Cameron Smith, & Alexander Hollins all could be free agents.
In 2021, some possible cuts could be Rudolph (save 5.1 mil), Kline (save 5 mil), & Stephen (save 3.75 mil). Smith has no dead money so if he were gone they would save 10.25 mil. Perhaps he will get another couple of years.
Just with Rudolph, Kline, & Stephen an additional 14.85 mil would be available bringing the total to about 40 mil. Also, the remaining 15.2 mil in 2020 has to have 5 mil removed for the rookies. But the other 10 mil could carry over if unused. They can extend Cook with some of this amount as well.
I think adding two years to Cook’s deal makes sense. Give him a 12 mil signing bonus and salaries of 7.5 mil & 9.5 mil in 2021 & 2022. They can guarantee 20.8 mil which is the first two years. They could add some hefty incentives based on games or snaps played as well as performance goals being reached. This would average out to 10.1 mil per year with the chance to go higher. But that is not in this plan either.
Heading into the draft the roster would look like this ...
QB - Cousins, Browning
RB - Cook, Mattison, Boone
FB - Ham, Brooks-James
WR - Thielen, Diggs, Johnson, Beebe, Hollins, Mitchell, Davis
TE - Rudolph, Smith, Morgan, Conklin, Dillon
LT - O’Neill, Collins
LG - Thuney, Elflein
OC - Bradbury, Keenoy
RG - Kline, Samia
RT - Conklin, Udoh
DE - Hunter, Odenigbo, Mata’afa, Yarbrough
DT - Pierce, Stephen, Johnson, Holmes, Watts
LB - Barr, Kendricks, Wilson, Gedeon, Smith
CB - Waynes, Hughes, Hill, Boyd, Sayles, Hall, Fields
S - Smith, Harris, Sendejo, Meadors
PK - Bailey
P - Colquitt
LS - Cutting
... The offensive line would be set. You could look to upgrade the right guard spot and swing tackle spot but it would not be urgent.
You might want to get a QB for depth or sign a veteran for cheap.
You would need to get a wide receiver that is a threat to be #3 on the depth chart.
You would need to look at upgrading the 3 technique at defensive tackle.
You would need to look at bringing in another defensive end.
You would need a couple of linebackers and one could come undrafted.
And, you would need to get a corner and safety as usual.
https://fanspeak.com/ontheclock/sharedraft.php?d=puljup
TRADES
CLEVELAND BROWNS
SENT: ROUND: 1 PICK: 25 & FUTURE ROUND 1 PICK
RECEIVED: ROUND: 1 PICK: 10
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
SENT: ROUND: 2 PICK: 26
RECEIVED: ROUND: 2 PICK: 32 & ROUND: 6 PICK: 35
LA RAMS
SENT: ROUND: 4 PICK: 26 & ROUND: 7 PICK: 25
RECEIVED: ROUND: 4 PICK: 20
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
SENT: ROUND: 6 PICK: 26 & ROUND: 7 PICK: 5
RECEIVED: ROUND: 6 PICK: 16 & ROUND: 7 PICK: 16
10: R1P10 QB JUSTIN HERBERT OREGON
HT: 6061 | WT: 227 | HAND: 10 | ARM: 33 3/8 | WING: 78 7/8
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64: R2P32 DL RAEKWON DAVIS ALABAMA
HT: 6061 | WT: 312
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89: R3P25 EDGE JAMES LYNCH BAYLOR
HT: 6032 | WT: 295
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123: R4P20 S KYLE DUGGER LENOIR-RHYNE
HT: 6006 | WT: 217 | HAND: 10 1/8 | ARM 32 3/4 | WING: 78
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138: R4P35 WR DEVIN DUVERNAY TEXAS
HT: 5104 | WT: 202 | HAND: 9 | ARM: 30 3/8 | WING: 75 1/4
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195: R6P16 CB TROY PRIDE JR. NOTRE DAME
HT: 5113 | WT: 193 | HAND: 8 3/8 | ARM: 31 3/8 | WING: 73 3/4
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214: R6P35 OT ALEX TAYLOR SOUTH CAROLINA STATE
HT: 6084 | WT: 308 | HAND: 11 | ARM: 36 1/8 | WING: 88
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230: R7P16 LB CAM BROWN PENN STATE
HT: 6053 | WT: 232 | HAND: 9 3/8 | ARM: 33 7/8 | WING: 79
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253: R7P39 C GAGE CERVENKA CLEMSON
HT: 6030 | WT: 325
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254: R7P40 LB LOGAN WILSON WYOMING
HT: 6021 | WT: 241 | HAND: 9 1/4 | ARM: 32 | WING: 77 1/8
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Here is the roster after the draft ...
