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The Minnesota Vikings took a big step during the 2015 season, with 11 regular season wins and a division title before a narrow loss in the Wild Card round. Here are five bold predictions for the Vikings’ 2016 offseason.
5. Chad Greenway Will Not Be Back
Credit: Scott Cunningham Getty Images5. Chad Greenway Will Not Be Back
Greenway has spent his entire career with the Vikings, and as the veteran linebacker gets set for free agency he has publicly said he wants to play one more season. The likelihood he returns to the team may depend on which beat writer's angle you agree with, but the Vikings could easily make very little effort to re-sign Greenway.
4. John Sullivan Will Retire
Credit: Hannah Foslien Getty Images4. John Sullivan Will Retire
The Vikings were without their starting center for all of last season, as he underwent back surgery and had a setback while working in the weight room. Depending on how his back feels, and perhaps the state of his overall health, I can see Sullivan making a tough decision to retire this offseason.
3. Taylor Heinicke Will Be Elevated to No. 2 On The Depth Chart
Credit: Frederick Breedon Getty Images3. Taylor Heinicke Will Be Elevated to No. 2 On The Depth Chart
The Vikings signed Heinicke as an undrafted free agent last year, but he did not see the field beyond the preseason. Shaun Hill is under contract for one more season, but I think he will be usurped on the depth chart and Heinicke will become Teddy Bridgewater's backup.
2. Adrian Peterson Will Be Traded or Cut
Credit: Getty Images2. Adrian Peterson Will Be Traded or Cut
Peterson's 2014 off the field situation bought him another season of high level production as he reached and surpasses 30 years old, but he again proved incapable of functioning as a pass catcher and pass blocker. It seems to be a foregone conclusion he'll be back next season, but the Vikings can cut Peterson without big financial implications. If a solid trade offer comes, general manager Rick Spielman would have to listen.
1. Norv Turner Will Resign
Credit: Hannah Foslien Getty Images1. Norv Turner Will Resign
Turner's status as Vikings offensive coordinator is not known to be in doubt, but the recent hiring of Pat Shurmur suggests a desire to move away from the offensive system he favors. Depending on how that dynamic plays out, with Shurmur's title as tight ends coach not likely to limit his input, the 63-year-old (64 in May) Turner may simply choose to step aside.
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