Key reason Tottenham are targeting Ivan Perisic revealed

Key reason Tottenham are targeting Ivan Perisic revealed

An insight into why Tottenham are targeting Inter Milan’s Ivan Perisic has been revealed.

Perisic is 33 years of age and out of contract with the Serie A powerhouse at the end of June.

But given his age, Tottenham’s interest in the winger is seen by many as somewhat odd.

Now though, an insight into why Tottenham are looking to bring the Croatian in has been provided and it centres around current Spurs talent, Ryan Sessegnon.

According to football.london, Spurs’ managing director of football Fabio Paratici believe that Perisic can help mentor and push on 21-year-old Sessegnon to develop as the wing-back duo share the large amount of matches on offer next season with Spurs’ return to the Champions League.

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They add that Conte has high hopes for Sessegnon if he can get a good full pre-season under his belt and steer clear of further hamstring woes.

Speaking about Sessegnon earlier this season, the Italian had this to say:

“Sess in my vision has all the possibility to become an important player. First of all he is young and has in front of him a lot of years. He is strong physically and fast, has a good engine, a resilience,” he said “He has good quality. Sometimes I think he feels a bit of pressure, but with me he played important games, against Liverpool, against Chelsea, against City.

“It means I trust him. If you remember in the last game I changed the system, but only for this, I took him off after 30 minutes. I explained it was a tactical situation, but we are talking about another player that if he works and you have patience to work with him he is another player that can become an important player, also for England, the national team, but the first person that has to be convinced is himself. I trust him in the same way I trust all the players.”

It is also worth pointing out that if Perisic is being brought in to tutor Sessegnon, then Sergio Reguilon is now somewhat surplus to requirements as the Lilywhites don’t really need three left-wing-backs.

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Marcus Smart on facing Warriors in NBA Finals: “We’re up for the challenge”

The Celtics returned to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2008 when Boston won a championship. It will be the first time for Marcus Smart as well for his teammates to play at this stage.

The 28-year-old point guard, who was one of the top three scorers for the Celtics alongside Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown with 24 points, says that his team is up for a challenge of facing the Warriors in the Finals.

“No matter what adversity is put in front of us. No obstacle, no loop. We’re gonna get through it. We’re gonna get over it. We’re gonna get around it,” Smart said postgame. “This is how we live our lives on the court. We really truly believe that.

“We know we’re going up against a great team with the Warriors. Great players, great organization. They have a track record to prove it. They know exactly what it takes. They’ve been here. There they’re vets. We know we got a long road in front of us, but we’re up for the challenge.”

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Lamar Jackson’s situation, Eagles do right by Jalen Hurts and more

The Baltimore Ravens began their OTAs last week, but star quarterback Lamar Jackson was absent. Nobody is talking, and it’s getting weird.

Lamar Jackson’s words say one thing. His actions say otherwise.

Last week, the Baltimore Ravens opened their season with voluntary OTAs. Jackson wasn’t in attendance, only one of two quarterbacks around the NFL not present. The other was Kyler Murray of the Arizona Cardinals, who has been public in his discontent with the organization throughout the offseason.

However, unlike Murray, Jackson’s team has repeatedly attempted to engage him in extension talks this winter. No dice.

Entering the final year of his rookie deal, the Heisman Trophy winner and unanimous 2019 MVP hasn’t returned the urgency of general manager Eric DeCosta, something the team made clear at the Owner’s Meetings in late March.

“Unless he has a change of heart, calls Eric and says ‘I’m ready,”’ said team owner Steve Bisciotti, via the team’s website. “Eric can’t keep calling him and going, ‘Hey Lamar, you really need to get in here and get this thing done.’ It’s not a GM’s job.

“Eric can structure contracts any way he wants. I think we’re a pretty aggressive team and when Lamar’s ready…we’ll pay him when he’s ready.”

Still, Jackson doesn’t appear ready to negotiate. And considering Jackson represents himself, it presents a tricky situation for DeCosta, who doesn’t have an agent to work with as an intermediary.

Jackson, who has publicly stated both his love for the franchise and his displeasure with the trade of receiver Hollywood Brown in recent months, took a moment Friday to tweet he isn’t at OTAs because he doesn’t need to be, but stated “I will be there, just not on your watch,” in response to criticism from NBC Sports’ Chris Simms.

