3 Free Agents the Vikings Should Let Walk
We are officially 50 days away from the start of NFL free agency.
The Vikings could see a mass exodus of players this offseason as a large chunk of their roster is set to hit the open market in March. As the Vikings prepare for this free agency period, here are three free agents that the Vikings should let walk in 2024.
QB Josh Dobbs
This is the most obvious free agent who won’t be back in a Vikings uniform next season. Minnesota currently has both Jaren Hall and Nick Mullens under contract, and they could opt to re-sign Kirk Cousins and/or select a QB near the top of this year’s draft.
Dobbs was acquired by the Vikings via trade after Cousins suffered his Achilles injury, and he started four games for Minnesota this season. He totaled 895 passing yards, five passing TDs, and five interceptions this season in a purple uniform while also adding 163 rushing yards and three rushing TDs.
Unfortunately, things got a bit off the rails for Dobbs down the stretch of the season, and he will likely suit up elsewhere in a backup role during 2024.
WR K.J. Osborn
Since the 2021 season, K.J. Osborn has been a capable WR3. He finished 2023 with 48 receptions for 540 yards and three touchdowns and has surpassed 500 receiving yards in each of the past three years.
However, it may be time for the Vikings to look for a faster, younger, and most importantly, cheaper option for their third receiver in 2024. Spotrac has estimated Osborn’s value at a two-year deal worth $15.1 million, which is a number that Minnesota simply may not be able to hand out for a fringe starter.
This year’s NFL Draft is once again chock-full of wide receiver talent, so the Vikings could look to draft Osborn’s replacement in the middle rounds. Don’t forget about Jalen Nailor, either.
OLB Marcus Davenport
The Vikings brought Marcus Davenport in last spring hoping that he would be the player to replace Za’Darius Smith on their defense. Unfortunately, the linebacker struggled with an ankle injury throughout the season and was only able to appear in four games during the regular season.
This has been a theme of Davenport’s NFL career. He has missed at least three games in five of his six seasons and has only played more than 11 games in three of those seasons. Minnesota does have some dead money on the books for Davenport this season, but unless they can bring him back on an especially cheap contract, it may be best to go into 2024 with a different starter.
Ultimately, though, it could come down to whether or not Minnesota is able to retain players like Danielle Hunter and D.J. Wonnum, who are both scheduled to hit free agency as well.
Editor’s Note: Statistics for this article were found via Pro Football Reference.
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Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.
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