Vikings Quietly Have 3 of NFL’s Top Future Free Agents
Indeed, the NFL is winding down 2026 free agency, but outlets like ESPN are already looking ahead to next offseason. And per Matt Bowen, the Minnesota Vikings have three of the league’s best free agents to be in March 2027.
ESPN determines the three main headlining acts of the Vikings’ 2027 free agency.
Those men are Kyler Murray, Andrew Van Ginkel, and T.J. Hockenson.
Minnesota’s 2027 Outlook Already Includes 3 Big Decisions
Yes, it’s a small peek at 2027 free agency.
Kyler Murray | QB
Murray made the cut in Bowen’s quarterback section, alongside Matthew Stafford and Baker Mayfield.
He wrote, “If Murray wins the starting job in Minnesota over J.J. McCarthy, there is major opportunity here for him in coach Kevin O’Connell’s system. With a game plan built around Murray’s dual-threat ability (five seasons of 400-plus rushing yards), defined throws and play-action shots, he could cash in after his one-year deal is up.”
If Murray performs well and/or the Vikings reach the postseason in 2026 — maybe even win a playoff game? — the club is severely unlikely to let him leave, not after what transpired with Sam Darnold out in Seattle. The franchise cannot make the same mistake twice.
Think of it this way: Murray has one big chance to become the Vikings’ forever quarterback.
Andrew Van Ginkel | OLB
The Vikings extended Van Ginkel’s contract about one year ago, attaching an extra $23 million to his wallet, fresh off the steam of a fantastic inaugural season in Minnesota, complete with two pick-six touchdowns.
But there’s one “issue” with Van Ginkel that some don’t realize: he’s not young. He’ll turn 31 this summer. He was a late bloomer in Miami. Bowen on Van Ginkel’s 2027 free agency: “After 11.5 sacks in 2024, Van Ginkel recorded 7.5 in 12 games last season. His skill set fits best in a defense that schemes one-on-one matchups and stunts for him off the edges as an outside linebacker.”
If Minnesota extends Van Ginkel this summer, it would likely be a matter of adding another $25 million onto his 2027 tab, and it’s unclear if the Vikings have that kind of cash lying around. If they do, that may be reserved for Van Ginkel’s teammate, Jonathan Greenard, who is two years younger and also wants a fat contract extension.
T.J. Hockenson | TE
Minnesota cut a deal with Hockenson this offseason, docking his pay just a bit for 2026 while ensuring he’ll be able to test free agency in 2027. The arrangement also guaranteed that the Vikings won’t get any compensatory draft picks for his possible free-agent departure, one of the downsides of a contractual rework.
Bowen on Hockenson: “A knee injury in 2024 cut Hockenson’s season short, and sub-par QB play in 2025 reduced his total production. At his best, Hockenson should be viewed as a rugged, three-down tight end who can win in the middle of the field or on seams and corner routes. He had a career-best 95 receptions in 2023.”
O’Connell used Hockenson as a blocking tight end in 2025, mainly because offensive line injuries ruined everything. At his price point, Minnesota must use Hockenson heavily in the 2026 passing game. Otherwise, his chunky contract just isn’t worth the squeeze.
Some Vikings enthusiasts — and this website — would love to see O’Connell pull Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq out of Round 1 of April’s draft.
The Rest — Not Mentioned by ESPN
Oh, did you think we were done? We’re not done with 2027 Vikings free agency. ESPN merely called out its version of Minnesota’s top three free agents on tap to test the open market.
The larger list is ginormous. In addition to Murray, Van Ginkel, and Hockenson, these men are on deck for free agency as well:
- Blake Brandel (OL)
- Blake Cashman (ILB)
- Andrew DePaola (LS)
- Aaron Jones (RB)
- Jordan Mason (RB)
- Ryan Van Demark (OT)
- Brian O’Neill (RT)
- Ivan Pace Jr. (ILB)
- Jalen Redmond (DT)
- Bo Richter (OLB)
- Isaiah Rodgers (CB)
- Jay Ward (S)
- Carson Wentz (QB)
You’ll probably see factoids about the Vikings’ holding impressive cap space next offseason. That’s fine and dandy, but the reality is that most of the starting lineup on offense and defense has a scheduled inflection point.
It’s worth noting that men like Cashman, O’Neill, Redmond, Rodgers, and Ward could lock down contract extensions as early as this summer. Bowen noted on that process, “It’s important to remember that most top players primed for free agency in 2027 will sign contract extensions long before we reach next March. Players can also be franchise-tagged. But for now, let’s size up the potential of the 2027 class with the best players who are at least currently slated to hit the open market.”
“Age, positional value, expected future production and scheme versatility are all factors in making the list. We also included three players who received franchise tags this season and some 2023 first-round picks who are eligible for a fifth-year option in 2027.”
The Vikings are expected to win eight or nine games next season, according to sportsbooks.
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