The Vikings might have put paid to the Sam Darnold contract drama. But don’t even think for a second that their offseason to-do list is all checked off. They did not put the franchise tag on Sam (which would have come with a $40 million payout), meaning they don’t care if he walks into free agency. That leaves them with only one QB on the squad: JJ McCarthy. The talk of the town is they are looking for a veteran QB who might also act as a starter if needed. So they have that thing to figure out. Maybe they’d be interested in Darnold at a cheaper price too.

Kevin O’Connell has his work cut out on a few more contract extensions, like RB Aaron Jones and CB Byron Murphy. Here is the thing: when players like Byron Murphy enter free agency, teams will scramble to get them on board. The league has kind of come full circle now – franchises let their players walk into free agency and pick up others from different teams. Everyone’s trying to build a roster that can make victory confetti rain down on them.

So, in today’s episode of ‘Who Is Eyeing Who?’ The Raiders are showing an interest in Vikings’ Pro Bowl CB Byron Murphy. Pete Carroll‘s team has locked in their QB, heading into the 2025 season with former Seahawks star Geno Smith. And now they have to build a team that will best support Geno in the 2025 run.

So, with their own CB Nate Hobbs approaching free agency, they might let him walk away and bring Byron in. Now, the only reason they would consider the 27-year-old Byron over the 25-year-old Nate is because of the latter’s health issues. The Illinois alum has missed 17 games in his four-year career due to constant struggles staying healthy. On the other hand, Murphy has played 87 games in his six-year career.

So there are high chances that the Raiders, now under the mentorship of Pete Carroll and Tom Brady, might make this major move. They’re waiting in the wings for Kevin O’Connell’s defensive star if the Vikings let him walk into free agency. Speaking of keeping a player on the squad, the Vikings have decided on one.

Vikings keep Ryan Wright on board

Tulane alum Ryan Wright is not going anywhere. The 24-year-old will continue playing for the Vikings as the team agreed to re-sign him. Wright first stepped on the NFL gridiron in 2022 after going undrafted. Minnesota signed him, giving him a shot with the team. Wright had to compete with Jordan Berry during training camp to get his shot. But then, that year, before the preseason kicked off, the Vikings released Jordan, and Wright remained the only punter the team could rely on.

On Sunday, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported that the Vikings and Ryan have agreed on a one-year deal. “The Vikings and Ryan Wright agreed to terms on a one-year, $1.75 million deal, per source. Wright, who was scheduled to be a restricted free agent, can earn up to $2M with incentives.” The 24-year-old has been the punter ever since Kevin took command as the HC. Both Kevin and Ryan started in 2022 and will continue collaborating into the 2025 season.

The good thing is that Ryan has not missed a single game in his three-year career so far. In 2024, he punted 56 times, averaging 40.6 yards per punt. Wright’s longest punt reached 66 yards. The 24-year-old allowed only five touchbacks this season. According to Pro Football Focus, Wright is ranked 17th among 39 punters. So, there he goes, ready for another season with coach Kevin in Minnesota.