Vikings to have joint practices with Broncos this offseason

The Vikings and Broncos are slated to play each other in the preseason this year. Not only that, but the two teams will have joint practices together prior to that game, per The Athletic‘s Arif Hasan.

Former Minnesota assistant general manager George Paton was hired to be Denver’s GM this offseason. Paton made a trade to bring former Vikings QB Teddy Bridgewater to the Broncos, so these teams have a bit in common.

Another thing they both have in common: neither made the postseason last year. The Broncos had a good defense and decent weapons, but QB Drew Lock struggled to move the offense down the field.

Minnesota’s defense, on the other hand, was horrendous, but the team made strides in free agency and the NFL draft to change that. A revamped defense, in addition to an already good offense, could make the Vikings more competitive in 2021.

So both these teams are coming off disappointing seasons, but both have potential to be better in 2021. It starts with the preseason, though.