Category: Offseason

What will offseason coverage look like for Bucs Wire?

As a Bucs fan reading this, I know you want NFC South teams to struggle, but it is important to understand those teams as much as you do.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have had a rollercoaster of a season in 2024. The team started out better than we could have expected. They even gave the Lions their lone loss of the season, but despite that, they have struggled to find their footing on solid ground.

As a Bucs fan reading this, I know you want NFC South teams to struggle, but it is important to understand those teams as much as you do with Tampa Bay. That means our coverage this offseason is going to be complete.

Let me lay out the talking points and things to look for as this Bucs team enters December and beyond.

Coaching Staff Coverage

A coaching change isn’t expected with Todd Bowles, but if something were to happen, we, of course, would have you covered. The more likely things to see occur would be staff changes on defense and offensive coordinator Liam Coen getting some head coaching interviews. Last year we saw Dave Canales head to the Panthers to overhaul their offense, Coen could be tasked with something similar around the league.

If they are going to see staff overhauls, we will make sure you have a strong understanding of who could be coming onto the staff.

Free Agent Coverage

The Bucs have several big-time decisions to make in free agency, none larger than Chris Godwin. Coming off an injury that has seen him be taken out for the season, the team is expected to be in store for a tough contract negotiation.

Outside of Godwin, other players who are seeing their contracts expire include Joe Tyron-Shoyika, Lavonte David, William Gholston, Justin Skule, and Anthony Nelson. We could be looking at a very different team on defense, especially. Whatever moves they make, we will have them covered from every angle for you here at Bucs Wire.

NFL Draft Coverage

Now, for this part, some people may check out or stay tuned in. The NFL Draft is the biggest event on the football calendar outside of the Super Bowl. Every team and its fanbase get excited, and the results lead to new hope being eternal for every fanbase.

We will be doing draft reports on the Bucs’ and other teams’ needs in the NFC South. Winning the division seems to be an up-in-the-air calendar event from season to season. This Bucs team is the closest of any to having sustained success, but others are hot on their heels.

We hope you stay tuned to Bucs Wire, where we will keep you informed about everything related to the team and the NFC South.

What will offseason coverage look like for Vikings Wire?

As a Viking fan reading this, you want that team to struggle but it is important to understand their team as much as you do with Minnesota. 

The Minnesota Vikings are having a season that not many expected, especially not here on Vikings Wire. Before the season started, we made a prediction that has proven not to be close to right, and we own that. What we want to do, though, is offer complete coverage for the Vikings and the entire NFC North.

As a Vikings fan reading this, I know you want NFC North teams to struggle, but it is important to understand those teams as much as you do with Minnesota. That means our coverage this offseason is going to be complete.

Let me lay out the talking points and things to look for as we get into December and beyond with this special Vikings team.

Coaching Staff Coverage

Kevin O’Connell isn’t going anywhere, the whole world knows that, but defensive coordinator Brian Flores has earned another chance to be a head coach. Not to be forgotten, look for Wes Phillips to get interviews potentially for the work the offense is doing.

We will cover all those potential interviews, letting you know where they could go if they get a chance. We will also make sure you know everything you need to about any replacements or new additions the coaching staff may have.

Free Agent Coverage

The Vikings have many players who will be free agents in the offseason. The biggest names include Byron Murphy Jr., Stephon Gilmore, Aaron Jones, Sam Darnold, and Camryn Bynum. In all, they have 35 pending free agents, which means this roster could look very different in 2025.

The team only has five draft picks at this point, so free agency should be exciting for them. They are riding a hot hand in that department after finding Andrew Van Ginkel, Jonathan Greenard, and Blake Cashman last cycle, so look for them to be active once again.

NFL Draft Coverage

Now, for this part, some people may check out or stay tuned in. The NFL Draft is the biggest event on the football calendar outside of the Super Bowl. Every team and its fanbase get excited, and the results lead to new hope being eternal for every fanbase.

We will be doing draft reports on the Vikings’ and other teams’ needs in the NFC North. Winning the division has never been a bigger mountain to climb, so keeping tabs on everyone is crucial.

We hope you stay tuned to Vikings Wire, where we will keep you informed about everything related to the team and the NFC North.

Three Vikings make ESPN’s top 100 players for 2024 list

ESPN released their top 100 players for 2024, and three Minnesota Vikings make the list, with Justin Jefferson leading the way at 3.

The NFL’s preseason is over, and the regular season is finally approaching. Less than two weeks before the season kicks off, media outlets are getting one last push of content in anticipation of the season. That includes ESPN unveiling their picks for the top 100 players of 2024.

To create their list, ESPN surveyed dozens of in-house NFL experts to obtain their opinions on players for the upcoming season. The criteria were solely focused on projecting the coming season, disregarding past performance.

