Another Minnesota Vikings Mock Draft

With yesterday’s trade with the San Francisco 49ers for running back Jordan Mason, the Minnesota Vikings have set themselves up for a 2025 NFL Draft in which they have few glaring needs. The Vikings entered the offseason with obvious needs on the offensive and defensive lines. They also had needs at cornerback and running back. The additions of center Ryan Kelly and guard Will Fries addressed the needs on the interior of the offensive line. The additions of defensive tackles Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave addressed the needs on the defensive line. The re-signing of cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. was critical to defensive continuity. The signing of cornerback Isaiah Rodgers might end up being one of the best additions of the offseason. And cornerback was at a position of need. The player additions and retentions through the first week of free agency had the Vikings perhaps positioned to draft a running back in the first round. Despite re-signing Aaron Jones, the position was a need. Jones needed a partner in the backfield. That’s why the trade for Jordan Mason made so much sense. The Vikings sent a 2026 sixth-round pick to the 49ers for Mason. The teams also swapped Day 3 picks this year (a fifth from the Vikings  for a sixth from the 49ers). The 2026 sixth-round pick the Vikings sent to the 49ers was the pick they’d just received from the Houston Texans for Ed Ingram. Essentially the trade with the 49ers was a swap of Ed Ingram for Jordan Mason and an exchange of Day 3 picks this year. Mason should pair nicely with Jones. Running back might still be a need in the draft but the position is now more of a later round need. Perhaps a speedy running back with some unique receiving talent. 

The Vikings are set up nicely for the 2025 NFL Draft. Here’s another stab at the four picks they currently hold. 

1. Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon

3. Tate Ratledge, G, Georgia

5. O’Donnell Fortune, CB, South Carolina

6. Marcus Yarns, RB, Delaware

Derrick Harmon has routinely been the pick at #24. It’s so hard to pass on the disruptive interior player. The Vikings bolstered the defensive front with Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave. Both are on the wrong side of 30. They’d be outstanding mentors Harmon. 

Like Harmon on the defensive line, Tate Ratledge would be a talented, young addition on the offensive line. Perhaps, he even starts at left guard as a rookie. That’s the least set position on the offensive line. 

Come draft time, O’Donnell Fortune probably isn’t available in the fifth round. He’s an easy pick here. So is Marcus Yarns in the sixth round. 

Until the next one. 

Minnesota Vikings Depth Chart

The Minnesota Vikings were scheduled to lose nearly half of their 2024 roster. That situation promised an active offseason. Through the first week of free agency, the Vikings did not disappoint. Here’s a look at the Vikings depth chart after an eventful first week of the offseason.

Minnesota Vikings 2025 Depth Chart (62)

Offense (27)

Quarterbacks (2)

  9 J.J McCarthy

19 Brett Rypien

Running Backs (3)

33 Aaron Jones

32 Ty Chandler

36 Zavier Scott

Fullback (1)

30 C.J. Ham

Receivers (6)

18 Justin Jefferson

  3 Jordan Addison

83 Jalen Nailor

81 Lucky Jackson

82 Jeshaun Jones

89 Thayer Thomas

Tight Ends (2)

87 T.J. Hockenson

84 Josh Oliver

Offensive Linemen (13)

71 Christian Darrsisaw

64 Blake Brandel

     Ryan Kelly

     Will Fries

75 Brian O’Neill

56 Garrett Bradbury

78 Walter Rouse

65 Michael Jurgens

     Justin Skule

     Marcellus Johnson

72 Leroy Watson

     Trevor Reid

68 Henry Byrd

Defense (32) 

Defensive Linemen (8)

97 Harrison Phillips

     Jonathan Allen

     Javon Hargrave

61 Jalen Redmond

50 Levi Drake Rodriguez

94 Taki Taimani 

71 Jonathan Harris

91 Travis Bell 

Outside Linebackers (5)

58 Jonathan Greenard

43 Andrew Van Ginkel

15 Dallas Turner

59 Gabriel Murphy

98 Bo Richter

Inside Linebackers (4)

  0 Ivan Pace Jr.

51 Blake Cashman

     Eric Wilson

  6 Brian Asamoah

45 Max Tooley

Cornerbacks (10)

  7 Byron Murphy Jr.

  5 Mekhi Blackmon

  2 Isaiah Rodgers

29 Dwight McGlothern

36 NaJee Thompson

     Tavierre Thomas

25 Nahshon Wright

     Ambry Thomas

     Reddy Steward 

     Kahlef Hailassie

Safeties (5)

22 Harrison Smith

44 Josh Metellus

26 Theo Jackson

20 Jay Ward

     Bubba Bolden

Special Teams (3)

Kickers (1)

16 Will Reichard

Punter (1)

17 Ryan Wright

Long Snapper (1)

42 Andrew DePaola 

***

It only takes a glance to see that the Vikings still need a backup quarterback. Not Aaron Rodgers. Otherwise, the first week of signings have left this roster in pretty good shape. They really just need overall depth. There’s the rest of the offseason and the draft to deal with that. 

