Category Archives: Sports

A mid-season look into the Highland Park softball team

April 28, 2023 HPSH Plaid Line Leave a comment

By: Abby Altman

Strength up the middle is one thing most softball teams have learned to prioritize. A strong shortstop, center field, and pitching staff are essential to the success of a team.

For Highland Park’s softball team, this season could very well come down to how well they perform up the middle.

The pitching staff for the 2023 season is identical to that of last season, with junior Ella Johnson and sophomore Morgan Johnson (no relation) as the starters, and junior Lydia Breuber as the team’s relief pitcher.

The 2022 pitching staff had a combined ERA of 7.67, giving up 79 total runs over the season.

Through 5 games this season, Highland Park has already allowed 46 runs, with 11 games still remaining.

Age is another big change on the 2023 team this season. Of the 11 members of the Varsity lineup, there are only 5 upperclassmen, and the majority of the team is either freshmen or 8th graders.

Freshmen twins Analiese and Scarlett Schneider are key players in strength up the middle. With Scarlett at shortstop and Analiese in center field, the twins are looking to secure their places in the field for the rest of their high school career.

Joining Analiese in the outfield is senior Abby Altman in right field, as well as a combination of senior Bella Jack and 8th grader Willow Sadowski in left field. Speed and awareness are essential in the outfield, and Highland’s combination should meet, and hopefully exceed fielding expectations.

On the corners in the infield are sophomore Hannah Gliedman at third base, and a wide variety of players at first base, including Lydia Bruber, Morgan Johnson, and junior Kate Ruebish, when she’s not behind the plate.

Overall, for defense, the team has more than enough weapons to succeed.

On the offensive side of the field, Highland has been even slower at getting things moving.

Through the first 7 games this season, Highland is 3-4, with blowouts from Richfield, Two Rivers, and South Saint Paul, and a close 5-6 loss against Saint Paul Academy.

Highland also handed losses to Humboldt, Johnson, and St. Paul Central.

In their first 3 games, Highland scored only 2 runs, both in the first game of the season against Richfield.

Since then, Highland has had a few blowouts of their own, scoring 19 runs against Humboldt and 26 runs against Johnson, but the majority of those runs were propelled by walks.

Highland Park is one of 7 teams in the St. Paul City conference. Over the past 2 seasons, Highland has taken 1st and 2nd place in the conference, losing to Central in 2022. This conference has struggled in the past, with nearly every team having a losing record each season.

Highland Park and St. Paul Central are once again likely to be the top 2 contenders for the 2023 conference title.

On Thursday, Highland defeated Central 5-3 in a tight showdown, led by exceptional pitching from Ella Johnson, and an abundant number of bunts laid down by Highland’s offense.

Over the next 6 days, Highland has 5 games, including the teams last 3 conference matchups.

Badminton, Baseball, Golf, Lacrosse, Scoreboard/Schedule, Softball, Tennis, Track & Field