While Jackson’s words say he is committed to Baltimore going forward, his actions are of a man either conflicted on the future, or one who doesn’t believe it’s in Charm City. And for the Ravens, every passing day without Jackson signed long-term creates potential cap issues as planning becomes difficult.

“They have to give themselves some other options,” a former NFL general manager told FanSided. “If they love the backup, that’s one thing but I’m not sure that’s their best answer. I would’ve drafted one that I felt really good about in the second or third round. Maybe they didn’t like any of them, I don’t know.

“The worst deals I ever made as a GM were the ones that I struggled to communicate with the other side on — or had no options. I have never thought hope was a real plan.”

At this juncture, DeCosta has two options. He can play out 2022 as is, and then place the franchise tag on Jackson, knowing he can do the same come the following year. Or, DeCosta can continue trying to work out an extension, and if he fails, start seriously considering drafting a quarterback in what is expected to be a loaded ’23 rookie class before trading Jackson for one of the biggest hauls in league history.

And for Baltimore, maybe the second option is becoming increasingly appealing.

The Ravens have enjoyed immense regular-season success with Jackson, but their limited passing game has hurt them in three consecutive playoff losses from 2018-20. While Jackson has steadily improved, DeCosta must weigh paying Jackson $45+ million annually, or finding another quarterback who will be cheap for four years and can produce similar win totals. Not easy, but appealing.

Ultimately, if Jackson won’t sit at the bargaining table, DeCosta may feel he has little choice.

Smart money still says the sides get a deal done. Baltimore clearly wants Jackson, and although he’s been aloof in negotiations to this point, Jackson continues to publicly state his love for the Ravens. Furthermore, if DeCosta wants, he can control Jackson’s movement for the next three years, albeit at a massive cap number in ’23 and ’24.

As for Jackson, he has to assess risk. With this being the final year of his rookie deal, one serious injury and suddenly he loses what could literally be hundreds of millions. We’ve seen men like Kirk Cousins play out the tag, and that was risky, but it’s meager compared to what Jackson would be losing.

For the Ravens, and Jackson, the safe move is signing.

But so far, Jackson’s words have gone much further than his actions, and the Ravens have to be worried.

Power rankings

Top 10 Offensive Rookie of the Year candidates

1. Chris Olave, WR, New Orleans Saints – Deep threat, big-armed QB
2. Treylon Burks, WR, Tennessee Titans – Tons of opportunity with A.J. Brown gone
3. Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh Steelers – Only rookie QB who is likely to start
4. Breece Hall, RB, New York Jets – Excellent talent, top rookie RB taken, opportunity
5. Skyy Moore, WR, Kansas City Chiefs – Patrick Mahomes, great system for big numbers
6. Garrett Wilson, WR, New York Jets – Might be top target for Zach Wilson
7. Alec Pierce, WR, Indianapolis Colts – Opportunity as No. 2 receiver, Matt Ryan
8. Christian Watson, WR, Green Bay Packers – Aaron Rodgers, no clear top target
9. Jameson Williams, WR, Detroit Lions – Can Williams get healthy for enough games?
10. James Cook, RB, Buffalo Bills – Carries, great offense, light boxes

Quotable

“He has the total package. Just being around him for the past week and seeing some of the things he can do, he has all the tools. He’s very gifted. It’s about applying it, taking the stuff he learns in the classroom, taking it to the field. He has the tools. It’s about refining those tools. And it takes time.”

– Green Bay Packers’ Randall Cobb on fellow receiver and rookie Christian Watson

The handwringing surrounding Green Bay’s lack of weaponry is overblown, considering the two-time reigning MVP is playing quarterback in Titletown. However, if the Packers don’t get much from Watson in his rookie year, it’s a fair question to ask what Green Bay will do on third down and in the red zone against quality defenses.

If the youngster can perform immediately, that’s where he’ll have his biggest impact.

Podcast

Random stat

Joe Gibbs is the only head coach in NFL history to win the Super Bowl with three different starting quarterbacks, doing so with Washington in 1982 (Joe Theismann), ’87 (Doug Williams and ’91 (Mark Rypien).

Info learned this week

1. Deshaun Watson situation continues to build for NFL, Browns

Another week, and more speculation about the future of Deshaun Watson.

Watson, who still faces 22 civil suits from women in Texas alleging sexual misconduct, has yet to be suspended by the NFL. While rumors swirl about when discipline could be handed down — and the amount of it we’ll see — Tuesday brought more to light with HBO’s Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel airing interviews with some of Watson’s accusers.