MInnesota Vikings Free Agent Tracker

The Minnesota Vikings have active through the first week of NFL free agency. With only four picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, much of the offseason’s reinforcements had to come through a modest to heavy spending spree. Here’s a look at the Vikings player movement so far.

Re-Signed:

Byron Murphy Jr., CB

Aaron Jones, RB

Theo Jackson, S

Ryan Wright, P

Signed:

Isaiah Rodgers, CB

Jonathan Allen, DT

Ryan Kelly, C

Will Fries, G

Javon Hargrave, DT

Tavierre Thomas, CB

Justin Skyler, OT

Bubba Bolden, S

Players Lost:

Camryn Bynum, S - Indianapolis Colts

Sam Darnold, QB - Seattle Seahawks

Daniel Jones, QB - Indianapolis Colts

Nick Mullens, QB - Jacksonville Jaguars

Patrick Jones, Edge - Carolina Panthers

Johnny Mundt, TE - Jacksonville Jaguars

Unsigned Vikings:

Cam Akers, RB

Jonathan Bullard, DT

Dan Feeney, C

Stephon Gilmore, CB

Shaq Griffin, CB

Kamu Grugier-Hill, LB

Fabian Moreau, CB

Brandon Powell, WR

David Quessenberry, OT

Dalton Risner, G

Cam Robinson, OT

Jerry Tillery, DT

Jihad Ward, Edge

***

The Vikings entered free agency with significant needs on the interiors of the offensive and defensive lines. The early signing flurry that brought in Ryan Kelly, Will Fries, Jonathan Allen, and Javon Hargrave aggressively addressed those needs. Needs remain at running back, cornerback, and general depth. The Vikings have done enough in free agency that the few picks they have in the draft might be enough to address any remaining needs. 

He’s Back!

The Minnesota Vikings have done some good things through the initial days of free agency. Solid additions. Solid re-signings. None of those made me as happy as hearing that Harrison Smith is returning for his 14th season. I accept that he’s much closer to the end of his fabulous career than he is to the start. I’m just not ready for the days when #22 isn’t on the field for the Vikings. Welcome back, Harrison Smith!

When it became clear that Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores would return for his third season, I figured that there was a good chance that Harrison Smith would return as well. Player and coach work well together. More importantly, they really enjoy working together. Still, Smith is a man of many interests. I hoped that he wasn’t but there was always a chance he was ready to spend more time with those interests. Technically, Smith was already under contract for the 2025 season. The contract had a league minimum base salary of $1.255 million but he would’ve had a $25 million base salary for 2026 become fully guaranteed if he were on the Vikings’ roster by this weekend. Those terms were essentially a placeholder for a new deal. Smith and the team decided to do that new deal. That deal is reportedly for $11 million. It’s a $10.25 million base with $750,000 in roster bonuses. There’s potential for another $3 million in incentives. 

Harrison Smith’s 14th season could be an historic cap to an already historic career. He’s played 192 regular season games for the Vikings. He needs 10 to surpass Scott Studwell on the team’s career list. If he plays in all 17 games in 2025, Smith will tie Carl Eller for the fourth-most in Vikings history. Harrison Smith has been brilliant each of his 13 seasons. If one wants to measure his career with statistics, he mingles with some of the very best in the history of the league. If Smith can equal in 2025 the three interceptions that he had last year, he’ll join the “40 interceptions, 20 sacks club.” Only Larry Wilson, Charles Woodson, and Ronde Barber are members of that exclusive club. Wilson, Woodson, and Barber are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Smith is already a member in the “30 interceptions, 20 sacks club.” That’s a club that only includes the following:

Larry Wilson

Charles Woodson

Ronde Barber

Brian Dawkins

LeRoy Butler

Rodney Harrison

Of those, only Rodney Harrison is the only member without a Gold Jacket and his argument for inclusion is heard annually. Harrison Smith is building a strong Hall of Fame argument of his own. I know that I’m a bit biased but I’ve never seen another safety that routinely does well all of things that Smith does. From front to back, side to side, he routinely makes an impact all over the field. Contemplating his great career is a time for another day. His retirement has been pushed to another day. Today, he’s back for another season. That’s a beautiful thing. Now, it’s time to secure that elusive Super Bowl ring. 

Minnesota Vikings Free Agency: Day 2

Yesterday was Day 2 of the “legal tampering” window of NFL Free Agency. The Minnesota Vikings started the day with a flurry of signings. 

