Key Highlights
- projected figures from Over The Cap, explaining, “right now… the Vikings are the second to last in the NFL… negative 44 [million]… effective cap space… negative 49.99 million,” factoring in draft picks and roster minimums.
- With $20.7 million potential rollover from 2025, the team needs to clear roughly $28-36 million to get compliant, but Tyler stresses it’s manageable: “it is pretty easy to fix the salary cap.” They explore options like extensions for foundational pieces, restructures to spread money, and cuts for veterans, while weighing long-term ramifications and why pushing costs to future years works for stars like Justin Jefferson.
- Dave adds, “This was done on purpose… it will be relatively easy.”AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementKey Points from the Episode:Vikings projected $44-50M over (effective cap space includes draft picks; rollover helps reduce to ~$28M needed). Extend Brian O’Neill: Saves $15M+ (new hit ~$8M; keeps cornerstone RT long-term). Restructure Jonathan Greenard, Justin Jefferson (saves $13-17M each), Christian Darrisaw ($10M); retain young talent. Cut or restructure T. J.
- Hockenson: Cut saves ~$9M but opens TE hole; restructure preferred due to blocking/role value. Likely cuts: Javon Hargrave ($10-11M savings), Aaron Jones ($7-8M; injury concerns), Ryan Kelly ($8M; concussion history/retirement risk). Overall: Combo of 5 moves could create $60-90M space; pushes money forward but aligns with core pieces staying. Listen:View LinkWatch:Don’t miss The Real Forno Show for expert, no-BS Minnesota Vikings analysis, cap breakdowns, draft previews, and offseason strategy on this top Vikings podcast!
- Subscribe to Vikings 1st & SKOL on YouTube, hit notifications, and join the SKOL community for weekly deep dives. Fan With Us!!!Tyler Forness @TheRealForno of Vikings 1st & SKOL @Vikings1stSKOL and A to Z Sports @AtoZSportsNFL, with Dave Stefano @Luft_Krigare producing this Vikings 1st & SKOL production, the @RealFornoShow.
