The 6 Players to Target in Vikings Free Agency

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Jan 25, 2025
Miami Dolphins safety Jevon Holland (8) celebrates an interception late in the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Oct. 23, 2022. © Jim Rassol / USA TODAY NETWORK.

The Minnesota Vikings’ season ended about two weeks ago in the playoffs against the Los Angeles Rams, abruptly bringing the offseason to the forefront.

The 6 Players to Target in Vikings Free Agency

So, that period is here, and free agency is less than seven weeks away. We asked all VikingsTerritory writers to name one single free agent, above all else, that Minnesota should target.

These are their answers.

1. Jevon Holland
Safety | MIA

Sep 24, 2023; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins safety J. Holland (8) is introduced onto the field before a game against the Denver Broncos at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports.

VT Writer: Janik Eckardt

Minnesota’s safety room needs an overhaul, and Harrison Smith and Cam Bynum are scheduled to depart. Dolphins safety Jevon Holland is one of the league’s best. He has a history with Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores, with whom he had a phenomenal 2021 campaign.

2. Cooper Kupp
Wide Receiver | LAR

Sep 25, 2022; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver C. Kupp (10) scores a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports.

VT Writer: Ted Schwerzler

If there’s something that Jalen Nailor lacked this season, it was consistent hands. If the Rams move on from Kupp, then he represents an ideal slot wideout who can be a trustworthy option for J.J. McCarthy.

3. Milton Williams
Defensive Tackle | PHI

Vikings Free Agency
Dec 1, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle M. Williams (93) celebrates as Baltimore Ravens place kicker Justin Tucker (9) reacts to missing a second half field goal at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

VT Writer: Cole Smith

Williams will be 26 when the 2025 season begins and has blossomed into one of the league’s better young interior pass rushers.

t4. Trey Smith
Guard | KC

Aug 17, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs guard T. Smith (65) on the line of scrimmage against the Detroit Lions during the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports.

VT Writer: Ali Siddiqui

The Vikings’ iOL has struggled for too long — since Mike Zimmer’s first year as the coach. Smith would immediately improve the unit. They are set at tackle with Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill. The interior needs a major upgrade.

t4. Trey Smith
Guard | KC

October 23, 2022; Santa Clara, California, USA; Kansas City Chiefs guard T. Smith (65) during the third quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports.

VT Writer: Josh Frey

Kevin O’Connell said it himself. The Vikings will look hard at their interior offensive line this offseason after getting bullied by the Rams. Without top-tier talent in the draft, Minnesota likely will need to turn to free agency to solidify that position group.

t4. Trey Smith
Guard | KC

Sep 5, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs guard Trey Smith (65) at the line of scrimmage against the Baltimore Ravens during the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images.

VT Writer: Brevan Bane

An elite-level guard will help ensure the interior between Darrisaw and O’Neill for J.J. McCarthy, but expect to pay him well over $20 million AAV.

t5. Drew Dalman
Center | ATL

Dec 24, 2022; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Atlanta Falcons center Drew Dalman (67) stands on the field before the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images.

VT Writer: Adam New

The Vikings need to improve their interior offensive line, starting at center. Drew Dalman is by far the best long-term option at the position in free agency. As a bonus, the Vikings may be able to recoup draft capital from Garrett Bradbury.

t5. Drew Dalman
Center | ATL

Dec 24, 2022; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Atlanta Falcons center Drew Dalman (67) prepares to snap the ball during the first half G at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports.

VT Writer: Dustin Baker

Garrett Bradbury could become a salary cap victim if the Vikings are serious about fixing the offensive line’s interior.

Dalman is the best center available in free agency, accounting for a 78.8 Pro Football Focus grade this season. And he’s not like Bradbury, who specializes in run blocking while struggling with pass protection. Dalman does both.

t6. D.J. Reed
Cornerback | NYJ

Oct 31, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets cornerback D.J. Reed (4) reacts after sacking Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images.

VT Writer: Kyle Joudry

D.J. Reed is the one to go after; just go back and watch the work covering Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison in Week 5. Winning defense is built around pass rushers and cover corners, so adding Reed — a great coverage corner — is a step in the right direction.

t6. D.J. Reed
Cornerback | NYJ

Nov 10, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; New York Jets cornerback D.J. Reed (4) raises his fist during the national anthem before the game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images.

VT Writer: Henrique Gucciardi

The interior of the offensive line needs help, but the Vikings must also address the CB room. Reed is the best available and will bring much-needed improvement in man coverage.

Bonus: Beef

Jan 13, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell during the second half against the Los Angeles Rams in an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.

VT Writer: Wes Johnson

To be frank, the specific cut of meat doesn’t really matter. The Vikings need the best cut of thick porterhouse for the offensive and defensive trenches from both sides of the calf. What that cut looks like depends on how it stacks up with the rest of the plate composition.

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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.