Jonathan Allen, DT

3 years, $60 million

Javon Hargrave, DT

Will Fries, G

5 years, $88 million

The signing of Jonathan Allen got the day started. As a recently released player, he didn’t have the restrictions of the impending unrestricted free agents. He could visit teams. Allen arrived at TCO Performance Center on Monday and met with Vikings decision-makers. His signing was announced early Tuesday morning. There’s no waiting for today’s start of the new league year. He’s officially with the Vikings now. 

It didn’t take long for the Vikings to add a defensive linemate for Jonathan Allen. Soon after the reports of Allen’s signing came the news that the Vikings were nearing a deal with Javon Hargrave. The San Francisco 49ers had already announced that Hargrave would be released at the start of the new league year. Apparently the Vikings won’t let him be out of work for long. Considering the nature of this agreement, no contract details have been released. 

The Vikings signed Indianapolis Colts center Ryan Kelly on Monday. Perhaps that played a role in the Tuesday signing of Kelly’s Colts teammate. When the Kansas City Chiefs used the franchise tag to secure Trey Smith, Will Fries was elevated to the best available guard. He had a lot of suitors. It was rumored on Monday that he was near a deal with the New York Giants. By Tuesday morning, the Vikings had Fries on their side. Did the prospect of continuing his NFL career next to good friend Kelly play a role? 

The Vikings entered this offseason prioritizing improvements on the offensive and defensive fronts. Their actions over the past two days met those priorities. 

The Minnesota Vikings new offensive line:

Christian Darrisaw, LT

Blake Brandel, LG

Ryan Kelly, C

Will Fries, RG

Brian O’Neill, RT

On paper, that’s the best Vikings offensive line since the days of Steve Hutchinson.

The Minnesota Vikings new defensive line rotation:

Jonathan Allen

Javon Hargrave

Harrison Phillips

Jalen Redmond

Levi Drake Rodriguez

Taki Taimani

Brian Flores and the defensive coaches now have some fun, talented players along the defensive line. 

The signing of Jonathan Allen is official. He’s already part of the roster on the Vikings website. The signings of Ryan Kelly, Will Fries, Javon Hargrave, and Monday’s signing of cornerback Isaiah Rodgers aren’t official until the start of the new league year this afternoon at 1pm PT. 

Minnesota Vikings Free Agency: Day 1+

Through one day, and a few hours, of the “legal tampering period of NFL free agency, the Minnesota Vikings have done some stuff. They signed three new players and retained one of their own. 

Signed:

Isaiah Rodgers, CB, Philadelphia Eagles

2 years/$15 million

Ryan Kelly, C, Indianapolis Colts

2 years/$18 million

Jonathan Allen, DT, Washington Commanders

3 years/$60 million

Re-Signed:

Byron Murphy Jr., CB

3 years/$66 million

The Minnesota Vikings were fairly busy on the first day of the league’s tampering period. The first news of the day was that recently released, former Washington Commanders defensive tackle Jonathan Allen was visiting the Vikings. That was huge news as the Vikings clearly needed to bolster the interior of their defensive line. He arrived at TCO Performance Center in the afternoon. Late in the day, it was reported that negotiations were progressing and that Allen was spending the night in the Minnesota. Then came today’s early morning news that he was signing a three-year deal. There are a few nice things about the signing of Jonathan Allen. 1) As a released player, he can sign right away. There’s no waiting until Wednesday for this deal to be made official. 2) As a released player, the signing doesn’t factor into the formula for Compensatory Picks. And 3) He’s an excellent interior defensive lineman. The Vikings haven’t had one of those for a long time. 

The first signing of the first day was the signing of cornerback Isaiah Rodgers. He’s coming off a Super Bowl-winning season with the Philadelphia Eagles. At 5’10” and 170 lbs, he isn’t big but he is fast. When needed, Rodgers played starter quality snaps. If the Eagles hadn’t selected corners with their first two picks in last year’s draft, Rodgers might’ve started the entire season and re-signed with the Eagles. Instead, he’s an under-the-radar signing of the Vikings. The only real blemish on his NFL resume’ is that he was suspended for the entire 2023 season for gambling. That shows some very questionable decision-making. Hopefully, he’s learned from it. 

It was in the afternoon that the Vikings addressed their significant need of strengthening the interior of the offensive line. This was the signing of center Ryan Kelly. He had an outstanding nine-year run with the Indianapolis Colts. This signing throws in serious doubt the future of Garrett Bradbury. He’s been the Vikings starting center since he was drafted in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft. I’ve seen a mention that perhaps he can shift positions and compete with Blake Brandel for the left guard spot. Who knows? What is known is that Kelly improves the Vikings interior offensive line. Now, the Vikings need to sign a right guard. Kelly’s Colts teammate, Will Fries please. 

