Still Room for 2 Vikings Free Agents Post-Draft
The 2025 NFL draft is over, and the Minnesota Vikings made five selections and added 19 undrafted free agents to the roster. In the aftermath of the draft, there appear to be two Vikings free agents who still make sense for a return in 2025.
Still Room for 2 Vikings Free Agents Post-Draft
Kwesi Adofo-Mensah decided to address the Vikings’ offensive line with Minnesota’s first pick in the draft. The Vikings GM selected Donovan Jackson with the 24th overall pick. Surprisingly, he took a wide receiver in the third round — Tai Felton.
On Day 3 of the draft, Minnesota bolstered their defensive line depth with Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, linebacker depth with Kobe King, and tight end depth with Gavin Bartholomew.
Two positions the Vikings were expected by many to address were defensive back and running back, but that didn’t materialize. Minnesota signed three defensive backs and one running back as undrafted free agents who will have their chance to compete for a roster spot. However, there are two Vikings from last year who remain unsigned and who I believe would slot nicely back into the roster at this point. They are Cam Akers and Shaq Griffin.
The Case for Cam Akers
Aaron Jones is now 30, and Jordan Mason comes into this season due to shoulder and ankle injuries in 2024. Behind those two on the depth chart are Ty Chandler and undrafted rookie Tre Stewart. Any time Chandler rises on the depth chart, he is bumped down just as quickly. I suspect his time in Minnesota is numbered.
As for Stewart, he has potential to be Adofo-Mensah’s latest undrafted gem. However, as eye-popping as his college stats last season were, his college days were played at the lower levels. The Vikings would do well to find themselves an insurance policy at RB3.
Step forward Akers, who has made his way to Minnesota for the last two seasons via trade. Akers, who already knew Kevin O’Connell from their time in Los Angeles, could fit seamlessly into the Vikings RB room and make it significantly better. Akers is good through the air and on the ground and has proved he can be effective in the Vikings system.
He is possibly hoping he might get a bigger role somewhere else, but with no contract forthcoming as we head into May. The time is fast approaching for this deal to make sense for both parties.
The Case for Shaquill Griffin
A return to Minnesota for Griffin would be for the same reason as he was signed last year — to offer a veteran presence in a young CB room. Griffin was usurped in that role last season by the late signing of Stephon Gilmore. However, Griffin still proved his worth playing on 50% of defensive snaps and even snagged a couple of interceptions.
I don’t foresee the Vikings spending the money to bring back a 35-year-old Gilmore, which makes Griffin the prime candidate for a veteran role.
The other option for the Vikings would be to make a big trade for a starting CB or look at one of the other available free agent corners — of which Asante Samuel Jr is a favorite in the rumor mill. Before the season in September, I expect the Vikings to have added someone to their secondary. Griffin would make a solid, if unspectacular, addition with the team knowing exactly what they are getting.
The Long Wait Is Over for Vikings Fans
You must be logged in to post a comment.