Sports schedule for: Apr 24-29

April 24, 2023 HPSH Plaid Line Leave a comment

ATHLETIC EVENTS SCHEDULE: APRIL 24 – APRIL 29
MONDAY	APRIL 24
TIME	BUS TIMES	EVENT	LOCATION
4:00pm		Tennis vs. Central	Central High School
*4:30pm /* *4:30pm*		*Baseball vs. Washington*	*Varsity: HOME* C: Arlington and Arkwright
*5:30pm / 5:30pm*	*4:45pm \| 6:00pm*	*Badminton vs. Harding*	*HOME*
TUESDAY	APRIL 25
TIME	BUS TIMES	EVENT	LOCATION
*3:30pm*		*Boys Golf vs. Como Park*	*Highland National GC*
4:00pm / 5:00pm	2:30pm \| 5:30pm	Badminton Triangular Burnsville / Edina	Burnsville High School
4:00pm	2:45pm \| 6:00pm	JV Softball vs. Como Park	Como Park High School
WEDNESDAY	APRIL 26
TIME	BUS TIMES	EVENT	LOCATION
1:30pm		Girls Golf 9-Hole Tournament	Oneka Ridge Golf Course
4:00pm		Tennis vs. Harding	Harding High School
4:00pm		Softball vs. Johnson	Phalen Rec Center
4:30pm / *4:30pm*		Baseball vs. Johnson	V: Arlington and Arkwright *JV: HOME*
4:30pm		Boys Lacrosse B-Squad vs. Cretin-Derham Hall	McMurray Fields
*5:30pm / 5:30pm*		*Badminton vs. Washington*	*HOME*
THURSDAY	APRIL 27
TIME	BUS TIMES	EVENT	LOCATION
*3:30pm*		*Boys Golf vs. Central*	*Highland National GC*
3:45pm	2:00pm \| 7:00pm	JV Track and Field Meet	Woodbury High School
3:50pm		JV Girls Golf Match	Cedarholm Golf Course
*4:00pm*		*Softball vs. Central*	*HOME*
*4:30pm /* 4:30pm		*Baseball vs. Johnson*	*V: HOME* JV: Phalen Fields
FRIDAY	APRIL 28
TIME	BUS TIMES	EVENT	LOCATION
*4:00pm /* 4:00pm		*Tennis vs. Minnehaha Academy*	*V: HOME* JV: Minnehaha Academy
5:00pm		Track and Field Hamline Elite Meet	Hamline University
5:30pm / 5:30pm	4:45pm \| 6:00pm	Badminton vs. Humboldt	Humboldt High School
6:30pm		Softball vs. DeLaSalle	Jane Sage Cowles Stadium
SATURDAY	APRIL 29
TIME	BUS TIMES	EVENT	LOCATION
10:00am	8:00am \| 4:15pm	Track and Field Invitational	Lakeville North High School
*10:00am / 12:00pm*		*Softball Doubleheader vs.* *Saint Agnes and MPLS Southwest*	*HOME*

Badminton, Baseball, Golf, Lacrosse, Scoreboard/Schedule, Softball, Tennis, Track & Field

Sports schedule for: Apr 17-22

April 18, 2023 HPSH Plaid Line Leave a comment

ATHLETIC EVENTS SCHEDULE: APRIL 17 – APRIL 22
MONDAY	APRIL 17
TIME	BUS TIMES	EVENT	LOCATION
*4:00pm*		*Tennis vs. Humboldt*	*Varsity: HOME* JV: Humboldt High School
*4:15pm*		*Softball vs. South St. Paul*	*HOME*
*4:30pm /* *4:30pm*		*Baseball vs. Como Park*	*Varsity: HOME* JV: Como Park High School
5:30pm / 5:30pm	4:45pm \| 6:00pm	Badminton vs. Central	Central High School
TUESDAY	APRIL 18
TIME	BUS TIMES	EVENT	LOCATION
3:30pm		Boys Golf vs. Central	Phalen Golf Course
4:00pm		Tennis vs. Bloomington Jefferson	Varsity: Jefferson High School *JV:HOME*
4:00pm	2:20pm \| 7:00pm	Track and Field Invitational	St. Thomas Academy
WEDNESDAY	APRIL 19
TIME	BUS TIMES	EVENT	LOCATION
4:00pm		Tennis vs. Washington	Washington Technology Magnet
*4:00pm*		*Softball vs. Harding*	*HOME*
4:30pm / 4:30pm		Baseball vs. Como Park	V: Como Park High School *JV: HOME*
4:45pm		Boys Lacrosse B-Squad vs. Edina	McMurray Fields
THURSDAY	APRIL 20
TIME	BUS TIMES	EVENT	LOCATION
12:30pm		Boys Golf 9-Hole Tournament	Phalen Golf Course
*4:00pm*		*Softball B-Squad vs. Harding*	*HOME*
*4:00pm / 4:00pm*		*Track and Field Meet*	*HOME*
5:30pm / 5:30pm	4:45pm \| 6:00pm	Badminton vs. Como Park	Como Park High School
FRIDAY	APRIL 21
TIME	BUS TIMES	EVENT	LOCATION
*4:00pm*		*Softball vs. Humboldt*	*HOME*
4:30pm / 4:30pm		Varsity/C-Squad Baseball vs. Washington	Varsity: Arlington and Arkwright *C: HOME*
SATURDAY	APRIL 22
TIME	BUS TIMES	EVENT	LOCATION
10:30am		Tennis Triangular vs. Two Rivers / Park	Park High School
*12:00pm*		*Softball vs. St. Paul Academy*	*HOME*

Softball

How to find the correct softball bat

April 14, 2023 HPSH Plaid Line Leave a comment

By: Hannah Gliedman

One of the most important parts of softball is hitting. A good hitter is what makes a team gain points and win games. For a swing, speed is the most important thing. Being able to time a pitch to hit it in the strike zone, and generating enough speed to drive the ball, is what creates a good hitter.

