The 3 Popular Players Most Likely to Leave in Vikings Free Agency

The Minnesota Vikings’ 2024 offseason began three weeks ago after a Wildcard Round postseason loss to the Los Angeles Rams.
Now, free agency is five weeks away, and the NFL Draft commences on April 24th. The Vikings own four picks heading into the event.
The 3 Popular Players Most Likely to Leave in Vikings Free Agency
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 three years ago, the roster has undergone immense change, with just eight players from January 2022 scheduled to be on the depth chart in 2025.

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. Aaron Jones (RB)

Jones tabulated 1,546 yards from scrimmage in 2024, the second-most of his eight-year career. He also earned the most touches in a single season since he turned pro in 2017. His 7 touchdowns and overall consistency helped the purple team win 14 games in 2024 — a season when oddsmakers only expected the franchise to win six or seven.
But the Vikings could seek a younger free-agent running back this offseason in addition to exploring the NFL draft for a rookie runner. This year’s draft class is extraordinarily deep at the position.
The only caveat? Jones has stated a few times his desire to return with the purple team in 2025.
2. Camryn Bynum (S)

KSTP’s Darren Wolfson joined SKOR North’s Mackey and Judd Show near the end of the regular season, and he sounded a bit pessimistic about Bynum’s chances for a Year No. 5 in the Twin Cities. “Of all their premier free agents, the one that continues for me, like it’s hard to see him back, is Cam Bynum,” Wolfson said.
Wolfson generally nails all the Vikings reporting and rumors, so his assessment is not out of left field or clickbait.
He added, “Now, hey, there were some talks before training camp, so clearly mutual interest. But I just think Cam is good enough to get paid enough. I don’t have enough proof that this front office is willing to invest heavy money in the safety position.”
This one could go either way, but Bynum’s asking price might be too high for Minnesota.
If Bynum departs, keep an eye on Miami Dolphins free-agent safety Jevon Holland, who has ties to Brian Flores.
1. Sam Darnold (QB)

With his future in Minnesota in doubt, Darnold posted — what seemed like — a sentimental farewell note on Instagram last week.
“Year 7… So grateful for my teammates, coaches, and the entire organization. We created memories and relationships that will last a lifetime and we got to do it in front of the best fanbase in the world #SKOL,” Darnold wrote one week ago.
That doesn’t mean Darnold is as good as gone, but one must also wonder if the Vikings would willingly jump back into an era of paying a non-elite quarterback $35-$50 million per year after just saying goodbye to Kirk Cousins one year ago.
Oddsmakers, too, believe J.J. McCarthy will start for the Vikings next September, not Darnold.
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 Vikings 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.
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