Interest Not Mutual Between MN Vikings and Star Free Agent
If you are talking about free agency around the Minnesota Vikings this offseason, you might be speaking a foreign language to that of decision makers inside of TCO Performance Center in Eagan.
While other teams have been doling out over a billion dollars in guarantees since free agency began on March 11, the Vikings paid less than $5 million between two quarterbacks, Kyler Murray and Carson Wentz, who combine for 186 career starts in the NFL.
Look past Minnesota’s revamped quarterback room, and you’ll notice that the Vikings’ only only two outside free agent signings this offseason are a new CB3, James Pierre, and a depth offensive tackle, Ryan Van Demark.
The latter wasn’t even in the unrestricted free agency pool. Demark, instead, was acquired via restricted free agency, after he signed an offer sheet with Minnesota that his former team, the Buffalo Bills, refused to match.
DeAndre Hopkins may be interested in the Minnesota Vikings…
That doesn’t mean free agents weren’t/aren’t intrigued by the idea of playing for the MN Vikings. Per reports, all of the top quarterbacks were again hoping to land with head coach Kevin O’Connell, his staff of QB gurus, and with weapons like Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and TJ Hockenson.
Then earlier this week, former Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Deandre Hopkins added his name to that list, telling TMZ outside of LAX Airport that he’d be incredibly interested in wearing purple and gold, if the Vikings were to call.
Beyond everything mentioned above, the Vikings now employ Hopkins’ friend and former QB Kyler Murray, who he clearly loved playing with. Thus, in the 5x Pro Bowler‘s mind, Minnesota is a perfect free agency fit.
Unfortunately for Mr. Hopkins, while he might seemingly fit in just right as Minnesota’s WR 3 in 2026, behind Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, the Vikings are not interested in bringing in the 33-year-old one-time superstar.
…but the Vikings aren’t interested in him
In fact, when SKOR North’s Phil Mackey brought up DeAndre Hopkins interest in the Vikings on Thursday’s episode of Purple Daily, local insider Darren “Doogie” Wolfson (KSTP) literally laughed at him before he could finish his question.
When Mackey did finish asking about Hopkins, Wolfson made it clear the MN Vikings are NOT interested in signing Murray’s former favorite target… even a little bit.
Mackey: “Do you think, you know DeAndre Hopkins was at LAX and told TMZ that he open to a conversation with the Vikings. Do do you think they would ever go in that direction for for WR3 DeAndre Hopkins?”
Wolfson: “I don’t. Not right now, no… no. I mean, I do think they bring in some sort of veteran receiver, but I just wonder if it’s somebody that has some special teams flexibility — like a [Trent] Sherfield type, somebody that maybe isn’t even a designated WR3.”
Purple Daily – SKOR North
Doogie essentially goes on to tell the SKOR North crew that those making decisions at TCO Performance Center do not seem overly interested in signing another wide receiver with name recognition, which would fit the narrative of their offseason to this point.
Over the course of his 13-year NFL career, Hopkins has put up 13,295 total receiving yards and 85 touchdowns on 1,006 career receptions. Last year with the Ravens, however, Hopkins had one of the worse statistical seasons of his football life.
In Baltimore, Deandre Hopkins caught just 22 passes over 17 games, for 330 yards and 2 touchdowns. His last 1,000 yard season was 2023 in Tennessee, where he totaled 75 receptions for 1,057 yards and 7 touchdowns.
MN Vikings want WR/Special Teams hybrid
Instead, he sees them looking for a “[Trent] Sherfield type.” In other words, the Minnesota Vikings are more so in the market for third wide receiver who has the a set that doubles as a pass catcher and special teams weapon — noting that they’re hoping to find their guy either via free agency or the upcoming NFL Draft.
Beyond the Vikings QB friendly environment, the organization as a whole has garnered quite a reputation under Wilf ownership, not just for some of the best facilities in the league, but for their high-end treatment of their players, as well.
Hopefully that will help them land whatever help they deem necessary between now and the start of the 2026 regular season.
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