The offseason is about to heat up, as the 2019 NFL Scouting Combine is in full swing and the free-agency period is slated for mid-March.
The 2019 NFL Draft is two months away, meaning there will be plenty of buzz and news going forward.
What positions will the Vikings address going forward?
Andrew Krammer of the Star Tribune recently wrote that while the offensive line could be the top priority, **there are other areas** that could need attention, too.
Krammer wrote:
Before the Vikings' own departures are settled, I'd say backup running back, defensive tackle, linebacker and receiver would near the top of my list. Given [Dalvin] Cook's early injury history, his backup may become a priority. After the season, Latavius Murray said he wants to start somewhere in 2019, but the free agent will have to go elsewhere to do so. Mike Boone and Roc Thomas flashed some as rookies, but new talent could be coming.
Vikings brass will meet with representatives of linebacker Anthony Barr and defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson this week in Indianapolis. Even if they re-sign Barr or Richardson (or somehow both?), depth could still be addressed. Changes could also be made at kicker, punter and punt returner with Dan Bailey, Matt Wile and Marcus Sherels on expiring contracts and a new coordinator in Marwan Maalouf.
Teams can enter contract negotiations with player agents from March 11-13, while free agency officially begins at 3 p.m. (CT) on March 13.
Sessler: Vikings set for years to come at QB spot
Rick Spielman had high praise for Kirk Cousins at the Combine on Wednesday, as the Vikings General Manager said Minnesota's 8-7-1 record **shouldn’t all be placed** on the Vikings quarterback's shoulders.
Marc Sessler of NFL.com recently took a look at **each quarterback situation** around the league, and categorized the Vikings in a group of 15 teams that are "set for years to come" at that spot.
Sessler wrote:
Act One for Kirk Cousins in Minnesota was hardly a hit. The $84 million quarterback spent too much of last season on the run behind a super-shaky offensive line. The infrastructure around him was far from pristine, but Cousins came up small in key defeats down the stretch to New England and Seattle alongside a pair of ugly losses to the Bears. Struggling at times to mesh with his wideouts, Cousins is under pressure to lead this talented but underperforming attack back to the playoffs. I'd expect a better showing in 2019.
Cousins threw for 4,298 yards with 30 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in his first season in Purple.
