The Vikings have some big decisions to make in the next week, and they need to have a plan because we all know the NFL offseason waits for nobody. Things are expected to move fast next Wednesday, and Minnesota has key players like Aaron Jones, Byron Murphy Jr., Cam Bynum and Shaq Griffin all set to hit the market. Then, there’s Harrison Smith and Stephon Gilmore, who are both reportedly pondering retirement.

Minnesota Vikings looking at Will Fries and Milton Williams

Besides possibly re-signing some of their own players, the Minnesota Vikings are expected to be extremely active when the negotiating period begins on Monday. According to Alec Lewis (The Athletic), there are two notable mid-20-year-old top free agent linemen to keep an eye on, one on each side of the ball — Colts guard Will Fries and Eagles defensive tackle Milton Williams.

The Vikings are going to be active when free agency begins next week. They need reinforcements on the interior of the offensive line, the interior of the defensive line, at cornerback and elsewhere. They also have more than $60 million in cap space. The market will be competitive, but Minnesota will be squarely in the mix for some premium options.

The two most interesting targets are guard Will Fries and defensive tackle Milton Williams. Secure one of those players, and the Vikings will immediately strengthen the trenches, which is a primary offseason focus. Miss out on both players, and Minnesota will adapt with more money to spend at different spots. Simply put: Expect a flurry of activity.

Alec Lewis – The Athletic

Fries, a seventh-round pick by the Colts in 2021, just wrapped up a stellar 2024 season, earning an impressive 86.9 PFF grade, and making him a valuable target for teams looking to solidify their offensive line… like the Minnesota Vikings.

Williams, fresh off a Super Bowl win with the Eagles, had a dominant season as a pass rusher. He posted a remarkable 90.4 PFF grade, ranking second in the NFL behind only Chiefs star Chris Jones. With that kind of production, he’s expected to be a highly sought-after name in free agency, especially for teams needing interior pass-rush help.

VIKINGS FREE AGENT SPOTLIGHT: Milton Williams

I’ve heard plenty of people dismiss DT in Free Agency because the draft is stacked, but Milton Williams is too talented to pass up on. He is such a versatile pass rusher that would immediately elevate the whole DL unit. He is coming… https://t.co/kuPz0053Xw pic.twitter.com/JxoKzEXTT8

— 𝙆𝙖𝙨𝙚 (@verysadvikings) February 27, 2025

Vikings are gonna be very busy this month

Like Lewis says, landing one of these guys would be a massive boost for the trenches. However, what’s just as interesting is Lewis’ final note: “Simply put: Expect a flurry of activity.” He’s predicting a busy free agency period for the MN Vikings, which should make for an exciting month for fans. With plenty of roster moves on the horizon, Minnesota’s front office has some big decisions to make.

It’ll be interesting to see which players the Minnesota Vikings bring back and who they sign in free agency as they build toward the 2025 season. With key positions to address, this could be a defining offseason for the team. Whether they make a splash with a big signing or focus on depth, the next few weeks could shape the roster in a big way.

Outside of quarterback, the Vikings’ biggest needs are in the trenches. In 2024, this team exceeded expectations at just about every position… other than on their interior defensive and offensive lines, specifically their two guard positions on offense and defensive tackle on defense.

Over the next two months, as the league weaves through 2025 free agency (starts March 12) and the NFL Draft (April 24-27), those at the top of the decision-making pyramid in Eagan have verbally committed to bulking up the interior in ways they have not, since this regime took over in 2022.

Minnesota Vikings looking to add lots of talent on interior defensive line

And according to Alec Lewis (The Athletic), the Minnesota Vikings are already locking in on at least a couple of top defensive tackles — Milton Williams (Eagles) and Javon Hargrave (49ers) — who sit atop the free agency board, from a talent perspective.

But the main takeaway from Alec’s iDL scoops this morning: Kwesi and defensive coordinator Brian Flores are going to make this team better on the defensive interior this offseason, and they’re not trying to stop at one impact acquisition. They want multiple upgrades, and they’re starting with the top two defensive interior linemen on the market, both of which specialize in putting pressure on the passer from up the middle.

