5 Underrated Vikings Free Agents
The Minnesota Vikings have a number of notable players heading to free agency this offseason.
Foremost among those names, of course, are Kirk Cousins and Danielle Hunter. However, there are a few underrated Vikings free agents who have sneakily filled vital roles for the team. Here is a look at five of these players who the Vikings should consider re-signing.
OLB D.J. Wonnum
D.J. Wonnum’s presence on the free agency list has understandably been overshadowed by Danielle Hunter, but Wonnum could prove to be a very important free agent for the Vikings this offseason. With Marcus Davenport also hitting free agency, the Vikings currently employ Andre Carter and Patrick Jones as their only edge rushers on the roster.
Wonnum has put together 20 sacks over the past three seasons in a Vikings uniform, and while he may not necessarily be the greatest long-term plan as a starter, he very well could be successful as a rotational pass rusher in Minnesota’s defense.
DL Jonathan Bullard
Similarly to Wonnum, Jonathan Bullard has been forced into a starting role for the Vikings over the past two years simply due to a lack of talent at the defensive tackle position. After starting just nine games over his first six seasons, Bullard has started 21 games for the Vikings over the past two seasons.
Now, Bullard hits free agency and leaves a defensive tackle group that includes just Dean Lowry, Harrison Phillips, and Jaquelin Roy under contract for 2024. The Vikings should look to add more talent at the position but keeping Bullard around can help with some much needed depth.
K Greg Joseph
It’s flown a bit under the radar that the Vikings simply don’t have a kicker on their roster right now. Of course, that can be a rather easy fix in free agency, but Joseph has been with the team for three seasons and provides continuity on the special teams.
After seeing some major struggles from 50+ yards and on extra-point attempts in 2022, Joseph cleaned up a lot of these issues last season. He could very well return this offseason.
LB Jordan Hicks
Jordan Hicks saw his fair share of struggles during his first season with the Vikings in 2022, but it appears that a lot of those struggles had to do with Ed Donatell’s scheme rather than his talent. The linebacker bounced back in a huge way during 2023 under Brian Flores.
Hicks finished the season with 107 tackles, four tackles for loss, a sack, five passes defended, an interception, and a forced fumble. Minnesota employs Ivan Pace at the position, but behind him, major questions exist with their depth especially with Troy Dye also heading to free agency. Hicks could prove to be an important re-signing for this team.
WR Brandon Powell
Prior to 2023, the Vikings had spent multiple years trying to find a consistent WR4 as well as a punt returner. Brandon Powell filled both of these roles wonderfully last year, recording career-highs in receptions (29) and receiving yards (324) as well as a touchdown.
Powell led the league with 37 punt returns which went for 289 yards. If Powell were to leave, the Vikings would also need to find a new punt returner for the upcoming season, and with K.J. Osborn also heading to free agency, Minnesota’s receiving depth could be in trouble without Powell around.
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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