” data-large-file=”\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1180,height=623,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/J.J.-McCarthy-5.jpg”> Weekly, we track Minnesota Vikings-themed items that are false, outrageous, or just didn\u2019t work out as the masses expected. We call them nopedy nopes<\/em>.<\/p>\n Minnesota\u2019s post-draft rumor cycle has produced a few theories that need quick cleanup.<\/strong><\/p>\n This week\u2019s edition covers leaguewide power rankings, a seismic trade, and the search for a new general manager.<\/p>\n These are the post-draft nopedy nopes.<\/p>\n ” data-large-file=”\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1180,height=620,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/blakemagic.jpg” src=”http:\/\/vikingsterritory.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/blakemagic.jpg” alt=”Blake Cashman celebrates with fans after a Vikings win over the Cardinals. Vikings myths”> The Nopedy Nope:<\/span> Your Minnesota Vikings are the fifth-worst team in the business, says NFL.com.<\/strong><\/p>\n Eric Edholm ranked all teams after the draft<\/a>, and he slapped the Vikings at No. 28 on his list.<\/p>\n Edholm\u00a0explained the ranking<\/a>:<\/p>\n After the surprise of the Caleb Banks pick wore off, the Vikings settled into a little groove with a few of their selections. Among the value picks I liked: LB Jake Golday, OT Caleb Tiernan, S Jakobe Thomas<\/a> and CB Charles Demmings. Even a fullback in Round 5 didn\u2019t offend me; if anything, it made me nostalgic.<\/p>\n I certainly understand Vikings fans could feel differently about it, given their personal investment in the team, but if Max Bredeson becomes the next C.J. Ham<\/a>, it\u2019s a good pick. This was not a year where fifth-round picks needed to be treated like military codes. Most of the same questions about Minnesota that existed last week still remain, although trading Jonathan Greenard both adds a worry and clears up cap space.<\/p>\n I wouldn\u2019t be shocked to see the Vikes make a veteran addition or two in the coming months. They could use a center, a safety and maybe another receiver.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n That\u2019s brutal business for a team that had the NFL\u2019s third-best defense last year, signed Kyler Murray in March, and has Justin Jefferson on the roster.<\/p>\n The Verdict:<\/span> There\u2019s just no way that Minnesota is the league\u2019s fifth-worst team when it had the league\u2019s third-best defense a season ago. Nopedy nope.<\/p>\n The Nopedy Nope:<\/span> Jonathan Greenard would not be traded this offseason. Good teams don\u2019t get rid of top-tier EDGE rushers. <\/strong><\/p>\n Interim Vikings boss Rob Brzezinski pressed the button on the Greenard trade a week ago, and ESPN\u2019s\u00a0Kevin Seifert tweeted<\/a>, \u201cBrzezinski and Kevin O\u2019Connell were somber tonight in talking about the Greenard trade.\u201d<\/p>\n And Brzezinski personally\u00a0said about the swap<\/a>, \u201cThis is not something we\u2019re jumping around excitedly about, but we do feel like we did the best thing for the organization moving forward. We have just spent so much money the last several years that it\u2019s not sustainable for us to move forward. Our salary cap situation has been very, very challenging. The value ends up being what the market will pay, you know.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cObviously, JG is a great player, and I\u2019m sure people have a lot of opinions as far as what the appropriate value should be for him. All I can say is, considering everything we thought it was in the best interest of all parties. Again, people can judge whether or not it was fair or reasonable for a player of that caliber, and we understand that. But it\u2019s what the market would pay, and ultimately, we thought it was best for all parties, and that\u2019s why we decided to do it.\u201d<\/p>\n ” data-large-file=”\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1180,height=649,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/greenarddpoy.jpg” src=”http:\/\/vikingsterritory.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/greenarddpoy.jpg” alt=”Jonathan Greenard goes wild over a defensive play against the Cardinals. Vikings myths”> When the Greenard trade fodder kicked up, most scratched their heads, as serious playoff-contending teams hoard EDGE rushers. They don\u2019t trade him. Ultimately, Greenard was too expensive at $100 million over four seasons, and Minnesota chose a deal that offered two 3rd-Rounders<\/a> to replace him.<\/p>\n The Verdict:<\/span> Nopedy nope on Greenard lasting longer than two seasons in the Twin Cities. <\/p>\n The Nopedy Nope:<\/span> The Vikings will make public the names of their general manager candidates. <\/strong><\/p>\n The Vikings said they would begin a general manager search after the draft, and they weren\u2019t kidding. It\u2019s just that the process will be hush-hush.<\/p>\n ” data-large-file=”\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1180,height=787,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/USATSI_19163223.jpg” src=”http:\/\/vikingsterritory.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/USATSI_19163223.jpg” alt=”Leonard and Mark Wilf react before a Vikings game in London. Vikings myths”>Football Three Offseason Claims Need a Closer Look This Week<\/h2>\n
Dec 1, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Blake Cashman (51) reacts with the crowd after the game against the Arizona Cardinals at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.<\/p>\n
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Minnesota Vikings linebacker Jonathan Greenard (58) celebrates after a defensive stop, bringing energy to the unit as teammates rally around the play Dec 1, 2024, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota, during a matchup against the Arizona Cardinals with Brian Flores\u2019 defense controlling momentum in the second quarter. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.<\/p>\n
Oct 2, 2022; London, United Kingdom; Minnesota Vikings owners Leonard Wilf (right) and Mark Wilf react before an NFL International Series game against the New Orleans Saints at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports.<\/p>\n
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