Author: Adam La Rose

 Re-signings:

• Byron Murphy, CB. Three years, $54MM ($34.78MM guaranteed)
• Aaron Jones, RB. Two years, $20MM ($11.5MM guaranteed)
• Harrison Smith, S. One year, $10.25MM ($8MM guaranteed)
• Ryan Wright, P. One year, $1.75MM ($650K guaranteed)

Keeping Murphy in the fold long loomed as one of Minnesota’s top offseason priorities. An effort to work out a pact before the 2024 campaign proved unsuccessful. In such situations, free agent departures often ensue.

However, team and player were able to continue their relationship after two seasons together. Murphy played on an average annual value of $8.75MM during his first Minnesota pact, but his decision to turn down an early extension proved worthwhile. Murphy was among a host of veteran corners who benefited from inking a short-term second contract earlier in his career; a lucrative third deal awaited.

The 27-year-old’s new AAV of $18MM is lower than originally reported, but it places Murphy in a tie for 14th among cornerbacks. Meeting the expectations associated with it will be key in determining the success of Minnesota’s secondary, a unit which did not see any headline-grabbing additions this spring.

Incentives could push this pact to $22MM annually, the inflated figure which initially emerged in Murphy’s case. Even if the former second-rounder is unable to reach that level of compensation, the fact his first two years are guaranteed at signing demonstrates the payout resulting from his strong Vikings tenure so far. A six-interception campaign in 2024 resulted in Murphy’s first career Pro Bowl nod, and a similar showing on his newest accord could yield further accolades.

Last season also saw the Washington product set a new personal mark in passer rating allowed as the nearest defender (76.7) while splitting time between the perimeter and the slot. Flores’ unit ranked only 28th against the pass in 2024. Improving in that regard moving forward will be key, and Murphy will be counted on to serve as an anchor in the secondary on a team with which he has already enjoyed considerable success.

Jones’ free agent decision to remain in the NFC North led to a one-year Vikings pact in 2024. That accord included four void years and was originally structured to expire in mid-February, but the parties agreed to push the void date to the eve of free agency. That move hinted at a deal being worked out, and the former Packers Pro Bowler is indeed positioned to remain with one of Green Bay’s divisional rivals into his 30s. Set to turn 31 in December, Jones enters the season as the NFL’s second-oldest starting RB (behind Derrick Henry).

Handling the heaviest workload of his career (255 carries), Jones set a new highwater mark with 1,138 rushing yards in 2024. His seven total touchdowns fell well short of his best years, dating well back into his decorated Packers tenure, but the former fifth-rounder easily did enough to justify a new investment on Minnesota’s part. The trade acquisition of Jordan Mason could produce a reduction in his workload, but Jones should continue as an important member of a pass-heavy offense through this second phase of his career.

A combined $15.25MM AAV for the Vikings’ top two backs is certainly an uptick compared to last year’s financial setup at the running back spot. If Jones can once again deliver consistent play – having averaged no less than 4.5 yards per carry in his eight-year career – though, that will likely prove to be a worthwhile investment for Minnesota as the team aims for a smooth transition with McCarthy under center.

Smith is nine games away from reaching third place in Vikings history for appearances by a defender. The six-time Pro Bowler joined cornerback Stephon Gilmore in contemplating retirement after the 2024 campaign, but his decorated career with continue for at least one more year. Smith has served as a full-time starter throughout his Minnesota tenure, which will extend to 14 years in 2025. He has missed considerable time only once during that stretch.

A number of incentives are tied to playing time and production on what will be Smith’s final contract. Void years included in the pact have allowed it to be structured in a way for the former All-Pro to retire with a post-June 1 designation for cap purposes. Before then, Smith will maintain his role as a key member of the secondary and a valued veteran relied on to help Minnesota engineer a deep playoff run.

