The 2025 Vikings Storylines Getting Lost in the Shuffle

Nov 17, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith (22) directs the defense against the Tennessee Titans during the first half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images. Key items for the 2025 Minnesota Vikings include the development of J.J. McCarthy, Kevin O’Connell’s pursuit of a playoff win, and Justin Jefferson’s career trajectory toward the Hall of Fame. Headlines focus on stars and injuries, but these overlooked 2025 Vikings storylines could have a bigger impact than some anticipate. Here’s what some fans might be missing. Those should be fully covered and followed by fans. But don’t forget the undercover stuff. These are the Vikings’ under-the-radar storylines this season, ranked in ascending order (No. 1 = most important stealthy storyline). Under-the-Radar Vikings Storylines for 2025 Don’t forget about these hot-ticket items while watching the Vikings this season. Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (33) bursts into the end zone on a 31-yard touchdown run during the first quarter against the Detroit Lions on October 20, 2024, at U.S. Bank Stadium. Lions safety Kerby Joseph (31) trails in pursuit as Jones celebrates the early score. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images. 4. A Fix to the Rushing Offense Since Kevin O’Connell took charge of the Vikings, the team has struggled to run the ball effectively. They just haven’t gotten the job done on the ground. Thankfully, the club has improved every step of the way via rushing offense, but it’s still not good enough for serious Super Bowl contention. It ranked 20th per rushing DVOA last season, and that felt like a real treat. Tweneieth is still unbecoming of a Super Bowl contender. Now, Minnesota has a revamped offensive line, Jordan Mason, and Aaron Jones back on a large extension. It’s time for O’Connell and the gang to heal the rushing offense and climb into the NFL’s Top 12 or Top 15 ranking in rushing efficiency. There’s no time like the present. 3. Brian Flores’ Last Hurrah? Believe it or not, the present moment would be the ideal time for Minnesota to discuss a contract extension with Brian Flores. His contract runs out after the 2025 campaign. But there’s very little fanfare about any Flores extension. There may be an understanding that Flores will go full tilt into the head coach carousel next January and February — by both parties. Otherwise, why is there no momentum for an extension? The guy is phenomenal. Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores speaks to reporters from the TCO Performance Center on October 16, 2024. Flores took over as coordinator in early 2023 and has been tasked with revamping a defense that ranked 30th in points allowed the previous season. Mandatory Credit: YouTube Flores deserves another shot at a head coaching job after his rotten divorce in Miami. Next offseason feels like a logical time for his departure. So, 2025 may be his swan song in the Twin Cities. VikingsWire‘s Andrew Harbaugh wrote about Flores in May, “The dominance displayed by Flores over the last two years would make most coordinators undeniable in their chances of getting a head coaching opportunity. Sadly, in Flores’ unique case, off-the-field situations have created a divide between him and the NFL.” “He interviewed with the New York Jets, Chicago Bears, and Jacksonville Jaguars last hiring cycle, however, so teams are willing to hear his philosophy out again. Perhaps the right situation will arise next offseason, and he will be able to find his way back into the exclusive head coach club in the NFL.” 2. A Decision on Jordan Addison’s Extension Looms Never mind suspension talk about Addison — that is a big deal, isn’t under the radar, and the NFL should issue a ruling soon — the dialogue is getting dangerously close to an Addison extension. Next offseason, Addison can reasonably begin engaging with Vikings leadership to discuss a contract extension, and although a formal deal may not materialize until 2027, the discussion is about seven months away. Wide receiver Jordan Addison (3) of the Minnesota Vikings hauls in a touchdown pass from Kirk Cousins during the second quarter of the October 23, 2023, Monday Night Football matchup against the San Francisco 49ers at U.S. Bank Stadium. The score gave Minnesota a first-half boost. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports. And this one is a doozy. Addison will expect at least $30 million per year from his next deal. These questions will emerge: Can the Vikings afford to pay Addison $30+ million? It’s the same problem that has beset the Cincinnati Bengals with Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Will Addison’s off-the-field antics prevent Minnesota from taking the plunge on an extension? Did the team draft Tai Felton as Addison’s eventual replacement? Start formulating your stance. This one will be loud. And on the prospect of Addison facing a suspension this year, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah said last week, “Obviously, when that originally happened, we knew that it was a possibility, but really, you’re talking about team building in general. You might not have players on the field for various reasons, and you’ve always got to be ready with depth, players you’re excited about taking the field and taking those opportunities, and this is no different.” 1. Harrison Smith’s Last Ride Harrison Smith will turn 37 next offseason. That is ancient by NFL safety standards. Utterly ancient. Because he was so emotional after Minnesota lost in the postseason to the Los Angeles Rams, it felt like the end of the road. Veteran safety Harrison Smith (22) lines up for the Minnesota Vikings during an NFC wild card showdown against the Los Angeles Rams on January 13, 2025, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale. Smith continues to anchor the defense in his long-standing role. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images. But then Smith came back and will cross paths with J.J. McCarthy for at least one season. This has to be it, right? If so, fans should interpret 2025 as a Smith farewell tour, and they may not be prepared for those ugly cries.