Minnesota Vikings Free Agency Ledger

Compared to some recent years, the Minnesota Vikings have been modestly active in free agency. Two weeks into the offseason and four players have been added to the roster. 

Kyler Murray, QB

James Pierre, CB

Johnny Hekker, P

Ryan Van Demark, OT

Of course, Kyler Murray is the highlight signing. It’s always about the quarterback in today’s NFL. The Vikings are the beneficiaries of the Arizona Cardinals paying nearly all of Murray’s large quarterback contract. Minnesota’s share of his income this year is only $1.3 million. The Cardinals are chipping in nearly $40 million. That’s very nice of them. Murray is easily the quarterback bargain of the league. Between that and his proven talent, the signing is also considered one of the best and most impactful. 

James Pierre will have a significant cornerback role in the Vikings secondary. At 6’2”, he adds some needed size to the current starting duo of Byron Murphy Jr., and Isaiah Rodgers. At best, Pierre is a CB3 and reliable starter, if needed. At worst, he’s an excellent CB4. Defensive coordinator Brian Flores and new defensive backs coach Gerald Alexander are familiar with him from their respective time with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Pierre is also an excellent special teams player. 

With the free agency departure of Ryan Wright, the Vikings needed a punter. They turned to 36-year old Johnny Hekker. It’d be brilliant if they were getting Hekker from ten years ago. As it is, the Vikings added a still solid punter. He’s also an excellent holder. 

The Vikings took a rare dip into restricted free agency to sign offensive tackle Ryan Van Demark. He was a restricted free agent with the Buffalo Bills. He was tendered at a level that gave the Bills the right to match any offer but wouldn’t receive compensation if they declined. Yesterday, the Bills declined to match. The Vikings needed a swing tackle and positional security. Christian Darrisaw’s on-again, off-again return from a torn ACL during the 2024 season was a big part of the 2025 offensive line injury woes. Van Demark could be a key offseason addition. 

This week, the Vikings re-signed quarterback Carson Wentz. In Kevin O’Connell’s four seasons as the Minnesota head coach, two were wrecked by quarterback injuries. In 2023, injuries forced four quarterbacks onto the field. Last year, three quarterbacks had to play. In both seasons, a rookie had to take the field that clearly wasn’t ready for the NFL. O’Connell and the rest of the team’s decision-makers wanted no repeat of those quarterbacking woes. They wanted an improved quarterback room. The ideal is, of course, no injuries. The Vikings wanted and need a deep and competent quarterback group. Two of the moves of the first two weeks addressed that need. This is the Vikings current quarterback room.

Kyler Murray

J.J. McCarthy

Carson Wentz

Max Brosmer

I wouldn’t be surprised if the Vikings add a rookie quarterback late in the draft or sign one after the draft to compete with Max Brosmer for a developmental role. As Kevin O’Connell stated, there’s no need to name a starter in March. As a fan, it’s impossible to not imagine September’s depth chart in March. The above is how I see it. 

The Vikings have added four outside free agents. In addition to those signings, the following internal free agents have been re-signed. 

Staying

Aaron Jones, RB

Eric Wilson, LB

Tavierre Thomas, S

Andrew DePaola, LS

Jalen Redmond, DL

Bo Richter, OLB

Zavier Scott, RB

Carson Wentz, QB

Jalen Redmond, Bo Richter, and Zavier Scott were tendered as restricted free agents. Richter and Scott have signed those tenders. I expect, and it seems to be expected by most, that Redmond will be signed to longer-term contract. He was an emerging player in 2024. He arrived in 2025. Redmond has earned a long-term deal. 

A few of the Vikings free agents have found new homes. 

Departing

Jonathan Allen, DL - signed with Cincinnati Bengals

Javon Hargrave, DL - signed with Green Bay Packers

Jalen Nailor, WR - signed with Las Vegas Raiders

Ryan Wright, P - signed with New Orleans Saints

Ty Chandler, RB - signed with New Orleans Saints

It’s on to Week 3 of free agency. The Vikings still have some needs. Pickings are getting slim with the available free agents. Perhaps some bargains can be found. I wouldn’t mind seeing a safety and a defensive lineman. That would continue a modest but productive offseason. 

That 2022 Vikings Draft

The Minnesota Vikings selected 10 players in the 2022 NFL Draft. 

1. Lewis Cine, S, Georgia

2. Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson

2. Ed Ingram, G, LSU

3. Brian Asamoah II, LB, Oklahoma

4. Akayleb Evans, CB, Missouri

5. Esezi Otomewo, DL, Minnesota

5. Ty Chandler, RB, North

6. Vederian Lowe, OT, Illinois

6. Jalen Nailor, WR, Michigan State

7. Nick Muse, TE, South Carolina

This was the first draft of general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and the Kevin O’Connell coaching staff. At the time, I was thrilled with this draft. I was a little unsure of Adofo-Mensah’s move to drop 20 spots in the first round in a trade with the Detroit Lions. Many liked Notre Dame safety Kyle Hamilton with the 12th pick that the Vikings held. Personally, I was partial to Washington corner Trent McDuffie in the first round. Either pick would’ve been a better pick than Lewis Cine. Three trades in the first two rounds netted the Vikings one extra pick. Despite the questionable early movement, I liked the end results. At least, I liked the end results at the time. I really thought that Cine, Andrew Booth, Brian Asamoah II, Akayleb Evans, and Esezi Otomewo were the young additions the defense desperately needed. Ed Ingram was an immediate starter at right guard. Ty Chandler, Jalen Nailor, and Nick Muse were intriguing offensive play-makers. Vederian Lowe looked like a promising late-round offensive lineman. I’m typically optimistic and I thought this draft was filled with potential. 

Those hopeful thoughts didn’t last long. 

1. Lewis Cine never recovered from the brutal broken leg suffered while covering a Week 4 kick against the New Orleans Saints in London. It was an injury so severe that he couldn’t travel home with the team. He spent his 23rd birthday in a London hospital while his team practiced for Week 5 in Eagan. Cine played in 10 games with the Vikings over two seasons.

2. Andrew Booth Jr. was traded to the Dallas Cowboys after two seasons and two starts in Minnesota.

2. If one is looking at starts, Ed Ingram was, by far, the most productive of the Vikings 2022 draft picks. He had 41 starts over three seasons in Minnesota. After three years of wildly inconsistent play the Vikings traded him to the Houston Texans. 

3. Brian Asamoah II had a few flash plays as a rookie in a backup linebacker role. He felt like an emerging player heading into his second season. That stalled with a training camp injury and the emergence of undrafted rookie Ivan Pace Jr. Asamoah stuck on the roster for three seasons with little more than a special teams role. 

4. Pretty much from the start, Akayleb Evans looked like a more promising corner than Andrew Booth Jr. He even claimed a starting role in his second season. It didn’t last long as he was off the roster in his third season. 