While the commentary didn’t bring new bombshells, it reinforced the heinous nature of what Watson allegedly did. And although all 10 criminal complaints have been dismissed by a pair of Texas grand juries, the NFL still has the ability to ban Watson for whatever duration it believes appropriate.

Eventually, commissioner Roger Goodell must decide whether to wait for all the civil suits to be settled, or to act soon. If it’s the former, Watson could well play the entire 2022 season. If it’s the latter — which Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer predicts — it makes sense to move before training camp, allowing the league to shift the conversation from rampant speculation to a final decision.

2. It’s been a big week of health for AFC East quarterbacks

Mac Jones and Zach Wilson. Ready for both the beach and their sophomore seasons.

Last week, there was ample talk about both of them getting into better shape. For Wilson, the New York Jets’ signal-caller says he’s up to 221 pounds through elimination of added sugars, putting on healthy weight. Wilson was 208 pounds as a rookie, and hopes to be 218 once the season starts. As a more slender quarterback, it’s a wise move for the former BYU star to bulk up.

Meanwhile, the New England Patriots are also seeing less of Mac Jones. Literally.

Jones has cut down the belly fat after his rookie campaign and entered OTAs at 214 pounds. While he was able to stay healthy and play all 17 games for New England in 2021, the increased nutrition could pay off in terms of avoiding a late-season downturn, as happened a year ago.

For both Wilson and Jones, it shows the willingness to be serious about the non-football portions of a career which often extend the lifespan of a player. Good signs for each team.

3. Steelers make smart, predictable move in hiring Omar Khan

Nobody is more consistent in their processes than the Pittsburgh Steelers.

On Wednesday, Pittsburgh hired internal candidate Omar Khan to replace long-time general manager Kevin Colbert, who retired this offseason. Khan has been with the club since 2001 and working as Colbert’s right-hand man since the ’16 season.

For Pittsburgh, this was the easy choice. No team loves continuity more than the Steelers, who famously have had only three head coaches since 1969. In the front office, there’s also been little change, and Khan’s elevation in light of Colbert’s departure stays with that line of thinking.

While so many franchises are constantly flailing and changing course, Pittsburgh never does. It has served the Steelers well, with six Super Bowl titles and 30 playoff appearances over the past 49 seasons.

4. Raiders work out Colin Kaepernick for backup role

Colin Kaepernick hasn’t thrown an NFL pass since 2016. Could that soon be changing?

For the first time since being blackballed for his social justice stance, Kaepernick worked out with an NFL team. Last week, the Las Vegas Raiders gave him a look. In theory, if he’s better than current backup Jarrett Stidham, he should be signed. However, despite positive reviews, Kaepernick hasn’t gotten a deal from Las Vegas yet.

Although Kaepernick hasn’t had any opportunities since ’16, it’s hard to argue he’s not worth a backup spot. Forget the politics for a minute. Kaepernick was a decent starter who went 28-30 as a starter, completing 59.8 percent of his attempts with 72 touchdowns against 30 interceptions. To argue he’s a quality starter is asinine and biased, but it’s the same thing to say he’s not better than most current backups in the league.

The Raiders got a good view. Perhaps it’s finally his door back, but so far, that door hasn’t opened.

5. Deion Jones hurt, and the Falcons already dealing with issues

With the Atlanta Falcons starting OTAs, one prominent face wasn’t there.

Linebacker Deion Jones is going to miss the remainder of the offseason program following shoulder surgery. This means sidelining one of the Falcons’ top-five players, albeit with the hope Jones is back in time for a good chunk of training camp and the regular season.

If the Falcons are going to compete at all in 2022, they need some luck. The offense is barren save for tight end Kyle Pitts and rookie receiver Drake London, while the defense is largely Jones and star corner A.J. Terrell. Outside of those names and a few veterans such as tackle Jake Matthews and defensive lineman Grady Jarrett, it’s one of the NFL’s weakest rosters.

And for Jones, this is a contract year, even with his current deal running through 2023. If Jones struggles, the Falcons can release him for a cap savings of $13.1 million while, only eating $5.3million in dead cap.

Two cents

If any one unit can swing a playoff race this autumn, it’s the Miami Dolphins’ offense.

