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Vikings put pressure on replacements, after exits by mainstays Cook, Thielen, Kendricks

2023-07-19 02:22
Several salary cap-driven subtractions from Minnesota's roster have created opportunity and pressure for their replacements entering training camp
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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