The Minnesota Vikings have not disappointed in free agency, notably adding Ryan Kelly (C), Will Fries (G), Jonathan Allen (DT), Javon Hargrave (DT), and Isaiah Rodgers (CB), in addition to re-upping with Aaron Jones (RB), Byron Murphy Jr. (CB), Theo Jackson (S), Harrison Smith (S).
5 Free Agents Left for Vikings to Target
But here’s the deal: Minnesota isn’t necessarily done adding newcomers.
Equipped with plenty of cap space to unload, consider these five targets as common sense players remaining for Vikings free agency. They’re listed in ascending order (No. 1 = best target).
5. Jerome Baker (LB)
Each offseason, Adofo-Mensah adds at least one veteran off-ball linebacker. See: Jordan Hicks, Troy Reeder, Kamu Grugier-Hill, and Blake Cashman.
Because of Jerome Baker’s previous ties to Flores, he may fill that role for Minnesota in 2025. Minnesota signed linebacker Eric Wilson on Friday, but he might be more of a special teamer.
4. Drew Lock (QB)
The backup quarterback market has dwindled mightily since Monday, the first day of free agency, and Lock is one the final remaining options if the Vikings don’t take a big swing on Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson, Kirk Cousins, or Jameis Winston.
Lock would be the perfect gunslinging QB2 to know his role behind J.J. McCarthy and provide a spark if he ever saw a regular season field. The guy can fling the rock.
3. Will Hernandez (G)
Hernandez is a solid guard coming off an October knee injury, and his price tag will be smallish accordingly.
He graded a 74.0 pass-protection grade from Pro Football Focus before missing the remainder of the season. Hernandez is not elite, but the man can ball.
2. Mike Hilton (CB)
Hilton is considered by many to be the best blitzing cornerback in the business.
The Vikings employ the most blitz-happy defensive coordinator in the sport, maybe the sport’s history.
Minnesota could also use an extra cornerback. Hilton can be the guy. It all makes sense.
1. Shaq Mason (G)
Blake Brandel will probably start at guard for the 2025 Vikings, and he deserves that assignment.
But Minnesota could also upgrade — they’ve done a lot of that this week — and swing for the fences with Mason, a two-time Super Bowl champion.
He’s not the elite asset from the Patriots days (2015-2021), but he’s still more dependable than Brandel. He also shouldn’t be terribly expensive.
This fivesome would be fantastic:
LT: Christian Darrisaw
LG: Shaq Mason
C: Ryan Kelly
RG: Will Fries
RT: Brian O’Neill
Who says no?
Vikings to Host Speedy WR for Free Agent Visit
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.