5. Esezi Otomewo made a few plays toward the end of his rookie season. He didn’t have a second season in Minnesota. 

5. Ty Chandler was mostly a special teams player and situational runner over the entirety of his contract with the Vikings. His most shining moments came during his second season with four starts and a 100-yard game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

6. Vederian Lowe was traded to the New England Patriots before his second season with the Vikings.

6. Jalen Nailor may have been the best pick of this draft. After battling a series of injuries in his first couple of seasons, he emerged as an impactful third receiver. His departure in the first wave of free agency last week was both disappointing and expected. 

7. For three seasons with the Vikings, Nick Muse had a mostly yo-yo existence between the practice squad and the active roster. After being released late in the 2024 season, Muse was signed by the Philadelphia Eagles just in time for a Super Bowl-winning run. 

10 players drafted by the Vikings. 0 players signed to a second contract by the Vikings. Only Ty Chandler and Jalen Nailor even made it to the end of their rookie contract with the Vikings. Nailor and Ed Ingram received decent to strong second contracts with the Las Vegas Raiders and Houston Texans respectively. Brian Asamoah II, Akayleb Evans, Esezi Otomewo, Ty Chandler, and Vederian Lowe are making their way in the league with other teams. Lewis Cine and Andrew Booth Jr. are out of the league. Again, the Vikings top two picks in the 2022 NFL Draft are no longer in the league. 

Heading into the fifth season since that 2022 NFL Draft, the 10 players selected are no longer on the Minnesota Vikings roster. Only Ed Ingram, Ty Chandler, and Jalen Nailor made anything that can be considered a contribution. The 10 players combined for 82 starts. 82 starts! That’s an average of just over two starts per season for each player. Ingram had half of those 82 starts. Nailor was the only player even remotely deserving of a second contract. The Vikings decided they couldn’t match what the Raiders were offering. 

That 2022 Vikings draft is a draft that can’t ever be repeated. 

Favorite Football Flicks

This post was originally posted prior to the Academy Awards in 2018. It's been re-posted on several occasion since. Basically, it's been re-posted every time football flicks have been on my mind. These are very strange times. Times that call for a football flick. Here are 21 of my favorites. 

21. The Waterboy (1998)

A guilty pleasure movie. The football action is outrageous. 

20. Semi-Tough (1977)
A new addition to the list. Dan Jenkins' book is far more entertaining than the movie but the movie is still fun. Plus, former Minnesota Vikings quarterback Joe Kapp is in it. He plays a quarterback named Hose. Gotta love it. 

19. Leatherheads (2008)

This movie depicting the very early days of professional football would probably be higher on the list if I hadn't entered into it with such high hopes. It's an entertaining movie but probably one that I need to see again.

18. The Express (2008) 

The tragic story of Ernie Davis. It might be higher if not for some liberties taken with the accuracy of those times. Like Art Modell being the Browns owner in the 1950s.

17. Invincible (2006)

The improbable football career of NFL-walk-on Vince Papale. Who doesn't love an underdog story like this?

16. All The Right Moves (1983)

The most amazing thing about this movie is Tom Cruise playing cornerback. 

15. Rudy (1993)
Some people love this movie. Others hate it. I guess that I'm somewhere in the middle in liking it. 

14. When The Game Stands Tall (2015)

You just knew that someone was going to make a movie about the incredible story of coach Bob Ladouceur and the De La Salle High Spartans. This was a nicely done look at the season that saw the loss that ended their 151-game win streak as well as the win that was arguably the greatest in school history. 

13. We Are Marshall (2006)

The remarkable rise of a town, a university, and a football team from a devastating plane crash. A great story. 

12. Any Given Sunday (1999)

Oliver Stone with a football movie? Never would have pegged that pairing. 

11. The Longest Yard (1974)

It's a classic. And Joe Kapp's in it. And Ray Nitschke. 

10. The Program (1993)

Despite being a fictional story it probably touches frighteningly close to the truth.

9.  Draft Day (2014)

Some of the trades are ridiculous but it's a very entertaining look at the greatest non-playing day on the football calendar. 

8.  Brian's Song (1971)

This one set the bar for tear-jerker football movies. Great story. Memorable performances. 

7.  Knute Rockne: All-American

A timeless look at one of football's great coaches. 

6.  Everybody's All-American (1988) 

Adapted from the terrific book by Frank Deford. A great but depressing movie. 

5.  Paper Lion (1968)

Another movie adapted from a terrific book. Alan Alda is excellent as George Plimpton. So excellent that I often picture Alda when I think of Plimpton. 

4.  Heaven Can Wait (1978)

A fine remake of Here Come's Mr. Jordan (1941) with a football spin. There was a time, a long time ago, when this was my favorite movie of any genre. 

3.  Undefeated (2011)

This is probably the only football movie to take home an Academy Award. It won for Best Documentary. A great story. A great movie. 

2.  Remember The Titans (2000) 

Great movie. Entertaining movie. You have Denzel Washington but you also have unknown youngsters like Ryan Gosling, Donald Faison, and Hayden Panettiere. 

1.  Friday Night Lights (2006)

Buzz Bissinger's book was outstanding. The movie was good but Friday Night Lights earns the top spot on this list because of the unbelievable television series. They may have lost some traction in the second season but they regained it in the third and never lost it again. This series was one of the best things that I've ever seen on television.

Another Mock Draft

Yesterday, the Denver Broncos overpaid the Miami Dolphins for receiver Jaylen Waddle. In exchange for the receiver, the Broncos sent a first-, a third-, and a fourth-round pick to the Dolphins. That’s a lot of picks for one little receiver. To help offset the overpay a bit, the Broncos do get a fourth-round pick back from the Dolphins. There are, once again, five teams with two first-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft. 

New York Jets: 2,16

Cleveland Browns: 6,24

Kansas City Chiefs: 9,29

Miami Dolphins: 11,30

Dallas Cowboys: 12,20

About a week ago, the Las Vegas Raiders were one of the five team with two first-round picks. Then, the Maxx Crosby trade fell through. Now, that fifth team is the Dolphins. Despite the overpay, I doubt the Broncos will get cold feet will follow the Ravens and renege on the deal. 

Now, there’s a need for another mock draft. 

1.   Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

2.   New York Jets: Arvell Reese, Edge, Ohio State

3.   Arizona Cardinals: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami

4.   Tennessee Titans: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

5.   New York Giants: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

6.   Cleveland Browns: David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech

7.   Washington Commanders: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

8.   New Orleans Saints: Rueben Bain Jr., Edge, Miami 

9.   Kansas City Chiefs: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

10. Cincinnati Bengals: Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State

11. Miami Dolphins: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

12. Dallas Cowboys: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

13. Los Angeles Rams (from Falcons): Makai Lemon, WR, USC

14. Baltimore Ravens: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

16. New York Jets (from Colts): Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana

17. Detroit Lions: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia

18. Minnesota Vikings: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon

19. Carolina Panthers: KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M

20. Dallas Cowboys (from Packers): Akheem Mesidor, Edge, Miami

21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson

22. Los Angeles Chargers: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

23. Philadelphia Eagles: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama

24. Cleveland Browns (from Jaguars): Denzel Boston, WR, Washington

25. Chicago Bears: CJ Allen, LB, Georgia

26. Buffalo Bills: Keldric Faulk, Edge, Auburn

27. San Francisco 49ers: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah

28. Houston Texans: Emmanuel Pregnon, G, Oregon

29. Kansas City Chiefs (from Rams): Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson

30. Miami Dolphins: Cashius Howell, Edge, Texas A&M

31. New England Patriots: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo

32. Seattle Seahawks: Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina

Until the next one. 

