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Local thoughts on the Vikings' free-agency moves – and non-moves – this offseason:
Wayne Whitwam – "I think spending on the offensive line was a great investment. Aaron Jones was a really smart move if they plan to run him outside and Ham up the middle. Best non-move: I love that they have not signed quarterback, coach and GM Aaron Rodgers."
Don Ness – "I'm absolutely thrilled with the Vikings off-season thus far. Rebuilding the interior of both lines was an absolute must and they got four guys who are major upgrades (Will Fries in particular). They probably overpaid Aaron Jones, but optimistically he could have another solid season, especially behind a rebuilt line (and Darrisaw coming back). In the draft, they should go corner in the 1st round and running back in the 3rd round. Finally, and most importantly, keep Aaron Rodgers OUT of the building! Bring in Minshew or Jameis to back up JJ McCarthy. The NFC North is going to be absolutely stacked next year. With the massive improvements that Chicago has made, all four teams are in the league's top 10 going into the fall. My bold prediction is that for the first time in NFL history, all four divisional teams make the playoffs (securing all 3 NFC wild card spots)."
Kelly Grgas Wheeler – "I like a lot of it. I love the Jones resigning, love all the interior offensive line adds and the bulking up of the defensive side with Hargrave and Allen. The cornerback re-signings were good. My only concern is the quarterback room. I agree with letting Darnold go and not paying that salary. The team needs to address that quarterback position and needs to address it ASAP."
Fred Friedman – "Finally! The Vikings are making moves to upgrade their offensive line and the defensive tackle position. I am for cutting both guards and their center which means I support yet another signing or drafting the right player in the April draft. Of course, they need to find a backup quarterback if not two. Harrison Smith is certainly good enough to come back and play. The question is, does he want to? I am also all for adding to the wide receiver room given that the league may suspend Jordan Addison for a few games for his juvenile driving history."
Steve Greenfield – "The money the Vikings are throwing at several proven offensive linemen is especially great to see. The Vikes will get the QB part figured out, and whoever stands back there should have a lot more time than Sam Darnold had to survey the field."
Brian Prudhomme – "I think we are all excited, or at least should be, about the moves that have been made to this point. A glaring weakness in Minnesota has long been in the trenches, and the team addressed that on both sides of the ball. A new era at quarterback is also about to begin, and we purple faithful sure hope we’ve got a franchise guy. If we don’t, or if he can’t stay healthy, what needs to be addressed is the insurance policy at that position. It’s a need, but how big? They already signed one Rodgers (Isaiah), and I certainly hope that’s the only one."
Mike Zagelmeyer – "Up to this point, I think most Viking fans (including myself) are impressed. I feel they overpaid a little for Aaron Jones, but they have definitely filled some obvious needs. I worry about QB2 if they are truly going to go with McCarthy as QB1. I sure hope Rodgers isn't in the mix. I think that would be a tough scenario in which to add a prima donna into the mix of a pretty good nucleus with what seems to be solid chemistry. One does have to wonder though that with Aaron Jones resigning, and a positive word about the Vikings from Favre, that maybe it could happen. I sure hope it isn't destiny."
Mike Locker – "I like the direction so far. We needed to move Darnold to eliminate any future QB drama. I was pumped to see the Vikings strengthen both the offensive and defensive lines, which were needed. Adding Fries to the O line should prove instant rewards. On paper, it appears to be a solid 3-5 year plan with plenty of cap space available."
Jordan DeCaro – "I’m very pleased with the Vikings free agency work so far this year, and I think Kwesi has done a great job bolstering the defense and offensive line. I’m excited for the JJ to JJ era and look forward to a Super Bowl in the near future."
