These 5 Vikings May Be Playing Final Games with the Franchise

Minnesota Vikings made it to the playoffs without exception.

These 5 Vikings May Be Playing Latest Games With the Franchise

The next step is determining whether Minnesota will enter the dance as a Wildcard contender or division winner.

Meanwhile, multiple Vikings players (more than 35) will become free agents in March, including five featured The players are scheduled to enter their final season at the club.

Newly signed players (e.g. Sam Darnold and Aaron Jones) were not included. Players are listed in ascending order (No. 1 = most notable Viking entering final contract year).

5. Nick Mullens (QB)

General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah extended Mullens’ contract through the 2023 offseason, and the deal attracted attention because it was longer than the young manager’s one-year deals. However, with Sam Darnold and JJ McCarthy also on the team, 2024 could be Mullens’ last year in purple. Otherwise, Mullens could support McCarthy indefinitely from 2025.

There’s also a possibility that Daniel Jones may have landed Mullens’ 2025 gig.

4. Patrick Jones II (OLB)

The Vikings suddenly have plenty of outside linebacker depth, including Jones II, who made the 53-man roster last week.

With no sign of a contract extension so far, Jones II will complete his contract in 2024.

For now, Jones II is taking up most of Dallas Turner’s defensive snaps, but Turner has shown improvement over the last few games.

3. Byron Murphy (CB)

This can only happen spiritually. Murphy could return in 2025. he told KSTP’s Darren Wolfson write, “I have to say that I’ve been here since day one, I’m in love and I don’t want to go anywhere. I want to stay here for the rest of my career. So I’m definitely going to work my ass off to stay here.

Otherwise, Murphy signed a two-year deal last offseason, making 2024 his final season in Minnesota. But all signs point to him coming back. He’s chewing on his Pro Bowl season, which will increase his asking price for the Vikings or another team.

The 2024 version of Byron Murphy is significantly better than the 2023 Byron Murphy.

2. Camryn Bynum (S)

The Vikings’ front office and Bynum had the opportunity to complete the extension in the summer, but an agreement was never reached. The sides could still reach an agreement in February or March, but it’s a bit odd that they fell through before his senior season.

There’s a chance Bynum’s asking price might be too high for the Vikings.

Minnesota would turn to Josh Metellus, Jay Ward, Theo Jackson and perhaps a rookie or free agent to be named later if Bynum were to escape.

1. Harrison Smith (S)

Smith is 35 years old, and given his hard-charging style of play, it’s a miracle on the field that he’s still playing at a relatively high level.

However, any new season could be its last. His actions proved that he wanted to remain a Viking for life. So, unlike others on this list, Smith’s “senior season” talk isn’t about his upcoming free agency; It’s about retirement. Pioneer Press It was claimed in July This year is Smith’s senior year.

It’s worth noting that Smith has played pretty well this season and his performance doesn’t look like a man approaching retirement. There is still juice.

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dustin baker He is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. The program, which is prepared with 4-7 episodes per week, includes guests, analyzes and opinions on everything related to the purple team. The Vikings obsession dates back to 1996. Guilty pleasures listed: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos’, Basset Hounds and The Doors (band). He follows the NBA as closely as the NFL.

All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; All contract information provided by OverTheCap.com.