A Recap of the Vikings’ 16 Free Agent Moves So Far

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Mar 23, 2025
Jan 5, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts center Ryan Kelly (78) leaves the field after defeating the Jacksonville Jaguars 26-23 in overtime at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christine Tannous/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images.

The Minnesota Vikings did not disappoint during free agency, spending to the utmost and enhancing the already sweet roster that earned a 14-3 record last season.

A Recap of the Vikings’ 16 Free Agent Moves So Far

The next step is the NFL draft, which is less than five weeks away, and Minnesota is scheduled to pick four times during the event.

But for now, let’s glance back at the Vikings’ 16 free-agent moves to date.

The Newcomers (11)

Indianapolis Colts guard Will Fries (75) and center Ryan Kelly (78) enter the field before the game against New Orleans, Sunday., Oct 29, 2023, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. © Robert Scheer/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK.
  • Isaiah Rodgers (CB, Eagles) — 2 Years, $15 Million
  • Bubba Bolden (S) — 1Year, $840 Thousand
  • Ryan Kelly (C, Colts) — 2 Years, $18 Million
  • Jonathan Allen (DT, Commanders) — 3 Years, $60 Million
  • Will Fries (G, Colts) — 5 Years, $88 Million
  • Javon Hargrave (DT, 49ers) — 2 Years, $30 Million
  • Tavierre Thomas (CB, Buccaneers) — 1 Year, $2 Million
  • Justin Skule (OT, Buccaneers)
  • Eric Wilson (LB, Packers)
  • Jeff Okudah (CB, Texans)
  • Rondale Moore (WR, Falcons)

General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah totally let his hair down in free agency, his first opportunity as the Vikings’ boss to spend, spend, and spend. Before 2025, Kirk Cousins’ contract and dead money hamstrung his efforts.

Those days are over.

Adofo-Mensah methodically built his trenches — offensive and defensive — during free agency, so much so that Vikings fans can now consider the purple offensive and defensive lines among the best in business.

For good measure, Minnesota tossed in a couple of cornerbacks and depth defenders.

Back in the Saddle (5)

Jan 13, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones Sr. (33) against the Los Angeles Rams during an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.
  • Theo Jackson, S — Extended 3/7. (3 Years, $12.6 Million)
  • Aaron Jones, RB — Extended, 3/9. (2 Years, $20 Million)
  • Ryan Wright, P — Extended, 3/9. (1 Year, $1.75 Million)
  • Byron Murphy Jr., CB — Extended, 3/10. (3 Years, $66 Million)
  • Harrison Smith, S — Extended, 3/12. (1 Year, up to $14 Million)

Murphy Jr. serves as the vital piece of in-house free agents to return. Without him back in Minneapolis, the cornerback room would look terrifying. His defensive back teammate, Jackson, earned a promotion to starting safety unless Minnesota drafts one early in April.

Harrison Smith, the other Smith, re-upped for Year No. 14, and Jones swung a rather handsome contract for a 30-year-old running back.

The Departed

vikings
Dec 8, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) looks on after the game against the Atlanta Falcons at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images.
  • Nick Mullens (QB) to Jaguars (2 Years, $6.5 Million)
  • Sam Darnold (QB) to Seahawks (3 Years, $100.5 Million)
  • Camryn Bynum (S) to Colts (4 Years, $60 Million)
  • Johnny Mundt (TE) to Jaguars (2 Years, $5.5 Million)
  • Patrick Jones II (OLB) to Panthers (2 Years, $20 Million)
  • Daniel Jones (QB) to Colts (1 Year, $14 Million)
  • Trent Sherfield (WR) to Broncos (2 Years, $8 Million)
  • Jerry Tillery (DT) to Chiefs (1 Year, $2.75 Million)
  • Garrett Bradbury (C) to Patriots (2 Years, $12 Million)
  • Cam Robinson (OT) to Texans (1 Year, $14.5 Million)

Darnold headlined the festivities here, mainly because his exodus to the Seattle Seahawks immediately ushered in a new QB1 era for Minnesota — it’s J.J. McCarthy’s time.

Bynum to the Colts turned heads, as no one knew for sure if he’d stay or go. Well, he left.

And thanks to Cam Robinson’s impressive contract in Houston, the Vikings will be on deck for a second compensatory draft pick in 2026, either a 4th- or 4th-Rounder.

Other Transactions

Jan 13, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Minnesota Vikings guard Ed Ingram (67) against the Los Angeles Rams during an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.
  • Ed Ingram (RG) traded to the Houston Texans for a 2026 6th-Round draft pick on March 13th.
  • 2026 6th-Round Draft Pick traded to San Francisco 49ers for running back Jordan Mason + 2025 5th-Round pick swap on March 15th.

This was a switcharoo.

Adofo-Mensah sent Ingram to the Texans for the draft pick he’d later donate to the 49ers for Mason. Some might call it a masterclass, mainly because no one expected Ingram to have a legitimate trade market.

Fans will end up loving Mason, a dynamic runner, though. Book it.

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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.