NFL.com Points to a Weird Problem for the Vikings
When Minnesota Vikings fans saw the list of 2026 free agents scheduled to hit the open market in March, most thought, “Well, at least we won’t lose too many guys.” Then, NFL.com came along last week and plopped the Vikings inside its article titled, “Seven NFL teams positioned to get hit hardest by free agency in 2026.”
Minnesota can spend, but the volume of decisions is the real headache, with change coming at multiple spots.
Matt Okada has a different view of Minnesota’s free agency than most purple fans and Vikings insiders, so much so that the franchise earned a spot on the naughty list.
NFL.com Highlights an Unusual Vikings Roster Squeeze
Free agency is less than one month away.
NFL.com on Vikings’ Rough Free Agency Outlook
Okada wound up including 10 teams on his list of teams about to be hit hard by free agency. Minnesota earned an “honorable mention.”
He explained, “Minnesota currently sits a concerning $40.1 million over the cap, second-worst in the league behind the Chiefs. However, the Vikings project to be relatively unscathed by departing free agents, with 21 in total (tied for fifth-fewest) carrying a combined average annual salary of just $39.7 million (second-lowest).”
“After 37-year-old safety and potential retiree Harrison Smith, their next most notable free agents are LB Eric Wilson and part-time starting tackle Justin Skule. Considering what he’s done this year, the Vikings might regret letting Sam Darnold walk, but it puts them in a better place financially with QB J.J. McCarthy’s measly $6 million cap hit in 2026. They likely won’t be splashy this March, but Minnesota should survive despite the cap troubles.”
Until Okada’s publication, Vikings fans could rest easy knowing that not many key performers were scheduled to leave.
The List of Free Agents to Be
Curious as to what Okada is talking about? These are the Vikings’ impending free agents:
- Ty Chandler (RB)
- C.J. Ham (FB)
- Fabian Moreau (CB)
- Jalen Nailor (WR)
- Matt Nelson (LT)
- Jeff Okudah (CB)
- Ivan Pace Jr. (LB)
- Jalen Redmond (IDL)
- Bo Richter (EDGE)
- Brett Rypien (QB)
- Zavier Scott (WR)
- Justin Skule (LT)
- Ben Sims (TE)
- Harrison Smith (S)
- Taki Taimani (DT)
- Tavierre Thomas (CB)
- Carson Wentz (QB)
- Eric Wilson (LB)
- John Wolford (QB)
- Ryan Wright (P)
Redmond is the prize from the group, and he’s virtually guaranteed to be back in 2026 because he’s an exclusive rights free agent, meaning it will be easy to re-sign him.
The other big names — Jalen Nailor, Ivan Pace Jr., and Eric Wilson — don’t represent a death sentence for Minnesota if they depart.
Smith is contemplating retirement, and if he postpones that plan one more year, he’ll be back with the Vikings, not another team.
Money Is a Problem, Yes
On the other hand, the money is indeed concerning.
Minnesota entered the 2025 offseason with about $70 million in cap space — and spent the cash it did. This go-round is much different, starting the offseason underwater about $40 million. Interim general manager Rob Brzezinski must cut players and restructure contracts to be able to sign any newcomers at all.
If Okada’s list is all about teams in rough cap shape, yes, the Vikings belong on it. Otherwise, the upcoming free agency is one of the least suspenseful in recent memory.
Wide Left‘s Matt Fries wrote last week, “The Vikings have the second least space in the NFL, with only the Kansas City Chiefs in a deeper hole. The good news is twofold: first, the Vikings only have to free up the $49 million before the league year gets here.”
“That means that they can wait to pull some of the levers that will be discussed in the article until critical offseason points, like signing draft picks or before the season. That will give them extra clarity before they need to make a decision.”
No Keynote Loss
Sure, some fans would love to see Nailor back. Maybe even Pace Jr. Wilson played like a fringe Pro Bowler with Brian Flores coaching him in 2025, but he will turn 32 this offseason.
None of these men is a Pro Bowler. For example, in the 2024 offseason, Vikings fans had to sweat losing outside linebacker Danielle Hunter, who eventually left for the Houston Texans. After the 2019 campaign, Minnesota lost Stefon Diggs, Xavier Rhodes, Linval Joseph, and Jayron Kearse, just to name a few.
This offseason isn’t like that. Once Brzezinski clears enough cap space, Minnesota can sign newcomers and entertain re-signing men like Nailor, Pace Jr., and Wilson.
The money is the only worrisome aspect — enough to raise an eyebrow at NFL.com.
You must be logged in to post a comment.