Takeaways from the Vikings’ Moves in the First Week of Free Agency

The Minnesota Vikings are making some notable splashes in free agency as they look to improve their roster for the 2025-26 campaign. They entered free agency with some $60 million in cap space available and have spent down a considerable portion of that in the opening days of free agency.

The Vikings’ decision-making so far in free agency reveals some of their priorities for improving their roster and provides some insight into how they view their existing players and current free agents.

Let’s take a deeper look by position.

Quarterback

The Vikings did not make much effort to retain any of their free agent quarterbacks, paving the way for J.J. McCarthy to assume the role of presumed starter for the upcoming season and beyond. The reasons were varied but make sense.

Sam Darnold- signed with Seattle- 3 years, $100.5 million, $33.5 AAV, $55 million guaranteed

I’m sure the Vikings would’ve liked to have Darnold compete for the starting role with McCarthy, but Darnold no doubt was looking for a permanent home after a few itinerant years and having proved himself as a starter last season- with a contract to match. It didn’t make sense for the Vikings to offer Darnold anything longer term like Seattle did with a big investment in McCarthy as their GBOTF. Darnold’s market value also made the tag-and-trade options unattractive, as the cap hit on tagging him was higher than his market value on an Average Annual Value (AAV) basis. So, the Vikings opted to let Darnold hit free agency. They will likely receive a third-round compensatory pick in 2026 based on the contract he received from the Seahawks.

Nick Mullens- signed with Jacksonville- 2 years, $6.5 million, $3.25 million AAV, $3 million gtd

Mullens got a bump in salary by signing with Jacksonville- he had been getting $2 million with the Vikings. Mullens had been with the Vikings the last two seasons but had trouble holding on to the backup spot, suggesting the Vikings were always looking for something better than Mullens. His signing with Jacksonville gives Mullens a fresh start and the Vikings the opportunity to find someone better as a backup.

Daniel Jones- signed with Indianapolis- 1 year, $14 million, $13.15 million guaranteed

Jones seemed luke-warm about entering the Vikings’ first-round QB bust rehab program, and I suspect unlike Sam Darnold last season, Jones was not given any sort of promise from Kevin O’Connell of being the starter in 2025. Apparently, the Vikings’ offer for Jones was competitive with the Colts’, but Jones presumably felt he had a better opportunity to win the starting job over Anthony Richardson than J.J. McCarthy in 2025.

Backup Still Needed

At present, the Vikings have only Brett Rypien on the roster behind J.J. McCarthy, and there is nothing to suggest they are content with Rypien as their only backup QB.

The Vikings are rumored to have interest in signing Aaron Rodgers, along with the Giants and Steelers, but in what capacity remains to be seen. Bringing in Rodgers as a starter and another one-year bridge to McCarthy seems unnecessary, but as a backup and mentor to McCarthy on a backup quarterback salary, Rodgers could have value if he’s content with that role- which seems unlikely. The Steelers appear to be front-runners for Rodgers’ services, but there is a rumor that Rodgers has delayed his decision to sign after the Vikings expressed some interest. Rodgers is one of the best quarterbacks of all time, but it’s been a few years since he’s shown that level of performance and at age 41, it’s unlikely he’ll get his fastball back.

There are several other serviceable free agent options to backup McCarthy, among them Gardner Minshew, Taylor Heinike, Mac Jones, Carson Wentz, Case Keenum, Joe Flacco, Cooper Rush, and Jameis Winston.

Running Back

The Vikings opted to extend Aaron Jones at age 30 on a 2-year, $20 million deal with $13 million guaranteed, including an $8 million signing bonus. The current estimate is that Jones will be a $6 million cap hit this year and a $14 million cap hit in 2026 with a $6 million dead cap hit. That translates into a more likely one-year deal with $6 million in dead cap for 2026.

Jones was the top free agent running back this off-season and provided decent production when healthy in addition to being a great fit and presence with the Vikings. Signing Jones takes some pressure from drafting a top running back at the end of April and gives the Vikings more flexibility with their four draft picks (1st, 3rd, two 5ths). It would not be surprising to see the Vikings invest a draft pick in the RB position given Jones’ age and structure of his contract.