Multiple team sources reiterated the team’s commitment to adding players — emphasis on the plurality — to strengthen Minnesota’s ability to push the interior of the pocket. Milton Williams, who starred in the Super Bowl for the Philadelphia Eagles, could be in play depending on his asking price in free agency. Another interesting candidate who flies in the face of the Vikings’ typical free-agent checklist is Javon Hargrave, who is 32 and played minimally in 2024 because of a partially torn right triceps.

Vikings targeting No. 1 free agent iDL, Milton Williams

Not only is Milton Williams the best defensive tackle available this offseason, he’s a top 5 talent across the entire free agency market, according to The Athletic, which ranked him the No. 4 overall free agent, after the NFL Combine. At 26 years old, Williams is also the youngest of available interior defensive linemen this offseason.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Zeroing in on Daniel Jones…?

One of the most intriguing aspects of Williams’ upside has been his ability to stay healthy. The former 3rd round pick out of Louisiana Tech has played in all but one game of the 68 possible games the Philadelphia Eagles have played since drafting him in 2021.

In four seasons, Milton Williams has totalled 11.5 sackes and 132 tackles in those 67 total games, 25 of those tackles were for loss. According to PFF, Williams was not good as a run-stopper last season (43.1 run defense grade). In 2022 and 2023, his rush defense grades were a much more impressive 75.7 and 72.3, respectively.

Milton Williams like that 👀 pic.twitter.com/7Nqt1fLLO5

— blande (@JustBlande) March 3, 2025

Williams’ ability to get after the quarterback in 2024, however, was more of a super power than it was a talent. If you believe in PFF grades, you’re gonna love Williams’ 90.4 pass rush grade last season. which ranked 2nd among all interior defenders.

MN Vikings also interested in No. 2 defensive tackle, Javon Hargrave

Alec Lewis mentioned in his article that the Minnesota Vikings want to add multiple impact players on the interior defensive line, which means it’s possible Kwesi and Flores double up at the top of the DT market, and sign both Milton Williams and Javon Hargrave… but don’t count on it.

Hargrave would be the older option of the two. He is 32 years old, and he has played all over the NFL, starting his career with the Pittsburgh Steelers, before stops in Philadelphia and San Francisco. He made Pro Bowls in the first year of both stops. The Minnesota Vikings would love for him to continue that pattern here.

Related: Vikings Met With Top Quarterback at NFL Combine

In three seasons between 2021-2023, Hargrave racked up an incredible 25.5 sacks, 167 tackles and 48 QB hits. His PFF pass rush grades those seasons were 91.5, 90.8 and 87.2 respectively. As mentioned before, it’s clear the Vikings are hot after interior pass rushers, this offseason, even more so than those who specialize in stopping the run.

Javon Hargrave racks up the sack! pic.twitter.com/Q0BTZq1Xy2

— OurSF49ers (@OurSf49ers) September 22, 2024

Last season, Javon Hargrave suffered a partially torn right tricep, during the Niners Week 3 game against the LA Rams on September 22, that cost him the rest of the season. Prior to that injury, he had played at least 15 games in all of his eight NFL seasons.

More than likely, the Vikings are hoping to add one of these two players, and then fill in with Harrison Phillips and another really good high-ceiling player in the draft or at a lower price in free agency. No matter, it’s clear that beefing up the interior isn’t just talk. They’re serious about fixing this long overdue problem.

Yet, he also needs to upgrade the roster in hopes of helping coach Kevin O’Connell win his first playoff game next season. The good news is that the Vikings are set to have some of the most cap space in the NFL, with roughly over $60 million to spend.

2025 NFL free agency fits – Minnesota Vikings

That means if Sam Darnold doesn’t return, the Vikings can potentially add several high-profile free agents this offseason. So, which Vikings free agency targets should be on the radar this offseason? Here’s a quick list of five Vikings free agent targets the front office could consider.

D.J. Reed, cornerback

Known as the New York Jets cornerback who plays opposite Sauce Gardner, D.J. Reed has received positive grades all seven seasons of his career. Though, like many other Jets players, Reed took a step back this past season, grading as the 47th-best cornerback in the NFL per Pro Football Focus.