Top Remaining Free Agents

After a furious first few days of free agency, signings have slowed considerably. After that first wave, the next wave looks to be more like a trickle. Here are some of the best available free agents.

Top Remaining Free Agents

1.   Juaun Jennings, WR

2.   L’Jarius Sneed, CB

3.   Tyreek Hill, WR

4.   Kirk Cousins, QB

5.   Taylor Decker, OT

6.   Deebo Samuel, WR

7.   David Njoku, TE

8.   Kyle Dugger, S

9.   A.J. Epenesa, DL

10. Wyatt Teller, G

11. Cameron Jordan, Edge

12. D.J. Reader, DL

13. Joey Bosa, Edge

14. Jonnu Smith, TE

15. Hollywood Brown, WR

16. Stefon Diggs, WR

17. Trevon Diggs, CB

18. Bobby Okereke, LB

19. Calais Campbell, DL

20. Joel Bitonio, G

21. Jadeveon Clowney, Edge

22. Haason Reddick, Edge

23. Brian Robinson Jr., RB

24. Kevin Zeitler, G

25. Darren Waller, TE

26.. Kyle Van Noy, Edge

27. Lloyd Cushenberry, C

28. Yetur Gross-Matos, Edge

29. Logan Wilson, LB

30. Kenneth Murray, LB

Some bargains can be found. 

Minnesota Vikings Mock Draft Monday

It’s Monday and the start of a new week closer to the 2026 NFL Draft. Here’s another Minnesota Vikings mock draft. With last week’s announcement of the compensatory picks, we finally know the draft picks that the Vikings hold.

Minnesota Vikings Draft Picks

1. #18

2. #49

3. #82

3. #97 - compensatory

5. #163 - from Philadelphia Eagles 

6. #196 - from Indianapolis Colts

7. #234 

7. #235 - from Carolina Panthers

7. #244 - from Houston Texans

Another Minnesota Vikings Mock Draft

1. Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson

2. A.J. Haulcy, S, LSU

3. Connor Lew, C, Auburn

3. Jonah Coleman, RB, Washington

5. Zane Durant, DL, Penn State 

6. John Michael Gyllenborg, TE, Wyoming

7. Kade Wetjen, WR, Iowa

7. Tristan Leigh, OT, Clemson

7. Brett Thorson, P, Georgia

I can’t seem to fit a linebacker into very many of these damn mock drafts. It’s become a pattern. With every mock attempted, I try to find the following positions.

Cornerback

Safety

Center 

Running Back

Defensive Lineman

Linebacker

Receiver

Tight End

With nine picks, it should be easy to address eight positions. I can’t seem to do it. In this draft, I failed to find a linebacker. As often as linebacker, the missing position is tight end. I guess there’s never enough picks to address every position. 

It’s early and I’ve already fallen for several players in the 2026 Draft.

Dillion Thieneman, S Oregon

Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson

Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State

D’Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana

Lee Hunter, DL, Texas Tech

Gracen Halton, DL, Oklahoma

Kaleb Proctor, DL, Southeastern Louisiana 

Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech

Kyle Louis, LB, Pittsburgh

Connor Lew, C, Auburn

Logan Jones, C, Iowa

Brian Parker II, C, Duke

Emmett Johnson, RB, Nebraska

Jonah Coleman, RB, Washington

Mike Washington Jr., RB, Arkansas

Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana

Ted Hurst, WR, Georgia State

Kaden Wetjen, WR, Iowa

I wish that I could jam all of the above players into a Vikings draft.

A Vikings Offense

With only two outside signings, the Minnesota Vikings haven’t been active in free agency. One of those signings was quarterback Kyler Murray. Signing a former #1 pick quarterback with unique and elite talents is a significant addition. Despite a stated competition with incumbent J.J. McCarthy, Murray is penciled in as the Vikings starting quarterback in 2026. Picturing Kyler Murray in the Vikings offense has been fun. Here’s a look at the potential offense. 

Vikings Offense

WR	Justin Jefferson
LT	Christian Darrisaw
LG	Donovan Jackson
C	Blake Brandel
RG	Will Fries
RT	Brian O’Neill
TE	T.J. Hockenson
WR	Jordan Addison
QB	Kyler Murray
RB	Aaron Jones
TE	Josh Oliver

The Vikings have rostered a fullback since 1961. With C.J. Ham retiring, it’ll be interesting to see if that continues. Until that question is answered, I’m listing second tight end Josh Oliver in place of a fullback. With or without a fullback, the Vikings often play with two tight ends. As for three-receiver sets, the Vikings lost #3 Jalen Nailor to the Las Vegas Raiders in free agency. 2025 third-round pick Tai Felton is the next receiver up. 

On paper, this Vikings offense looks exciting and explosive. None of that will happen if the offensive line injuries and inconsistencies of last season creep into this season. If the five starters play together for, hopefully, the entire season, this offense is going to shred defenses. For now, Blake Brandel is a placeholder at the center position. I’m expecting the Vikings to find their center of the present and the future on Day 2 of the draft. Brandel can potentially back up all five positions. It isn’t glamorous but that could be his greatest value too the team. 

Other than center, the Vikings offensive starters already feel settled. That doesn’t mean there aren’t needs. I can see a receiver being added in free agency. Otherwise, supplemental additions will be found in the draft. The offensive draft needs:

Running Back

Tight End

Wide Receiver

Offensive Line depth - potentially an eventual heir to Brian O’Neill at right tackle

Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason form a nice 1-2 combination at running back. Jones is 31. I expect the Vikings to search for their next running back on Day 2 of the draft. They have three Day 2 picks. I’m already penciling in center and running back for two of those three picks. I sure hope the draft falls their way. The Vikings tight end situation is near identical to their running back situation. T.J. Hockenson and Josh Oliver are a nice 1-2. The coming season is probably Hockenson’s last in Minnesota. Their next tight end could be found on Day 3 of the draft. 

I still have faith in J.J. McCarthy. Despite that faith, I’m really looking forward to seeing Kyler Murray lead this offense in 2026. Then, the Vikings will have a decision to make this time next year. 

Remaining Minnesota Vikings Free Agency

Through two days of “legal tampering” and three days of actual free agency, the Minnesota Vikings have signed two players.

