Please note: This article originally appeared on our flagship site VikingsTerritory.com.
VikkingsTerritory and Purple PTSD writers were asked to make one prediction each for “players guaranteed not to return in 2023.”
We obviously kept the names somewhat high-profile because it wouldn’t be a bold prediction to assume that someone like Greg Munch wouldn’t be back.
7 Vikings players guaranteed not to return in 2023 PPTSD predictors
Ten Viking territory and: Purple PTSD the writers weighed in with seven different candidates to leave.
1. Patrick Peterson (CB)
Forecast Maker =: Will Goodwin
With the combination of free agent status and ever-increasing age, Patrick Peterson’s future in Minnesota is in jeopardy. For a team that likes to have its veteran presence, smarts and ability to predict when its next breakout will happen, turning to young and explosive corners will be the way of the future.
Brian Flores presents an aggressive defensive approach based on man-to-man coverage with his corners. As evidenced by the Vikings’ first defensive game of the season, P2’s ability to run step-by-step with capable players has diminished significantly. It’s time to move.
2. Dalvin Tomlinson (DL)
Forecast Maker =: Kyle Joudrey
To be honest, I don’t like offseason guarantees. Since starting all this writing, I’ve been constantly reminded that football (and sports in general) is an unpredictable beast, a monster that refuses to be tamed.
This brief word of mistrust aside, I’ll submit my best guess. Dalvin Tomlinson is not returning to Minnesota.
No one can be happy with how the Vikings defense played. Now, Tomlinson has happened to be one of the bright spots, but that doesn’t mean he’s a lock to be back in a purple uniform.
The veteran DT is likely looking for a nice payday and the Vikings are moving in a new direction under Brian Flores. A younger, penetrating DT who can specialize in attacking the QB could be more attractive to the Vikings’ new DC.
3. Greg Joseph (K)
Forecast Maker =: Josh Frey
The Vikings have had an up and down tenure with Greg Joseph. They didn’t lose games in 2022 because of him, but he certainly didn’t make things easy for them in some games.
Combine that with a 2021 season that wasn’t exactly stellar either, and the Vikings will be in the market for another player next season.
4. CJ Ham (FB)
Forecast Maker =: Mitch Masman
The big name guaranteed not to return in 2023 is CJ Ham. Hamm is a fan favorite, but his usage completely fell apart during Zimmer’s transition from a wide zone scheme to Kevin O’Connell’s offense. At $3.8 million, it’s hard to imagine Ham being needed in 2023.
5. Dalvin Cook (RB)
Forecast Maker =: Ted Schwertzler
Dalvin Cook has a projected $14 million cap hit in 2022, and that’s too rich for the blood of a general manager who preaches value.
t6. Jordan Hicks (LB)
Forecast Maker =: Dustin Baker
Jordan Hicks was good-not-great in 2022 and is on the wrong side of 30. He performed his role exactly as asked. keep the seat warm for a newbie to take over in 2023.
That rookie is Brian Asamoah, who will spend his sophomore campaign as the starting linebacker.
It is time.
t6. Jordan Hicks (LB)
Forecast Maker =: Janik Eckardt
Releasing the quarterback would free up $5 million in cap space for the Vikings. 2022 rookie Brian Asamoah will start the starting lineup after already handling some of Hicks’ snaps late last season.
t7. Eric Kendricks (LB)
Forecast Maker =: Adam New
There are so many names to break the Vikings ties with. With cap space to be created, you can be sure at least some will be gone. The most obvious candidate is Eric Kendricks.
Kendricks signed a five-year, $50 million contract extension in 2018. The faith the Vikings showed in him with a first-team All-Pro season in 2019 was backed up by an equally impressive 2020 season. At the time, Kendricks was rightfully the best cornerback in the league.
Unfortunately, injuries and downs have put it down since then, and with Kendricks in the final year of his contract, there’s no room for maneuver for the Vikings; extension should not be on the agenda.
Kendricks has an $11.43 million cap hit this year, with Minnesota potentially saving a whopping $9.5 million by releasing/trading Kendricks. That’s nonsense.
t7. Eric Kendricks (LB)
Forecast Maker =: Ali Siddique
With the Vikings current cap situation, they will have some huge decisions to make. Some of that may mean saying goodbye to some of their veterans. Releasing Kendricks would save the team $9.5 million. He took a step back this year and the extra cap space would be really helpful.
t7. Eric Kendricks (LB)
Forecast Maker =: Cole Smith
A famous Viking guaranteed not to return in 2023 is Eric Kendricks. Once known for his ability to fly all over the court, Kendricks has lost a step or two in 2022. Ed Donatelli’s scheme may not have helped, but it was clear that Kendricks excelled sideline to sideline.
His contract runs through 2023 after the season, but if he were to opt out this offseason, the Vikings would only pay $1.9 million.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube channel, VikesNow:. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday Raun Sauh and: Sal Spice:. His Viking obsession dates back to 1996. Guilty pleasures mentioned: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, The Sopranos and The Doors (band).
All statistics are provided Pro Football Reference / Stathead:; All contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.