The signing of Isaiah Rodgers and Ryan Kelly won’t be official until Wednesday afternoon. 

Signing your own free agents doesn’t generate the heat of signing new free agents. The re-signing of cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. was the Vikings biggest deal of the first day. This was a priority re-signing and the Vikings got it done. 

Now, it’s on to Day 2. The early morning signing of Jonathan Allen was an outstanding start. 

Minnesota Vikings Signings

The Minnesota Vikings took care of some internal business in advance of the free agency chaos of today’s “legal tampering” period. Yesterday, the Vikings announced a couple signings.

Aaron Jones, RB

2 years, $20 million

$13 million guaranteed

Ryan Wright, P

1 year, $1.75 million

Even though he’s passed the age of 30, it’s great to have Aaron Jones back. On and off the field, he was terrific last season. His 255 carries and 1,138 rushing yards were career highs. Jones often dealt with injuries through. While he had a few nicks and aches, Jones started every game for the Vikings. He did wear down as the season neared the final weeks. It’s important that the Vikings add a running back early in the 2025 NFL Draft. With an effective running tandem and an improved offensive line, Jones should be the dynamic back that he has the talent to be for the entire season. 

On the surface, Jones’ deal averages $10 million/year. In reality, it probably averages closer to $6.5 million/year. He gets $11.5 guaranteed at signing, including a $8 million signing bonus. For this year, the deal will carry a $4.8 million cap hit. 

Ryan Wright’s re-signing provides punting stability. Seeing as he had some struggles last season, he’ll surely face some offseason and training camp competition. 

The Vikings are now just hours away from having “legal” negotiation competition for cornerback Byron Murphy Jr., Camryn Bynum, Daniel Jones, and the rest of their soon-to-be free agents. I’m still hopeful for Murphy. 

In addition to Byron Murphy Jr., I’m hoping for the addition of the following players:

Will Fries, G

Jonathan Allen, DT

Paulson Adebo, CB

That would be a nice start for the 2025 offseason. 

Free Agency: A Day of Dreaming Away

The NFL’s “legal tampering window” opens tomorrow morning at 9am PT. While no new free agent signing is official-official until the start of the new league year on Wednesday at 1pm PT, NFL free agency begins tomorrow morning at 9am PT. On the eve of the big day, here are some new free agent dreams for the Minnesota Vikings. 

For the first time in a long time, perhaps ever, the Vikings have enough salary cap space to be significant players in the free agent market. The excellent contract/salary cap sites (Spotrac and Over the Cap) have the Vikings with ~$63 million with which to play. That amount ranks sixth in the league. With significant needs on the interior of the offensive and defensive lines as well as cornerback, the Vikings have some work to do. It’s a good thing they have that cap space. The work likely won’t come cheap. Here’s a free agency dream for the Minnesota Vikings.

The Vikings could get things started with a contract extension for cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. His re-signing is reportedly a priority. Murphy is expected to receive a contract approaching, perhaps exceeding, $20 million. That means that there are two paths for the Vikings. One with Murphy. One without Murphy. I continually flip back and forth between the two. I’d love to have Murphy back. He fits and knows Brian Flores’ defensive system. There’s also the possibility that the Vikings could sign two quality corners for a little more than just re-signing Murphy. Which is the better route? I’m glad that it’s not my decision. 

With Murphy:

Re-sign:

Byron Murphy Jr., CB

Sign:

Jonathan Allen, DT

Will Fries, G

Paulson Adebo, CB

Without Murphy:

Sign:

Jonathan Allen, DT

Will Fries, G

D.J. Reed, CB

Paulson Adebo, CB

Since the end of the season, I’d been absolutely sold on pursuing Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Milton Williams. With his excellent play in the postseason, he probably pushed his next deal to, at least, $25 million. While I wouldn’t be opposed to his signing, I’m leaning toward the addition of Jonathan Allen as the better option. At 30, he’s more than four years older than Williams. While that’s not ideal, Allen still has at least a couple more years of solid, even elite, play in him. Combine him with a top pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Harrison Phillips, and youngsters Jalen Redmond and Levi Drake Rodriguez and the Vikings have a much improved defensive line. Allen will command a decent contract but it should be much less than the one coming Williams’ way. Another plus to signing Allen is that his signing wouldn’t factor into the compensatory pick formula. 

Signing Will Fries is an easy decision. The Vikings must improve the interior offensive line. With the Kansas City Chiefs using the franchise tag to secure Trey Smith, Fries is the top free agent guard. He’d fit in nicely between right tackle Brian O’Neill and center Garrett Bradbury. It’s not a high bar but Fries would be the Vikings best guard since Steve Hutchinson departed after the 2011 season. It’s sad that it’s been more than a decade since the Vikings have had a guard of Fries quality. 

