8 free agents the Vikings should try to sign this in the 2024 offseason
Which players should the Minnesota Vikings attempt to sign to their roster when the 2024 free-agency period officially begins in March?
The NFL's Super Wild Card weekend is upon us, but the Minnesota Vikings will not be playing this year. As the season comes to an end, Vikings fans are already looking ahead to the 2024 offseason and, more specifically, free agency.
To improve their team for the 2024 campaign, Minnesota will need to fill several gaps and sign high-impact players from the free-agent market.
The Vikings must be aggressive in the coming months in order to become serious contenders during the 2024 season.
Let’s go ahead and take a look at a few players who are expected to become free agents later this year that Minnesota must try to sign to improve the team before next season.
Free Agent No. 1
Christian Wilkins - IDL (Miami Dolphins)
Christian Wilkins, a defensive lineman for the Miami Dolphins, is a rare player who excels at generating pressure and defending the run equally well.
He is considered a very valuable free agent, and if he becomes available this year, the Vikings should make a move to sign him.
Minnesota struggled with creating pressure from their interior defensive line during the 2023 season, but Wilkins could immediately improve their performance.
Additionally, Wilkins is familiar with the Vikings' defensive system since he was drafted by Minnesota defensive coordinator Brian Flores in 2019 when he was Miami's head coach.
This familiarity could make the Vikings an attractive destination for Wilkins. Although Miami may franchise tag him to keep him around, if he hits the open market, Minnesota must pursue him.
Acquiring Wilkins is likely going to be pricey, with Spotrac currently estimating his market value to be worth a contract that pays him around $20 million per season.
Given the current state of the defensive line market, it may be challenging to secure a deal with him.
Nevertheless, if the Vikings get the chance to sign him, they should seize it, as Wilkins could be one of the final pieces needed to propel their defense to the next level.