A Recap of the Vikings’ 18 Free Agent Moves So Far

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Mar 14, 2024
vikings
Green Bay Packers tackled Dennis Kelly (79) provides pass protection from Houston Texans defensive end Jonathan Greenard (52) during their preseason game Saturday, August 14, 2021 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The Houston Texans beat the Green Bay Packers 26-7. Packers15 22. © Milwaukee Journal SentinelMARK HOFFMAN/MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL / USA TODAY NETWORK.

The Minnesota Vikings haven’t been shy. Not by a longshot.

A Recap of the Vikings’ 18 Free Agent Moves So Far

Free agency kicked off on Monday with “legal tampering,” and Minnesota hit the ground running. Here’s the action to date — with plenty more on the way.

The Newcomers

Miami Dolphins linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel (43) and defensive tackle Zach Sieler (92) celebrate a sack against the New York Giants during the second half of an NFL game at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, October 8, 2023. © Jim Rassol / USA TODAY NETWORK.
  • Jonathan Greenard, EDGE — 4 Years, $76m (HOU)
  • Andrew Van Ginkel, EDGE — 2 Years, $20m (MIA)
  • Blake Cashman, ILB — 3 Years, $25.5m (HOU)
  • Sam Darnold, QB — 1 Year, $10m (SF)
  • Parker Romo, K — XFL
  • Aaron Jones, RB — 1 Year, $7m (GB)

The Viking’s defense added three new starters — at least during free agency’s first three days; more could be on the way — replacing Danielle Hunter with Greenard and Van Ginkel.

The Departed

Sep 24, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) is tackled by Los Angeles Chargers safety JT Woods (22) and safety Derwin James Jr. (3) in the third quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports.
  • Kirk Cousins, QB — Signed with Falcons 3/11
  • Marcus Davenport, EDGE — Signed with Lions 3/11
  • Jordan Hicks, LB — Signed with Browns 3/11
  • Dean Lowry, DT — Released 3/12
  • William Kwenkeu, ILB — Released 3/12
  • Hakeem Adeniji, OT — Signed with Browns 3/12
  • Danielle Hunter, EDGE — Signed with Texans 3/12

Back in the Saddle

The Dalton Risner
Nov 5, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Brandon Powell (4) celebrates after a touchdown with guard Dalton Risner (66) against the Atlanta Falcons in the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
  • David Quessenberry, OT — Extended 3/11
  • Blake Brandel, OL — Extended 3/11
  • Brandon Powell, WR — Extended 3/12
  • Jonathan Bullard, DT — Extended 3/13

Other Notes

1 Viking Significantly More
Dec 4, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith (22) reacts after breaking up a pass against the New York Jets during the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports.
  • Harrison Smith — Accepted paycut to $9 million salary for 2024.

The Athletic’s Alec Lewis tweeted Wednesday, “The Vikings have agreed to a restructured contract with safety Harrison Smith, source says. He’ll remain with the only team he’s ever known. Beloved.”

Lewis followed the tweet: “Harrison Smith’s new contract is worth $9 million, source says. His teammates already reacting excitedly, too. Not a more well-regarded dude in that locker room.”

A Vikings lifer, Smith effectuated the Wolf of Wall Street GIF and won’t leave the Vikings just yet. The 35-year-old signed on for season No. 13 on Wednesday.

The Pre-Free Agency Items

Part Autopsy
Sep 11, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Alexander Mattison (2) in action against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports.
  • Signed: A.J. Green, CB —1 Year, $1.05m (CLE)
  • Released: Alexander Mattison, RB
  • Extended: Theo Jackson, S
  • Extended: Nick Muse, TE 
  • Extended: Johnny Mundt, TE 

Minnesota also retained defensive coordinator Brian Flores, who many believed could bolt for a head coaching job this offseason.

There's a New Devil for Vikings: Tampering
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There’s a New Devil for Vikings: Tampering

Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sal Spice. His Vikings obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band).

All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.