Jones is too old and not durable enough to be a full-time workhorse anymore, so it wouldn’t be surprising if the Vikings opted to re-sign free agent RB Cam Akers later in free agency to fill out the running back room along with Ty Chandler. C.J. Ham at fullback is also on the roster.

Offensive Line

This was a big focus of free agency for the Vikings and the signings here represent a change in the Vikings’ approach toward upgrading the interior offensive line.

In the past, going back to the Rick Spielman era, the Vikings have opted to either draft interior offensive linemen or take a bargain approach to signing free agents. They invested significant draft picks in interior linemen, picking Garrett Bradbury in the first round and both Ezra Cleveland and Ed Ingram in the second round, but none of them worked out as well as their top picks at tackle- Brian O’Neill and Christian Darrisaw.

But this off-season, the Vikings committed to top ten salaries for free-agent center Ryan Kelly and right guard Will Fries. The reason is two-fold.

First, the Vikings seem likely to start second-year rookie J.J. McCarthy at quarterback and bolstering the interior line with proven performers will help McCarthy get off to a good start. Secondly, this is the first year in a long time the Vikings don’t have a big cap-hit at quarterback, allowing them to spend more on the offensive line, which already has big cap hits at both tackle spots.

Ryan Kelly- 2-year, $18 million ($9 million AAV) with unknown amount guaranteed

One of the Vikings’ first free agency acquisitions was Ryan Kelly, a nine-year veteran at center and former four-time Pro Bowler. He has been a stalwart at center and knows how to call protections and diagnose defensive fronts- easing the burden on young McCarthy. The Vikings signed Kelly, who turns 32 in May, to a two-year, $18 million deal ($9 million AAV) with unknown amount guaranteed at the moment. Kelly is known for his physical toughness and ability to finish blocks, including at the second level.

Will Fries- 5-year, $88 million ($17.6 million AAV) with an unknown amount guaranteed

The Vikings also signed Kelly’s linemate with the Colts, Will Fries, to a rare five-year deal. The Vikings reportedly won a six-team bidding war for Fries’ services. Fries, who turns 27 in April, looks to be a fixture at right guard for the duration of McCarthy’s rookie contract. Fries was off to a breakout season last year after five games before getting injured, with an 86.9 overall PFF grade, including 84.9 as a run blocker and 74.9 as a pass blocker. He allowed a total of six pressures on 153 pass blocking snaps. Fries was a 7th round pick in 2021 that has developed into a solid guard as a finisher with good technique.

Both Kelly and Fries look to be upgrades at their position. The signing of Kelly puts Garrett Bradbury’s status in doubt, as he is a $6 million cap hit this year for the Vikings with a $2.4 million dead cap hit if he is cut or traded pre-June 1st, which would save the Vikings $3.6 million in cap space according to Spotrac.

That leaves left guard as the only question mark at starter for the Vikings heading into the off-season program. Blake Brandel was the starter at left guard last season but struggled and was a below average performer in both pass and run blocking according to PFF. Free agent Dalton Risner graded much better in pass protection than Brandel at right guard last season, while grading slightly higher in run blocking as well. Risner played left guard throughout his career before switching to right guard last season in replacement of Ed Ingram.

Vikings Trade Ed Ingram to Houston for a 2026 6th Round Pick

The writing was on the wall for Ingram last season when he lost his starting job to Dalton Risner. And with the addition of Will Fries, Ingram became more superfluous. In addition to the draft pick, the Vikings also save $3.2 million in cap space this year by trading Ingram.

Vikings to Release Garrett Bradbury if he Cannot be Traded

It has also been reported through several outlets that the Vikings intend to part ways with Garrett Bradbury, which comes as no surprise after the acquisition of Ryan Kelly. The Vikings will save $3.6 million in cap space (also incurring a $2.4 million deadcap hit) by parting ways with Bradbury pre-June 1st, regardless if he is released or traded.

Justin Skule- Contract details currently unknown

The Vikings also announced the acquisition of Justin Skule, who will likely serve as a swing tackle along with Rouse- Skule at left tackle and Rouse at right tackle most likely. That probably means the Vikings won’t pursue David Quessenberry again for that role.