Normally, when buying a bat whilst in high school, you don’t only have to think of what bat, but also what size and weight of bat. A general rule is that from ages 13-15, bat length should be about 31-32 inches.

Once players reach ages 16+ a bat like 33-34 inches is good. The USSSA prohibits bats over 34 inches.

A test to see if the bat is the right size is to hold the bat where the knob is in the center of your chest. If you can reach the end of the bat with your fingertips, it’s the correct size.

One thing to note is the diameter of the barrel. Most fast-pitch bats have a barrel of 2 3⁄4 inches. and standard bats are 2 1⁄2 inches. Having a bigger barrel creates a bigger sweet spot, meaning more pitches are likely to result in bigger hits; however, a bigger barrel creates a heavier bat. For players desiring a faster swing, a bigger barrel might not be right.

As for the weight of the bat, Worth Sports created a chart that shows the best weight of the bat for players:

The USSSA prohibits bats over 31.5 oz, this includes tape and grip additions.

Finding the proper weight is extremely important to creating power and hitting hard. Finding the sweet spot between a too heavy or too light bat is critical. If a bat is too heavy, the player won’t be able to generate speed and won’t be able to hit pitches in motion whilst in the strike zone.

On the opposite side, if a bat is too light, the player will open up too early in the pitch, which can cause players to top the ball.

A simple way to find the right weight for your bat is to extend your arm out and hold the bat straight out. Hold it there for 20 seconds, if you can’t, the bat is too heavy. However, if it’s too easy the bat might be too light.

If there is a choice between a too heavy and a too light bat, skew on the side of a lighter bat.

Last thing to note, is to make sure the bat is USSSA approved before you buy it.

Basketball

Biography of Klay Thompson

April 14, 2023 HPSH Plaid Line Leave a comment

By: Nagad Omar

4 time NBA Champion Klay Alexander Thompson was born on February 8th, 1990, in
Los Angeles, California. Born to parents Julie and Mychal Thompson.

Thompson didn’t have the “normal upbringing.” When he was just 2, his father was the first pick in the 1978 NBA draft.

He moved around the country until he was 14 where he was brought back to California where he later graduated from Rancho Santa Margarita High School. Klay had scout attention, all of high school, and played for many different club teams along with winning many awards.

Klay attended Washington State University where he led in 3-point field goal percentage and free throw percentage. Washington State University later retired his jersey number 1.

In 2011 Klay declared for the NBA draft and was drafted 11th overall by the Golden State Warriors. Shortly after, Thompson’s career took off and he scored 32 points in 2013 against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Thompson was also voted to the NBA All-Rookie first team.

That same year, Klay Thompson and Steph Curry would earn the title “Splash Bros” after setting the NBA record for 484 combined threes in a single season.

In 2017 Thompson also became the 11th player in franchise history to hit 9,000 career points, which he has well surpassed now.

After many trips to the NBA playoffs in 2015 Thompson finally won his first ring against the Cleveland Cavaliers in a tight 108-100 overtime win. The Warriors would end up being back-to-back champions in 2017 and 2018 to bring Klay his 2nd and third ring, before also winning in 2022, to make Klay a 4-time NBA champion.

Klay has now made 2,190 3-point field goals in his career (at the time of this writing), is a 5x NBA All Star and 2x all NBA Third Team.

Thompson also holds the NBA record for most points scored in a quarter, most three pointers scored in a single playoffs, and most three pointers scored in a game.

For more information, please visit:

https://www.osdbsports.com/nba/players/klay-thompson/biography/4e152a06-673e-4701-b115-aa7e2cd00d2d

Baseball

MLB rankings and expectations going into the 2023 season

April 11, 2023 HPSH Plaid Line Leave a comment

By: Abby Altman

It has been 146 days since the last pitch of the 2022 MLB season was thrown. Nick Castellanos of the Phillies flew out to right fielder Kyle Tucker of the Astros to give Houston the 2022 World Series title.

A lot has happened in the off season since the last game was played, with teams gaining and losing star players left and right. The offseason was chaos for many teams and athletes, and that will most likely show in the start of the 2023 season.

One of the best examples for the chaos seen this offseason is through Carlos Correa.

After the 2022 season, Correa announced he would be opting out of his 3-year contract with the Minnesota Twins. On December 14th, Correa reached an agreement with the San Francisco Giants, for 13 years/$350 million.