Related: Odds for 2025 Minnesota Vikings Starting QB Bring More Questions Than Answers

This is well below where he ranked last season, coming in as the 23rd-best CB in football. That’s more in line with where Reed has graded throughout his career. He may not be a shutdown, No. 1 corner, but he can be a high-end No. 2 option for years to come.

Top 32 CBs ranked using PFFs new advanced coverage grade

Cov Grade = Advanced Coverage Grade
Run Grade = Run Defense Grade
Rush Grade = Pass Rush Grade pic.twitter.com/YB13BCUgi9

— Stat Acccount (@AcccountStat) December 27, 2024

Considering the Vikings’ only cornerbacks under contract for next season are Mekhi Blackmon, NaJee Thompson, and Dwight McGlothern (the trio combined to play 19 snaps in 2024), Minnesota needs as much help as it can get. Sure, there are potential in-house solutions, such as re-signing Byron Murphy and/or Stephon Gilmore.

Yet, even if this position is addressed during the 2025 NFL Draft, the Vikings will need more experience too. That’s where a veteran like Reed or the two players below could help next season.

• Other Vikings free agency cornerback targets: Charvarius Ward, Carlton Davis

Darius Slayton, wide receiver

While receiver is far from the Vikings’ biggest needs this offseason, a case could be made that they need more consistent production out of their No. 3 wideout. Jalen Nailor has flashed potential, and his speed makes him a threat, but he had the NFL’s 12th-highest drop rate among receivers who saw 40 or more targets.

Meanwhile, adding a veteran could provide KOC’s offense a significant boost. There are always several capable receivers available, both in free agency and through the draft. Yet, adding a low-cost, proven option could be the most attractive solution to a team that wants to win now, like the Vikings.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Love Boat Captain Hired by Barstool Sports

If the Vikings want to add a free agent receiver, then someone like Darius Slayton could make a lot of sense, especially if the team retains Daniel Jones as their backup quarterback. Slayton never had consistent QB play on the New York Giants, which undoubtedly hurt his production.

Darius Slayton v. Seahawks

8 catches 122 yards 1 TD
-3 3rd down conversions
-2 deep catches pic.twitter.com/4IySmsLN4H

— Bobby Skinner (@BobbySkinner_) October 7, 2024

Despite their flaws, Slayton was still productive for what he is, a secondary option that will never be a team’s No. 1 receiver, yet the Giants were using him like one for the bulk of his career. Slayton actually had a higher drop rate than Nailor at 15.2% (third-highest among WRs with 40 or more snaps), but he’s also gotten consistent results, topping 700 yards in four of his six seasons.

Related: Justin Jefferson Doesn’t Care Who Plays QB for the Minnesota Vikings Next Season

Still just 28, it’s possible the 6-foot-1 receiver still has some untapped potential as a player who clocked a 4.39 40-yard dash coming out of college. He also had a 40.5-inch vertical jump. Both marks are better than Nailor’s pre-draft measurables. Yet, if Slayton lands a better opportunity as a No. 2 receiver elsewhere, why not consider a reunion with K.J. Osborn?

• Other Vikings free agency wide receiver targets: Brandin Cooks, K.J. Osborn, Rondale Moore, TuTu Atwell

Jevon Holland, safety

One of the team’s deepest positions for multiple years now, the Vikings could suddenly have a need. Harrison Smith will be entering the final year of his contract, and he’s turning 36 in February. Meanwhile, Camryn Bynum is a free agent, only leaving Joshua Metellus as a potential starter.

If Brian Flores returns, he frequently used three safeties on the field, so even if Smith returns, the Vikings may need to add another safety. If so, someone like Jevon Holland could be a strong fit.

The Miami Dolphins’ starting safety was selected 36th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft, which was Brian Flores’ final season in South Beach. So, we already know he’s a plug-and-play solution in Minnesota’s current defensive scheme.