Before his injury (broken leg) early last season, I really liked the trajectory of Paulson Adebo. If not for that injury, I’m guessing that he’d be in line for a contract similar to the one Byron Murphy Jr. is apparently going to get. Coming off an injury probably means a lighter, but shorter, deal. I believe that Adebo is still an ascending player. 

In the above scenarios, it comes down to Byron Murphy Jr. or D.J. Reed. If it were truly that simple, the decision is easy. Re-sign Murphy. It would be more expensive but I’d feel better about the Vikings cornerbacks situation with Murphy part of it. 

If the Vikings can add Jonathan Allen, Will Fries, and Paulson Adebo over the next few days, that would be an outstanding start to the offseason. 

Minnesota Vikings Quarterback Situation

In my mind, the Minnesota Vikings quarterback situation in 2025 was decided when J.J. McCarthy was selected with the 10th pick of the 2024 NFL Draft. Sam Darnold was signed before that draft to be the bridge quarterback in case the rookie wasn’t ready. As things played out, McCarthy was probably ready to start but he suffered a torn meniscus in the first preseason game. The surgery to repair it wiped out his rookie season. Darnold was the Vikings quarterback in 2024. He played well. He guided the team to a 14-3 regular season record. All was wonderful until the final two games of the season. In my mind, Darnold could’ve guided the Vikings to the Lombardi Trophy and McCarthy would still be the quarterback in 2025. It’s probably a controversial thought but it’s what I believed and still believe. General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and head coach Kevin O’Connell were hired in 2022 with the current quarterback situation in their sights, a talented team with a talented quarterback on a rookie deal. It’s the situation that nearly all teams seek. There’s a lot that can be done with a roster without the strains of a hefty quarterback contract. 

So, here we are. One of the most annoying aspects of this offseason has been the constant chirping about whether the Vikings would slap the franchise tag on Sam Darnold. That was never going to happen. There was no way that they would commit $40 million to a quarterback. They had just gotten out from under the weight of Kirk Cousin’s deal. If the Vikings were just going to jump underneath another weighty, and questionable, quarterback deal, what was the point of the last three seasons of preparation? With so few draft picks in the coming draft, a tag and trade would’ve been nice but that never felt realistic. When the franchise tag deadline passed without a Darnold tag, I hoped that the chirping would stop. Nope! Always the drama-seeker, Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio kept tossing out the “trade McCarthy’s, keep Darnold” possibility. That was stupid in all ways possible. Even respected insiders like Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero were talking about the Vikings continuing to negotiate with Darnold’s people. Sure. The Vikings would love to have Darnold back on a contract similar to last year. That was never going to happen. He played his way to a contract far beyond the $10 million he played on last year. Darnold was never going to come back to Minnesota. It doesn’t work for the Vikings. It doesn’t work for Darnold. Report that. 

Yesterday, I finally got some relief from this constant Darnold-Vikings chirping. The Seattle Seahawks traded quarterback Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders for a third-round pick. That opened up Seattle as a possible destination for Darnold. Several of the league’s insiders started reporting that. Even Florio ran with this trade solving the Vikings quarterback dilemma. There was never a dilemma! The Vikings and Darnold were always going their separate ways this offseason. It’s J.J. McCarthy’s time. It’s been that way since he was drafted with the 10th pick of the 2024 NFL Draft. 

Free agency can’t get here soon enough. Just a couple more days. 

Theo Jackson Signed

On Thursday morning, the Minnesota Vikings agreed to terms with safety Theo Jackson on a two-year contract extension. The reports had it as a two-year deal for $12.615 million. Jackson was scheduled to be a restricted free agent. This extension keeps him in Minnesota through the 2027 season. Factoring in the restricted tender, the deal is really a three-year deal for about $16 million. The first two years are fully guaranteed. 

The Vikings entered the offseason with some questions at safety. Cam Bynum is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent next week, Jackson a restricted free agent. Harrison Smith is likely debating retirement and returning for his 14th season. Josh Metellus and Jay Ward were the only safeties contractually secure for the 2025 season. The signing of Jackson answers some questions. It obviously answers the question of his own Minnesota future. It may have answered the question of Bynum’s. Jackson has mostly seen special teams action in his two-plus years with the Vikings. He’s played well in his limited defensive snaps. He shined throughout training camp last summer but was kept from the field by the stellar safety trio of Smith, Metellus, and Bynum. Jackson had earned playing time but couldn’t find any. While not bank-breaking, this new deal shows that the Vikings decision-makers have faith in his starting potential. It’s similar to the deal Metellus signed before his breakout 2023 season. 