Notable losses:

• Cam Akers, RB
• Bubba Bolden, S (waived)
• Garrett Bradbury, C (post-June 1 release)
• Jonathan Bullard, DL
• Camryn Bynum, S
• Sam Darnold, QB
• Shaquill Griffin, CB
• Matt Harmon, LB (waived)
• Marcellus Johnson, T (waived)
• Daniel Jones, QB
• Patrick Jones, OLB
• Nick Mullens, QB
• Johnny Mundt, TE
• Trevor Reid, OL (waived)
• Cam Robinson, LT
• Trent Sherfield, WR
• NaJee Thompson, CB (waived)
• Jerry Tillery, DL
• Max Tooley, LB (waived)
• David Quessenberry, T
• Jihad Ward, OLB
• Nahshon Wright, CB (released)

Kirk Cousins was atop PFR’s Top 50 Free Agent list in 2024, and the events of this offseason ensured a different Vikings quarterback held that same distinction for a second straight year. Darnold inked a one-year Minnesota pact coming off a 49ers tenure in which he flashed the potential to have a Baker Mayfield-like resurgence with another starting opportunity. The former Jets first-rounder was assured of the QB1 gig he entered camp with after McCarthy’s season-ending summer surgery.

Kevin O’Connell has earned a reputation as a quarterback whisperer, but even with that mind, few (if any) around the league envisioned Darnold having the season he did in 2024. The 28-year-old comfortably set new career highs across the board and his 102.5 passer rating ranked sixth in the NFL. Darnold finished 10th in MVP voting to cap off a season which saw Minnesota win 14 games.

A poor performance on his part (among others) led to a Week 18 loss which cost the Vikings the NFC top seed, though, and that was followed up by a blowout wild-card loss to the Rams. Darnold took 11 total sacks between those two contests, culminating with the Rams dropping him nine times, throwing only one touchdown pass in the process.

In the wake of that up-and-down campaign, the central question of Minnesota’s offseason arrived: what was the best course of action in Darnold’s case? A long-term contract would have (presumably) delayed McCarthy’s ascension to the starting gig while costing far more than the $10MM Darnold played for in 2024. The franchise tag loomed as a possibility given the value of another one-year commitment, but the Vikings passed on what would have been a $40.2MM investment.

Considering that decision, it came as no surprise when a June report indicated the Vikings never submitted a multiyear offer to Darnold. The USC product understandably drew interest from numerous suitors before ultimately landing in Seattle. The Seahawks’ three-year, $105.5MM pact contains a potential out after Year 1, so his strong showing from last year did not yield a true long-term commitment. Nevertheless, Darnold did well to boost his stock during a Vikings stint which expectedly came and went in short order.

Following his midseason Giants release, Jones joined the Vikings to close out the campaign. No playing time came about as a result of the agreement, but a Minnesota re-signing remained a possibility leading up to free agency. With 69 starts to his name, the former No. 6 overall pick would have offered the team with an experienced option to back up McCarthy, but a departure represented a clearer path to a new starting opportunity.

Indeed, Jones’ one-year Colts pact will see him spend the preseason competing with Anthony Richardson. With over $13MM guaranteed for 2025, even a backup gig will wind up being a lucrative one in his case. Winning the QB1 spot could, however, put Jones in a similar one to Darnold from last season – something which would have been nearly impossible had he stayed in Minnesota for the coming campaign.

Bynum was the target of a Vikings extension push last spring, but his decision not to commit to a second contract with the team allowed him to test the open market. At 27, the deal signed this spring will be his most lucrative one, illustrating the success of the decision to wait. Bynum – just like Byron Murphy – was a target of the Raiders during the buildup to free agency. He did not sign with Vegas, but unlike in Murphy’s case a departure did take place on the open market.

A full-time starter since 2022, Bynum racked up eight interceptions and 28 pass deflections over the course of his Vikings tenure. That production will be missed (along with his choreography skills for touchdown celebrations, of course) in the team’s secondary, a unit which will face a number of questions entering the 2025 campaign. The Colts inked Bynum to a four-year, $60MM pact as part of their efforts to add high-profile outside free agents. Minnesota will look internally to replace him.

