8 Free Agents We Think Will End Up with Vikings
The NFL’s free agency period is nine days away, and the Minnesota Vikings have over $60 million to spend on existing and new players — the most in years. “Legal tampering” begins on Monday, March 10th.
8 Free Agents We Think Will End Up with Vikings
Minnesota is expected to add high-profile free agents while re-signing approximately 10 men from the 2024 roster.
So, we asked all VikingsTerritory writers to name one player apiece who they believe will sign with the Vikings. That is — the new external player we’re most sure will be on the team when free agency is in the rearview.
These are their predictions. Please note that all nine players won’t obviously end up in purple; these are individual predictions.
1. Kevin Zeitler (G)
Prediction Maker: Josh Frey
With Trey Smith receiving a franchise tag, the Vikings may need to zag before free agency even begins. Zeitler is 34, but he is coming off another great season and can be a veteran solidifier in the middle of Minnesota’s offensive line. With J.J. McCarthy stepping into a starting role, the Vikings must prioritize that.
2. James Daniels (OG)
Prediction Maker: Kyle Joudry
The 27-year-old plays a position of need and is coming off an Achilles tear, an injury the Vikings will be very familiar with, given the recent injuries to Brian O’Neill and Kirk Cousins. Minnesota snags him because he fills a position of need, is still pretty young, was drafted high (2nd Round), and could be a bit cheaper due to getting hurt.
3. Will Fries (OG)
Prediction Maker: Ali Siddiqui
Trey Smith was the top guard on the market, but Kansas City franchise-tagged him. He wasn’t very likely, though, given his price. Fries, though, is another good option — not as good, but it won’t cost as much either, allowing the Vikings to address more needs.
4. Jevon Holland (S)
Prediction Maker: Brevan Bane
As Camryn Bynum is an undrafted free agent, and as Harrison Smith decides on life after football, Minnesota needs a safety. A down year in 2024 makes Holland cheaper, and his rapport and experience with Brian Flores make him a hard target to turn down.
5. Charvarius Ward (CB)
Prediction Maker: Henrique Gucciardi
Ward was one of the best CBs in 2022-2023, but a personal tragedy heavily impacted his 2024. He has the size, physicality, and coverage ability to thrive on a defense that gives cornerbacks opportunities to make plays.
t6. D.J. Reed (CB)
Prediction Maker: Ted Schwerzler
The Vikings have significant snaps to fill at cornerback, and Reed gives them a consistent starter.
t6. D.J. Reed
Prediction Maker: Janik Eckardt
The Vikings need to overhaul their cornerback room, and Reed fits what Brian Flores wants to do. His presence will lead to more man coverage in the secondary.
t7. Milton Williams (DT)
Prediction Maker: Cole Smith
Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and Kevin O’Connell have both talked about what the Eagles accomplished with their lines, and Milton was an ascending rotational defensive tackle for them en route to their Super Bowl win.
t7. Milton Williams (DT)
Prediction Maker: Adam New
The Vikings must find some interior pass rush this offseason, and Milton Williams is the stand-out candidate.
t8. Paulson Adebo (CB)
Prediction Maker: Dustin Baker
Adebo broke his leg last season, driving down his contractual value this offseason.
When he’s on the field, he’s aggressive and productive. He also has youth on his side. Like Byron Murphy Jr. two years ago, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah will sign Adebo to a value-friendly deal, about $36 million over three years.
t8. Paulson Adebo
Prediction Maker: Wes Johnson
He’s the prototypical Kwesi Adofo-Mensah player — a young, productive player coming off an injury. He fits a position of need, and at some point, New Orleans will need to face the cap hits of current and past players they continue to push out.
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.