There was a palpable excitement around the Minnesota Vikings just a few months ago when they took both J.J. McCarthy and Dallas Turner in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. That excitement may have been tempered a bit by the fact that both rookies remain unsigned — two of just five first-rounders left unsigned.
The lack of a deal has even led some to suggest that the Vikings should let at least McCarthy sit out the year and “call his bluff” rather than budge on the contract. That’s not likely to happen, but what is the hold-up with McCarthy and Turner? According to one beat reporter, it’s likely signing bonuses and their structure.
In an interview with Minnesota sports radio station KFAN 1003, Ben Goessling reported that both rookies want their signing bonuses want their signing bonuses up front, rather than the staggered installment plan that the Vikings typically do with signing bonuses. According to Goessling:
There’s different things about when you get your signing bonus. Is it going to be paid in installments? Is it paid up front? My understanding is the Vikings have typically done more of the installments stuff with a lot of veteran players. That’s been the case. And certain players have had exceptions to that. I think Justin Jefferson’s [deal did]… Kirk Cousins certainly had exceptions to that.
However, Goessling did offer some optimism on the situation, saying that he believes both rookies will sign “late next week before they are on the field.” So, despite the contract dispute, there seems to be a light at the end of the tunnel.