Miami spent gobs of money and draft capital this offseason, signing guard Connor Williams, left tackle Terron Armstead and running back Raheem Mostert. The Dolphins also made a blockbuster trade to land receiver Tyreek Hill from the Chiefs, sending back five picks over the 2022 and ’23 drafts.

All of this is a major push under first-year head coach Mike McDaniel to win a playoff game for the first time since 2000. And whether the draught finally ends is largely on McDaniel and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.

For two years, Tagovailoa dealt with horrid offensive lines and only one top-tier weapon in last year’s rookie sensation, Jaylen Waddle. Now, Tagovailoa is supported by better protection, Hill and Waddle, a speedy backfield led by Mostert and sure-handed tight end Mike Gesicki.

If Tagovailoa takes a major step forward, the Dolphins can challenge for a playoff berth in the loaded AFC. If not, Miami will once again be an afterthought.

Inside the league

Nobody has had a better offseason than Jalen Hurts.

The Philadelphia Eagles surprised many last season by winning nine games and earning a wild card spot, before being handled by the Buccaneers in the opening round.

However, the Eagles didn’t beat a single playoff team in 2021, prompting general manager Howie Roseman to look inward, understanding Philadelphia needed serious upgrades.

The result was a slew of activity.

Roseman traded for star receiver A.J. Brown on draft night from the Tennessee Titans, giving up a first-round choice. However, Philadelphia had two such picks and used the other on defensive tackle Jordan Davis out of Georgia, adding to a great interior which includes Javon Hargrave and Fletcher Cox. In the third round, another Bulldog with linebacker Nakobi Dean, who was projected universally as a first-rounder.

Finally, the Eagles took advantage of the New York Giants’ cap situation and signed star corner James Bradberry, pairing him with Darius Slay on the perimeter.

All of this bodes well for Hurts, who enters a critical year surrounded by one of the league’s best rosters. If the quarterback doesn’t improve, Roseman has two ’23 first-round picks to potentially upgrade.

Yet, Hurts now has Devonta Smith and Brown to target along with a burgeoning defense, loaded with stars both up front and in the back. It’s a great position to succeed in, and one Hurts must take advantage of.

History lesson

Few teams have ever been carried by one player quite like the 1977 Chicago Bears.

In ’77, Chicago reached the playoffs for the first time since beating the New York Giants in the 1963 NFL Championship Game. It was almost solely because of future Hall of Fame running back Walter Payton.

Payton ran for 1,852 yards and totaled 2,121 total yards from scrimmage, accounting for 45.6 percent of the Bears’ output that season. Payton also scored 16 of the team’s 29 offensive touchdowns, and was the only member of Chicago to make the Pro Bowl or All-Pro squads.

Ultimately, Chicago went 9-5 and earned a wild card spot before losing to the Cowboys, 37-7, in the Divisional round.

Parting shot

This is an NFL column, and I’m an NFL reporter. My job is to inform on and discuss football. But I’m an American and a father well before the aforementioned title. And in this moment, I’m furious.

On Tuesday in Uvalde, Tx., 21 people were murdered during a mass shooting at Robb Elementary School, including two teachers and 19 children.

In the days since, we’ve seen the typical nonsense. Talk from certain politicians about the need to fortify schools as though they’re prisons, reducing doors, blaming Godlessness and video games, etc. Anything but the obvious: common-sense gun laws.

What are we doing? Who are we as a society?

I’m not looking for a repeal of the Second Amendment or to keep guns away from the regular citizen. Not at all. I also believe the country — and the globe — could certainly use more attention paid to mental health. That’s a real problem.

But to avoid a discussion on guns after such a horrific tragedy is to be purposefully obtuse. There’s no reason we can’t keep 2A and also enforce universal background checks, a mental health screening, safety training, a course test and the requirement of a permit.

That’s barely more than what getting a driver’s license asks of us.

I’ve seen all the arguments about why guns aren’t to blame. Most of them are hogwash. All the other factors constantly brought up are also present in every other country on earth, and yet the United States is the only nation which sees more mass shootings than days in the year.

The bottom line is until we keep our children safe, we have failed. And America is failing. Badly.



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Gilbert Arenas explains why Will Smith & Chris Rock’s Oscars slap was staged

Photo: Getty Images

In this VladTV clip, former NBA star guard Gilbert Arenas shares his thoughts on the incident in which Dave Chappelle was attacked on stage during the “Netflix is a Joke” festival.

