The Vikings’ 5 Best Free Agent Signings of the Last 5 Years

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Feb 23, 2025
Nov 17, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel (43) sneaks a peak into the backfield against the Tennessee Titans during the second half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images.

NFL free agency kicks off in 15 days, and the 2025 NFL Draft is six weeks thereafter.

The Vikings’ 5 Best Free Agent Signings of the Last 5 Years

General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has about $63 million to spend on internal and external free agents.

And to take a peek back, these are the Vikings’ five best free-agent signings since 2020.

5. Dalvin Tomlinson (DT)
2021

Jan 15, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson (94) reacts after a play against the New York Giants during the third quarter of a wild card game at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports.

Former general manager Rick Spielman onboarded Tomlinson four years ago from free agency, and he held down the guts of Minnesota’s defensive line for two seasons.

He later joined the Cleveland Browns’ roster and still plays there, in fact. While in the Twin Cities, Tomlinson played as consistently as they come, constantly delivering games and seasons with 70.0+ Pro Football Focus grades.

By a whisker, Tomlinson edged Harrison Phillips on this list.

4. Byron Murphy Jr. (CB)
2023

Dec 1, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. (7) intercepts the ball against the Arizona Cardinals in the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.

Murphy Jr. didn’t set the world on fire in 2023, his first season in Minnesota. But in 2024, everything changed.

The veteran defender nabbed 6 interceptions from the skies en route to his first-ever Pro Bowl. The Vikings will use the next couple of weeks to woo Murphy Jr. back to the Twin Cities, but his recent performance earns him the No. 4 spot on this list.

3. Andrew Van Ginkel (OLB)
2024

Jan 13, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel (43) against the Los Angeles Rams during an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.

Van Ginkel signed a contract worth $10 million per year last March, one of the best non-rookie value contracts in the business.

He tallied 11.5 sacks, 79 total tackles, 2 interceptions, and 2 touchdowns in 2024, joining Murphy Jr. and the guy at No. 1 on the list in the Pro Bowl.

Van Ginkel might even get a pay raise this offseason. He deserves it.

2. Blake Cashman (ILB)
2024

Nov 17, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Blake Cashman (51) sneaks a peak into the backfield against the Tennessee Titans during the first half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images.

At times, Cashman felt like the soul of the Vikings’ 2024 defense.

The Eden Prairie native banked 112 tackles in 14 games and represented Minnesota’s most versatile linebacker since prime Eric Kendricks. Here’s to hoping Cashman sticks around for the next five years.

1. Jonathan Greenard (OLB)
2024

Sep 22, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Jonathan Greenard (58) reacts after a sack against the Houston Texans during the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.

Minnesota lost Danielle Hunter last offseason, replacing him with Greenard, who played for the team that Hunter ended up with — the Houston Texans.

Ironically, Greenard and Hunter were basically the same player in 2024 per production, with the Vikings coming out on top because Greenard was more affordable.

Greenard, now a Pro Bowler, is the best free-agent signing of the last five years. Adofo-Mensah found a sweet EDGE rusher just embarking on his prime.

Also Read:Guess Who’s the Frontrunner for Matthew Stafford?

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 MIN 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.

By Dustin Baker
Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His debut thriller, The Motor Route , is out now. He ... More about Dustin Baker