Offensive Line Depth

Blake Brandel’s status with the Vikings could also be in doubt if he’s unable to hold his starting job. Brandel is a $3.9 million cap hit for the Vikings this season. Cutting him would save $2.1 million in cap space (pre-June 1st) and trading him would save $3.8 million according to Spotrac.

But the Vikings will need to have serviceable depth at the guard and center positions, so there is the potential for Brandel to be retained. It’s also unclear at the moment if the Vikings will try to extend Dalton Risner, who remains a free agent. Risner’s market value is approximately the savings the Vikings made by trading Ingram or moving on from Bradbury.

The Vikings could opt to retain Brandel as a backup guard. The Vikings drafted Michael Jurgens in the 7th round last season and he may be ready to serve as a backup center- although it wouldn’t be surprising if the Vikings opted to sign a more experienced backup like Dan Feeney, who served in that role last season. The Vikings also drafted Walter Rouse last year who could serve as a swing tackle. They also have Henry Byrd on the roster at guard, along with Leroy Watson and Marcellus Johnson listed as tackles, and Trevor Reid listed as OL.

Cam Robinson, who the Vikings signed to replace the injured Christian Darrisaw last season, has a $14 million market value according to Spotrac so unlikely he would be re-signed.

Lastly, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Vikings also used a draft pick on an offensive lineman, and maybe even their first-round pick.

Tight End

The Vikings let Johnny Mundt, the best TE3 in the league according to Kevin O’Connell in 2023, sign elsewhere this off-season. Mundt, 30, signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars on a two-year, $5.5 million deal with half that guaranteed. The Vikings now have just T.J. Hockenson and Josh Oliver on the roster at tight end.

Mundt may have wanted a better opportunity for playing time and thus decided to move on, but the Vikings not pursuing him combined with the additions of Kelly and Fries could be a sign the Vikings are looking to establish more of a punishing ground game- something Kevin O’Connell has wanted since becoming head coach. Mundt is undersized for an inline tight end and was never much of a blocker.

In any case, the Vikings will need to add at least one more tight end to their roster, but Josh Oliver could easily handle more snaps, as could C.J. Ham, and absorb the snaps Mundt had after Hockenson’s return last season.

Wide Receiver

The Vikings haven’t really pursued any of their free agent wide receivers so far, although most of them aren’t week one free agent signings. Trent Sherfield, who had a mostly blocking WR role for the Vikings last season on offense, signed a 2-year, $6 million deal with Denver, including $1.5 million guaranteed. Sherfield was also their top graded special teamer last season, according to PFF.

The top three spots at wide receiver seem pretty well set for the Vikings – Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and Jalen Nailor. Brandon Powell could be extended primarily as punt returner again. Other wide receivers currently on the roster include Dontavian Jackson, Jeshaun Jones, Zavier Scott, and Thayer Thomas.

One rumored possibility for the Vikings at wide receiver in free agency is Cooper Kupp, who was recently released by the Rams. Kevin O’Connell and Vikings’ OC Wes Phillips have nothing but praise for Kupp, who also would be familiar with O’Connell’s scheme. But turning 32 in June, Kupp is past his prime and would be a WR3 for the Vikings. Still, Kupp is a crafty route runner that can find the open spot and play all three wide receiver positions. The key to signing Kupp would be his agreeing to play for a minimal salary, which is a possibility given he’s being paid a hefty salary from the Rams this year despite being released.

Overall Offense

The Vikings look to be setting the table for J.J. McCarthy to take over as starting quarterback for the Vikings while also looking to improve their running game. The Vikings ground game was a particular liability in the red zone, so adding some interior offensive linemen that can get some push would seem to be a priority. It wouldn’t be surprising to see the Vikings target another guard in the draft, along with a running back, tight end, and a backup quarterback or two.

Defensive Line

The other major position group the Vikings fortified during free agency was the interior defensive line. The Vikings have lacked a quality interior pass rush for a long time and made some major investments in a couple 30+ year old free agents to help in that regard.

