The 5 Big Moves from Vikings Free Agency | Day 2
The Minnesota Vikings fired up Free Agency Day No. 2 on Tuesday, and it turned out to be one of the momentous days in the franchise’s offseason history.
The 5 Big Moves from Vikings Free Agency | Day 2
General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah didn’t disappoint, positioning the Vikings for a Super Bowl run as soon as this season if one assumes quarterback J.J. McCarthy will be the real deal as a pro.
Overall, these were the five big moves from Vikings Free Agency Day No. 2, ranked in ascending order (No. 1 = most important).
5. Vikings Grab Pick No. 97 from Compensatory Reimbursement
Folks knew it for months, but Minnesota officially secured the draft’s 97th overall pick, a result of Kirk Cousins’ free-agent departure one year ago. A similar outcome will likely follow Sam Darnold’s exodus next season.
Implication for Minnesota:
The draft pick-needy Vikings add a 3rd Rounder, which could, in theory, be used on a running back of the future.
4. Daniel Jones (QB) to Colts
It’s one year and $14 million for Mr. Dimes in Indianapolis.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport tweeted Tuesday, “Vikings QB Daniel Jones is expected to sign with the Colts, sources tell me and Tom Pelissero. It’s a one-year deal and the parties are finalizing it. While Minnesota was a strong option, Jones opts to compete with Anthony Richardson in Indy.”
Jones will now battle Richardson for the QB1 job in 2025, a true summer competition. May the best man win.
Implication for Minnesota:
Kevin O’Connell needs a QB2. Everyone left — Jones, Sam Darnold, and Nick Mullens. Players like Jameis Winston, Drew Lock, Carson Wentz, or Gardner Minshew might make sense.
3. Javon Hargave (DT) to Minnesota
And for the red meat, Adofo-Mensah added Hargave — a shock move because he added the next on the list about an hour prior.
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero tweeted Tuesday, “The Vikings aren’t done: They’re also closing in on a deal with two-time Pro Bowl DT Javon Hargrave and plan to sign him after his release from the 49ers is official Wednesday, sources say. So Jonathan Allen heads to Minnesota and now another huge D-line move in the works.”
Implication for Minnesota:
For the first time since 2013, the Vikings have paid serious attention to the three-technique DT spot. It’s a new day.
2. Jonathan Allen (DT) Is a Viking
Before Hargrave, the party really got started at DT.
Rapoport tweeted Tuesday, “Former Commanders Pro Bowl DT Jonathan Allen is signing with the Vikings on a 3-year $60M per me and Tom Pelissero. Huge. Deal done by Blake Baratz of Team IFA.”
Implication for Minnesota:
Allen will instantly replace last year’s primary 3T defensive tackle, Jerry Tillery, and represents the most weighty interior defensive line upgrade since Kevin Williams, who left the club in 2014.
1. Kwesi Gets a New Guard — Will Fries
Yes, Minnesota fixed the trenches. On Monday, it was Indianapolis Colts center Ryan Kelly. A day later, Adofo-Mensah swiped Kelly’s buddy, Will Fries.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler tweeted, “Guard Will Fries is headed to the Vikings for five years and $88 million, sources told ESPN. One of the top interior linemen on the market is now off the board.”
Implication for Minnesota:
Most onlookers expected iOL change this offseason, especially after Kevin O’Connell’s comments about the Wildcard loss to the Rams. O’Connell was sure to call out the trenches. With the Kelly and Fries additions, change is here.
You heard that right. The Vikings are, indeed, building the trenches.
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.
You must be logged in to post a comment.