Final Free Agency Predictions for the Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings embark on free agency in two days, on tap to spend more than $60 million.
Final Free Agency Predictions for the Vikings
It’s the most for the purple team in years, perhaps ever, relative to the salary cap.
To set the table for the Vikings’ free agency, here are five predictions, ranked in no particular order.
1. Daniel Jones Re-Signed as QB2
Sam Darnold will depart in free agency — after a lot of offseason mystery — and Jones will snugly slide into the “Sam Darnold role” for 2025. And that’s an affordable insurance policy for J.J. McCarthy with ample starting experience.
Minnesota forged this path with Jones strategically three months ago, and the plan will come to fruition early next week.
2. Harrison Smith Back for Last Ride
Harrison Smith will return to Minnesota on a one-year extension. This will happen for two chief reasons:
- Smith has shown no noticeable evidence of an age-related decline.
- Brian Flores is back in the saddle.
Contrary circumstances to either numbered point above might’ve thrusted Smith into retirement, but now’s just not quite the time. One more run for Hitman.
3. Aaron Jones Returns
Minnesota has a contract number in front of Jones, rumored to be around $6 or $7 million. He’ll ponder that figure, sniff around his free-agent options, and realize the Vikings represent his best chance to win in his career’s remainder.
Jones returns for $6.5 million per year — for one or two seasons.
4. Vikings Fill All Major Roster Needs
Because of the huge wallet — $63 million that can easily expand to $85 million with simple contract restructures — the Vikings will check all main roster needs off their list in free agency’s first couple of weeks.
That will leave the 2025 NFL Draft as “gravy” to select the best player available in Round 1.
Not all talent will be created equal per roster position, but onlookers will be impressed by the mega free-agent haul.
5. Two “Flores Guys” Join the Defense
The Vikings will sign a twosome of former players who accompanied Brian Flores at previous spots.
These are names to keep in mind:
- Jevon Holland (S)
- Jerome Baker (LB)
- Robert Spillane (LB)
- Raekwon Davis (DT)
- Emmanuel Ogbah (OLB)
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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