If the 2025 season is going to be part of the Super Bowl window for the Minnesota Vikings, they'll need to add a few pieces before they can get there.
Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has been known to add valuable pieces to the franchise without spending an arm and a leg.
With over $76 million in projected cap space for Minnesota in 2025, Adofo-Mensah may look to make one or two high-profile signings before filling out the rest of the roster with low-cost, high-impact free agents.
Let's take a look at a few potential bargain free agents the Vikings should already be thinking about for 2025.
Bargain 2025 free agents the Minnesota Vikings should start thinking about now
1. Calais Campbell - DL (Miami Dolphins)
Even though he is the oldest active player in the National Football League, Calais Campbell is still playing at a high level.
If Campbell elects to return for another season in 2025, Minnesota absolutely should be in on the veteran. Even at his age, he would be an upgrade over Jerry Tillery or Jonathan Bullard.
2. Milton Williams - DL (Philadelphia Eagles)
Milton Wiliams is going to get a nice payday next year, even if it's not from Minnesota. The 2025 free-agent class of interior defensive linemen is not the strongest, but Williams would be a nice addition without breaking the bank.
3. Donte Jackson - CB (Pittsburgh Steelers)
Donte Jackson has had a career revival since being traded to Pittsburgh, as he's currently tied for third in the league with five interceptions on the year.
If the Vikings are able to bring back Byron Murphy Jr. in 2025, potentially add another cornerback in next year's NFL Draft, and sign Jackson, then the team's cornerback back unit would have a chance to be special next season.
4. Odell Beckham Jr. - WR (Miami Dolphins)
Odell Beckham Jr’s career has been an absolute roller coaster, and for the past three seasons, he has been nothing more than a borderline WR3.
However, Minnesota knows the talent Beckham still possesses, and a familiarity with Kevin O’Connell's offense could sway the former first-rounder to the Vikings to help J.J. McCarthy in 2025.
5. Mekhi Becton - OL (Philadelphia Eagles)
Next year, Minnesota needs to add two new faces to the interior of their offensive line. Right guard has been a revolving door for the Vikings, and center Garrett Bradbury can't be trusted against bigger nose tackles.
Minnesota would be wise to bring in a guy like Mekhi Becton, who has experience at both tackle and guard. Since joining Philadelphia, he moved inside, and he has been exceptional.
Signing a lineman who is versatile would be smart for a Vikings offense that has seen both starting tackles miss time due to injury over the past two seasons and needs an upgrade at right guard.
6. Javonte Williams - RB (Denver Broncos)
Can Aaron Jones be trusted anymore? That's going to be a big question for Minnesota to answer heading into the 2025 offseason. Besides the fumbles, Jones has been great, but he's getting older, and it's noticeable on the field at times.
Javonte Williams has become somewhat of an afterthought since Sean Payton took over as the Denver Broncos head coach. Williams is a bruiser who can help the Vikings rushing troubles inside the red zone immensely, while O’Connell helps develop whichever running back they select in the 2025 NFL Draft if they elect to go that route.