It may be hard to think about after being knocked out of the playoffs, but the 2024 Minnesota Vikings had many great moments en route to a 14-3 record. Both sides of the ball showed significant strides that can be built upon in 2025.

Family members canceled reservations in Philadelphia, as Vikings players explored travel contingencies they hadn’t yet been ready to consider. General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and coach Kevin O’Connell blocked out their afternoon schedules for office hours to meet with players before they departed.

The Minnesota Vikings played their two worst games of the season to first lose out on the division title and first seed in the playoffs and then go one-and-done in a quick end to their postseason. It was as disappointing an end to their season as their 14-3 record was a positive surprise.

In November, the Vikings signed Jones, the sixth-overall pick in the 2019 NFL draft. With Sam Darnold expected to leave via free agency, Jones would be a cheaper option to back up J.J. McCarthy while offering the upside of a former starter coming off the bench.