This appeared to be a done deal, and Correa was going to be a Giant. On December 20th, however, San Francisco canceled Correas introductory press conference, mere hours before it was scheduled to begin. Fans were given no explanation.

On December 21st, while most fans were asleep, Correa reached an agreement with the New York Mets, for 12 years/ $315 million. Again, this seemed like a done deal, and Correa was going to become a Met.

On December 24th, Correa’s introductory press conference was postponed, due to reported concerns with his physical. Correa showed few issues physically last season.

When the Giants and the Mets both passed on Correa, Minnesota took this time to step up, and bring him back home.

On January 10th, Correa and the Minnesota Twins reached an agreement for 6 years/ $200 million.

If that timeline of a star shortstop essentially joining 3 different teams all to end up with the same team as last season doesn’t give you a good idea of what this season will look like, I’m not sure what will.

At the end of last years regular season, the top 10 teams in the power rankings were:

Dodgers
Astros
Braves
Yankees
Mets
Cardinals
Blue Jays
Guardians
Mariners
Padres

The Philadelphia Phillies were ranked 12th, and still managed to play in the World Series, beating the Cardinals, Padres, and Braves to get there.

Since then, more than 150 free agents have signed new contracts, nearly 70 trades have been made, and 5 teams have hired new managers.

Opening day for the 2023 season took place on March 30th, and was an excellent look into what the upcoming season has in store for fans.

Here are my predictions for the top 10 teams this season, and the World Series matchup to end the season:

Toronto Blue Jays

2022 record: 92-70

2023 predicted record: 103-59

New York Yankees

2022 record: 99-63

2023 predicted record: 100-62

Houston Astros

2022 record: 106-56

2023 predicted record: 100-62

Los Angeles Dodgers

2022 record: 111-51

2023 predicted record: 98-64

New York Mets

2022 record: 101-61

2023 predicted record: 96-66

Atlanta Braves

2022 record: 101-61

2023 predicted record: 95-67

San Diego Padres

2022 record: 89-73

2023 predicted record: 92-70

Philadelphia Phillies

2022 record: 87-75

2023 predicted record: 90-72

Cleveland Guardians

2022 record: 92-70

2023 predicted record: 90-72

Baltimore Orioles

2022 record: 83-79

2023 predicted record: 88-74

The Houston Astros will come very close to back-to-back World Series titles. Uncomfortably close for many fans, who have had a strong disliking for the team since 2019, when the cheating scandal was uncovered.

However, I believe the New York Mets will make it through the playoffs, and beat the Astros in 6 for the 2023 World Series title.

Badminton, Baseball, Golf, Scoreboard/Schedule, Softball, Tennis, Track & Field

Sports schedule for: Apr 10-15

April 10, 2023 HPSH Plaid Line Leave a comment

ATHLETIC EVENTS SCHEDULE: APRIL 10 – APRIL 15
MONDAY	APRIL 10
TIME	BUS TIMES	EVENT	LOCATION

TUESDAY	APRIL 11
TIME	BUS TIMES	EVENT	LOCATION
*3:30pm*		*Tennis vs. Cretin-Derham Hall*	*HOME*
*5:30pm*		*Badminton vs. Humboldt*	*HOME*
WEDNESDAY	APRIL 12
TIME	BUS TIMES	EVENT	LOCATION
2:00pm		Girls Golf Friendship Tournament	Cedarholm Golf Course
*4:00pm*		*Tennis vs. Johnson*	*HOME*
*4:00pm*		*Badminton vs. Eden Prairie*	*HOME*
4:30pm		Softball vs. Richfield	Richfield Middle School
THURSDAY	APRIL 13
TIME	BUS TIMES	EVENT	LOCATION
*3:30pm*		*Boys Golf Conference Meet*	*Highland National Golf Course*
*4:00pm*		*Track and Field Meet vs.* *Central / Como Park / Humboldt*	*HOME*
4:15pm / 4:15pm		Varsity/JV Baseball vs. Minnehaha Academy	Fort Snelling
5:30pm / 5:30pm	4:45pm \| 6:00pm	Badminton vs. Johnson	Johnson High School
FRIDAY	APRIL 14
TIME	BUS TIMES	EVENT	LOCATION
4:00pm		Softball vs. Two Rivers	Two Rivers High School
4:00pm / *4:00pm*		Tennis vs. Roseville	Varsity: Roseville High School *JV: HOME*
SATURDAY	APRIL 15
TIME	BUS TIMES	EVENT	LOCATION

Advice/How To, Sports

Running shoes

April 10, 2023 HPSH Plaid Line Leave a comment

By: Ellie Moore

As the sport of running is growing, the technology of the shoes is getting better and better. What was top of the line 10 years ago aren’t even sold anymore.

