The 5 Most Underrated Transactions of the Vikings Offseason
Thirteen weeks of the Minnesota Vikings’ offseason are in the books, and the franchise has a draft to look forward to in 11 days.
The 5 Most Underrated Transactions of the Vikings Offseason
But let’s take a look back at some underrated offseason moves to date. Most praised the team for high-profile additions like Will Fries, Ryan Kelly, Jonathan Allen, and Javon Hargrave.
Here’s the under-the-radar stuff. The transactions are ranked in ascending order (No. 1 = most underrated move).
5. Flyers on Two Upside Players: Rondale Moore and Jeff Okudah
We get it: players like Jeff Okudah don’t generally bust out during their sixth season. Moore will play in his fifth this year, but you get the story.
No — Moore and Okudah probably won’t transform into Pro Bowlers like their draft stock once suggested. But with the Vikings in 2025, both can provide roster depth and flash some of that glorious upside of yesteryear in a pinch.
Consider Moore and Okudah spot-starters in the event of injuries to starters. Minnesota could’ve done a lot worse.
4. Re-Signing DT Jalen Redmond
Before Jonathan Allens and Javon Hargraves were on the Vikings’ roster, Jalen Redmond held down the fort early in the offseason.
Redmond showcased a breakout season by a former UFLer’s standards in 2024, morphing into a tackle for loss savant in Brian Flores’ defense.
While the arrival of Allen and Hargrave could damage his playing time, Redmond deserves snaps in 2025 to build on his 2024 performance. He tabulated a 77.2 Pro Football Focus grade last season, ranking 13th-best in the NFL among all defensive tackles.
3. The Ed Ingram Trade
Most folks thought Ed Ingram would be released sometime later this summer, ending the three-year experiment. But somehow, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah fetched a 6th-Round draft pick for Ingram from the Houston Texans — and flipped that, almost immediately, to the San Francisco 49ers for running back Jordan Mason.
A masterclass.
Jordan Mason for Ed Ingram is a transaction that nobody had on their bingo board, and Mason might turn out to be one of the most vital Vikings in 2025, especially if Aaron Jones misses time due to injury.
2. Signing OT Justin Skule
Christian Darrisaw’s recovery from a torn ACL is on schedule, but that doesn’t mean he’ll be ready for the start of the regular season.
That would make Adofo-Mensah’s free-agent signing of Justin Skule even more critical.
Skule hasn’t played as much as former Vikings LT Cam Robinson in his career, but when he’s been on the field, he’s produced similar numbers. There’s a decent chance that Skule starts Week 1 for Minnesota, making the offseason addition rather impactful.
1. Adding CB Isaiah Rodgers for 2 Years, $11 Million
Kevin O’Connell recently told reporters that defensive coordinator Brian Flores believes Isaiah Rodgers could become “this year’s Zack Baun.”
High praise from Flores.
While nobody would be too stunned if Minnesota drafted a cornerback like Jahdae Barron or Shavon Revel Jr. with its first pick in the draft, Rodgers might be a tried-and-true starting solution in the Vikings’ estimation.
If so, his modest contract will turn out to be the steal of the offseason, not unlike Andrew Van Ginkel in 2024.
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