​After a break, VikingsTerritory has reopened the mailbag, answering questions from the masses and posting them weekly in a single article. With training camp set to begin in about 2.5 weeks, the moment feels right to dive back in. We selected the main questions from readers’ submissions, and below are our responses.
Question: Do you think the Vikings will reach the playoffs this year?
Answer: Yes. The Vikings’ path to the postseason hinges primarily on the strength of their schedule within the NFC North. Historically, that division has featured at least one squad that could be considered vulnerable—usually the Detroit Lions or the Chicago Bears, and at times even the Vikings themselves. This dynamic no longer applies in the same way. If Minnesota can manage a favorable enough strength-of-schedule assessment, they have a realistic shot at finishing at least 10-7 this season. Consider last year: they went 9-8 with a roller-coaster display at quarterback. If they could achieve 9 wins with a turbulent J.J. McCarthy at the helm, they could secure a Wild Card bid with a steadier engine behind center. Minnesota already boasts a championship-caliber defense under Brian Flores, and now the offense needs to be steered by Kevin O’Connell in a way that lets Kyler Murray cook when he’s under center. Our projection: an 11-6 finish, earning a Wild Card playoff spot, likely against either the Tampa Bay Buccaneers or the New Orleans Saints.
Question: If Minnesota signs any free agents, who will it be?
Answer: Leonard Floyd. O’Connell and Floyd forged a championship run together in 2021, and now, five years later, Minnesota could still use an additional pass rusher. The free-agent market for outside linebackers is deep, with players like Floyd, Von Miller, or Jadeveon Clowney available, and any of them would fit as the third edge defender. In other words, Minnesota is likely to add another EDGE in the near term, either during the next few weeks or as rosters begin to trim in late August when a wave of veteran pass rushers becomes available.
A guard could also be a consideration, since the current primary backup at left guard is Joe Huber. With potential injuries looming, adding interior line depth would be prudent to ensure the offensive line remains sturdy and search-engine-strong in terms of continuity. The Vikings aren’t far from a complete roster, but adding one more seasoned edge rusher—or perhaps a reliable guard—could help weather the inevitable bumps of a long season.