The first running shoe invented was in 1865, and the first running spikes weren’t invented until 25 years later in 1890.

Some of the best shoes to train in are the Brooks Ghost 15, Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 39, Asics Gel-Kayano 29, Mizuno Wave Rider 26, or Saucony Triumph 20.

The shoes can get expensive, and they only last for 200-500 miles, which is about 3 months, so a lot of people buy the less expensive shoes that aren’t as good. The Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 39 are only $92 but they are said to lead to a ton of injuries.

To race well, you need spikes. Nowadays, if you tried to run a race without spikes you wouldn’t be able to place well. Spikes are lightweight shoes that have spikes on the bottom to help you push into the ground.

Some of the best cross country spikes are the Nike Zoom Rival XC 5, Nike Zoom Rival Waffle 5, or the Nike ZoomX Dragonflies. These are all the most light and supportive shoes to race in.

Many distance runners use the same spikes for track as cross country, but if you do sprints or distance, you probably want a pair of sprint spikes.

The best sprint spikes are more supportive and have more spikes than distance spikes. The top of the line sprint spikes at the moment are the Nike Zoom Maxfly Spike, New Balance FuelCell PWR-X Spikes, and Saucony Spitfire 5 Spikes (which are great for beginners).

The best shoes for recovery are any kind of Hokas. They have a soft base and help you have less impact on the ground. If you’re going for an easy recovery run, the Hokas are the way to go.

The better shoe you have will determine how well you race and how well your workouts will go. It is worth the extra money to make sure you don’t get injured and have great workouts and races.

Badminton, Scoreboard/Schedule, Tennis, Track & Field

Sports schedule for: Mar 27-Apr 1

March 27, 2023 HPSH Plaid Line Leave a comment

ATHLETIC EVENTS SCHEDULE: MARCH 27 – APRIL 1
MONDAY	MARCH 27
TIME	BUS TIMES	EVENT	LOCATION
3:15pm		Boys Tennis Begins	Tennis Courts
TUESDAY	MARCH 28
TIME	BUS TIMES	EVENT	LOCATION
4:45pm / 5:30pm	4:00pm \| 6:15pm	Badminton Triangular vs. Harding and North St. Paul	Harding High School
WEDNESDAY	MARCH 29
TIME	BUS TIMES	EVENT	LOCATION

THURSDAY	MARCH 30
TIME	BUS TIMES	EVENT	LOCATION
4:00pm	3:15pm \| 4:45pm	Badminton vs. Washington	Washington Technology Magnet
FRIDAY	MARCH 31
TIME	BUS TIMES	EVENT	LOCATION
4:00pm	2:20pm / 8:00pm	Boys/Girls Track and Field Griak Indoor Classic	University of Minnesota
SATURDAY	APRIL 1
TIME	BUS TIMES	EVENT	LOCATION

Football

Releases, re-signings, and requirements for the Minnesota Vikings

March 23, 2023 HPSH Plaid Line Leave a comment

By: Abby Altman

At the beginning of free agency, it appeared as though the Minnesota Vikings were looking to rebuild, which is more than rare for a team coming off of a 13-4 season.

The Vikings have released several key veteran players, including Adam Thielen, Eric Kendricks, and Cam Dantzler in the last few weeks, and have 11 free agents they have not yet re-signed. Free agents Patrick Peterson and Dalvin Tomlinson have joined the AFC North with the Steelers and Browns.

Minnesota has re-signed 7 free agents, including first-team all pro long snapper Andrew DePoala and kicker Greg Joseph on special teams. The Vikings also re-signed backup QB Nick Mullens and RB Alexander Mattison for offensive skill positions, and Austin Schlottmann and Garrett Bradbury on the offensive line. Jonathan Bullard is the only re-signed defensive player so far.

Second round draft pick TE Irv-Smith Jr is one free agent the Vikings will likely not resign. After the week 7 trade for TJ Hockenson, the Vikings filled in the gaps Smith Jr was leaving at the TE position. Even with a top 5 TE, Minnesota signed TE Josh Oliver from Baltimore.

