This will be a crucial offseason for the Minnesota Vikings. General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and head coach Kevin O'Connell are projected to be $48,999,691 over the salary cap in 2026 in terms of effective cap space.

He writes, "Settle the Brian Flores situation. He has been one of the NFL's best defensive coordinators during his three seasons in Minnesota, but his contract is expiring and he'll have the opportunity to consider options elsewhere even if he doesn't get a head coaching job. It'll be a challenge to replace him with an equal performer."

If Brian Flores doesn't get a head coaching gig, the Vikings are confident he'll be back as defensive coordinator. Read PFR for more.

Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell is the only coach in the NFC North without a playoff win entering a pivotal year for his future in Minnesota.

The Minnesota Vikings have several options in-house and outside the organization if they need to replace Brian Flores at defensive coordinator.

Harrison Smith is likely retiring. Eric Wilson may sign elsewhere. And, perhaps most important, defensive coordinator Brian Flores — one of the top two or three defensive coaches in football at the moment — is a free agent who could leave for a head coaching gig, or even make a lateral move for a larger salary.

While there are plenty of positives to glean from the Minnesota Vikings’ 9-8 season, one stands above the rest. But the big highlight of the year may