Throwback Thursday: 10 Best Vikings Free Agent Signings

Due to salary cap issues the Minnesota Vikings aren't expected to be too active in this year's free agency spending spree. They are rarely big players whether they have the cap room to do so or not. Despite that, they have signed some impact players over the 27 years of NFL free agency. Here are the 10 Best Vikings Free Agent Signings.

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 pass rush is reminiscent of the one made by Lance Johnstone over a decade ago. Actually, 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 that Leber formed with Chad Greenway and E.J. Henderson was 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 in Minnesota if not for the surprising arrival of Adrian Peterson in the 2007 NFL Draft. Taylor's playing time was cut drastically but he remained an effective complimentary back to Peterson. The two formed an excellent combo.

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 earned the only Pro Bowl bid 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 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 has been awesome for the past few seasons. The only knock on his play are the games that he didn't play. Injuries kept him out of a couple. When healthy, he's one of the best interior defensive linemen in the league. He's been a defensive cornerstone since he joined the team in 2014.

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 gets loads of criticism but his passing numbers compare to those of any quarterback over the last two seasons. Cousins was signed to lead a talented Vikings team to a Super Bowl win. He hasn't done that yet. He'll soar to the top of this list if he does.

2.  Steve Hutchinson, G

Steve Hutchinson might have been the team MVP in 2006. He quickly changed the level of play and attitude of the Vikings offensive line. And as a result the entire offense. He was an outstanding football player for all of his six seasons in Minnesota. He's heading to Canton this summer.  

1.  Antoine Winfield, CB

Antoine Winfield's signing in 2004 was the Vikings first true venture into big time free agency. They merely dabbled the first ten years. They struck gold with Winfield. He played for the Vikings for nine years and was fantastic for nine years. He made it to three Pro Bowls. He should have been to more. It was a real treat to be witness to his football career. He won't get much Hall of Fame consideration but he's in my Hall of Fame. A great, fun football player.

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The Minnesota Vikings have rarely gotten too involved in free agency. The Cousins, Hutchinson, and Winfield signings were the biggest but they were and are rare. 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.