James Pierre, CB

Kyler Murray, QB

Other than the fireworks of signing a quarterback of Kyler Murray’s stature, it’s been a pretty quiet few days in Minnesota. It was mostly expected. The Vikings didn’t have a lot of cap space. They even had to shed and massage contracts to get to the limited cap space that they do have. They also had to luck into a league-minimum $1.3 million contract for their splashy quarterback signing. If the Vikings had to pay Murray’s market-rate contract, it wouldn’t happen. Through five days of free agency, the Vikings have handed out something like $7 million in guaranteed money. They passed that mark in past years before the first day of tampering was done. 

Again, this wasn’t expected to be an active free agency for the Vikings. It wasn’t because of a lack of needs. They have plenty of needs. Most are going to be addressed in the draft. The Vikings must reverse their recent draft woes. Those woes resulted in a reliance on free agency. That’s an expensive way to exist in the NFL. The roster isn’t peppered with young, home-grown talent. That’s the main reason Kwesi Adofo-Mensah is working in San Francisco and no longer directing drafts in Minnesota. Still, there are a few needs that should be addressed in the remaining days of free agency. Here are some that I see,

QB3

WR3

Safety

Defensive Line

Head coach Kevin O’Connell and interim general manager Rob Brzezinski have both mentioned the need to create the strongest quarterback room possible. That’s a good strategy. Even after signing Kyler Murray to “compete” with J.J. McCarthy, the Vikings need a very capable #3. No more trotting out an ill-prepared Jaren Hall or Max Brosmer for must-win regular season games. Or any regular season games. With Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, the top of the receiver group is outstanding. Jalen Nailor’s departure opened the need for a third receiver. Perhaps, last year’s third-round pick Tai Felton makes that role his own. Even if that happens, the Vikings need some quality depth. A couple years ago, safety was a strength in both quality and quantity. Cam Bynum departed last offseason. Harrison Smith may or may not retire this offseason. I can’t imagine a Vikings defense without #22. I don’t want to see a Vikings defense without #22. Whether he returns or retires, the position is in transition. I expect safety to be addressed in the first couple rounds of the draft. It’d be nice to add a veteran in free agency. As for defensive line, the Vikings currently roster a very young and intriguing collection of undrafted, underrated, unheralded football players. I’m so taken by this group that, despite their unheralded status, I’d rather see the Vikings add to the group than replace them. A veteran addition could help. So, with those positions in mind, here are some of the players I wouldn’t mind seeing the Vikings sign. 

Carson Wentz, QB

Juaun Jennings/Christian Kirk, WR

Kyle Dugger, S

AJ Epenesa, DL

The league-wide free agent activity of the first week has left slim pickings. With what’s left, those players stand out. I’d like to see Carson Wentz re-signed. A quarterback room of Kyler Murray, J.J. McCarthy, and Carson Wentz would make it easier to sleep at night. The most pricey of the above is probably Juaun Jennings. I’m actually surprised that he’s still available. Perhaps his demands are higher than the Vikings, and other teams, can or are willing to pay. Christian Kirk is perhaps a cheaper alternative that knows Murray well. I’ve been a fan of Kyle Dugger since the 2020 pre-draft process. He played the last half of the past season with the Pittsburgh Steelers. New Vikings secondary coach Gerald Alexander coached the Steelers defensive backs last season. Alexander should know if Dugger can add something to the Vikings defense. AJ Epenesa was a sold defensive presence for the Buffalo Bills and could be a very good rotational player on the Vikings defensive line. 

I believe that the above signings would set the Vikings up nicely for the draft. That should be the purpose of free agency. Fill some holes in free agency. Fill the roster with young, strong draft picks. 

The Vikings QBs

The Minnesota Vikings have signed quarterback Kyler Murray. For the fourth time in franchise history, the Vikings have added a quarterback that was selected with the first pick in their draft. Murray was the first pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. He joins the following as Vikings #1s.

George Shaw - selected #1 by the Baltimore Colts in 1955

Jeff George - selected #1 by the Indianapolis Colts in 1990

Sam Bradford - selected #1 by the St. Louis Rams in 2010

That was just a little bit of trivia that occurred to me in the wake of the Kyler Murray signing. George Shaw started the first game in Vikings franchise history. While there should be a quarterback competition with J.J. McCarthy, Murray is expected to be the starter for the next game. 

Last year, the Vikings 2025 season was derailed before it even got started. The quarterback plan was to let Sam Darnold get an unaffordable payday from another team, re-sign Daniel Jones, and have a quarterback competition with J.J. McCarthy and Jones. It was a good plan. I was for it when it was happening. A year later, I still think it was the right plan. The unexpected happened when Jones opted for a more assured starting opportunity with the Indianapolis Colts. No one can blame him for that. Where the Vikings went wrong was not immediately pivoting to another quarterback path. The team’s decision-makers didn’t address the QB2 role until a draft day trade for Sam Howell. That didn’t work and it took until late August to address it not working. In my opinion, the Vikings should’ve signed Carson Wentz about a day after Jones signed with the Colts. Criticism is always easy a year after. Anyway, the Vikings wanted no part in possibly repeating last year’s quarterback mistakes. Everyone in the building knew that they had to put together a quarterback room strong enough to plow through any adversity. They didn’t do that last year. Repeat that mistake and those involved might be looking for new jobs next year. 

Kyler Murray was the best quarterback available through trade or free agency. The Vikings signed him. Signing him for a league-minimum $1.3 million is an unbelievable plus. His addition to the roster gives the Vikings a current quarterback room very different from last year’s motley group.

Kyler Murray

J.J. McCarthy

Max Brosmer

Brett Rypien

John Wolford

I expect and it’s expected that the Vikings will sign another experienced quarterback. For a variety of reasons, Carson Wentz is a leading contender. He’s my leading contender. 

Kyler Murray

J.J. McCarthy

Carson Wentz

I can get behind that group. With the way quarterback injuries derailed two of Kevin O’Connell’s four seasons as the Vikings head coach, I’d like to see the above three quarterbacks and about three practice squad quarterbacks in the QB room. 

Welcome to Minnesota, Kyler Murray. 

It’s Kyler Murray Time

The first professional football game I attended was on December 17, 1978. Vikings - Raiders in Oakland. As a young Vikings fan from California, it was the first time I saw all of my heroes live and in person. Well, all but Alan Page as he was released earlier that season. That was a damn shame. Page was my favorite Vikings player. Still is. That Vikings - Raiders game was the last regular season game of Fran Tarkenton’s fantastic career. He was the Vikings first franchise quarterback. Due to an impossible amount of bad luck and perhaps some questionable decisions, the Vikings are still looking for their next franchise quarterback. Injuries wrecked the promising careers of the top contenders. Tommy Kramer, Daunte Culpepper, and Teddy Bridgewater. It’s been nearly 50 years since Tarkenton retired. I’ve spent all of those years dreaming of the day that the Vikings find the quarterback to take the baton from Tarkenton and consistently stay on the field for more than a decade. 