Unfortunately, the signing of Theo Jackson doesn’t reflect well on a Cam Bynum return. In his four years in Minnesota, Bynum had played his way to a strong second contract. With significant needs at other positions, it’s difficult seeing the Vikings splurging on the safety position. I expect the ageless Harrison Smith to return. Four safeties on starter-level deals is definitely splurging. I suppose anything is possible. Rob Brzezinski does have a magic touch with the salary cap. If Bynum somehow returns, how do the Vikings manage adequate playing time for four safeties deserving of playing time? Moving forward, it looks like the safety trio in Brian Flores’ versatile defense is going to be Harrison Smith, Josh Metellus, and Theo Jackson. 

Minnesota Vikings Best Free Agent Signings

The 2025 edition of NFL Free Agency is less than a week away. Entering this year’s free agency, the Minnesota Vikings have some cap space and scattered needs. The most pressing needs are in the trenches on both sides of the ball. Over the thirty years of NFL free agency, the Vikings have often taken a conservative approach to the league’s spending sprees. I don’t expect this to be one of those conservative years. It could be fun. In advance of the hopeful fun, here are 10 of the best Minnesota Vikings signings of the free agent era. 

10.  Tom Johnson, DT

Tom Johnson's performance with the Vikings was 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 was a terrific interior pass rusher. So terrific that he's one of the best Vikings free agent signings. His impact on the Vikings pass rush is reminiscent of the one made by Lance Johnstone two decades ago. Johnstone is a player that nearly made this list.  

9.  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 of Leber, Chad Greenway, and E.J. Henderson is one of the best in franchise history.

8.  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.

7.  Chester Taylor, RB 

Chester Taylor had an outstanding first season for the Vikings in 2006. He probably would have had several more outstanding seasons 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 one of the league’s best running back combos.

6. 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 was picked for the only Pro Bowl  of his career that season. Smart football player. 

5.  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 over short distances. He was so big but got through the line so fast. He was a lot of fun to watch.

4.  Linval Joseph, DT

Linval Joseph was a huge addition to the Vikings defensive line in 2014. The only knock on his play would be the games that he didn't play. Injuries kept him out of a few. When healthy, he was one of the best interior defensive linemen in the league. He was a defensive cornerstone from 2014 to 2019. 

3. Kirk Cousins, QB

The signing of Kirk Cousins at the start of 2018 spending spree was the Vikings' most aggressive free agent signing. He had a legion of critics but his passing numbers compare to those of any quarterback of the past six years. Cousins was signed to lead a talented Vikings team to a Super Bowl win. He didn’t do that. He did bring many thrills and some fine passing. 

2.  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.

1.  Steve Hutchinson, G

Steve Hutchinson might’ve 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 was so outstanding that he earned a bust in Canton.  

***

The Minnesota Vikings have rarely been significant players in free agency. The Cousins, Hutchinson, and Winfield signings were aggressive but are outliers. A low free agency 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. 

It would be a disservice if last year’s free agent signings aren’t mentioned. The class headliners:

Jonathan Greenard

Andrew Van Ginkel

Blake Cashman

Sam Darnold

Aaron Jones

Those players, and a few others, were a big reason for the team’s remarkable 14-3 regular season record. Jonathan Greenard, Andrew Van Ginkel, and Sam Darnold made the Pro Bowl. Blake Cashman and Aaron Jones probably should’ve joined them. Greenard, Van Ginkel, and Cashman might be another terrific season away from cracking this list of the Vikings best free agent signings. 

2023 free agent signee Byron Murphy Jr. might also be a year away from joining this list. That means that he has to sign a contract extension in the coming days. 

Franchise Tags

Yesterday, the deadline passed for NFL teams to slap one of their impending free agents with the franchise tag. There was no flurry of tags. There was no slapping of tags on deadline day. All of the league’s tagging this year took place in advance of deadline day. All told, two players were slapped with the franchise tag.

Trey Smith, Kansas City Chiefs

Tee Higgins, Cincinnati Bengals

This is the second consecutive year of being tagged for Tee Higgins. 

The cost of those tags:

Trey Smith

$23,402,000

Tee Higgins

$26,179,200

The Dallas Cowboys dodged having to use the franchise tag when they signed defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa to a four-year contract extension. Odighizuwa took the relative security of a long-term deal over the rich reward of a single year on the franchise tag. The average annual value of his new deal is about $5 million less than that of the defensive tackle franchise tag. 

It felt like the biggest news of franchise tag deadline day wasn’t about the players that got tagged or the player that dodged the tag with a long-term deal. No, the biggest news of franchise tag deadline day was the Minnesota Vikings not tagging quarterback Sam Darnold. It’s always about the quarterback. Why? Darnold had a terrific season as he helped guide the Vikings to a 14-3 regular season record and an early playoff exit. I get that. I also get that he earned a decent quarterback contract. A decent contract for a starting quarterback is in excess of $30 million. The franchise tag for a quarterback is in excess of $40 million. The Vikings would be idiots to pay either amount for a security blanket. Bringing back Darnold would be done for the possibility that J.J. McCarthy isn’t healthy enough or ready enough to be the team’s quarterback. Why pay starting quarterback money for a player that’s likely to be a backup? General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and head coach Kevin O’Connell came to Minnesota in 2022 with this day in mind. A day in which they can build a team around a promising quarterback on a rookie contract. Why waste a year of it? It’s J.J, McCarthy’s time. 