Bradbury operated as the Vikings’ center starter for each of his six years with the team. Over that span, the former first-rounder graded out as PFF’s No. 11 player at the position once (2022) and outside the top 24 every other season. Having failed to meet expectations, a parting of ways was sought out via trade. With no suitor showing much interest on that front (as expected,) the decision was made to proceed with a release.

Bradbury, 30, represented a replacement option for David Andrews for the Patriots. A two-year pact was worked out with the NC State product, but no salary is guaranteed for 2026. Bradbury could thus prove to be a one-and-done New England starter as he looks to find a long-term NFL home during the second chapter of his career.

Robinson was acquired via trade to replace the injured Christian Darrisaw on the blind side. The move was a rental agreement given the longtime Jaguars’ LT’s status as a pending free agent. To no surprise, then, Robinson signed with the Texans in a deal which could allow him to replace Laremy Tunsil as their left tackle starter. Darrisaw, meanwhile, has been practicing since June but no timeline is in place for full clearance regarding his ACL rehab. It is thus uncertain if the recipient of a lucrative 2024 extension will be available for Week 1.

Extensions and restructures:

• Extended S Josh Metellus on three-year, $36MM pact ($25MM guaranteed)
• Extended OLB Andrew Van Ginkel on one-year, $23MM contract ($22.44MM guaranteed)
• Extended TE Josh Oliver on three-year, $23.25MM deal ($11.8MM guaranteed)
• Extended S Theo Jackson on two-year, $12.63MM pact ($5.38MM guaranteed)

During his first two Vikings seasons, Metellus was strictly a special teams contributor. Over time, he took on a larger defensive workload based in large part on his versatility; the former sixth-rounder has seen notable time at both safety spots but also in the box as a dime linebacker and even on the edge in recent years. A full-time starter since 2023 despite the presence of two other established safeties, Metellus played his way into a considerable raise with his performances during Brian Flores’ tenure as defensive coordinator.

The Michigan product’s first Minnesota extension was two years in length and carried an AAV of $4MM. That figure has tripled with this new pact, and incentives could allow Metellus to collect as much as $42MM over the coming years. As of June, it was clear a mutual desire existed in this case for a long-term arrangement to be worked out. Roughly one month later, the sides struck a deal.

Metellus’ ongoing presence will be key for the Vikings with Camryn Bynum no longer in the fold, and it will be interesting to see how his role changes moving forward. Jackson will likewise provide welcomed continuity in the secondary. The 26-year-old has yet to contribute much on defense to date, but with one safety starter out of picture that could certainly change beginning in 2025. A regular role outside of special teams duties would help Jackson’s value on a new pact in Minnesota or elsewhere down the road.

After drawing interest elsewhere in the NFC on the open market last spring, Van Ginkel elected to join the Vikings. That move reunited him with Flores (after they worked together in Miami) and paved the way for a full-time starting role. Operating with fellow free agent addition Jonathan Greenard, Van Ginkel enjoyed a career year. 11.5 sacks and a pair of pick-sixes resulted in a Pro Bowl nod, a spot on the second All-Pro team and a strong negotiating position for the 30-year-old. Halfway through his two-year pact, Van Ginkel emerged as a logical extension candidate this offseason.

Prior to signing his new deal, the Wisconsin product was set to collect $4MM in guarantees for 2025. He has secured far more in locked-in compensation – including a $10MM signing bonus – without a long-term commitment being necessary on the part of the Vikings. Greenard has another two years with guaranteed money scheduled on his pact, so Minnesota’s post-Danielle Hunter setup along the edge will remain intact through at least the 2026 campaign.

The tight end position is one where teams tend to only carry one notable contract at a time. Even with T.J. Hockenson already on the books at an AAV of $16.5MM, though, the Vikings authorized a raise in Oliver’s case. The former third-rounder has not developed into a notable pass-catching presence at any stop during his career. Still, a track record of being among the best run blockers at his position has been further established during Oliver’s two seasons in Minnesota; team and player will expect more of the same for years to come.

