Although we’re now into the portion of the yr when Vikings rumors aren’t as plentiful, we’ll nonetheless be highlighting a number of the purple rumblings.
The “Vikings Rumor Wrangle” is a collection that retains readers knowledgeable on what’s being whispered about in Vikings Land. On this iteration, we talk about Kirk Cousins dropping some leverage in contract negotiations, Justin Jefferson sending out phrase of his need to play once more, and Minnesota’s great likelihood of entering into the playoffs.
The Vikings Rumors: 11.15.2023
Rumor #1 — Kirk Cousins is Shedding Leverage in Contract Negotiations
There’s some cruelty in even exploring the subject, and but there could also be some reality to the thought.
Josh Dobbs has put collectively a pair of sturdy performances although he had been on the town for mere days in Week 9 after which every week and a bit in Week 10. If the Passtronaut leads the Vikings to the playoffs and perhaps even a win or two whereas there, will the Vikings then hand over a pile of assured cash to #8? In truth, nobody is aware of. A lot of the season stays and so too do the playoffs. Lots must occur.
Lots of people across the Vikings, although, are eager about the chance. Contemplate what Dustin Baker needed to say on Vikings Territory: “When Cousins pulls up a chair on the negotiation desk in February or March, he’ll ask for his typical $35-$50 million per season. Earlier than Josh Dobbs emerged, the Vikings appeared content material to presumably oblige the asking value. However why would Minnesota need Cousins again at an enormous pricepoint if Kevin O’Connell’s system, by that point, had advanced to the purpose the place any good quarterback might make the offense hum?”
There are competing forces at work. Kirk Cousins is a beloved chief who was legitimately enjoying the most effective soccer of his profession earlier than falling to damage. Till the Achilles, he was an iron man, by no means getting damage. And but there’s additionally the fact of being 36 subsequent August and coming off of a severe damage. Do these elements match inside Minnesota’s aggressive rebuild, particularly since he at all times insists on main assured cash?
The higher Dobbs (who’s 28) performs, the much less leverage Cousins could have in February and March. Relaxation assured, although, that if Minnesota isn’t keen at hand over main cash, one other workforce definitely will probably be. Cousins was enjoying at an All-Professional stage earlier than being misplaced for the season.
Rumor #2 — Justin Jefferson Took to Social Media to Clarify How Excited He’s to Return
True, he definitely did.
Check out the word from the star receiver: “I can’t wait to get on the sector with this workforce once more!!!” The receiver even tosses in some emojis on the finish of his message, apparently in an effort to additional show his pleasure. The tweet has been seen greater than two and a half million occasions, so the message has been heard loud and clear across the NFL.
In some way, the Vikings have pulled off five-straight victories with out the assistance from their greatest participant (Calvin Johnson effect?). The chances with Jefferson labored again into the combination are definitely intriguing, if not motive for downright optimism (a uncommon feeling amongst Vikings followers).
The caveat is solely that Minnesota can’t get away from the issues which have made them profitable with Jefferson sitting on the sidelines. Proceed doing the issues that enable Dobbs to shine, which is to say nothing of the excellence from T.J. Hockenson and Jordan Addison. Enable Jefferson to reinforce and additional develop these constructive issues.
If profitable, Minnesota will march into the playoffs with an offense that’s going to trigger loads of sleepless nights for defensive coordinators.
Rumor #3 — The Vikings are Overwhelming Favorites to Make the Playoffs
That’s the phrase from a pair of chance heavyweights.
A pair publications you will have heard of — The New York Instances and ESPN — insist that Minnesota’s likelihood of lacking the postseason is rising exceedingly small. A wild actuality, little question, however one which’s nonetheless occurring regardless of the 0-3 begin after which 1-4 destiny not lengthy afterwards.
In accordance with ESPN, the Vikings have an 86% likelihood of entering into the ultimate event. That’s Eighth-best within the NFL. To not be outdone, The New York Times offers Minnesota an 84% shot at making the postseason (up from 20% earlier within the season). Clearly, issues have modified for the higher in Minnesota.
Subsequent up for the Vikings are the Denver Broncos, a workforce that’s enjoying some surprisingly competent soccer just lately. Snagging a street victory on Sunday Night time Soccer would imply Minnesota stands at 7-4 and with much more formidable playoffs odds.
Okay. Joudry is the Senior Editor for Vikings Territory and PurplePTSD. He has been masking the Vikings full time for the reason that summer time of 2021. He may be discovered on Twitter and as a co-host for Notes from the North, a humble Vikings podcast.