Minnesota Vikings Add A Coach

When Grant Udinski departed the Minnesota Vikings for the offensive coordinator job of the Jacksonville Jaguars, I wondered if Kevin O’Connell would look for a replacement. In only three years, Udinski had made a quick rise. He did so well that O’Connell really had no choice but to keep promoting him. Udinski joined the Vikings as a special assistant to the head coach. He left as assistant offensive coordinator/assistant quarterbacks coach. Assistant offensive coordinator? I’m not sure if I’ve ever seen one of those. Udinski kept excelling and taking on responsibilities. His last and top responsibility was getting rookie quarterback J.J McCarthy ready for the NFL. Udinski was challenged even further when McCarthy tore the meniscus in his knee and was lost for the season. Now, the coach had to work with an injured quarterback and three healthy quarterbacks. Two jobs! The job became even more challenging later in the season when Daniel Jones was added to the quarterback room. Udinski had so many responsibilities that I wondered if O’Connell could replace him. I wondered if O’Connell would even try. Well, I no longer need to wonder.

Yesterday, the Vikings hired Jordan Traylor as assistant offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach. I had never heard of Udinski when he was hired off of Matt Rhule’s Carolina Panthers staff. I have head of Traylor. That’s likely due to Traylor being a little further along in his coaching career than Udinski was in 2022. A former Texas A&M quarterback, Traylor got his coaching start in 2016 at the University of Texas. He moved on to the University of Arkansas in 2018. He jumped to the NFL in 2019 as a scouting assistant for the New Orleans Saints. In 2021, he joined the team’s coaching staff as a defensive assistant. Two years later, he moved to the offense. In his six years of coaching with the Saints, Traylor worked for Sean Payton and Dennis Allen. New head coach, Kellen Moore hoped to keep the young coach on his first Saints staff. Those plans changed when Kevin O’Connell swooped in and brought him to Minnesota. 

As long as the Minnesota Vikings do well on the field, their coaching staff will be annually raided. I hated to see Grant Udinski depart but I knew that it was inevitable. I thought this was a year early but I knew the day was coming. Quarterbacks coach Josh McCown is probably next. I trust Kevin O’Connell to find the next Udinski or McCown. Perhaps he’s found the next rising Vikings coach in Jordan Traylor. 

Minnesota Vikings Free Agent Targets

The “legal tampering” period of the NFL Free Agency is a week away. While it can be quite subjective, the Minnesota Vikings enter the offseason and free agency with three significant positional needs.

Interior offensive line

Defensive line

Cornerback 

The Vikings must improve the trenches on both sides of the ball. That’s priority #1. Cornerback isn’t far behind. With only four projected draft picks, they’ll have to rely on free agency for much of their hoped for improvement. It’s a good thing they have more than $60 million in salary cap space. If they have particular free agent targets, the Vikings should be able to bid with any team in the league. 

Here are some of my favorite free agent targets at guard, defensive line, and cornerback.

Guard

Will Fries, Indianapolis Colts

James Daniels, Pittsburgh Steelers

Mekhi Becton, Philadelphia Eagles

Teven Jenkins, Chicago Bears

Patrick Mekari, Baltimore Ravens

Ben Bredeson, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 

With the Kansas City Chiefs slapping Trey Smith with the franchise tag, Will Fies easily elevates to the top projected guard on the free agent market. He and James Daniels are coming off a season ended early by injury. I’d take either. Both would be beautiful. 

Kevin Zeitler and Brandon Scherff would be considerations if this was 2017. 

Defensive Line

Milton Williams, Philadelphia Eagles

Osa Odighizuwa, Dallas Cowboys

Levi Onwuzurike, Detroit Lions

Tershawn Wharton, Kansas City Chiefs

The Dallas Cowboys said over the weekend that they’d slap the franchise tag on Osa Odighizuwa if they can’t come to an agreement on a long-term deal by tomorrow’s tag deadline. So, he’s apparently off the market. 

Entering the offseason, Chiefs guard Trey Smith was my top free agent target. He was going to be expensive. Very expensive. It doesn’t matter now with the Chiefs using the franchise tag to keep him from reaching free agency. With Smith out of the Vikings free agent equation, Milton Williams is now my top target. He’s also going to be expensive. Very expensive. Will the Vikings spend what it’ll take to secure him? Who knows? I feel like they’ll come out of free agency with Williams or Levi Onwuzurike. Just a hunch.