The Minnesota Vikings have three players on the list for this season. The first player on the list is offensive tackle Christian Darrisaw, who comes in at number 97 for ESPN. In their justification, they point out that Darrisaw’s movement skills are one of his best features as a lineman. He can block in space on screens and quick passes.

His “signature stat” was his run block win rate of 77%, which is the highest on the team. Their only question about Darrisaw—and likely why he isn’t significantly higher on this list—is his injury history. Still, they believe that Darrisaw will be selected for a Pro Bowl and/or All-Pro selection shortly.

Speaking of injuries, the next Viking on the list is tight end T.J. Hockenson, who comes in at number 79. However, Hockenson is likely to start the season on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list and miss the beginning portion of the season.

Despite that, when Hockenson returns, he will likely be a major part of the Vikings’ offense. His “signature stat” is that he is one of only three tight ends to have 50 or more receptions and 500 or more receiving yards in each of the past four seasons, joining Kansas City Chiefs Travis Kelce and Houston Texans’ Dalton Schultz.

Unsurprisingly, the final Vikings player on ESPN’s Top 100 for 2024 is Justin Jefferson. Jefferson kicks off the top 3 for ESPN’s projection, coming in behind only quarterbacks Lamar Jackson and Patrick Mahomes, making Jefferson the highest-rated non-quarterback on the list. Which goes along well with his new contract that makes him the highest-paid non-quarterback in league history.

Despite playing only 10 games in 2023 due to a lingering hamstring injury, Jefferson still turned in his fourth-straight season over 1,000 yards, despite the quarterback carousel the Vikings experienced after Kirk Cousins’s injury. Jefferson proved last season that it doesn’t matter who throws him the ball; he’s going to produce.

He will have to prove that again this season, as the Vikings are slated to have Sam Darnold as their starting quarterback, who has famously struggled so far in his career. If Darnold struggles again this season, it could be a repeat at the position for Minnesota.

Jefferson’s “signature stat” is his average of nearly 100 yards (98.3) per game over his four seasons, which is the highest mark in NFL history for players with at least 50 career games.

Vikings don’t budge in latest power rankings by ESPN

The Vikings remain the same in the latest power rankings.

Prior the training camp and the preseason, the Minnesota Vikings were ranked 23rd in ESPN’s power rankings. Fast forward to J.J. McCarthy’s injury, the signing of Stephon Gilmore, and the Vikings going 2-0 in the preseason — Minnesota still slots in at No. 23 in the latest power rankings.

It’s not too surprising that the quarterback situation is a huge question mark. With McCarthy’s season over, Sam Darnold will enter Week 1 as the unquestioned starter. The Vikings’ defense hasn’t looked overly sharp this preseason, especially the secondary. But with Minnesota bringing in Gilmore, a former Pro Bowl corner, the Vikings should be better on the back end.

Minnesota will have to prove that it can be competitive and win games in close situations. Turnovers killed Minnesota last season — before the injury bug hit the Vikings’ locker room. Minnesota has the weapons around Darnold to make the Vikings’ offense good.

But will Darnold’s time to shine come out? Will the Vikings get enough stops on defense? Those are the two big questions surrounding the Vikings.

Vikings place J.J. McCarthy on IR, sign former third-round pick

The Minnesota Vikings placed J.J. McCarthy on the Injured Reserve list and signed a former third-round pick.

The Minnesota Vikings officially placed rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy on the Injured Reserve, ending his season after one preseason game. The former 10th overall pick will get his next shot in 2025 after rehabbing a torn meniscus in his knee.

With McCarthy’s injury, the Vikings also announced they signed former third-round pick Matt Corral. The Carolina Panthers drafted Corral in the 2022 NFL Draft, but he never saw any NFL action. He spent time with the New England Patriots in 2023.

Most recently, Corral played for the UFL’s 2024 Champion Birmingham Stallions, going 3-0 in his starts and completing 36 of 62 passes for 494 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions.

With McCarthy being injured, Sam Darnold is the unquestioned starter entering Week 1 against the New York Giants. Nick Mullens figures to back him up, with both Jaren Hall and Matt Corral vying for a roster spot.

Two key Vikings land just outside of the NFL top 100 list

Two Vikings who will be key cogs in the offense barely missed the top 100 rankings.

NFL players vote on the top 100 players entering the season every year. Day by day the NFL keeps releasing 10 players a day to countdown the No. 1 player in the league.

While the player rankings are still being released, we now know who just missed the cut for being in the top 100. Two key Minnesota Vikings were on the list.

Tight end T.J. Hockenson came in at No. 106, and former Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones was ranked No. 103. Hockenson, who is still healing from last season’s injury, will be a vital piece of the Vikings’ offense in 2024. While weapons like Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison will see the lion’s share of the targets, Hockenson is a reliable safety blanket for whoever starts at quarterback.

