In April, there’s the NFL Draft. In May, there’s the arguably overhyped NFL schedule release.
In June, there are usually some storylines, like this year with the ones surrounding the Patriots, but it can be kind of a slog in terms of compelling events for NFL fans.
Then July kicks in. This will be a July where NFL fans will have to wait a little later for training camp, due to the coronavirus pandemic. That will make competing for roster spots all the more interesting as players have been practicing remotely and oftentimes haven’t had as many chances to meet up with teammates and coaches in person.
Here are some important dates to remember for Vikings fans and NFL fans in general:
July 15
Why should Vikings fans be paying attention to July 15? Well, it’s the final day for teams and players under the franchise tag to agree to long-term deals.
Minnesota has until July 15 at 3 p.m. C.T. to work out a deal with safety Anthony Harris, who was given a franchise tag by the team and signed his tender earlier this offseason.
Not securing a deal before that time still leaves Harris under contract for 2020, but what will happen after that? Who knows?
For the Vikings, it becomes tricky to figure out a long-term deal for Harris this offseason.
Dalvin Cook will reportedly refrain from team-related activities. The salary cap could also be an issue for the Vikings, as the team has just $12.2 million in cap space for 2020, per Over The Cap.
However, there’s always a chance that the Vikings could lessen Harris’ cap hit on this season by giving him an extension. Here’s a suggestion:
A long-term deal could come with a signing bonus and more money in later years, which could maybe mean less money than the franchise tag amount of $11.44 million that Harris will earn for this year. Why would Harris do that? For the long-term security of a deal and more money in total.
July 28
Barring any new changes, Minnesota will have training camp on July 28.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that 28 NFL teams, including the Vikings will be required to have training camp on that day.
The Vikings will have an interesting training camp for a number of reasons. This is a new-look Vikings team, especially on defense. Players will be competing for starting spots and training camp would probably be a good chance to stand out.
The Vikings drafted 15 players in the 2020 NFL Draft, many of whom will be competing for key roster spots. There are also enticing undrafted free agents, such as Quartney Davis.
The unconventional offseason makes it hard to determine who’s been standing out on the Vikings. Training camp will be a time where it’s possible to get a sense of how the players are on the field together. Let’s get excited.
