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.
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