Earlier this offseason, I was absolutely against the Vikings signing Kyler Murray. I have faith in J.J. McCarthy. I will continue to have faith in the kid for as long as he’s on the roster. I can often be optimistic to a fault. I know that the Vikings must have a much stronger quarterback room than they had last year. It’s not a high bar. Murray would make the room much stronger. It’d be nice if it’s made even stronger with the re-signing of Carson Wentz. That’s a decision for another day. Today’s decision concerns Kyler Murray. Many reports have him in Minnesota for a visit with the Vikings decision-makers. After dealing with the cheapness of the Arizona Cardinals for the past seven years, TCO Performance Center should feel like Valhalla in comparison. That’s gotta be a perk for keeping him in the building. Most of the talking heads across the league see the Vikings-Murray union as pretty much a done deal. There’s been too much history of “done deals” not being “done deals” for me to be settled until Murray has signed a contract. If that happens, I want to see a quarterback competition. I don’t want to see the Vikings quarterback job simply handed to Murray upon signing. I didn’t like seeing the job seemingly handed to McCarthy last year. A legitimate competition would bring the best out of everyone involved. Most would expect Murray to win the competition. He has the experience, the talent and the first-pick-in-the-draft pedigree. No matter who wins the competition, the Vikings 2026 starting quarterback will be better for it. 

Even if Kyler Murray is signed and wins the Vikings starting quarterback job, it’s not the end of J.J. McCarthy’s time in Minnesota. He’s only 23. Aaron Rodgers was 25 when he became the Green Bay Packers starter. Steve Young was 30 when he finally got his Hall of Fame started as the starter with the San Francisco 49ers. Kurt Warner was 28 when a Trent Green injury gave him a starting opportunity. McCarthy has the talent to be a long-time starter. Maybe he’s ready this year. Maybe he just needs to let everything slow down a bit. Who knows? I do know that the Vikings quarterback situation will be much better and the team will be much better if Kyler Murray is signed. I didn’t believe that a couple months ago. I believe it now. 

Minnesota Vikings Free Agency Ledger

After two days of occasionally furious action, the 2026 NFL offseason officially opens this afternoon. With all of the “legal tampering” deals, the actual opening of free agency always feels anticlimactic. In advance of the official moment, here’s a look at the Minnesota Vikings free agent ledger.

Staying

Eric Wilson, LB

Tavierre Thomas, S

Andrew DePaola, LS

Jalen Redmond, DL

Bo Richter, OLB

Zavier Scott, RB

Departing

Aaron Jones, RB

Jonathan Allen, DL

Javon Hargrave, DL

Jalen Nailor, WR - signed with Las Vegas Raiders

Ryan Wright, P - signed with New Orleans Saints

Incoming

James Pierre, CB 

It’s been a fairly calm start to Vikings free agency. That should pick up today. There could be quarterback news. There could be some signings. The Vikings have several needs that must be addressed. 

Cornerback

Safety

Defensive Line

Center 

Running Back

Receiver Depth

James Pierre is a nice addition but the cornerback room could still use some strengthening. At safety, Harrison Smith should reveal this week whether he’s back for a 15th season. I’m not ready to see a Vikings defense without #22. With or without Smith, safety is a need. The defensive line group is a remarkable collection of undrafted, underrated, and unheralded football players. Despite my high hopes for the group, they could use some support. I see and hope center is addressed early in the 2026 NFL Draft. Same with running back but I’d also like to see a free agent addition. Same with receiver. 

Some free agent signing hopes:

Kyler Murray, QB

Keaton Mitchell, RB

Juaun Jennings, WR

Nick Cross, S

The free agency fun “starts” this afternoon. 

Minnesota Vikings Tampering: Day 1

It was another frantic Day 1 of NFL tampering. Within minutes of the window opening, Olamide Zaccheaus was signed by the Atlanta Falcons and Dre’Mont Jones was signed by the New England Patriots. There’s no way either deal was negotiated in those few minutes of “legal tampering.” There was some “illegal tampering.” Everyone knows it and accepts it. With player-team agreements being reported at ridiculous rate, it was a very active Day 1. 

It was a fairly slow day for the Minnesota Vikings. With the team having to scramble the past week to simply get to the right side of salary cap space, this free agency wasn’t expected to be very busy. The Vikings did sign one player from another team.

James Pierre, CB

James Pierre agreed to a two year deal worth up to $8.25 million. $3.7 million is guaranteed and includes a $2.5 million signing bonus. It’s a low-cost contract for a quality cornerback. Pierre started 13 games over six seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers. For the analytics-centric folks, PFF loves him as he was rated the #2 cornerback in the league last season. At 6’2”, he brings some much-needed size to the Vikings cornerbacks. Byron Murphy Jr. is 5’11” and Isaiah Rodgers is 5’10”. If this is the team’s top corner trio in 2026, they’ll be much better than they were in 2025. Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores is familiar with Pierre from his single season on the Steelers coaching staff in 2022. New defensive backs coach Gerald Alexander coached Pierre with the Steelers from 2022-23 and last season. If there’s a coach that knows Pierre, that coach is Alexander. The Vikings got better with the addition of James Pierre. 

The Vikings added one player but lost two players on the first day of the”legal tampering.” The New Orleans Saints stole punter/holder Ryan Wright. The Las Vegas Raiders stole receiver Jalen Nailor. Both players headed to familiar places. Wright spent his college days at Tulane. Nailor attended Bishop Gorman  High School in Las Vegas. That sort of sentimentality is the only thing that could pry a Vikings player away from Minnesota. 

Other Day 1 activity

Re-signed:

Zavier Scott, RB

Bo Richter, OLB

Now, it’s on to Day 2. Much of the pre-offseaon talk has been about the Vikings quarterback situation. That probably won’t be addressed until Kyler Murray, and others, are officially released, and made available, tomorrow afternoon. Other than the quarterback position, the Vikings need to address the following position needs. 

Safety 

Cornerback

Running Back

Center

Defensive Line

Receiver

Despite the addition of James Pierre, cornerback is still a need. It’ll probably be addressed in Day 1 or Day 2 of the draft. I expect running back and center to also be seriously addressed in the draft. Here are some of the players I’d really like to see the Vikings sign.

Nick Cross, S

Logan Hall, DL

Juaun Jennings, WR

Keaton Mitchell, RB

And, of course:

Kyler Murray

It’s on to Day 2. 

A Minnesota Vikings Dream Free Agency

What can be considered a dream is always in the eye of the beholder. In this case, the eye is mine. At this moment in time, this is a Minnesota Vikings free agency that I wouldn’t mind seeing. It might change in the next moment. For this moment, this is it.

As a result of recent massaging of their salary cap situation, the Minnesota Vikings went from roughly $45 million over the cap to roughly $32 million under the cap. That gives them the spending ability to add a few players. Backup quarterback/a quarterback to seriously challenge J.J. McCarthy is the biggest talking point, if not the biggest need. It’s always about the quarterback in today’s NFL. After that little position issue, these are the positions that I see are in the greatest need of improvements from free agency.

