Brian Flores has been a defensive mastermind. Photo: Elizabeth Flores/The Minnesota Star Tribune via Getty Images
A disappointing Vikings season came to a close yesterday with 16-3 winover the Packers, setting up an offseason full of big questions.
The QB plan: J.J. McCarthy looked awful in the first half of the season and has struggled to stay healthy, missing 24 out of 34 games since being drafted in 2024.
His progress in the second half of the season is a good sign, but the Vikings will need to find a veteran backup capable of taking over if he falters again — or a younger Plan B project.
B-Flo's future: Defensive coordinator Brian Flores, a brilliant schemer who rebuilt the defense over the last three years, will be a free agent and could be a candidate for head coaching jobs.
Veteran cut watch: Minnesota went all-in on the 2025 season, signing several high-priced free agents in hopes of making a run at a title. Now the team will be forced to cut payroll to get under the salary cap.
Cut candidates include defensive tackle Javon Hargrave, running back Aaron Jones and tight end T.J. Hockenson.
