The Vikings Are Done with Free Agency Now, Right?

NFC Rivals Could Play Spoiler to Ideal Vikings Draft Scenario
Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah the team's year-end press conference for the 2022 season after losing to the New York Giants in the playoffs.

After the signing of Dalton Risner on Wednesday, it stands to reason that the Minnesota Vikings could take their eyes off the free agency market. With few realistic openings on the roster, the big deal yet to be done is with one of their own.

The Vikings Are Done with Free Agency Now, Right?

Until the Minnesota Vikings decided to bring back Dalton Risner, the goal was to sell Blake Brandel as the starting left guard. Despite never having played the position at the professional level, he was set to slide over and act as the inside man next to Christian Darrisaw. Of course, that position change can still happen, but with Risner back in the fold, he will be the backup at best.

dalton risner
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Having spent time re-signing their left guard and keeping the entirety of the offensive line intact, it stands to reason that other needs have virtually dried up. You could make a case for another wide receiver, as Brandon Powell is currently slated to be number three in that group. Signing someone better than Trent Sherfield would need to be the goal, though, and pickings are slim unless the Vikings go big in the form of Hunter Renfrow.

Short of that type of splash, it seems Minnesota can be done for business on the free agency front. They brought in some nice talent this offseason, and new starters can be found throughout the lineup. Of course, Aaron Jones will be some added firepower for the offense, and he reunited late with former teammate Robert Tonyan. Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel will look to replace the edge rush that has since departed, and Shaq Griffin should be expected to start at corner.

Free Agency
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All in all, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has to be happy with how his dollars were spent in the post-Kirk Cousins era, and both Kevin O’Connell and Brian Flores received some new toys. The only thing left to do for the offseason is to put a bow on Justin Jefferson, walk him out on the field at TCO Performance Center, and let everyone know that the Vikings are ready to roll.

There were more than a few ways this offseason could have played out for Minnesota, and in an era of such change, the way the dust settled has to feel somewhat comforting.


Ted Schwerzler is a blogger from the Twin Cities that is focused on all things Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings. He’s active on Twitter and writes weekly for Twins Daily. As a former college athlete and avid sports fan, covering our pro teams with a passion has always seemed like such a natural outlet.