For all intents and purposes, the 2024 season for the Minnesota Vikings was a magical one. No one outside of the locker room expected much from the Vikings this season. They were coming into the season with a journeyman quarterback who was one of the biggest busts in NFL Draft history. They had drafted their quarterback of the future, but he suffered a season-ending injury in the preseason.
This season was supposed to be a bridge to better days in the future. But the Vikings decided that the future was now. The 2024 squad exceeded all expectations and turned in a 13-4 regular season, falling just short of taking home the NFC North crown and finishing as the top seed in the NFC playoff picture. That retread quarterback that no one believed in, Sam Darnold, had a career season and made a compelling case for Comeback Player of the Year — and at times had an MVP case.
And yet, it all came crashing down in the playoffs, as the Vikings were ousted in the first round by the Los Angeles Rams. The loss has left a sour taste in the Vikings’ mouths, along with those of their fans. It’s clear the Vikings still have some work to do to have playoff success. What needs to change on the roster heading into 2025 for them to take the next step? Here are some major needs heading into the offseason.