Vikings to Be “Hit Hard” by Free Agency
In less than one week, the Minnesota Vikings will set sail on free agency, equipped with over $60 million to spend on internal players and newcomers.
Vikings to Be “Hit Hard” by Free Agency
It’s the most cash on hand for Minnesota in years.
But according to CBS Sports, the Vikings will be “hit hard” by free agency before it even really begins. Why? Well, the purple team has several notable contributors from the 2024 squad slated to test the open market next Monday. CBS Sports‘ Jordan Dajani ranked the teams most affected by free agency, and Minnesota grabbed his No. 5 spot.
“Following their impressive 14-3 campaign, the Vikings have free agents at almost every position. Sam Darnold made himself some money with a career campaign in which he threw for 4,319 yards, 35 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, running backs Aaron Jones and Cam Akers are free agents, starting offensive linemen Cam Robinson and Dalton Risner are looking for new deals,” Dajani explained.
“And then Minnesota has plenty of free agents in the secondary with Byron Murphy, Stephon Gilmore, Shaquill Griffin and Camryn Bynum, who recorded a career-high three interceptions in 2024.”
Most Vikings fans hope the team re-signs Murphy Jr., Bynum, and perhaps Jones, but they remain somewhat indifferent on the rest.
Dajani added, “Unlike the majority of teams you will find on this list, the Vikings are projected to have plenty of available cap space ($63.3 million). However, the first important decision Minnesota will make is at quarterback, and that could affect how GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah handles some of his other free agents.”
At quarterback, the Vikings reportedly won’t franchise tag-and-trade Sam Darnold, whose offseason status has dominated all things pertaining to the team in recent weeks. In theory, Minnesota could re-sign Darnold and force J.J. McCarthy to wait a year or two before taking over, but most forecast Darnold to join a new team next week, such as the Las Vegas Raiders or New York Giants.
Externally, Minnesota has long-term team needs at cornerback, interior defensive line, interior offensive line, and possibly safety. Onlookers want the Vikings sign free agents like D.J. Reed (CB), Milton Williams (DT), Will Fries (OG), or Jevon Holland (S), or adequate substitute versions next week.
Here’s the full list of Vikings free agents:
- Cam Akers (RB)
- Camryn Bynum (S)
- Jonathan Bullard (DT)
- Sam Darnold (QB)
- Dan Feeney (G/C)
- Stephon Gilmore (CB)
- Shaquill Griffin (CB)
- Kamu Grugier-Hill (LB)
- Theo Jackson (S)
- Aaron Jones (RB)
- Daniel Jones (QB)
- Patrick Jones II (OLB)
- Fabian Moreau (CB)
- Nick Mullens (QB)
- Johnny Mundt (TE)
- Byron Murphy Jr. (CB)
- Brandon Powell (WR)
- David Quessenberry (OT)
- Dalton Risner (OG)
- Cam Robinson (LT)
- Trent Sherfield (WR)
- Harrison Smith (S)
- Jerry Tillery (DT)
- Jihad Ward (OLB)
- Ryan Wright (P)
The “legal tampering” phase of free agency kicks off Monday.
Minnesota is on deck with just four draft picks in April.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. The show features guests, analysis, and opinion on all things related to the purple team, with 4-7 episodes per week. His MIN obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band). He follows the NBA as closely as the NFL.
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.
You must be logged in to post a comment.