This prompts a discussion about Will Smith slapping Chris Rock. To that, Gilbert Arenas emphatically states that he believes the whole thing was staged because Smith and Rock were friends who have worked together in the past.

As the interview continues, Arenas continues to make his case that the ordeal was fake by outlining components of the occurrence that didn’t make sense to him:

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Jayson Tatum Crowned First Larry Bird Trophy Winner

The Boston Celtics are on their way to their first NBA Finals since 2010 after the C’s beat the Miami Heat, 100-96, on the road in Game 7.

The Celtics’ Eastern Conference Finals series win was largely thanks to their efforts of inaugural Larry Bird winner, Jayson Tatum. Tatum finally helped the Celtics get over the ECF hump after three tries since Boston drafted him third overall in the 2017 NBA Draft. The Celtics have made four conference finals appearances since 2016.

The former Duke Blue Devil finished Game 7 with 26 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists in 47 outstanding minutes. He averaged 24.8 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game for the series, never ceasing to make the most critical plays when Beantown needed him to make them. Tatum put together the sublime Game 7 performance while wearing a No. 24 armband in honor of mentor Kobe Bryant.

“It’s a great honor,” Tatum said. “This is my third time, and to get over the hump with this group, it means everything. So i couldn’t be prouder of these guys — the road that we took to get here, not a lot of people believed in us. We took the toughest route, and it worked out.”

The 2022 NBA Finals begin on June 2, with Golden State hosting Game 1 taking place in Chase Center. It will be the Warriors’ sixth appearance since 2015 and the 10th they’ve made in franchise history. The Celtics have made the NBA Finals 20 times in their history, winning 17. Their most recent title run came under the leadership of Doc Rivers, Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen.

The Celtics’ improbable road to the Finals comes after Boston finished the regular season with the best defense in the League and won 26 of their last 32 games after going .500 in the first 50 games of the season. Boston (51-31) earned the No.2 seed in the playoffs, eliminating the Nets in a four-game sweep, finishing the defending champion Bucks in seven, and beating the Heat in seven games.



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Chauncey Billups delighted for the Lakers’ hiring of former teammate Darvin Ham

Photo: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

Numerous fans and figures in the NBA have praised the Los Angeles Lakers’ head coaching signing of Darvin Ham, which includes his former teammate with the 2004 champion Detroit Pistons in Chauncey Billups. 

In an interview with Dan Woike and Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times, the current Portland Trail Blazers coach praised the acquisition of Ham, in which he refers as “more than qualified” to call the shots for the Lakeshow crew. 

“He’s going to be honest as a coach of the Lakers, which is what I think you need in the NBA today — somebody that’s going to be honest but know how to be honest without actually just tearing you down,” Billups said. “What can you say? He’s won as a player. He’s won as a coach. I mean, this dude is more than qualified for the task at hand. I’m so happy and proud of him. I spoke to him last night and he was so excited.”

Ham served as a coaching assistant for over a decade following his pro career, and it’s definitely the right time for him now to take the challenge of being the leader on the sidelines. 

But the job in front of him is not an easy task, as he is projected to guide LeBron James, Anthony Davis and the Lakers to a convincing bounce-back season — off from a disappointing 2021-2022 campaign. 

Still, amid the pressure, the Purple and Gold are in high morale, knowing that they’ll have a different culture to enjoy now with the arrival of their first-year coach. 

And James is the proof of that. 



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Heat to finally play Tyler Herro in G7

Photo: AP Photo/Nell Redmond

With one win away to advance to their second NBA Finals in three years, the Miami Heat will seriously bet on Tyler Herro to play his best basketball. 

League sources have confirmed that the microwave two-guard is set to take the floor this Sunday after missing the last three games of their Conference Finals matchup against the Boston Celtics. Herro was then shelved to nurse his groin injury, but he passed the requisite tests of the team’s training staff to finally play this Game 7. 

“It’s all hands on deck,” Spoelstra said about Herro’s availability.

The reigning KIA Sixth Man of the Year is averaging 13.5 points per game to go along with 4.1 boards and 2.9 assists this postseason. He is expected to give a necessary back-up offensive carry to Jimmy Butler to pull off the series. 

The Celtics and the Heat are moments away to take the Game 7 stage. The emerging winner will go for a date with the waiting Golden State Warriors in the championship round. 