Draft:

• Round 1, No. 24: Donovan Jackson (G, Ohio State) (signed)
• Round 3, No. 102 (from Lions through Jaguars and Texans): Tai Felton (WR, Maryland) (signed)
• Round 5, No. 139 (from Browns): Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins (DT, Georgia) (signed)
• Round 6, No. 201 (from Rams): Kobe King (LB, Penn State) (signed)
• Round 6, No. 202 (from Texans through Steelers, Bears and Rams): Gavin Bartholomew (TE, Pittsburgh) (signed)

Thanks to a number of maneuvers involving future draft picks – including the move which allowed for the Dallas Turner selection last year – the Vikings found themselves short on capital in April. Much of this year’s class will depend on Jackson’s ability to develop into a long-term mainstay up front with the other rookies aiming to fill out depth roles.

Each of Jackson’s first 31 starts during his college career came at left guard. Remaining on the inside would have still resulted in a relatively strong pedigree ahead of the draft, but a season-ending injury from Buckeyes left tackle Josh Simmons led to a shift up front. Jackson closed out his senior season operating on the blind side in Simmons’ place, and his success in doing so helped lead the team to a national championship.

That brief left tackle stint led some to view Jackson as a candidate to see time there at the NFL level. While the All-American could find himself doing so at some point, his focus is understandably focused on carving out a starting spot on the inside. Indeed, Jackson entered training camp as the top candidate for first-team action at the left guard position.

Blake Brandel remains in place after he played every snap at left guard last year. With Will Fries set to handle the RG spot for the foreseeable future, however, Jackson and Brandel (on the books for two more years) will contend with one another for the other first-team guard position. If Jackson wins out, Minnesota’s renovations along the interior of the O-line will result in three new starters for 2025.

Over the course of his four years with the Terrapins, Felton increased his production every year. That resulted in a 92-1,124-9 statline for 2024; he set a new school record in receptions as a senior and secured a third-team All-American nod along the way. A 4.37-second 40-yard dash time at the Combine helped Felton’s stock further.

The 6-1, 183-pounder will look to provide the Vikings with a deep threat as a complementary option in the passing game. The Justin Jefferson–Jordan Addison tandem will be in place once again in 2025, and tight end T.J. Hockenson figures to maintain a key role on offense as well. Felton spent much of college tenure on the outside, but he saw his workload include time in the slot as well. Versatility will be key in determining his ability to see the field as he plays out his rookie deal.

Other:

• Extended HC Kevin O’Connell
• Extended GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, promoted Ryan Grigson, Demetrius Washington to assistant GM posts
• Extended OC Wes Phillips
• Assistant QBs coach Grant Udinski took Jaguars’ OC position; Jordan Traylor hired as replacement
• Discussed free agent deal with QB Aaron Rodgers
• WR Jordan Addison issued three-game suspension following DUI plea agreement
• Signed 14 players, including QB Brett Rypien, to reserve/futures contracts
• Added 20 UDFAs, including QB Max Brosmer

In the immediate aftermath of Minnesota’s playoff elimination, it became clear new deals for both O’Connell and Adofo-Mensah would be pursued. Hired in 2022 as rookies in their respective roles, immediate success commenced in the form of a 13-4 campaign. The Vikings went one-and-done in the postseason that year, and Cousins’ 2023 Achilles tear keyed a descent to 7-10.

While cycling through different replacement quarterbacks following Cousins’ injury, O’Connell showcased an ability to run a functional offense with a handful of options under center. Acclaim in that respect increased further with Sam Darnold‘s impressive single-season run. Minnesota’s repeat of a quick playoff exit meant 2024 ended on a sour note, but O’Connell took home Coach of the Year honors for his regular-season success.

Already in the top half of the league in terms of the longest-tenured head coaches, the 40-year-old has delivered on the expectations of ownership to date. An effective long-term pairing with J.J. McCarthy would certainly help O’Connell’s chances of receiving another extension down the road. For now, his future is assured in advance of a critical campaign for the organization.