Jonathan Allen- 3-year, $55 million, ($17 million AAV) with $31.255 million guaranteed

Allen, 30, played for eight seasons with the Washington Commanders after being drafted 17th overall in 2017. He missed most of the regular season last year with a pectoral injury but came back in week 17 and for the Commanders playoff run. His best game of the season came against the Detroit Lions in the playoffs. The Commanders released Allen in part because of salary cap considerations but also because they have some younger players behind him that are ready to step up.

The way the contract is structured, this is more likely to be a 2-year deal with a $15.5 million AAV with a $4.6 million dead cap hit in 2027. Allen is more effective as a pass rusher than run defender and will likely be used accordingly.

Javon Hargrave (2-year, $30 million ($15 million AAV) with $19 million guaranteed

Hargrave, 32, missed most of last season with a torn triceps, but in each of his previous three seasons generated at least 63 quarterback pressures. By contrast, all the interior defensive linemen for the Vikings combined for 77 total pressures last season.

Hargrave’s deal offers the Vikings an inexpensive out after one year, which is good given his age. But adding Hargrave gives the Vikings one of the best interior pass rusher they’ve had for quite some time, even if his age raises some questions on how well he’ll perform going forward.

Other Defensive Line Moves

The Vikings did not pursue Pat Jones II, who signed with Jacksonville on a 2-year, $20 million deal. The Vikings have plenty of talent at the edge rusher position, having signed Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel last season, while adding rookies Dallas Turner, Gabe Murphy, and Bo Richter in the draft and college free agency.

The additions of Hargrave and Allen also complement the Vikings solid interior run defenders in Harrison Phillips, Jalen Redmond, and Taki Taimani. It wouldn’t be surprising if the Vikings brought back Jonathan Bullard for another season as well. Levi Drake Rodriquez, Travis Bell, and Jonathan Harris are also interior defenders on the Vikings’ roster.

But adding Allen and Hargrave probably eliminates the need for the Vikings to bring back either Jerry Tillery or Jihad Ward, who were interior pass rushers for the Vikings last season and remain free agents.

Lastly, the defensive interior is easily the oldest position group on the team among starters, so drafting a younger interior defender with pass rush ability could be on the Vikings’ radar as well.

Overall, the Vikings have put in place an older starting interior defensive line of Allen, Phillips, and Hargrave, with a backup line of Redmond, Taimani, and Drake-Rodriquez. Of course there will be competition and most likely more additions in the coming months.

Defensive Back

The Vikings also focused on their defensive secondary in the early days of free agency, although in this case the focus was mostly on bringing back players from last season.

Byron Murphy Jr. (3-year, $54 million ($18 million AAV) with $34.78 million guaranteed

The Vikings re-signed free agent Byron Murphy Jr. after a career year last season. Murphy had a top 20 PFF coverage grade among cornerbacks with at least 350 coverage snaps and took on a heavy workload, logging the 5th most coverage snaps among cornerbacks in the league last season. Murphy just turned 27, so hopefully has at least another couple good seasons left in him.

Harrison Smith (1-year, $10-$14 million)

The Vikings also re-worked Harrison Smith’s contract to bring him back for another season. Smith’s deal is reportedly for just over $10 million with incentives that could bring it up to $14 million. That’s a lot for a 36-year-old safety, but Smith turned in a decent season last year and brings a lot of versatility, leadership and smarts to Brian Flores’ defensive scheme.

Theo Jackson (2-year, $12.6 million ($6.3 million AAV) with an unknown amount guaranteed

The Vikings have always thought highly of Jackson’s potential and have rewarded him with a starting level contract. The Vikings did not pursue an extension for Cam Bynum, in part likely because of Jackson’s development. He is the front runner to replace Bynum at free safety. Jackson, 26, doesn’t have a lot of snaps at safety over his three seasons with the Vikings, but he’s done well with the snaps he’s had. The Vikings have done a good job in recent years in developing safeties as late round draft picks or low-level acquisitions. Robert Blanton, Anthony Harris, Andrew Sendejo, Jayron Kearse, Cam Bynum, and Josh Metellus among them since Harrison Smith was drafted in 2012. That list of names also gives some perspective on the length of Harrison Smith’s career.