Cornerback 

Paulson Adebo, New Orleans Saints

D.J. Reed, New York Jets

Charvarious Ward, San Francisco 49ers

Asante Samuel Jr., Los Angeles Chargers

The Vikings top free agent corner target is one of their own. I’m going with the optimistic assumption that they re-sign Byron Murphy Jr. The Vikings still need another corner and I really like Paulson Adebo. In 2023, I thought that he’d passed Marshon Lattimore as the Saints top corner. He was an ascending player. If he hadn’t broken his leg early last season, he’d be the top corner on the market and probably out of the Vikings likely price range. I’d feel a whole lot better about the team’s cornerback group if Murphy was paired with any of the above. Toss in Mekhi Blackmon and Dwight McGlothern and the group is better, and much younger, than the one on the field last year. 

A dream Vikings free agency:

Will Fries

Milton Williams

Paulson Adebo

A truly dream Vikings free agency would include re-signing Byron Murphy Jr. and Cam Bynum. Can they fit all of that salary in their available cap space? Hopefully, Rob Brzezinski can work his magic. 

Another Flea Flicker Mock Draft

Draft season is open. Here’s the first Flea Flicker Mock Draft of the season. 

1.   Tennessee Titans: Travis Hunter, CB, Colorado

2.   Cleveland Browns: Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State

3.   New York Giants: Cam Ward, QB, Miami

4.   New England Patriots: Will Campbell, OT, LSU

5.   Jacksonville Jaguars: Mason Graham, DT, Michigan

6.   Las Vegas Raiders: Shadeur Sanders, QB, Colorado

7.   New York Jets: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State

8.   Carolina Panthers: Jalon Walker, Edge, Georgia

9.   New Orleans Saints: Shamar Stewart, Edge, Texas A&M 

10. Chicago Bears: Armand Membou, OL, Missouri

11. San Francisco 49ers: Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State

12. Dallas Cowboys: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State

13. Miami Dolphins: Tyler Booker, G, Alabama

14. Indianapolis Colts: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan

15. Atlanta Falcons: Mykel Williams, Edge, Georgia

16. Arizona Cardinals: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan

17. Cincinnati Bengals: Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama

18. Seattle Seahawks: Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State

20. Denver Broncos: Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas

21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Walter Nolen, DT, Mississippi

22. Los Angeles Chargers: Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri

23. Green Bay Packers: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona

24. Minnesota Vikings: Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan

25. Houston Texans: Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon

26. Los Angeles Rams: Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina

27. Baltimore Ravens: Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon

28. Detroit Lions: James Pearce Jr., Edge, Tennessee

29. Washington Commanders: Mike Green, Edge, Marshall

30. Buffalo Bills: Shavon Revel Jr., CB, East Carolina

31. Kansas City Chiefs: Malaki Starks, S, Georgia

32. Philadelphia Eagles: Joshua Farmer, DT, Florida State

Until the next one. 

2025 Franchise Tag Numbers

The NFL’s 32 teams have until March 4 to slap one of their impending free agents with the franchise tag. With that date in mind, the league finally released the 2025 Franchise Tag numbers yesterday. Here’s how much it’ll cost teams to restrict the movement of one of their players.

QB: $40,242,000

RB: $13,640,000

WR: $23,959,000

TE: $13,826,000

OL: $23,402,000

DE: $22,062,000

DT: $25,123,000

LB: $25,452,000

CB: $20,187,000 

  S: $18,601,000

  K: $6,313,000

A few thoughts on those numbers:

It doesn’t feel right that the franchise tag number for running backs only top kickers. There was a time when running backs were some of the highest-paid players in the league. 

If the league can separate the defensive line positions, they can surely do the same for the offensive line. Guards and tackles are thrilled that they are grouped with the tackles. 

Speaking of thrilled, inside linebackers are thrilled that they are grouped with the highly-paid outside linebackers that get after the quarterbacks. 

With only a handful of days remaining in the tagging window, the Kansas City Chiefs are the only team to use the franchise tag to secure one of their impending free agents. They slapped right guard Trey Smith with the tag. He was all set to be one of the most targeted players in free agency. Now, it looks like he’s staying in Kansas City. 

The Transition tag isn’t used much these days but it does exist. It’s a cheaper and less secure way to restrict the movement of players. Here are the transition tag numbers.

QB: $35,377,000

RB: $11,067,000

WR: $21,441,000

TE: $11,712,000

OL: $21,271,000

DE: $19,872,000

DT: $20,849,000

LB: $17,595,000

CB: $17,595,000

   S: $15,027,000

   K: $5,730,000

For a few more days, it’s tagging time.