Likewise, Adofo-Mensah has earned the trust of ownership during his three years at the helm. The O’Connell extension also brought about news that an extension preventing lame-duck status for Adofo-Mensah, 43 was being worked on, and it was hammered out with plenty of time to spare. The former 49ers and Browns exec has overseen sweeping changes on both sides of the ball in relatively short order and constructed two rosters which have delivered double-digit wins.

If playoff success remains elusive, criticism of Adofo-Mensah will no doubt intensify. In any event, his ability to string together successful draft classes will be critical over the coming years as Minnesota is currently projected to be well over the cap in 2026 and near the bottom of the league in space the following season. How Adofo-Mensah manages the window presented by McCarthy’s rookie contract will be key, and he will have familiar faces supporting him in the front office.

Phillips – an O’Connell colleague in Washington and with the Rams prior to their current partnership – was also approaching the final year of his deal before signing an extension. His non-play-calling role is set to continue for a fourth season and beyond. The loss of Udinski will be felt, although QBs coach Josh McCown is still in place for at least one more year. The former NFL passer drew head coaching interest from the Jets in this year’s cycle, while DC Brian Flores was among the leaders in interview requests as a sign he could depart next offseason.

Following his (expected but far-from-amicable) Jets release, Rodgers was a candidate to retire. The Vikings were on the shortlist of teams the 41-year-old considered, though, based in large part on his relationship with O’Connell. A one-year pact would have allowed for Rodgers to complete a strikingly similar career arc compared to Brett Favre and for at least two games against the division rival Packers in his final season.

At a point when it remained unclear if he would play at all in 2025, Rodgers reportedly informed the Vikings they were his preferred destination. A signing received support from some in the organization, but in the end the Vikes joined the Giants in declining to pursue a deal. That left the Steelers as Rodgers’ last logical landing spot, and an agreement was eventually finalized. As such, Minnesota will take on the four-time MVP in Week 4 during the NFL’s first regular season game in Ireland.

Like every other decision made at the QB spot this offseason, the choice to turn aside Rodgers’ interest marked a sign of confidence in McCarthy. The 2024 national champion encountered a swelling issue in November and received a PRP injection as a result. Since then, however, McCarthy has progressed as hoped in his recovery. A full workload in spring practices along with training camp has allowed him to handle plenty of QB1 reps while attempting to make up for lost time last year.

At the age of 22, McCarthy could find himself occupying the starter’s gig for years to come if all goes well. Making it to Week 1 at full strength will of course be the top priority in his case, but the nature of his learning curve come the regular season and his ability to develop will make for an intriguing storyline all season. In the short term, at least, Minnesota’s aversion to retaining Darnold or making a notable outside addition will be tested by McCarthy’s performance.

Top 10 cap charges for 2025:

1. Brian O’Neill, RT: $26.02MM
2. Jonathan Greenard, DE: $22.3MM
3. T.J. Hockenson, TE: $16.65MM
4. Justin Jefferson, WR: $15.17MM
5. Andrew Van Ginkel, OLB: $11.4MM
6. Harrison Smith, S: $9.9MM
7. Christian Darrisaw, LT: $9.68MM
8. Harrison Phillips, DT: $9.68MM
9. Aaron Jones, RB: $8.4MM
10. Javon Hargrave, DT: $7.88MM

While Smith’s pact is set up for him to retire after this season, all other players listed above are on the books for 2026 as well. That should help ensure continuity at the top of the roster, although Jefferson, Darrisaw and Hargrave are each scheduled to see their cap charges spike by a margin of eight figures from one year to the next. It will be interesting to see if one or more of those deals receive attention next spring as a result.

Last season, the Vikings only lost four combined regular and postseason games to a total of two opponents. Along the way, they won eight of nine one-score contests, so regression in that regard should be expected. Provided that takes place, duplicating the success of 2024 – especially given the competitive strength of the NFC North – will be rather challenging.

Much will depend on McCarthy’s level of play, of course. Elsewhere on Minnesota’s roster, the success of this year’s investments in the trenches will be critical as well. Continuity on the sidelines and in the front office is in place, but will 2025 bring a postseason breakthrough?