📈 PFF have ranked Jevon Holland as the third best player set to hit free agency

"Holland ranked among the five highest-graded safeties in two of his first three seasons in the league… his previous body of work more than speaks for itself." (@PFF) #GoFins pic.twitter.com/cyNRawdXt0

— FinsXtra (@FinsXtra) December 23, 2024

He’ll also be just 25 years old, which means he could be a perfect long-term replacement for Smith. Holland is coming off a down season, arguably the worst of his career, so the Vikings could get a bit of a discount for a player who graded as the third-best safety per PFF in 2023. This included him having the ninth-best grade on run defense and the third-best coverage grade among safeties.

• Other Vikings free agency safety targets: Talanoa Hufanga, Justin Simmons

Related: Minnesota Vikings Bringing Back Young Interior Defensive Lineman

Milton Williams, defensive tackle

It’s time to address arguably the Vikings’ biggest weakness: the defensive interior. There aren’t many top-notch interior defenders available in free agency, but like the Vikings found last year, there could be a few hidden gems. One of them is Philadelphia’s Milton Williams.

Milton is far from a household name, but Williams is excellent at what he does, which is generate pressure. He finished with PFF’s second-highest pass-rush grade among defensive linemen last season after generating a ridiculous 40 pressures.

Related: Adam Schefter Weighs in on What a Kevin O’Connell Extension Might Cost the Vikings

That’s more than all three of the Vikings’ defensive line starts combined (39 pressures among Harrison Phillips (16), Jerry Tillery (17), and Jonathan Bullard (6). Admittedly, Williams didn’t grade as well as a run defender, ranking 167th among interior defenders, but that’s where other run stoppers can be subbed in on short-yardage situations.

How often DTs are doubled and how productive they are as pass rushers

x = Double Team %
y = Pressure %
Sacks = 3 pressures
QB Hits = 2 pressures
Hurries = 1 pressure pic.twitter.com/4dSD57FDWy

— Stat Acccount (@AcccountStat) January 17, 2025

If Williams can’t be signed, then picking up a two-time Pro Bowler like Javon Hargrave could be a better option, but he’s also set to turn 32, compared to Williams being just 26 next season.

• Other Vikings free agency defensive line targets: Javon Hargrave, Jarran Reed

Top Minnesota Vikings free agent target – Trey Smith, right guard

Lastly, anyone who had to witness the Vikings lose to the Rams in the NFL Playoffs, saw that the offensive line didn’t hold up when the game mattered most. While the loss of Christian Darrisaw and for a bit, Brian O’Neill didn’t help, the Vikings’ offensive interior has long been a big weakness.

Dalton Risner is a free agent. Odds are, Ed Ingram won’t suddenly come back after the summer and turn into the second-coming of Steve Hutchinson, which means it’s finally time to address the offensive interior. If the Vikings don’t want to risk spending another high draft pick on another offensive lineman who doesn’t develop the way they like, why not sign a proven solution?

Related: Vikings Uninterested in Sam Darnold Long Term but Franchise Tag Remains on Table

The best offensive lineman available this offseason is the Kansas City Chiefs’ right guard Trey Smith. If the plan is to keep Blake Brandel at left guard, then Smith would immediately help fix this offensive line’s biggest weakness. Smith has not only started every game while helping the Chiefs win two Super Bowls, he’s coming off his first Pro Bowl season.

Trey Smith blocking through the whistle 😤

📺: #NOvsKC on ESPN
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/lLoeQ2khA2

— NFL (@NFL) October 8, 2024

His accolade was well-deserved, considering Smith ranked 14th among all guards, which included respectably being the 33rd-best pass blocker and the 10th-best run blocker. That also included allowing zero sacks. Despite being a former sixth-round pick, the 25-year-old has never graded worse than 22nd among guards.

Yet, of course many teams, likely including the Chiefs, will be looking to sign Smith to a massive contract this offseason. So if the Vikings can’t land Smith, perhaps robbing Kevin Zeitler from the Lions or Teven Jenkins from the Bears would be ideal backup plans.

• Other Vikings free agency guard targets: Kevin Zeitler, Teven Jenkins