The Minnesota Vikings are approaching the free agency period and 2025 NFL Draft with several key areas needing attention. With a roster that has seen significant changes and a pivotal offseason ahead, the Vikings’ strategy will be crucial.
Interior OL
Their primary need appears to be at interior offensive line, with a consensus suggesting they require both guards and potentially a new center to protect JJ McCarthy, who is expected to start in 2025. This could be addressed through free agency and/or the draft. All three positions on the IOL need to be upgraded. Notable OG Free Agents include James Daniels, Austin Corbett, Will Hernandex, Nate Herbig, Mekhi Becton and several others.
Defensive Back
The defensive backfield is another critical area, especially with potential retirements or free agent departures like Harrison Smith and Stephon Gilmore. The Vikings need a lockdown cornerback and possibly a new safety, which might necessitate using their first-round pick or aggressive moves in free agency. Byron Murphy Jr is likely the immediate target to bring back for Brian Flores. Shaq Griffin played well in 2024 also. The return of Blackmon will help as well. We’ll see if Harrison Smith comes back and Cam Bynum is likely gone with depth behind him.
Running Back
Running back also stands out, with only Ty Chandler currently under contract. I don’t believe it is likely the Vikings draft a RB high unless someone like Ashton Jeanty fall to them at 24. Aaron Jones and/or Cam Akers could be brought back. Nick Chubb, AJ Dillon and Najee Harris are also veteran options.
Interior DL
The team has minimal under-contract players at DT, there is a need for both run-stuffing and pass-rushing interior linemen. Sebastian Joseph could be a nice piece from Tennessee.
Others
Edge, WR Depth, Backup QB there are always more needs. There are a lot of big names always available at WR and DE, just depends on how much you want to spend. DJ Chark, Darius Slayton or Demarcus Robinson could be free agent options at WR. Kwesi could easily go after a higher end edge defender.
