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Vikings general manager Rick Spielman recently discussed the entire offseason with reporters. Minnesota has big decisions to make in 2021, free agency and the upcoming NFL Draft.
It will be difficult to choose who to keep and who to let go. The team already released tight butt Kyle Rudolph, but given the likely evolution of the salary cap, he will probably have to make more cuts.
Sometimes it’s hard to gauge what’s really going to play out in the offseason if you stray from what the league front office folks are saying at press conferences. Having said that, it may be interesting to analyze what CEOs and others are prepared to say publicly.
Here are some key points Spielman made to the media on Wednesday:
Spielman addressed Danielle Hunter’s situation
Minnesota Vikings BY Danielle Hunter. Photo: Brace Hemmelgarn / USA TODAY Sports
During the 2020 season, NFL Network Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero have reported that the Vikings have decided to take this offseason: make Hunter football’s highest paid defender or trade him.
The Vikings general manager did not discuss specific details of Hunter’s situation, but acknowledged that Hunter’s ultimatum was not communicated to him, per Andrew Krammer of the Star Tribune.
Spielman talks about linebacker squad
Minnesota Vikings LB Eric Wilson. Photo: Tim Fuller / USA TODAY Sports
The Vikings have a pretty big free agent in linebacker Eric Wilson, without much room to keep him for the future.
Spielman said the team couldn’t afford three highly paid linebackers, per Hug. With Anthony Barr and Eric Kendricks already on big contracts, it looks like the team would have to part ways with one of these two to sign Wilson.
Spielman augurs confidence in Barr
Minnesota Vikings LB Anthony Barr. Photo: Brace Hemmelgarn / USA TODAY Sports
It’s also a bad sign for Wilson’s return: Barr appears to be highly regarded in the Vikings organization.
“Anthony is a critical part – I know Coach Zim spoke about this – of our defense,” Spielman said, per Hug. “Only him on the pitch creates offensive coaches, they have to plan for him… But it will all depend… how the pieces fall into place.
Spielman augurs confidence in Cousins
Minnesota Vikings QB Kirk Cousins. Photo: Brad Rempel / USA TODAY Sports
There’s a lot of quarterback speculation in the league right now. Asked whether Cousins received a vote of confidence in being the Vikings quarterback this season, Spielman gave a definitive answer, per ESPN’s Courtney Cronin.
“I think Coach Zim put that to bed when he spoke after the season. Kirk Cousins is our quarterback, ”said Spielman.
You can find out more here.
The team has tough decisions to make
Minnesota Vikings general manager Rick Spielman. Photo: AP Photo / Bruce Kluckhohn
Spielman said the Vikings “are going to have to make a lot of tough business decisions” this offseason when it comes to the roster, per Cronin.
It will be interesting to see what Minnesota does to free up space this offseason. Expect more veterans to restructure or leave the team, especially if the base cap ends up getting low.
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