When taking a look at the Minnesota Vikings’ offseason, there are a lot of interesting elements to look at. The majority of the discussion will be focused on the quarterback position, with Kyler Murray being brought in to compete with J.J. McCarthy.

Outside of that storyline, how the new players being added to Brian Flores‘ defense is going to be key to watch. It’s especially going to be key on the defensive line, with the Vikings set to replace both Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave.

Minnesota Vikings given average grade for their offeseason

One of the biggest critiques about the Vikings’ offseason was that they didn’t do enough considering the massive amount of holes on the roster. Some of that was due to salary cap constraints, which was the biggest reason why there wasn’t much free agency activity.

CBS Sports’ Tyler Sullivan wasn’t super impressed with the Vikings’ offseason, giving them a C for their efforts.

The success or failure of this offseason will fall on the shoulders of Kyler Murray. If Minnesota can tap into Murray’s talent and get slightly above-average quarterback play, it might pick up right where it left off in 2024 when Sam Darnold was under center.

However, that’s easier said than done, as Murray hasn’t been the most durable player during his career, missing 30 of a possible 68 games over the past five seasons. There’s a high ceiling with the addition of Murray, who is likely to win the quarterback battle against J.J. McCarthy, but a low floor as well.

Defensively, the Vikings traded away Jonathan Greenard to the Eagles and parted ways with Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave in cost-cutting moves, so the defense may take a step back as well. Similar to Murray, the fate of that side of the ball could fall on how first-round defensive tackle Caleb Banks fares. The Florida product oozes talent, but there are durability concerns having dealt with multiple foot injuries.

Sullivan is right on his two main points. The success of this offseason is going to be predicated on the success of Murray and first-round pick Caleb Banks. If they find a way for both players to have successful seasons, the Vikings may finally take the next step forward, something fans have been begging for under head coach Kevin O’Connell.

The one thing that doesn’t get mentioned here is how the salary cap was reset. They were $46 million over the salary cap and needed to clear out an additional $15 million just for operating expenses. They are going to be in a much better place in 2027 because they reset everything now.

If they can take the few additions they made this offseason and make the leap, this team could make some serious waves come January.