Bold trades and strategic departures fueled a dominant Week 1 victory, proving that youth and salary cap flexibility have transformed Minnesota into a formidable NFC contender.
The Minnesota Vikings are looking like a better team than they were in 2025. One game into the season, the dominant defense and serviceable offense combined for a huge 39-22 win over the Green Bay Packers in Week 1.
Several factors have contributed to the Vikings' fast start. Among them, the continued momentum from an impressive finish on the defensive side in 2025. Still, free agency and trades have improved the team immensely.
Adam Carlson of Minnesota Vikings on SI discussed the Vikings' big moves this offseason. Among them, Carlson noted that letting a couple of their best defensive players leave, like star pass rusher Jonathan Greenard and defensive tackle Javon Hargrave, has actually been helpful with the current squad. Here's some of what Carlson had to say on the subject.
"During the 2026 NFL Draft, the Vikings traded veteran edge rusher Jonathan Greenard to the Philadelphia Eagles for two third-round picks, one in the 2026 NFL Draft and another in 2027. That move left many fans wondering how Minnesota would make up for the lost production.
Minnesota put its faith in Dallas Turner to be the new starter, and he looked amazing against Green Bay. Turner had seven hits on the Packers' quarterback Jordan Love and was consistently a menace by getting behind the offensive line.
Meanwhile, Greenard missed all of training camp with a strained pectoral muscle and sat out Philadelphia's Week 1 game against the Commanders after being limited in practice all week. Even if he were fully healthy, it would have taken a multiple-sack effort from him to feel like the Vikings made a mistake. ...
(Javon) Hargrave played 30 defensive snaps for Green Bay and finished with one tackle. He finished with a Pro Football Focus grade of 61.4, which is considered average. That performance isn't worth the $15 million that Minnesota would have spent on him this year, and not worth the $11.5 million he is making this year with the Packers."
Sep 13, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings cornerback James Pierre (23) and Green Bay Packers running back MarShawn Lloyd (32) both attempt to catch the ball during the second half at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn ImagesJonathan Greenard is not typically viewed as an addition by subtraction kind of player. However, his big looming contract made that contention easier to make.
The Vikings cleared room to make big moves like add Kyler Murray at quarterback and Jauan Jennings at wide receiver. And though they have not seen the fruit of Murray's availability on the football field, the addition infused life into the Vikings offense this offseason.
Minnesota got better over the last few months. They will look to continue to make their offseason improvement clear on the field.