Cornerback

Safety

Running Back

Center

Linebacker was one of the top needs. Last night’s news that Eric Wilson was re-signed lessened the position as a serious need. With the above positions in mind, here is my dream free agency for the Minnesota Vikings.

Signings

Cor’Dale Flott, CB

Roger McCreary, CB

Nick Cross, S

Kyler Murray, QB

I’m not sure if the Vikings can afford the contracts of the above players. I feel like all are somewhat under-the-radar signings. I liked Montaric Brown at cornerback until this morning’s news that he’d re-signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Next up is Cor’Dale Flott. Like Brown, Flott is in the back-end of both ESPN and NFL.com’s Top 100 Free Agents. In the Vikings defense, I believe Flott would start nicely opposite Isiah Rodgers on the outside with Byron Murphy Jr. on the inside. I’ve liked Roger McCreary since the Tennessee Titans selected him out of Auburn in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He was a corner that I much preferred over Andrew Booth Jr. in that draft. The Titans selected McCreary seven picks before the Vikings selected Booth. Flott, Rodgers, Murphy, and McCreary would give Brian Flores and new secondary coach Gerald Alexander some corner options. Nick Cross is about fifth among the top free agent safeties. I guess we’ll find out in a few days how that translates into his new contract. 

As for quarterback, it feels like things are lining up for Kyler Murray coming to Minnesota. I’ve warmed considerably to this possibility. J.J. McCarthy should face serious competition for the Vikings quartererback job. Murray would provide that. And his expected vet minimum salary is an added perk. I’d also like to see the Vikings re-sign Carson Wentz. A quarterback room of McCarthy, Murray, and Wentz could do wonders for my peace of mind. 

Center and running back are significant needs. The Vikings could address those needs in free agency. Right now, I’m looking at the draft for those positions. I like several of the centers that should be available on Day 2. Day 2 would also be a good day to select a running back. The Vikings currently have three Day 2 picks. If center and running back were addressed in free agency, Cade Mays and Kenneth Gainwell would be nice additions. 

Whatever happens, it all gets started today with the opening of the “legal tampering” window. 

Another Mock Draft

Last Friday’s big trade of defensive end Maxx Crosby from the Las Vegas Raiders to the Baltimore Ravens forced the need for another mock draft. As if I needed a reason for another mock draft! The Raiders received a first-round pick this year and next for Crosby. There are now five teams with two first round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft. 

Las Vegas Raiders: 1,14

New York Jets: 2,16

Cleveland Browns: 6,24

Kansas City Chiefs: 9,29

Dallas Cowboys: 12,20

The big Maxx Crosby trade made me forget about the big Trent McDuffie trade. Earlier last week, the Chiefs traded the talented corner to the Rams for their first round pick and a few other picks. The Rams had been one of four teams with two first round picks. Now, the Chiefs are one of five teams with two first round picks. 

Thus, the need for another mock draft. 

1.   Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

2.   New York Jets: Arvell Reese, Edge, Ohio State

3.   Arizona Cardinals: David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech

4.   Tennessee Titans: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

5.   New York Giants: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

6.   Cleveland Browns: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami

7.   Washington Commanders: Rueben Bain Jr., Edge, Miami

8.   New Orleans Saints: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

9.   Kansas City Chiefs: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

10. Cincinnati Bengals: Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State

11. Miami Dolphins: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

12. Dallas Cowboys: Akheem Mesidor, Edge, Miami

13. Los Angeles Rams (from Falcons): Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo

14. Las Vegas Raiders (from Ravens): Makai Lemon, WR, USC

15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

16. New York Jets (from Colts): Jordan Tyson, WR, Arizona State

17. Detroit Lions: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia

18. Minnesota Vikings: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon

19. Carolina Panthers: Keldric Faulk, Edge, Auburn

20. Dallas Cowboys (from Packers): Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington

22. Los Angeles Chargers: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

23. Philadelphia Eagles: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson

24. Cleveland Browns (from Jaguars): KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M

25. Chicago Bears: Caleb Banks, DL, Florida

26. Buffalo Bills: CJ Allen, LB, Georgia

27. San Francisco 49ers: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama

28. Houston Texans: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah

29. Kansas City Chiefs (from Rams): Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson

30. Denver Broncos: Peter Woods, DL, Clemson

31. New England Patriots: Cashius Howell, Edge, Texas A&M

32. Seattle Seahawks: Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana

Until the next one. 

Minnesota Vikings Are Under The Cap

With several bookkeeping moves, the Minnesota Vikings are under the NFL salary cap of just over $301 million. More accurately, the Vikings will be under the salary cap when the new league year starts next Wednesday. 

The Vikings entered the week roughly $45 million over the salary cap. It was a daunting hole but one that wasn’t expected to be too difficult to fill. 

The first moves:

Aaron Jones release: saves $7.75 million

Javon Hargrave release: saves ~$11 million

Jonathan Allen release: saves ~$6.5 million

The releases won’t officially happen until Wednesday. For now, the three moves are projected. There’s still the chance that the Vikings might be able to swing a trade for the above players. That could save even more cash. Seeing as the Vikings have already made it known that the players will be released, a trade is unlikely. The Aaron Jones release is the most painful. The Jonathan Allen is the most surprising. In only two seasons, Jones has been excellent on and off the field. Despite all his time with the Green Bay Packers, he will always be a Viking to me. Allen’s release was surprising as the Vikings will carry ~$17 million in dead cap space. For a savings of only ~$6.5 million, I thought that it might be best if he was still on the roster. It felt like a better option than essentially paying ~$17 million for him to play elsewhere. He didn’t play to the level that many expected but he was solid throughout last season. The Vikings do have some young defensive linemen that will get an opportunity boost with Allen’s release. 

More moves:

Justin Jefferson contract restructure: saves ~$18 million

Christian Darrisaw contract restructure: saves ~$9 million

Byron Murphy Jr. contract restructure: saves ~11.3 million

These were all expected. Mechanisms are often built into the bigger contracts that allow teams to move money around to save money in the present. It gives teams the ability to “massage” their salary cap situation to best fit their current needs. 

Final move:

Ryan Kelly retires: ~$8.3 million

This was both sad and a relief. Ryan Kelly is a great football player. In a perfect world, he’d be the Vikings center for at least another season and help carry the team to great heights. This isn’t a perfect world and Kelly has had a worrisome number of concussions. His health, both now and moving forward, is far more important than the game. 

Current Estimated Cap Space:

~$26.8 million

With a few simple moves, some painful, the Vikings moved from roughly $45 million on the wrong side of the salary cap to roughly $27 million on the right side of it. Further cap space could be created with a contract extension for Brian O’Neill (he’s earned it) and contract adjustments with T.J. Hockenson (his contract is high for the recent on-field production). 