Isaiah Rodgers- 2-year, $11 million ($5.5 million AAV) with $8 million guaranteed

The Vikings signed the 27-year-old Rodgers, who is listed at 5’10”, 170 pounds, to add to their cornerback room. Rodgers has generally played well at corner, averaging between 400-500 snaps in the last three seasons he’s played. He missed the 2023 season after being suspended for violating the league’s gambling policy, including betting on his own team. Rodgers ran a sub-4.3” 40 at his pro day back in 2020, so he has the speed to stay with top receivers deep and he showed that last season with the Eagles.

After missing the 2023 season due to his suspension and serving as a backup in Philly, Rodgers may have been something of a bargain for the Vikings here. He’s averaged in the mid-70s in PFF coverage grade over the past three seasons he played and has been a solid run defender too. He would seem to have the inside track on becoming the starting outside cornerback opposite Murphy.

Tavierre Thomas- 1-year deal, dollar amounts currently unknown

Thomas, 29, was drafted in 2018 and is a slot cornerback. He was an undrafted free agent with sub-4.4” speed but eventually caught on with Houston, where he had three good seasons from 2021-2023. But last year he signed with Tampa Bay and didn’t play much on defensive- only 46 snaps- but was a top special teamer with over 400 snaps and a 90.5 PFF grade. He was a core special teamer with Cleveland as well early in his career.

I would expect Thomas to compete for snaps in the slot and be a core special teamer.

Bubba Bolden- no details yet on contract

Bolden was a 2022 UDFA the Vikings signed away from Seattle. He hasn’t played a snap in the NFL yet. This is likely a minimal deal for a safety that could be a core special teamer.

Other Defensive Secondary Moves

Shaq Griffin, who played nearly 600 snaps at cornerback last season for the Vikings and was solid, remains a free agent the Vikings could sign to compete at cornerback.

Stephon Gilmore, who started last season for the Vikings, is a free agent but is expected to retire. Fabian Moreau, who was also on the Vikings roster last season and saw some action, also remains a free agent.

The Vikings also have Nahshon Wright, Ambry Thomas, Najee Thompson, and Reddy Stewart on the roster at cornerback. At safety, the Vikings also have Jay Ward and Kahlef Hailassie, I would imagine the Vikings will add at least one more safety to the roster either through free agency or the draft, and possibly both.

Bottom line here is that the Vikings appear to have replaced Cam Bynum with Theo Jackson, while Harrison Smith and Josh Metellus return as the starting trio of safeties. At cornerback, it looks like Byron Murphy Jr. and Isaiah Rodgers will be starting at outside cornerback, with Mekhi Blackmon and Dwight McGlothern as backups and Tavierre Thomas as a slot cornerback who could compete with the third safety and perhaps get some situational reps.

Linebacker

The Vikings agreed to terms with former Viking Eric Wilson, most recently with the Packers, replacing Kamu Grugier-Hill in the role of backup linebacker and core special teamer. Wilson got a lot of playing time last season with the Packers and proved serviceable. But his real value is as a core special teamer, where he has done well for years.

In addition to Blake Cashman and Ivan Pace Jr., the Vikings have Brian Asamoah II and Max Tooley- a 2024 UDFA they picked up- on the roster as inside linebackers. Asamoah was a good core special teamer for the Vikings last year too.

Overall Defense

The Vikings have made several moves to strengthen their weak links defensively, but one concern remains: The Vikings are getting older on defense. Harrison Phillips is 29, Jonathan Allen is 30, Javon Hargrave is 32. Harrison Smith is 36. Blake Cashman turns 29 soon and Andrew Van Ginkel 30. Even Byron Murphy Jr. and Isaiah Rodgers- both 27- may exit their prime after this season as cornerbacks. Cornerbacks typically show more decline beginning at age 28.

So, while the free agent acquisitions both this year and last have certainly helped the Vikings defense, these will be shorter term solutions. The other concern with an older roster is injuries. Older players are more likely to miss games due to injuries. And those approaching 30 or older are more likely to show decline over their previous season. Those are the risks that go along with acquiring older players.

