It hasn't been pretty, but the Minnesota Vikings don't have to apologize for being 5-0 as they hit their bye week. Brian Flores' defense has carried a lot of the weight so far, but quarterback Kyler Murray seems to be finding his stride, so the week off almost feels ill-timed in that regard.
It's early to look ahead to the 2027 offseason, but Vikings general manager Nolan Teasley already has an eye there. With Murray on a one-year deal and no franchise-tag option, the team could put itself right back in the market for a quarterback.
In a broader sense, the list of internal free agents for the Vikings has multiple notable names on it. So some tough decisions are in line to be made.
That said, a five-game sample can be enough of an indicator to start driving those offseason decisions. Layer in a projection based on a player's current trajectory trend, and the decisions can be clear-cut when the time comes.
Here and now, and definitely subject to change over the rest of the season, these looming Vikings free agents are making themselves into priorities to be retained next March.
4 2027 Vikings free agents who have already made themselves a priority to be brought back
QB Kyler Murray
Murray seems to be finding his way in Kevin O'Connell's offense, as O'Connell is also learning to adapt his approach to his quarterback's comfort and skill set.
With Murray missing basically two games due to a concussion, the key pieces around Murray have yet to be together for a whole game. The bye week is well-timed in that regard, shy of left guard Donovan Jackson, who is out for the season with a knee injury, as multiple injured players will have the idle week to get healthy.
If Murray keeps his positive momentum going after the bye week, he will make himself some money on the open market. It remains to be seen how his desire to remain a Viking factors into that, but with over $208 million in career earnings, he may not chase the biggest paycheck over an ideal situation.
Hopefully Murray makes it a real conversation about keeping him long-term. It'll take two to tango for it to come to fruition, but the Vikings should easily perform their part of the dance if Murray plays well.
DT Jalen Redmond
Jalen Redmond has simply been a stud over the last season-plus. He hasn't replicated his 2025 pass-rush production so far this season, but entering Week 6, he has the No. 1 PFF run defense grade among 133 qualified defensive tackles.
Redmond is set to be a restricted free agent after the season, so his rights are in the Vikings' control as long as they give him a tender. Other teams may then pony up with a significant offer to force it to be matched, but if Redmond stays on his current track, he'd deserve a multi-year deal anyway.
EDGE Andrew Van Ginkel
Andrew Van Ginkel was not awful last season, with seven sacks over 12 games, but he already has four sacks this season, per ESPN, and the fourth-highest pass-rush win rate among edge rushers (29 percent).
Van Ginkel has, as expected, remained a versatile engine of Brian Flores' defense this season. He can get after the quarterback and drop into coverage with equal effectiveness.
The only fly in the ointment regarding bringing Van Ginkel back for 2027 is his age, as he will turn 32 before next season starts. But a one-year deal (or a front-loaded two-year deal) can protect the team against any associated risk, and he deserves to remain a Viking beyond this season.
CB Isaiah Rodgers
Brian Flores handpicked Isaiah Rodgers as a free-agent signing in 2025, and he's another example of evidence showing the Vikings' defensive coordinator's eye for talent and players who fit his scheme.
Rodgers had an excellent first season in Minnesota, and he's doing it again so far. Entering Week 6, he has the No. 1 PFF coverage grade among qualified cornerbacks, and a top-30 run defense grade. He has allowed just seven completions on 22 targets in his coverage, with a 31.4 passer rating allowed.
In Flores' scheme, cornerbacks can sometimes be seen as less important than other positions. But they have to hold up in coverage, often with little help, because Flores blitzes time and time again.
Rodgers has proven he deserves a raise next offseason. The Vikings should willingly give it to him.
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