The Vikings struggled running the football last season after they let Dalvin Cook walk. Minnesota hoped Alexander Mattison would be the lead back, but he struggled turning it over and rushing efficiently. Minnesota turns its attention to Jones, a long-time Packer. Jones, who has battled injuries, is typically viewed as a top-10 running back when healthy. The Vikings hope to bolster their rushing attack with Jones in the fold.

Vikings safety trio’s overall ratings revealed for Madden 25

Minnesota Vikings fans now know what the Vikings safeties are rated when Madden 25 launches.

Death, paying taxes, and Harrison Smith’s high ratings in the Madden video game franchise are certain in life, and they’ve happened once again this year. The popular video game franchise has released overall ratings for different positions daily.

The safeties overall ratings were revealed and once again, Smith is considered one of the top in the game. He is considered the No. 11 safety in the game with an 87 overall rating. But Smith is a strong safety and there are only four strong safeties who are rated higher than him.

Vikings starting free safety Camryn Bynum is the 31st-ranked safety in the game. When Madden 25 launches, he will have an 81 overall rating. Then Minnesota’s Swiss Army knife, Josh Metellus, has a 77 overall rating and is considered the 53rd-ranked safety in the video game.

These ratings are subject to change as the year goes on. Madden will continue to update ratings based on how players perform.

Vikings sign defensive back Bobby McCain to bolster group

After a few injuries and others struggling, the Vikings sign veteran DB Bobby McCain.

After Mekhi Blackmon suffered a torn ACL and Shaq Griffin battled some injury issues himself, it was evident the Vikings were going to need some help in the secondary.

On Monday, the Vikings signed defensive back Bobby McCain — a familiar player for defensive coordinator Brian Flores. McCain, a nine-year pro, played under Flores on the Miami Dolphins.

During his playing career, he has played multiple positions. McCain has played cornerback, free safety, and strong safety. He played for the Dolphins from 2015-2020. Played two seasons with the Washington Commanders from 2021-22. Then played last season with the Giants.

McCain’s best years came with the Commanders. He played in 93% of the snaps with Washington. He played in all 17 games in 2021 and 2022 for the Commanders. He tallied 62 tackles (’21) and 70 tackles (’22). McCain has 11 career interceptions.

With the uncertainty around Andrew Booth Jr. and Akayleb Evans, McCain’s veteran presence could push him into a large role for the Vikings this season.

The Vikings waived kicker John Parker Romo to make room for McCain.

Turns out Justin Jefferson isn’t the best wide receiver in ‘Madden 25’

The Minnesota Vikings best player is no longer considered the best receiver in the video game.

EA Sports is starting to release overall ratings for players in “Madden NFL 25” this week. On Monday, the wide receivers’ overall ratings were revealed, and Justin Jefferson is no longer the top dog. In last year’s iteration of the game, Jefferson had a 99 overall — the best rating a player can get.

Miami Dolphins star WR Tyreek Hill is the No. 1 receiver with the coveted 99 overall rating. Jefferson is behind Hill as the second-best in the game with a more-than-respectable 98 overall. Jefferson has a 92 speed, 93 agility and an insane 97 jump rating heading into the “Madden” 25 launch.

Jordan Addison, the Vikings’ second-year receiver, has an 82 overall rating in the game. He is ranked No. 41 in the game based on overall ratings.

All of these ratings are subject to change during the course of the season. So, if and when Jefferson has another elite season, it wouldn’t be shocking to see him move back up to 99.

The Vikings cornerback situation isn’t looking very promising

The current sentiment surrounding two Minnesota Vikings corners is not very good.

The Vikings are having a tough time at cornerback right now. Mekhi Blackmon tore his ACL during the first day of training camp, and on the second day, Shaq Griffin went down during an 11-on-11 drill.

But even with Blackmon’s injury and some possible unknowns with a guy like Griffin, it still doesn’t sound promising for a couple of young Minnesota cornerbacks.

The Athletic’s Alec Lewis was on KFAN1003, and he doesn’t see any way Evans could do anything of value for the Vikings in 2024. Booth Jr.? He has even less confidence.

“Like I got to, I’m just speaking from what I’ve seen and what I’ve talked to, people I’ve talked to, like I have zero confidence that Akayleb Evans is going to be really successful as a cornerback this year. I just can’t rely on that at all. Andrew Booth Jr., I feel even worse about”

Booth Jr. is already a cut candidate for the Vikings this offseason. The former second-round pick out of Clemson has never lived up to the hype, and it’s possible it’s his last camp with the Vikings. Evans, on the other hand, played valuable snaps for Minnesota, but he hasn’t been overly impressive either.