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Marcelo left bemused as Real Madrid fans continue to target Mbappe


 

Footage of the Real Madrid faithful making clear their frustrations with Kylian Mbappe once more has surfaced online on Sunday evening.

French international Mbappe, of course, was widely expected to take his talents to the Spanish capital this summer.

On the back of a transfer saga spanning several years, the understanding across the media was that the 23-year-old had run his contract with Paris Saint-Germain down to its final month owing to his desire to seal a long-awaited free agent switch to Real.

In turn, it came as nothing short of a shock when, last weekend, a complete U-turn culminated in Mbappe committing his future to PSG, by means of a lucrative new three-year deal.

Mbappe’s announcement, however, whilst sparking unbridled joy amongst supporters of the aforementioned PSG, altogether understandably, did not go down quite so well with those of a Real Madrid persuasion.

Recent days have seen the Frenchman labelled everything from a ‘traitor’ to a ‘snake’, amid the suggestion that Mbappe led Los Blancos on something of a wild goose chase over the course of several transfer windows running.

And, as alluded to above, on Sunday evening, the Real faithful made use of the opportunity to take aim at the ex-Monaco talent once more.

Amid the club’s celebrations on the back of their latest Champions League triumph, Marcelo took the stand in Madrid, to speak to the thousands in attendance ahead of his imminent Bernabeu departure.

Interrupting the Brazilian’s address, though, were loud chants of “Kylian Mbappé, son of a b***h,” leaving Marcelo looking understandably bemused.

 

Chelsea set for £15 million windfall following Real Madrid’s win over Liverpool

How many cup finals has Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp lost?

 




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Patrick Mahomes announces baby No. 2 on the way

Patrick Mahomes announces baby No. 2 on the way.

Patrick Mahomes will be welcoming his second child with his new wife, Brittany Mahomes.

“Round 2!” Mahomes tweeted on Sunday along with a photo of himself, Brittany, and their daughter Sterling. Their daughter, born on Feb. 20, 2021, is holding a sign that reads “Big sister duties coming soon.”

Brittany has become a bit of cult figure aside from her quarterback husband due to her in-your-face personality and extreme devotion of Patrick and the Chiefs.

The pair, who have been together for years, were married in March 2022, after a lengthy engagement.

According to TMZ, “Mahomes’ younger brother, Jackson Mahomes, served as his best man, while his Kansas City Chiefs teammate Travis Kelce was a groomsman. Kelce’s girlfriend, Kayla Nicole, was one of Matthew’s bridesmaids as well.”



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3 worst moves of the 2022 offseason

Garrett Bradbury, Minnesota Vikings. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)

Questionable decisions made this offseason could come back to haunt the Minnesota Vikings.

Though the Minnesota Vikings have every reason to believe they are a playoff contender this fall, the front office has already made a few head-scratching decisions that could prove very costly.

After failing to qualify for the postseason last year, Minnesota opted to go in a different direction organizationally. They let go of long-time head coach Mike Zimmer and former general manager Rick Spielman in favor of Kevin O’Connell and Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, respectively. With the NFC being down, Minnesota may make the playoffs anyway, but one bad decision could ruin their year.

Here are the three worst moves made by the Vikings’ brass during a most critical NFL offseason.

Minnesota Vikings: 3 worst moves made during the 2022 NFL offseason

3. The decisions surrounding Garrett Bradbury have been odd the entire time

It is so hard to have faith in an offensive line holding up when the starting center is seen as a liability. Minnesota thought it shored up that critical position in the trenches when the Vikings took Garrett Bradbury in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft out of North Carolina State. Too bad he has been one of the worst centers in the league over the last three years. Oh wait, there’s more…

Even if it made sense for the new Vikings’ front office to not extend an ineffective Bradbury a fifth-year option for 2023, they have not brought in any free agents to compete with him of note, nor did they add a center to push him from this year’s draft. For whatever reason, the Vikings are tempting fate by letting Bradbury remain their offensive line bottleneck. They are really pushing it.

There may be some belief from within that O’Connell will be able to put Bradbury in more advantageous situations with his scheme as an offensive-midned head coach. However, the Vikings are one bad injury to Kirk Cousins or Dalvin Cook from falling off a cliff this season. If the fulcrum of the Minnesota offensive line leaks like a sieve, then the Vikings will be having problems.

If Bradbury struggles, the Vikings might have to kick one of their many guards even further inside.

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