Minnesota Vikings 2025 Free Agents
Sam Darnold, QB
Camryn Bynum, S
Byron Murphy Jr., CB
Stephon Gilmore, CB
Aaron Jones, RB
Shaquill Griffin, CB
Jerry Tillery, DT
Dalton Risner, G
Jonathan Bullard, DT
Nick Mullens, QB
Johnny Mundt, TE
Brandon Powell, WR
David Quessenberry, OT
Dan Feeney, G
Jihad Ward, OLB
Trent Sherfield Sr., WR
Kamu Grugier-Hill, LB
Patrick Jones II, OLB
Fabian Moreau, CB
Jordan Kunaszyk, LB
Brett Rypien, QB
Nick Muse, TE
Trishton Jackson, WR
Theo Jackson, S
Ryan Wright, P
Jalen Redmond, DT
It always starts with the quarterback. Through three games, Sam Darnold has been terrific. He’s played so well that media and fans have wondered if the Vikings plans at the position will be altered after the season. J.J. McCarthy was selected in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft to be the team’s quarterback of the future, maybe even the present. Through OTA’s and training camp, he was progressing well. He was progressing so well that head coach Kevin O’Connell and the team’s decision-makers were re-thinking their well-thought schedule for their young quarterback. It all came to a screeching stop when McCarthy’s rookie season ended before it started with a torn meniscus and the surgery that fixed it. It was supposed to be Sam Darnold’s year anyway. It was definitely Sam Darnold’s year now. After saying goodbye to Kirk Cousins, signing Darnold, and drafting McCarthy, the Vikings had a quarterback, and team, plan for the next several seasons and hopefully next decade-plus. This will be J.J. McCarthy’s team. And that starts next season. Even if Darnold leads this intriguing Vikings team to a Super Bowl victory, the keys to the team will be handed to McCarthy. No matter how unfair that might seem, I believe that Darnold has known and accepted that fact since the beginning. This year is and will be his audition for the rest of the league. He’s a very talented quarterback. He always has been. He’s just never been in a situation that gives him the opportunity to show it. It’s only three games but I’m enjoying this ride with Sam Darnold.
As for the rest of the projected free agents, a few are on a one-year ride. That starts with cornerbacks Stephon Gilmore and Shaquill Griffin. I like the duo but they are one-year rentals. Aaron Jones is another that I thought might be one-year rental. It’s only taken a few months for me to think that maybe the relationship might continue for another year, or two. Ty Chandler is ready to be RB1 so I doubt it happens. I just really like Jones. He’s been an excellent addition.
I believe the Vikings have one pending free agent that must be re-signed.
Camryn Bynum
Camryn Bynum has emerged as a cornerstone player. I hate the thought of Harrison Smith not being on the roster but I expect this to be the final season of his great career. Without Harrison Smith, the Vikings need Joshua Metellus AND Bynum at the back of the defense. I expect the Vikings to re-sign Bynum. In fact, I demand it. It wouldn’t surprise if a signing comes during the season. More likely, it comes after the season and before free agency. If they can’t come to an agreement, I would expect the Vikings to dust off the franchise tag.
After Bynum, there are a few players I’d like to see the Vikings re-sign.
Patrick Jones II
Byron Murphy Jr.
Theo Jackson
Jerry Tillery
Jonathan Bullard
Jihad Ward
With his excellent start to the season, Patrick Jones II is real close to becoming a must re-sign.
Byron Murphy Jr. is young enough and has played well enough. I imagine that he has a role moving forward. I’m so curious to see the team’s plans for the cornerback position. I know that the tragic loss of Khyree Jackson was a tremendous blow to those plans. Mekhi Blackmon’s season-ending knee injury on the first day of training camp was another blow. He’ll be back but missing a season of development and experience is a little plan-altering. Murphy has established a unique inside-outside role in Brian Flores’ defense. Right now, if Murphy returns, the Vikings top cornerbacks would appear to be Blackmon, Murphy, and Dwight McGlothern. I like the potential of the trio but only Murphy is proven.
Theo Jackson is probably closer to a must re-sign. Especially if this is Smith’s final season.
In my opinion, entering the season, the Vikings defensive line was the defensive position group with the most questions. Harrison Phillips is a very good football player. His recent re-signing is an indication the team agrees with that assessment. Through three games, the solid play of Phillips, Jerry Tillery, and Jonathan Bullard have answered many of the questions about the group. An explosive, offense-wrecking interior defensive lineman is one of the Vikings greatest needs. Tillery and Bullard are playing well and would be quality re-signings.
The Vikings brought in several defensive additions this past offseason. All have made significant contributions. One of the most intriguing has been Jihad Ward. I wasn’t sure what to think of him when he was initially signed. He added unique size to the Vikings outside linebacker group. Still, I wasn’t sure if he’d make it out of training camp. Through three games, he’s impressed.
As with most things like this, I’m glad that the actual decisions aren’t mine. I always want to keep more players than the Vikings can afford.
Now, back to thoughts on the big Vikings-Packers game. Skol!
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