Unless something unexpected happens, the Vikings won’t be swimming in salary cap space but they will have enough to be able to add some players in the fast-approaching spending spree of NFL Free Agency. Some secondary help would be nice. 

Best Minnesota Vikings Free Agent Signings

The 2026 edition of NFL Free Agency is days away. Entering this year’s free agency, the Minnesota Vikings will have little cap space and a variety of needs. The most pressing needs are backup quarterback and the secondary. Over the thirty-plus years of NFL free agency, the Vikings have often taken a conservative approach to the league’s spending sprees. I expect this to be one of those conservative years. It should still be fun. In advance of the hopeful fun, here are 15 of the best Minnesota Vikings signings of the free agent era. 

15. Lance Johnstone, DE

Lance Johnstone was the Vikings first hit in free agency. He might fly a bit under the radar as he started only 23 games in five seasons. Coming off the bench as a designated pass rusher, Johnstone collected 41 sacks in those five seasons, including 10 and 11 sacks in consecutive seasons. He even returned an interception 33 yards for a score in 2003. The Vikings desperately needed a pass rushing presence with the sad departure of John Randle and Johnstone provided some. Even if it often came from the bench, 

14.  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. 

13. 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. 

12. Byron Murphy Jr., CB

Byron Murphy Jr. has had a somewhat up-and-down three years in Minnesota. In my opinion, he’s had far more ups than downs. Nearly all of the 2024 season was an up. Reportedly, the plan has always been for him to spend most of his snaps playing on the inside. His strength has always been his versatility and that is best seen when he’s closer to the middle of the field. 

11.  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.

10.  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.

9.  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.

8. Blake Cashman, LB

The only thing keeping Blake Cashman from being even higher on this list is his availability. Injuries have peppered his two years with the Vikings. When he’s on the field, Cashman has been outstanding. He directs the Vikings defense crafted by Brian Flores. 

7. Jonathan Greenard, OLB

If Blake Cashman is the leader of the Vikings defense, Jonathan Greenard is the heart. He’s relentless on the field. He didn’t collect the sacks last year that he collected in 2024 but his pass rushing was just as effective. Many of the sacks of his teammates were the result of his work. In recent days, there’s been reports that the Vikings are listening to trade offers for Greenard. He’s the sort of player teams try to find. Not trade away. The economics of this league has always forced teams to do stupid things. 

6. Andrew Van Ginkel, OLB

I wish that the pairing of Andrew Van Ginkel and Brian Flores could be a Vikings defensive fixture for eternity. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a player with Van Ginkel’s instincts. He is one of the most fun defensive players to watch and study. Another season like the last two and he’s moving higher on this list. I wish that he’d come to Minnesota earlier in his career. 

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 the 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. For that reason, the signing will always be questioned. 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. That free agency production may have been matched by the players signed in 2024. Blake Cashman, Jonathan Greenard, Andrew Van Ginkel, Sam Darnold, Aaron Jones. The Vikings hit big on nearly every signing that offseason. They had to hit in free agency because so little help was coming from the draft. 

Hopefully, a player, or more, signed in the coming weeks crack this list in the coming years. 

Minnesota Vikings Defensive Line

Yesterday brought reports that the Minnesota Vikings intend to release defensive lineman Jonathan Allen at next Wednesday’s start of the new league year. Seeing as the Vikings are in excess of $40 million over the salary cap, this isn’t unexpected. It followed earlier reports that fellow defensive lineman Javon Hargrave would be similarly released. Allen and Hargrave were big signings only a year ago. Both 30+ defensive linemen were expected to give the Vikings defensive line a significant pass rushing presence. While Allen was solid for most of the season and Hargrave was outstanding in a couple games, neither took the defensive line to the level hoped for at signing. The combined releases will shave about $18 million off of the Vikings salary cap deficit. 

I expected the Javon Hargrave release. I was a little surprised by the Jonathan Allen release. Releasing the latter will bring a cap savings of $6.5 million. The Vikings will also carry $17.3 million in dead cap money. $6.5 million didn’t seem like much of a savings if Allen was still going to cost $17.3 while playing for another team. Allen was a solid, reliable player on the defensive line. With a very young group, his experience and leadership alone could be a plus. To the Vikings cap professionals, that $6.5 million is apparently significant. While I was a little surprised by Allen’s release, I can see the reasoning. It’s because of  the players that got opportunities with and around Allen and Hargrave. The Vikings have an intriguing group of defensive linemen. The most intriguing aspect of the group is their unheralded status.

Jalen Redmond - undrafted

Levi Drake Rodriguez - seventh-round pick

Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins - fifth-round pick

Elijah Williams - undrafted

Taki Taimani - undrafted

Jaylon Hutchings - undrafted

Jalen Redmond is clearly the leader of this young, unheralded, under-appreciated group. He emerged last season as an impact player. He outplayed both Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen and was the equal of some of the best defensive tackles across the league. If he continues to progress, Redmond should be a franchise fixture for years. It’s simply amazing that he was playing for the Arlington Renegades only two years ago. His journey to this point is remarkable. Levi Drake Rodriguez turned his seventh-round opportunity in 2024 into a strong rotational role in 2025. His unrelenting play is fun and infectious. The Vikings may have found a 2025 fifth-round steal in Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins. If he’d stayed at Georgia, he might’ve played his way into a Day 2 or even a Day 1 pick in 2026. In a rotational role, he had some fine moments as a rookie. Elijah Williams had limited opportunities as an undrafted rookie and ended the season on injured reserve. He showed potential when he was on the field. He has the talent for an expanded role in his second season. At 320+, Taki Taimani is the only defensive lineman with nose tackle size. In his two seasons, he’s often bounced between the practice squad and active roster. When given an opportunity he’s been sturdy in the middle. The Vikings signed Jaylon Hutchings out of the Canadian Football League after the past season. He was a standout in the CFL and the hope is that he follows the path taken by Redmond to an NFL playing field. He’s an interesting addition. Redmond, Drake Rodriguez, Ingram-Dawkins, and Williams are on an upward trajectory. I can easily see all four making a significant impact in the coming years. Redmond is already there. Taimani could certainly maintain his roster spot. His size is a plus.  

The Vikings will add to this group. I don’t see them spending heavily on the position in free agency but I do see them addressing it early in the draft. Even without the “high-end” signings of only a year ago, the Vikings have an intriguing, talented, and very unheralded defensive line group. I look forward to their evolution. 

Tagged Players

Yesterday was the deadline for teams to slap a franchise tag (or transition tag) on one of their soon-to-be free agents. The tag is meant to restrict player movement and the slapping teams, for the moment, hope the move did the trick. 

