7 Players for the Vikings to AVOID in Free Agency
The NFL’s free agency period is two 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.
7 Players for the Vikings to AVOID in Free Agency
Minnesota is expected to add high-profile free agents while re-signing approximately 10 or so men from the 2024 roster.
So, we asked all VikingsTerritory writers to name one player apiece whom Minnesota should avoid at all costs. That is — the external player that flat-out does not belong on the 2025 Vikings roster.
These are their responses.
1. Drew Dalman (C)
VT Writer: Henrique Gucciardi
Dalman would be an improvement at center over Bradbury. However, he’d be overpaid for his projected contract, while someone like Ryan Kelly could be a cheaper and better option.
2. Sam Darnold (QB)
VT Writer: Ted Schwerzler
The Vikings helped him earn his newfound payday. They should let someone else foot the bill.
3. Marcus Davenport (EDGE)
VT Writer: Adam New
The Vikings were stung two years ago by signing Marcus Davenport, who then only played in four games. He subsequently went to Detroit and only played twice. He has the talent, but he can’t stay healthy.
4. Aaron Banks (OG)
VT Writer: Dustin Baker
If the Vikings sign Aaron Banks, it will feel like they merely signed a new version of Ed Ingram — or any other offensive guard from the last 5-10 years.
Here’s his Pro Football Focus resume:
- 2024: 65.4
- 2023: 52.8
- 2022: 59.5
- 2021: 56.9
He’s mid.
Should Minnesota sign Banks and advertise him as the solution, it’d just be more of the same.
5. Milton Williams (DT)
VT Writer: Wes Johnson
Yes, the top DT at a position of obvious need — the Vikings should avoid. Not from a talent standpoint but from a sheer value perspective. The Vikings have numerous holes to fill this offseason and do not need to dedicate a large portion of their cap space to one player.
t6. Stefon Diggs (WR)
VT Writer: Ali Siddiqui
Yes, he was an outstanding player for the Vikings from 2015 to 2019 and made one of the biggest plays in NFL history, but the Vikings should pass on him if they plan to sign a WR. Hard to imagine he would be okay with being a third WR with his diva behavior.
t6. Stefon Diggs (WR)
VT Writer: Cole Smith
The recipient of the Minneapolis Miracle will always have a special place in our hearts, but he’s now 30 and coming off an ACL tear. We also don’t know how he’d react to likely being the fourth target behind Jefferson, Addison, and Hockenson.
t7. Najee Harris (RB)
VT Writer: Josh Frey
The Vikings likely will be looking for a solution in their RB room over the next couple of years, but that shouldn’t mean overspending in free agency at the position. Harris, 27, has surpassed 1,000 rushing yards in each of his first four NFL seasons, but it has come through very inconsistent play. The Vikings should steer clear.
t7. Najee Harris (RB)
VT Writer: Kyle Joudry
He’s young, has great size, and plays a position of need. Even better, he has proven to be very durable. The issue is simply that he’s inefficient with a career 3.9 YPC average. What happens when runners are inefficient in the KOC offense? KOC doesn’t run.
t7. Najee Harris (RB)
VT Writer: Brevan Bane
Harris seems like an attractive prospect, but his tape and career production tell a tale that wouldn’t be any happier in the Vikings’ style of run game. Minnesota should look to younger players in the draft at the position and a cheaper veteran than Harris to be in the room.
t7. Najee Harris (RB)
VT Writer: Janik Eckardt
Although he has been pretty reliable in his NFL career (he hasn’t missed a game in his four seasons), Najee Harris should be on the no-sign list. He has yet to eclipse 4.1 yards per carry in a season and lacks breakaway speed. While he can consistently get four yards, he is not dynamic enough to be a difference-maker.
Sam Darnold’s Next Team Comes into Focus
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.
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