Now that the Minnesota Vikings have been eliminated from the playoffs, it's time to look ahead to the offseason. The team's 14-3 record was amazing, but the team could look significantly different next season.
Every year, teams like the Vikings must deal with players exiting in free agency. This offseason is no different because Minnesota has a long list of players who are expected to be either restricted or unrestricted free agents this offseason.
Every Minnesota Vikings player set to hit free agency during the 2025 NFL offseason
Let's take a look at the list of upcoming free agents and discuss some of the more important individuals who could have new teams in 2025 according to Spotrac.
Player | Type | Age |
|---|---|---|
Cam Akers, RB | Unrestricted | 25 |
Jonathan Bullard, DL | Unrestricted | 31 |
Cam Bynum, S | Unrestricted | 26 |
Sam Darnold, QB | Unrestricted | 27 |
Dan Feeney, OL | Unrestricted | 30 |
Stephon Gilmore, CB | Unrestricted | 34 |
Shaquill Griffin, CB | Unrestricted | 29 |
Kamu Grugier-Hill, LB | Unrestricted | 30 |
Theo Jackson, CB | Restricted | 26 |
Aaron Jones, RB | Unrestricted | 30 |
Daniel Jones, QB | Unrestricted | 27 |
Patrick Jones II, Edge | Unrestricted | 26 |
Fabian Moreau, CB | Unrestricted | 30 |
Nick Mullens, QB | Unrestricted | 29 |
Johnny Mundt, TE | Unrestricted | 30 |
Byron Murphy, CB | Unrestricted | 26 |
David Quessenberry, OT | Unrestricted | 34 |
Brandon Powell, WR | Unrestricted | 28 |
Dalton Risner, G | Unrestricted | 29 |
Cam Robinson, OT | Unrestricted | 29 |
Trent Sherfield, WR | Unrestricted | 28 |
Jerry Tillery, DT | Unrestricted | 28 |
Jihad Ward, Edge | Unrestricted | 30 |
Ryan Wright, P | Restricted | 24 |
Offensively, a lot of the talk will be about quarterback Sam Darnold. He is unlikely to return to the Vikings based on his price tag and needs around the league at his position. Meanwhile, Minnesota can move forward with first-round pick J.J. McCarthy and spend their money elsewhere.
Daniel Jones is an interesting free agent. Minnesota is likely hoping he will sign a decent contract with another team to earn a compensatory pick. A quarterback-needy team out there that could kick his tires this offseason.
With their top two running backs becoming free agents, it wouldn't be shocking to see the purple and gold attempt to retain Aaron Jones, Cam Akers, or both if the price is right. That way they don't have to use a high draft pick on the position or bring a new face to the team.
Dalton Risner and David Quessenberry helped on the offensive line but Minnesota needs to evaluate that unit this offseason and look for upgrades on the interior. At the right price, they might be good to re-sign for depth, but not likely to start.
Trent Sherfield, Johnny Mundt, and Brandon Powell each contributed this season and did not cost the team too much. If their services can be acquired at a price tag similar to 2024, they could all be back in Minnesota.
Shifting to the defense, the cornerback room is emptying. Stephon Gilmore, Shaquill Griffin, Fabian Moreau, and Byron Murphy are all set to become unrestricted free agents with Theo Jackson as a restricted free agent. Expect some changes in this group.
One big concern is starting safety Camryn Bynum. If Harrison Smith retires and Bynum doesn't return, Minnesota's secondary could be in for a huge overhaul. Bynum's youth, experience, and production could be tough to replace.
Jonathan Bullard is a replaceable part of the defensive line, but edge rusher Patrick Jones II is coming off an impressive season as a backup/rotational pass rusher and could fetch a strong price on the open market if a team sees him as a potential starter.