Rick Spielman, GM’s Vikings, recently discussed everything out of season with reporters. Minnesota has big decisions to make free agency in 2021 and the NFL concept is coming.
Choosing who to like and who to let go will be difficult. The team has already been released sink Kyle Rudolph, but with the way the salary cap probably looks, it’s likely to have to make more cuts.
Sometimes it’s hard to figure out what this off-season is actually going to play out when you say about people in the league at press conferences. However, it may be interesting to examine what general managers and others are willing to say in public.
Here are some key points that Spielman made to the media on Wednesday:
Spielman addressed the Danielle Hunter situation
Minnesota Vikings DE Danielle Hunter. Photo: Brace Home Yarn / USA TODAY Sport
During the 2020 season, NFL Network Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported that the Vikings have decided to make this season out of season: make Hunter the highest paid defender in football or trade with him.
The Vikings GM would not discuss specific details of the Hunter situation, but admitted that the Hunter ultimatum had not been communicated to him, according to Andrew Krammer of the Star Tribune.
Spielman talks about the lineout group
Minnesota Vikings LB Eric Wilson. Photo: Tim Fuller / USA TODAY Sports
The Vikings have a fairly large free-kick in lineout player Eric Wilson, without much room to maneuver him for the future.
Spielman said the team could not afford three well-paid lineout balances, per Hugs. While Anthony Barr and Eric Kendricks already have big contracts, it would seem that the team has to separate from one of the two to sign Wilson.
Spielman gives a lot of confidence in Barr
Minnesota Vikings LB Anthony Barr. Photo: Brace Home Yarn / USA TODAY Sport
Also a bad sign for Wilson coming back: Barr seems to be much appreciated in the Vikings organization.
“Anthony is a critical piece – I know coach Zim talked about it – of our defense,” Spielman said Hugs. “Only he on the field creates some offensive coaches, they have to make a plan for him … But it all depends … how the pieces are going to be in place.”
Spielman gives a lot of confidence in Cousins
Minnesota Vikings QB Kirk Cousins. Photo: Brad Rempel / USA TODAY Sports
There is currently a lot of quarterly speculation in the league. Asked if Cousins has given confidence this season that he is the Vikings full-back, Spielman gives a definite answer, per ESPN’s Courtney Cronin.
‘I think Coach Zim put it to bed when he spoke after the season. “Kirk Cousins is our quarterback,” said Spielman.
You can read more about this.
The team faces difficult decisions
Rick Spielman, GM of Minnesota Vikings. Photo: AP Photo / Bruce Kluckhohn
Spielman said the Vikings ‘will have to make very difficult business decisions’ during the off-season when it comes to the list, according to Cronin.
It will be interesting to see what Minnesota does to free up headroom as the season progresses. Expect more veterans to restructure or move the team, especially if the base cap is ultimately low.