with a 14-3 record, featuring a melancholy Round 1 playoff exit.
Vikings Offseason: The Top 3 Vikings Developments from 5th Week
Free agency is about three weeks away, the draft is 9.5 weeks around the bend, and the club’s schedule will be released in May.
 against the Los Angeles Rams during an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.</p>
<p>” data-medium-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Harrison-Smith-1.jpg” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1180,height=676,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Harrison-Smith-1.jpg” src=”https://vikingsterritory.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Harrison-Smith-1-788×444.jpg” alt=”Vikings Offseason”><figcaption> Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.<span></span></figcaption></figure>
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<p>And to keep track, these were the top three developments of Offseason Week No. 5, ranked in ascending order (No. 1 = most important).</p>
<h2>3. Daronte Jones to Interview for DC Job with Saints</h2>
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Jeremy Fowler tweeted Thursday, “The Saints have requested to interview Vikings pass-game coordinator/DBs Daronte Jones for their defensive coordinator position, per sources. Jones has been heavy on the DC interview circuit this cycle.”
Jones, an apparent up-and-comer for a DC gig, has spoken with the Chicago Bears and Jaguars this cycle about a promotion, but those clubs hired other options. So, Jones will either grab the Saints’ open position or return to Minnesota, a decision that should be announced next week.
2. Brian Flores Officially Returns to Minnesota
Ian Rapoport tweeted Tuesday, “Eagles OC Kellen Moore is finalizing a deal with the Saints to be their new head coach, per The Insiders. What was expected for more than a week will be official soon. Moore leaves Philly a Super Bowl champion, and now the work begins in New Orleans.”
Brian Flores never interviewed for the Saints’ top job, but his return couldn’t be deemed “officially official” until New Orleans filled the post. Put plainly, there are no more head coaching jobs for Flores to earn this offseason. He’ll return to Minnesota for Year No. 3 and perhaps try the HC market in 2026.
1. Kevin O’Connell Hints at J.J. McCarthy as His 2025 QB1
 and head coach Kevin O’Connell react before the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports.</p>
<p>” data-medium-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/mcckoc.jpg” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1180,height=737,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/mcckoc.jpg” src=”https://vikingsterritory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/mcckoc-788×444.jpg” alt><figcaption> Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports.<span></span></figcaption></figure>
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<p>The Vikings head coach swatted away any mystery about his young passer, J.J. McCarthy, this week. </p>
<p>“We drafted him 10th overall for a reason,” <a href=)
O’Connell told CBS Sports right before the Super Bowl about McCarthy, his 22-year-old passer.
Minnesota employed Sam Darnold in 2024 after McCarthy tore his meniscus in the preseason. McCarthy played wonderfully that August afternoon, slicing and dicing the Las Vegas Raiders’ defense in an exhibition bout, and a few days later, he hit the shelf for the season. Vikings fans realized they “couldn’t have nice things.”
O’Connell added, “I believe Sam has played himself into being kind of the marquee free-agent quarterback available. I do believe that his teammates and coaches and, our front office, and myself would love to have Sam back in Minnesota. But at the same time we do feel very confident in J.J. McCarthy. He’s healthy.”
That sounded like a McCarthy nomination for 2025.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. The show features guests, analysis, and opinion on all things related to the purple team, with 4-7 episodes per week. His Vikings obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band). He follows the NBA as closely as the NFL.
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.
