10. Bernard Berrian, WR
Bernard Berrian was a pretty big signing for the Vikings when they signed him in 2008 and he responded with a pretty big first season in Minnesota. 48 catches for 964 yards and 7 touchdowns, including an unbreakable NFL record 99-yard score. His 20.1 yards per catch was quite robust. He combined with Sidney Rice and Percy Harvin to form a nice trio for Brett Favre in 2009. Berrian's production over the final two years with the Vikings dwindled to nearly nothing and the end of his career. While his first two years as a pretty big free agent signing were great to good, the fact that he's on this list says a lot of the Vikings modest success in free agency.
9. Tom Johnson, DT
Tom Johnson's performance over the last four seasons have been a revelation mostly because it took him so long to hit his stride in the NFL. He played in the Arena Football League, Canadian Football League, and NFL Europe before he found a spot with the New Orleans Saints in 2011 at 27. He really found his place in the NFL with the Vikings in 2014. Johnson has been a terrific interior pass rusher. So terrific that he's one of the best Vikings free agent signings. His impact on the pass rush reminds of that made by Lance Johnstone over a decade ago. Actually, Johnstone is a player that probably should be on this list. He should probably bump Berrian from this list.
8. Ben Leber, LB
Ben Leber was a consistently solid linebacker for the Vikings from 2006-10. He had a great knack for making big plays in crucial moments. The linebacker trio that Leber formed with Chad Greenway and E.J. Henderson was one of the best in franchise history.
7. Ryan Longwell, K
A kicker! The only thing that keeps Ryan Longwell from being ranked higher is the position that he played. Longwell was an excellent kicker for each of his six seasons in Minnesota. He's in the argument for best kicker in Vikings franchise history.
6. Chester Taylor, RB
Chester Taylor had an outstanding first season for the Vikings in 2006. He probably would have had several more in Minnesota if not for the surprising arrival of Adrian Peterson in the 2007 NFL Draft. Taylor's playing time was cut drastically but he remained an effective complimentary back to Peterson. The two formed an excellent combo.
5. Corey Chavous, S
Corey Chavous came to Minnesota as a corner in 2002 but really found his home with a switch to safety. His 2003 season was simply outstanding. That was the year in which he often seemed to be the only Vikings player on the field that had any interest in playing defense. He earned the only Pro Bowl bid of his career that season. Smart football player.
4. Pat Williams, DT
Defensive tackles Pat and Kevin Williams formed the "Williams Wall." No one ran on the "Williams Wall." It was remarkable to watch Pat Williams move short distances. He was so big but got through the line so fast. He was a lot of fun to watch.
3. Linval Joseph, DT
Linval Joseph has been awesome for the past few seasons. The only knock on his play are the games that he didn't play. Injuries kept him out of a couple. When healthy, he's one of the best interior defensive linemen in the league. His strong play since he joined the Vikings in 2014 earned him a nice extension last summer. He's a defensive cornerstone.
2. Steve Hutchinson, G
Steve Hutchinson might have been the team MVP in 2006. He quickly changed the level of play and attitude of the Vikings offensive line. And as a result the entire offense. He was an outstanding football player for all of his six seasons in Minnesota. He should be honored in Canton soon.
1. Antoine Winfield, CB
Antoine Winfield's signing in 2004 was the Vikings first true venture into big time free agency. They merely dabbled the first ten years. They struck gold with Winfield. He played for the Vikings for nine years and was fantastic for nine years. He made it to three Pro Bowls. He should have been to more. It was a real treat to be witness to his football career. He won't get much Hall of Fame consideration but he's in my Hall of Fame. A great, fun football player.
The Minnesota Vikings have rarely gotten too involved in free agency. The Hutchinson and Winfield signings were the biggest but they were and are rare. A low profile is the norm. That's why 2006 was such a surprise. In Brad Childress' first season as head coach the Vikings really dove into free agency. Four players on this list were signed that year. Steve Hutchinson, Chester Taylor, Ryan Longwell, and Ben Leber. That offseason was a bonanza and Vikings fans were delirious. All four helped form the foundation of a team that improved each season. A team that ended up being a play away from the Super Bowl in 2009.
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