The 3 High-Profile Vikings Most Likely to Leave in Free Agency
Dustin Baker
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The Minnesota Vikings’ 2024 offseason began four weeks ago after a Week 18 loss at the Detroit Lions. In five weeks, roster-building begins with free agency.
Then, the NFL Draft commences on April 25th, and the Vikings own nine picks heading into the event.
The 3 High-Profile Vikings Most Likely to Leave in Free Agency
Meanwhile, Minnesota has ample work on deck, as over 25 internal free agents are scheduled to hit the open market. Since general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah took over two years ago, the roster has undergone immense change, with just 11 players from January 2022 scheduled to be on the depth chart in 2024.
Half or more of the 25+ free agents will return, but these three high-profile Vikings are the most likely to depart. They’re ranked in ascending order (No. 1 = most likely to leave the Vikings).
3. K.J. Osborn (WR)
Osborn grabbed 48 receptions for 540 yards and 3 touchdowns in 2023. In Osborn-speak, the year was pretty standard, although the touchdown numbers dipped.
With Jordan Addison’s rapid emergence to WR2, Osborn can fetch more money on the open market than the Vikings would be willing to provide. What’s more, Osborn was not drafted by this front office and coaching staff, meaning he may not be a total priority to forge a reunion.
When it’s all said and done in free agency, it will become clear that the moment Minnesota drafted Addison, Osborn’s days were numbers in Minnesota.
2. Joshua Dobbs (QB)
DobbsMania was a tangible experience for about three weeks in 2023. Vikings fans’ optimism was on full display as folks believed the Vikings “had done it again,” finding a backup quarterback to drag the club to the postseason.
But soon after a win over the New Orleans Saints, Dobbs’ extraterrestrial magic faded, and he was benched in Las Vegas.
Unless the Vikings have bizarre plans, Dobbs will join his eighth team in eight seasons. Minnesota has reservist quarterback depth for 2024 in Nick Mullens and Jaren Hall.
1. Marcus Davenport (OLB)
Davenport was great for the 2023 Vikings — when he played. That equated to about three games.
The veteran pass rusher fell injured against the Chicago Bears in October, hurting his ankle right when Minnesota’s pass rush was hitting a groove. The diagnosis was a high ankle sprain, and Davenport effectively vanished.
He’ll get another contract in 2024, but it will be a small, prove-it arrangement from a team not named the Vikings.
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.
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