An optimist's guide to the 2024 Minnesota Vikings

On the surface, the Minnesota Vikings don't seem to have much to be excited about this upcoming season. But there is hope following a disappointing 7-10 finish and the end of the Kirk Cousins era. 

Here are three reasons to be optimistic about the Vikings in 2024. 

Aaron Jones is now on the roster

After victimizing the Vikings for seven seasons as a member of the rival Green Bay Packers, Jones arrives in Minnesota looking to revitalize a lackluster rushing attack. The veteran comes with mileage, but he's still a massive upgrade. 

Last season, the Vikings' rushing attack ranked 29th in the NFL. Following Dalvin Cook's exit, Alexander Mattison struggled to fill his shoes, becoming the first lead-back in franchise history to finish a season with zero rushing touchdowns. 

Meanwhile, the 29-year-old Jones started 2023 sluggishly, rushing for 245 yards (3.71 yards per carry) over seven games. But after returning from an MCL sprain in Week 14, he averaged 5.41 yards per carry (411 yards, 76 attempts) over the final four weeks of the regular season and got even better in the playoffs, rushing for 226 yards (5.79 yards per carry) and three touchdowns in two games. 

Defense could make another leap forward

Brian Flores has transformed the Vikings defense since taking over for Ed Donatell. After ranking 28th in the NFL two seasons ago, Minnesota jumped to 13th in 2023, and the positive strides should continue in 2024. 

The Vikings added talent and experience in free agency, signing Jonathan Greenard (DE), Andrew Van Ginkel (LB), Blake Cashman (LB) and Shaquill Griffin (CB). Likewise, in the NFL Draft, they selected linebacker Dallas Turner in the first round, who should be an immediate contributor. 

With Sam Darnold or rookie J.J. McCarthy at the helm on offense, the defense will likely be leaned upon again this season. But the unit seems built and ready for the task. 

There's a plan at QB 

At some point, the Vikings had to find Cousins' heir apparent, but losing him in free agency this offseason forced their hand. So, based on necessity, the franchise acted, trading up in the NFL Draft to grab McCarthy with the No. 10 pick.

Darnold's presence means McCarthy will likely start the season on the sidelines. However, considering the history of the former No. 3 pick, the ex-Michigan standout could see time as a rookie.

McCarthy wasn't the best QB prospect in this year's draft, but he offers exciting potential. Not only did he lead the Big Ten in completion percentage (72.3%) and efficiency rating (167.4), but he also won, going 37-3 as a starter in college while leading the Wolverines to three conference titles and the College Football Playoff Championship in 2023.