Did the Vikings Tip Their Hand on Which UDFAs Will Make the Roster?
At the conclusion of the 2024 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings announced they had agreed to terms with 17 undrafted free agents. Most of these players will be working toward the goal of earning a roster sport by the start of the season.
This Vikings’ regime really seems to value the undrafted free agent market. They’ve hit on some diamonds in the rough such as Ivan Pace Jr., Andre Carter II, and NaJee Thompson. Pace Jr. started most of 2023 and has even shown glimpses of elite inside linebacker play.
Although most of them likely won’t make the final 53-man roster, the Vikings have tipped their hand a bit on which players they have the most faith in, based on the amount of money they have guaranteed them.
How much money are Minnesota Vikings UDFAs guaranteed?
While not all of the undrafted free agent class contracts have been posted, there are a few of them that have. Let’s just say, some of the numbers may surprise you. At least for a few of them.
Some total guaranteed money from the #Vikings UDFA class per Over the Cap. For reference, last year OLB Andre Carter II got $340K and ILB Ivan Pace Jr. got $236K:
— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) May 20, 2024
💥OLB Gabriel Murphy: $245K
💥CB Dwight McGlothern: $30K
💥WR Jeshaun Jones: $235K
💥OLB Bo Richter: $15K
💥DL Taki… pic.twitter.com/hSGbOEoJRH
According to Over the Cap, here are several Vikings’ undrafted free agents guaranteed money given by the Vikings:
Related: Will Justin Jefferson Show Up For Any Minnesota Vikings Offseason Workouts?
| Pos | Player (School) | $GTD |
|---|---|---|
| OLB | Gabriel Murphy (UCLA) | $245K |
| WR | Jeshaun Jones (Maryland) | $235K |
| TE | Trey Knox (South Carolina) | $130K |
| DL | Taki Taimani (Oregon) | $100K |
| OL | Doug Nester (West Virginia) | $85K |
| LB | Dallas Gant (Toledo) | $55K |
| RG | Jeremy Flax (Kentucky) | $50K |
| CB | Dwight McGlothern (Arkansas) | $30K |
| DL | Tyler Manoa (Arizona) | $30K |
| OLB | Owen Porter (Marshall) | $30K |
| OLB | Bo Richter (Air Force) | $15K |
It’s quite the spectrum of guaranteed money given out. Everything from $15K (Bo Richter) to $245K (Gabriel Murphy). Comparing those to this year, you can see that Murphy and Jones got exponentially more money compared to the others.
Guaranteed money this year vs last year
Looking at how much they individually guaranteed UDFAs from last year’s class, Gabriel Murphy and Jeshaun Jones’ deals stand out as very similar to what Andre Carter II ($340K) and Ivan Pace Jr. ($236K ) got last year. Both, as already mentioned, made the final 53-man roster and contributed to the 2023 Vikings in significant ways..
Related: ESPN Expert Reveals Two NFL Free Agents the Vikings Should Target; One You Might Know
While the money mentioned above is guaranteed, UDFA roster spots are not. But without a doubt, the Minnesota Vikings have a lot of faith in at least a few guys, just given how much they paid them. From there, we’ll have to see how things play out over these next few months.
More About:Minnesota Vikings Rumors