Three hottest seats on the Minnesota Vikings

Although it ended with a disappointing playoff loss to the New York Giants during wild card weekend, 2022 was a year of rejuvenation for the Minnesota Vikings under first-year head coach Kevin O’Connell. The team appears to have many of the necessary pieces in place to be a true contender in the NFC, but it remains to be seen how long the Vikings' window will be open.

Here are the three Vikings on the hottest seats in 2023:

1. Dalvin Cook, RB

Unwilling to restructure his contract, Cook is already on thin ice with Minnesota. And with a $14 million cap hit, the Vikings could look to either trade or release the 27-year-old running back to gain some cap flexibility and rid themselves of the headache he’s become off the field.

Although he has four straight 1,000-yard rushing seasons, the Vikings consider Cook to be nearing his “best by” date as he will turn 28 before the start of the season, and Minnesota general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has already expressed interest in drafting Cook’s replacement. Even if the Vikings keep Cook around for 2023, he almost certainly wouldn’t make it to 2024. 

2. Kirk Cousins, QB

Cousins is under contract for 2023 but the Vikings have no commitment to him beyond that. He’ll count for $36.3 million against the cap, and the team could try to reduce that number by signing him to a contract extension. However, Cousins turns 35 in August, and he will likely ask for a lot of money guaranteed in any new deal. 

Then there’s also the argument that Minnesota is better off without Cousins, who has just one postseason win and two other playoff appearances in five seasons with the team.

However, knowing Cousins isn’t going anywhere for one more year, the Vikings could opt to spend a Day 1 or 2 draft pick on a quarterback to sit in 2023 and learn behind the four-time Pro Bowler. 

3. Za'Darius Smith, LB

Many believe Smith is already on the hot seat as he recently listed his Minnesota home for sale. However, it might not have anything to do with his status with the Vikings.

Smith’s cap hit jumps to $15.49 million next year and escalates to $21.66 million in 2024. At 30, Minnesota very well may decide that’s simply too much money to be paying a player his age. Although he did total 10 sacks and 80 pressures in 2022, Smith may just find himself in need of a new team by this time next year.