Vikings Players Rank Near Top of Free Agent Position Groups

Last season, the Minnesota Vikings surprised the NFL world by winning 14 games with Sam Darnold, which resulted in a playoff appearance. Unfortunately for them, they also have more than half of their 53-man roster hitting free agency on March 10th. The rest of the league must be licking their chops, as they’ll have ample opportunity to try to snag some of these successful players.

As teams scour players in hopes of landing them when the official negotiation window opens on March 12th, they will find plenty of players that wore purple in 2024. What both Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and Kevin O’Connell must do is determine which of their former players they are most interested in, and can afford to retain.

With so many of these former Vikings being amongst the best available options at their position group, there will be plenty of competing interest in their services.

Where do Minnesota Vikings free agents rank?

It doesn’t seem like the Vikings will successfully pull off a tag-and-trade of Sam Darnold before the deadline on March 4. Which means, he’ll be among the most coveted free agents at any position. It’s not just the quarterback, though, as multiple of his former teammates are among them as well.

The Athletic recently broke down the top 10 free agents at each position. Here’s the list of Vikings:

Offensive free agents

Darnold ranking as the top quarterback option shouldn’t shock anyone, but his 8th place highlights the rest of the class’s quality. He finished the 2024 season with a PFF pass grade that ranked him 12th in the NFL. The Minnesota Vikings helped him to earn a sizable payday, but ESPN’s Bill Barnwell called him just a “capable starter” in his tier ranking last week.

Related: Vikings Will be Involved in Bidding War for Top Free Agent Guard

After last season saw Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry change homes, there isn’t as much meat on the bone for options at running back this year. That could be to the benefit of Aaron Jones. He’s 30 years old, comes off a career-year with 1,138 yards, but frequently suffers injuries. The Vikings would like him back, but not as the lone starter, the way he was last season.

Similarly to Darnold, Barnwell noted Jones as a “capable starter” as well as former Steelers RB Najee Harris. Those are the only two free agent running backs he gave that designation to. If it isn’t Jones for the Minnesota Vikings, it will need to be someone else, as Ty Chandler is the only other current rostered RB. The NFL Draft is astoundingly deep with ball carriers this cycle, so one would expect the Vikings to take their pick.

Cam Robinson joined the team near the season’s start after Christian Darrisaw’s injury. He was serviceable, but the Vikings already have two stellar tackles. It would be more alluring if he would slide inside and play guard, but a pay downgrade would follow and its unlikely Robinson opts for that. Barnwell listed him as a “capable starter” amidst a gaggle of options.

Just one standout defender for MN Vikings in free agency

Three of the four players designated as top Vikings free agents by The Athletic are on the offensive side of the ball. On the defensive side, Cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. is listed. He is reportedly the guy that Minnesota is most interested in keeping. Murphy Jr. is not ranked at the top of his position, but he is the only departing Viking on defense that makes the list.

Byron Murphy with one hand for the pick!

📺: #ATLvsMIN on FOX
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/14WbgFW1uR

— NFL (@NFL) December 8, 2024

Barnwell called Murphy Jr. a “Pro Bowl-caliber starter” and listed him as the best option at CB alongside Charvarius Ward. It makes sense why the Minnesota Vikings would want him back, but they could pivot to someone like D.J. Reed as well if he gets too expensive. Both Reed and Ward are ahead of Murphy Jr. from The Athletic’s view, and so too is Carlton Davis.

The Vikings are losing Stephon Gilmore and Shaq Griffin in free agency, as well. Neither of them make the top ten for The Athletic, but provide solid value. Despite his age, Barnwell lists Gilmore as a “capable starter” while Griffin is a rung down and could be considered a “borderline starter or high-end backup.”

Related: Vikings Targeting Top Defensive Tackles in Free Agency and Both Get After QBs

Arguably the most surprising omission on the defensive side for Minnesota is that of Cam Bynum. He is set to hit free agency and will likely want more $$ than the Vikings are willing to pay. It seems questionable to consider him outside of the top ten options at the position, but Barnwell listed him as a “capable starter”, and only Jevon Holland checked in at a higher tier.

Brian Flores is back to lead the defense, but he has plenty of holes to fill before Week 1. How the Minnesota Vikings address them should be fascinating this offseason. They certainly have the cap space to be a big time player in free agency, we’ll just have to see how they plan to attack.