8 realistic free agents the Vikings could sign in 2023

Connor McGovern – C

2022 Team: New York Jets

Garrett Bradbury is a free agent this year, and even though he took some steps forward in 2022, he still caused plenty of problems for the Vikings with his poor blocking in the middle of the offensive line.

If Minnesota wants to replace Bradbury with a proven veteran who has consistently ranked among the best centers in the NFL during the last few seasons, Connor McGovern could be their guy. McGovern will likely be one of the more expensive centers on the market this year, but he’s proven to be worth the money as PFF has ranked him among the 10-best centers in the league in three of the last four seasons.

Darrell Henderson – RB

2022 Teams: Los Angeles Rams and Jacksonville Jaguars

Since he’s hitting free agency this year, Alexander Mattison probably isn’t returning to the Vikings for the 2023 season. So Minnesota will likely be looking to add a free-agent running back with some significant experience this year to either be the backup for Dalvin Cook or replace him as a starter.

Darrell Henderson is someone to keep an eye on. He opened the 2022 campaign as the starter for the Los Angeles Rams, but they actually ended up releasing him before the season even came to a close.

Aside from his strange year in 2022, Henderson was with the Rams in 2020 and 2021 when Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell was the team’s offensive coordinator. During those two seasons, the 25-year-old running back averaged over 4.5 yards per carry, and he scored a total of 14 touchdowns.