Oliver is best known for his blocking abilities, so combined with Hockenson’s routes and hands, the TE position should flourish without the need for Irv Smith Jr.

Free agency is far from over, and General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and the Vikings should be looking at signing some more players before the draft. Here are some of Minnesota’s biggest needs this offseason.

Positional Needs

Cornerback: One of the most important additions the Vikings need to find is cornerbacks. Minnesota released CB Cameron Dantzler Sr, after he failed repeatedly in coverage. The Vikings signed Byron Murphy Jr from Arizona on a 2 year deal. Murphy is a top man-to-man coverage defender.

Chandon Sullivan and Duke Shelley are both unsigned free agents as of now. Duke Shelley started 5 games at the end of the season, and exceeded expectations. Shelley is currently asking for more money than the Vikings are currently able to offer him.

Center: The 2022 season showed lots of issues for Minnesota at center. Starter Garrett Bradbury had struggled in past years, but showed real potential last season, before a car accident re-aggravated a back injury and took him out for the end of the season. Backup Austin Schlottmann started behind Bradbury, but suffered a season ending fibula fracture in week 17. Guard Chris Reed was forced to start at center, causing many issues and several delay of game calls.

Minnesota has re-signed both Bradbury and Schlottmann, but finding a new center to ensure stability is key for the Vikings offensive line.

Linebacker: The Linebacker position for Minnesota is appearing to look like a waiting game. Za’Darius Smith and Danielle Hunter held down the position very well this past year, recording 20.5 total sacks between the 2 of them, however, Za’Darius Smith has recently requested to be released. It seems unlikely that the Vikings organization will release him, but a trade may be an option for the veteran outside linebacker. Danielle Hunter is injury prone, after undergoing multiple shoulder surgeries in recent years. Brian Asamoah III, coming off of his rookie season, shows ample potential to be the future for Minnesota’s linebackers, but that is yet to be known for certain.

Minnesota and LB Jordan Hicks agreed to a restructured contract, allowing him to avoid joining Eric Kendricks on the list of released MN linebackers.

Safety: Veteran Harrison Smith is still very active as a safety, tied for 1st in the league in interceptions among active players. Smith is 34 years old, and is no longer in his prime, although he’s still an asset to Minnesota’s defense.

Smith restructured his contract this past week, taking over a $10 million pay cut in order to stay in Minnesota. One of the most beloved players in Minnesota history has earned himself even more respect by taking such a massive pay cut, but one does have to question whether a player of his age will be enough on the field.

Defensive tackle: Minnesota’s most recent re-signing is DT Jonathan Bullard. Bullard was big at stopping the run game in 2022, but he will most likely not be enough for Minnesota to succeed at DT. Harrison Phillips has been the starter for Minnesota as DT, but drafting a new defensive tackle late in the draft may be necessary for the Vikings.

Wide Receiver: The Vikings main goal should be to build this franchise surrounding Justin Jefferson. The elite WR needs a wide receiver 2, after Adam Thielen aged out of his position on the MN Vikings. KJ Osborn is a solid WR3, but trading for, or even drafting, a WR2 should be a high priority. Jaxon Smith-Njigba out of Ohio State is a good fit for the Vikings offensive scheme, but it is unlikely he will still be available when the Vikings draft at pick 24.

Quarterback: It’s no secret that QB Kirk Cousins is getting old. Cousins has been the Vikings quarterback since 2018, and finished the 2022 season 4th in yards and T-5th in touchdowns with the Lions’ Pro Bowl QB Jared Goff. Cousins led the team to a 13-4 season, and was hindered by his defense in the first round of the playoffs. Cousins is 34 years old, and expensive.

The Vikings announced a cap conversion on Kirk Cousins’ contract that will allow them about $16 million in cap space. Cousins’ contract was going to cost the Vikings $36.25 million in 2023. With the conversion, that number goes down to just over $20.25 million, pushing dead cap money into 2026 and 2027, which are added void years in his contract.

It seems likely that Minnesota will allow Cousins’ contract to expire at the end of the upcoming season.

The NFC North is expected to turn a new page in NFL history next season. The Green Bay Packers are likely without a franchise QB for the first time in decades, and the Chicago Bears appear to continue their rebuild attempts.

The Detroit Lions, however, are the favorites take the NFC North for the first time in years. Minnesota and Detroit will likely go head to head for the NFC North title, but Detroit’s offseason has been far more successful than Minnesota’s, thus far.