Still, there are many examples of older players who continue to play at a high level. And even a slightly down year for Javon Hargrave as a pass rusher this season would still be a tremendous upgrade for the Vikings’ interior defensive line. But if the same were to happen with Jonathan Allen, who’s already had a couple seasons of declining performance, the Vikings will have overpaid.

But overall, the Vikings have strengthened their weakest links defensively and are now in a position where they don’t have to blitz as aggressively to get pressure on the quarterback, although that is likely to remain a mainstay of Brian Flores’ defense. But the new additions could allow Flores to play more of a base 5-1-5 defense, with five guys up front that can win their share of the one-on-one battles, three safeties for flexibility against the run and pass, the versatile Blake Cashman in the middle, and a few hybrid-type moving pieces to flex as needed.

Special Teams

The Vikings also made some moves to impact special teams.

Ryan Wright- 1-year, $1.75 million, $650K guaranteed

Wright showed enough this past season to earn a modest extension after a horrible season in 2023. Wright may be the weakest link among specialists, with Will Reichard off to a promising start and long snapper Andrew DePaola earning another first team All-Pro award last season. Wright had a decent if not super impressive season as punter last season, and at 25 could improve. He had a great rookie season.

Core Special Teamer Shuffle

The Vikings also needed to fill in some core special teamer spots, with the departure of Trent Sherfield and the apparent promotion of Theo Jackson. Kamu Grugier-Hill was also a core special teamer who will be replaced by Eric Wilson. Other losses of players who played on special teams like Pat Jones II, David Quessenberry, Ed Ingram, Jihad Ward, and a few others will likely be replaced by the players that replaced them on offense and defense.

The Vikings signed Tavierre Thomas as much for his special teams ability as anything else, and he could very well be an upgrade to a core special teamer spot having had a 90.5 special teams grade last season according to PFF. Bubba Bolden could also be given a shot at making the team by flourishing as a core special teamer.

But as each team seeks to gain an advantage in every aspect of the game, special teams is not an afterthought. Putting together top special teams units can pay dividends, from turnovers to field position, beyond just what having a good kicker can do.

Bottom Line

Many media outlets are suggesting that the Vikings were one of the few teams that came away as big winners in free agency so far. That’s difficult to disagree with as the Vikings redeployed a lot of cap space that improved or maintained the starting talent level on both sides of the ball, strengthening weaker links on the roster. But we won’t know whether they were really successful until fall and winter. Sometimes moves that look like a big splash turn out to hardly move the needle, and other moves that look like a nothing-burger initially turn out to have a big impact.

Last year around this time the talk was all about the Vikings losing Kirk Cousins and Danielle Hunter and how difficult it would be for the Vikings to replace their production.

This year there seems to be more optimism around the Vikings moves to fortify their trenches, although in most cases with players over 30. There also seems to be less worry about McCarthy replacing Darnold’s production than Darnold replacing Cousins’ production.

In any case, the Vikings have done about all they can do to surround J.J. McCarthy with the best supporting cast to give him the best chance at early success as he begins his NFL career. He should enjoy at least a better-than-average offensive line with plenty of offensive weapons. He should also benefit from a defense that always keeps the game within reach and may occasionally help him out too. Hopefully the Vikings ground game can do the same, though that remains to be seen.

Defensively, the Vikings should be in a position where they don’t need to blitz as much to pressure the quarterback, assuming the new interior pass rushers are able to do so a lot more than a season ago. I’m not sure there will be much change in overall talent level in the secondary, as I’m not sure replacing Cam Bynum with Theo Jackson and Stephon Gilmore with Isaiah Rodgers will do much to move the needle. But their job may be a bit easier if the defensive front can bring pressure more often without blitzing. Last season the Vikings’ team pass rush grade was one of the worst in the league (24th), largely because of the poor grades by interior linemen offset better ones by edge rushers and some of the blitzers.

Bottom line, the Vikings have done a good job in the opening week of free agency to strengthen their weak links among starters and continue to build depth. They are not done. But they’ve done enough already so that they can truly pick the best player available in the draft without any overriding position priority that must be filled.

That’s a good place to be.

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