QB - Cousins, Browning, Herbert
RB - Cook, Mattison, Boone
FB - Ham, Brooks-James
WR - Thielen, Diggs, Johnson, Beebe, Hollins, Mitchell, Davis, Duvernay
TE - Rudolph, Smith, Morgan, Conklin, Dillon
LT - O’Neill, Collins, Taylor
LG - Thuney, Elflein, Cervenka
OC - Bradbury, Keenoy
RG - Kline, Samia
RT - Conklin, Udoh
DE - Hunter, Odenigbo, Mata’afa, Yarbrough, Lynch
DT - Pierce, Stephen, Johnson, Holmes, Watts, Davis
LB - Barr, Kendricks, Wilson, Gedeon, Smith, Brown, Wilson
CB - Waynes, Hughes, Hill, Boyd, Sayles, Hall, Fields, Pride Jr.
S - Smith, Harris, Sendejo, Meadors, Dugger
PK - Bailey
P - Colquitt
LS - Cutting
I anticipate the most complaints will be about giving up a future 1st to get Herbert. I think the Chiefs and Texans proved that it is not a bad idea. Is Herbert worth the trade up and will he even be there? I can easily see him going before #10. But only Burrow and Tua went before #10 and so I thought it would be great to see the Vikings do something bold.
In the 2nd round, Davis as a ton of value and having Patterson coach him up may flip a switch. I really like Lynch and I suspect teams will too. I really do not think many of these players will be available where I have them but you never know. Well, most of us don’t really know. There will be some who do know.
Here is an alternate draft ...
https://fanspeak.com/ontheclock/sharedraft.php?d=msazow
TRADES
CLEVELAND BROWNS
SENT: ROUND: 1 PICK: 25 & FUTURE ROUND 1 PICK
RECEIVED: ROUND: 1 PICK: 10
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
SENT: ROUND: 2 PICK: 26
RECEIVED: ROUND: 2 PICK: 32 & ROUND: 4 PICK: 40
DENVER BRONCOS
SENT: ROUND: 3 PICK: 25
RECEIVED: ROUND: 3 PICK: 32 & ROUND: 5 PICK: 32
BALTIMORE RAVENS
SENT: ROUND: 4 PICK: 35 & ROUND: 7 PICK: 39
RECEIVED: ROUND: 4 PICK: 28
NEW YORK GIANTS
SENT: ROUND: 4 PICK: 40
RECEIVED: ROUND: 5 PICK: 4 & ROUND: 7 PICK: 24
CAROLINA PANTHERS
SENT: ROUND: 6 PICK: 26 & ROUND: 7 PICK: 24
RECEIVED: ROUND: 6 PICK: 5
10: R1P10 QB TUA TAGOVAILOA ALABAMA
64: R2P32 WR BRANDON AIYUK ARIZONA STATE
96: R3P32 EDGE JASON STROWBRIDGE NORTH CAROLINA
129: R4P26 OT CALVIN THROCKMORTON OREGON
131: R4P28 S KYLE DUGGER LENOIR-RHYNE
150: R5P4 CB TROY PRIDE JR. NOTRE DAME
178: R5P32 RB AJ DILLON BOSTON COLLEGE
184: R6P5 DL DAVON HAMILTON OHIO STATE
219: R7P5 LB CAM BROWN PENN STATE
239: R7P25 WR JOE REED VIRGINIA
254: R7P40 LB LOGAN WILSON WYOMING
I like both of these drafts. I could see the Vikings staying put and hoping to get Jordan Love, Jacob Eason, or Jalen Hurts at #26 too. That way they save their 2021 1st round pick which is a strong consideration.
The point here is that the Vikings have ways to create plenty of cap space. It all depends on which direction they choose to go. They could even extend Cousins in this plan if they wanted.
I think there will be plenty of competition for Thuney and Conklin in free agency so it may cost more. It could even get ridiculous like what happened with Trent Brown last year. Also, moving O’Neill over comes with some trepidation.
But it is time for the Vikings to be BOLD!