Tagged Players:

George Pickens, WR, Dallas Cowboys

Kyle Pitts, TE, Atlanta Falcons

Breece Hall, RB, New York Jets

Daniel Jones, QB, Indianapolis Colts

All but Daniel Jones were slapped with the franchise tag. For whatever reason, the Indianapolis Colts decided to get cheap with the little-used transition tag. The last time a quarterback received the transition tag was in 1996 when the Atlanta Falcons used it to keep Jeff George. For a savings of only $6 million, the Colts only get the opportunity to match any contract offered to Jones. If he was to sign with another team, the Colts would receive no draft-pick compensation. I’ve never understood why a team uses the transition tag. It seems that the potential for draft-pick compensation alone is worth the difference in savings. There’s a reason the transition tag isn’t offered used. It’s been 30 years since it was last used on a quarterback. The professionals with the Colts obviously see the right to match any contract Jones might be offered as reason for the cheaper tagging route. 

George Pickens, Kyle Pitts, and Breece Hall were all slapped with the non-exclusive franchise tag. So, the other teams can negotiate with the tagged players. However, it’s highly unlikely that any team would be willing to pay the two first-round draft picks it would cost to sign any of the three players. 

The Colts had a tagging decision to make as both Daniel Jones and receiver Alec Pierce are a week away from free agency. They hoped to get Pierce signed before the deadline. One of the holdups in the deal was Pierce wanting certainties as to his quarterback. I wonder if Jones receiving the transition tag provides that certainty. For $6 million more, the Colts could’ve provided more certainty. I’m guessing that both Jones and Pierce will be in Indianapolis next season. 

With the tagging deadline in the books, the next thing on the NFL Calendar is biggie. NFL Free Agency is a week away with the Monday opening of the “legal” tampering window. 

Franchise Tag Deadline Day

The deadline is today for NFL teams to use the franchise tag (or transition tag) to restrict the movement of one of their impending free agents. The tags have been around since free agency was born in 1993. Teams used to rely more heavily on this tool to retain players than they have in recent years. Are teams better at securing deals for most-prized players in advance of free agency? Are teams simply less willing to use the tags? Who knows? What is known is that the franchise tag has gotten pretty pricey. 

Franchise Tag Numbers:

QB - $47.4 million

WR - $28.0 million

OL - $27.8 million

LB - $27.6 million

DT - $27.4 million

DE - $26.7 million

CB - $20.8 million

S - $20.8 million

TE - $16.0 million

RB - $14.2 million

K/P - $6.8 million

The tags are pretty pricey but they are a reflection of the booming NFL economy. Most teams can easily afford those numbers. It’s really just a question of whether they want to spend it. The best option for teams and players is always to get a long-term deal done. 

In advance of tagging deadline day, only three teams have slapped one of the their players with the franchise tag. 

Tagged Players:

George Pickens, WR, Dallas Cowboys

Kyle Pitts, TE, Atlanta Falcons

Breece Hall, RB, New York Jets

Some of the teams that have tagging decisions to make before today’s 1pm PT deadline.

Potentially Tagged Players:

Daniel Jones, QB, Indianapolis Colts

Alec Pierce, WR, Indianapolis Colts

Kenneth Walker III, RB, Seattle Seahawks

Trey Hendrickson, DE, Cincinnati Bengals 

Odafe Oweh, Edge, Los Angeles Chargers

A team can use only one tag so the Indianapolis Colts might have a decision to make. I believe that the Colts will get a long-term deal done with one of Daniel Jones or Alec Pierce and tag the other. Today should be a furious day in Indianapolis.  It’s been reported that it’s unlikely that the Seattle Seahawks and Cincinnati Bengals use a tag on Kenneth Walker III and Trey Hendrickson, respectively. Whether it’s through tagging or a long-term deal, the Los Angeles Chargers should find a way to keep Odadfe Oweh. He was a pass-rushing revelation when he joined the Chargers through trade during last season. 

Today’s tagging deadline is the next step on the way to next week’s start of free agency. 

Mock Draft Monday

Following the completion of the Scouting Combine, here’s another swing at a mock draft of the first round. 

1.   Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

2.   New York Jets: Arvell Reese, Edge, Ohio State

3.   Arizona Cardinals: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami

4.   Tennessee Titans: David Bailey, Edge, Edge

5.   New York Giants: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

6.   Cleveland Browns: Rueben Baine Jr., Edge, Miami

7.   Washington Commanders: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

8.   New Orleans Saints: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

9.   Kansas City Chiefs: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

10. Cincinnati Bengals: Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State

11. Miami Dolphins: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

12. Dallas Cowboys: Akheem Mesidor, Edge, Miami

13. Los Angeles Rams (from Falcons): Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

14. Baltimore Ravens: Makai Lemon, WR, USC

15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Cashius Howell, Edge, Texas A&M

16. New York Jets (from Colts): Jordan Tyson, WR, Arizona State

17. Detroit Lions: Keldric Faulk, Edge, Auburn

18. Minnesota Vikings: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon

19. Carolina Panthers: KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M

20. Dallas Cowboys (from Packers): Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson

21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington

22. Los Angeles Chargers: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

23. Philadelphia Eagles: T.J. Parker, Edge, Clemson

24. Cleveland Browns (from Jaguars): Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

25. Chicago Bears: Caleb Banks, DL, Florida

26. Buffalo Bills: CJ Allen, LB, Georgia

27. San Francisco 49ers: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia

28. Houston Texans: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama

29. Los Angeles Rams: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo

30. Denver Broncos: Peter Woods, DL, Clemson

31. New England Patriots: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah

32. Seattle Seahawks: Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame

Until the next one. 

Another Minnesota Vikings Mock Draft

With the Scouting Combine coming to an end, it’s definitely NFL Draft season. Here’s another swing at a Minnesota Vikings Mock Draft.

1. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo

2. Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State

3. Emmett Johnson, RB, Nebraska

3. Tim Keenan III, DL, Alabama

5. Ted Hurst, WR, Georgia State

6. Logan Jones, C, Iowa

7. Kage Casey, OT, Boise State

7. Eli Heidenreich, FB, Navy

7. Cole Payton, QB, North Dakota State

I sure wish the Compensatory picks would be announced so that we know exactly how many and what picks the Vikings will have. Every 7-round mock draft seems to have a different accounting of the team’s picks. 

My initial thoughts on the first round were focused on the cornerbacks and maybe defensive line. The Vikings 18th pick seemed to fit nicely with the players at those positions. The more I familiarize myself with the players in this draft the more I see depth at corner and a drop-off at safety. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren and Chris Johnson would be excellent additions to the Vikings secondary. I really like the defensive lineman potentially available in the first round. It’s tough to pass on them for the secondary. Tim Keenan III in the third will immediately help the run defense. 

Center, running back, and receiver are the top offensive needs. Emmett Johnson, Ted Hurst, and Logan Jones nicely address those needs. 

While I really like the players in this mock, I don’t like that linebacker isn’t addressed. At the start of the draft process, I didn’t really think of linebacker as a first-round option. Now, I’m thinking a player like Georgia’s C.J. Allen as a legitimate option. Future mocks might include him.