The Minnesota Vikings have made some notable moves following the recent NFL Draft. The team exercised Justin Jefferson’s fifth-year option, securing the Pro Bowl wide receiver for the 2022 season. Additionally, the Vikings signed rookie wideout Drake London to a four-year deal. These moves come following the release of veteran wide receiver Adam Thielen, who was let go due to salary cap reasons.
Jefferson has already made a name for himself in the league after a record-breaking rookie season. He caught 88 passes for 1,400 yards and seven touchdowns in 2020, setting new franchise records and earning himself a Pro Bowl appearance. With the fifth-year option now exercised, the Vikings have locked up the talented wide receiver, giving them more time to negotiate a potential long-term extension.
London, on the other hand, is a promising rookie who was picked up by the Vikings in the 2022 NFL Draft. Although he struggled to replicate his college success during his time at USC, the first-round talent caught 100 passes for 1,593 yards and 17 touchdowns in his sophomore season at Pitt. With the Vikings, he will have the opportunity to learn from Jefferson and join a strong receiving corps that already includes K.J. Osborn and Ihmir Smith-Marsette.
The addition of London also fits well into the team’s changing wide receiver cost structure. With Thielen’s departure, the Vikings are now able to allocate more resources towards their younger players. Addison will likely draw favorable matchups on his rookie contract, and his arrival also provides insurance against a potential 2024 K.J. Osborn free agency exit.
The Vikings’ recent moves suggest that the team is focused on building a strong, young core of players. In addition to Jefferson and London, the team has also signed Jordan Addison, a rookie receiver who impressed head coach Kevin O’Connell at the team’s recent rookie minicamp.
But the Vikings still have several options to consider in order to improve their team. Following the recent trade of edge rusher Danielle Hunter, the team has prioritized Hunter’s extension, which could help free up money for the future.
Jefferson may also be in line for a record-setting extension over the next two years, which would help the Vikings with their salary cap flexibility. The team could also consider adding experienced cornerbacks such as Marcus Peters, and power rushers such as Jadeveon Clowney or Justin Houston.
Finally, extending T.J. Hockenson could help the team, with flexibility created by adding a signing bonus to his current $9.329m salary. Hockenson, who was drafted by the Detroit Lions in 2019, has emerged as one of the NFL’s top tight ends in recent years.
Overall, the Minnesota Vikings are making smart moves to build a strong, young team. With Jefferson’s fifth-year option exercised and the addition of promising rookie wide receivers, the Vikings’ future looks bright. However, the team still has some work to do in order to compete at the highest level in the NFL.
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