Vikings put pressure on replacements, after exits by mainstays Cook, Thielen, Kendricks
MINNESOTA VIKINGS (13-5)
CAMP SITE: Eagan, Minnesota
KEY ADDITIONS: Defensive coordinator Brian Flores, CB Byron Murphy, WR Jordan Addison, CB Mekhi Blackmon, OLB Marcus Davenport, DL Dean Lowry, TE Josh Oliver.
KEY LOSSES: RB Dalvin Cook, CB Patrick Peterson, OLB Za’Darius Smith, LB Eric Kendricks, WR Adam Thielen, DL Dalvin Tomlinson, CB Duke Shelley, CB Chandon Sullivan, TE Irv Smith.
KEY STORYLINES: Several salary cap-driven subtractions have created opportunity and pressure for their replacements. Alexander Mattison is first in line for carries after Cook’s departure. Drafting Addison in the first round followed the jettisoning of Thielen, as Kirk Cousins tries to develop another trusted option to supplement superstar Justin Jefferson. Brian Asamoah takes over for the mainstay Kendricks, as Flores unfurls a faster and more aggressive scheme after a dismal 2022 for the defense. Davenport, a 2018 first-rounder coming off an underwhelming stint with New Orleans, has a big hole to fill as an edge rusher with not only Smith gone but Danielle Hunter’s status unclear. The three-time Pro Bowl pick, seeking a new contract, skipped the offseason program. The spotlight again falls on Cousins, who for the first time in his six years with Minnesota will play on an expiring deal.
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TOP PHOTO: FILE – Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) reacts during the second half of an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Nov. 28, 2021. (AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn)