4 cheap free agents the Vikings could sign before training camp in 2024

The Minnesota Vikings are working hard to prepare for the upcoming season but there is still a lot of work to be done. Training camp and preseason will give fans a good idea of what to expect from the team in 2024 and the roster will begin to take shape as cuts are made to trim the squad to 53 players.

One of the best parts of the preseason is that relatively unknown players can have an opportunity to make a name for themselves or familiar players can work toward honing their craft and latching on to a team like the Vikings.

Free agency is still open and Minnesota has an opportunity to sign some cheap free agents to fill out the roster. But which free agents should the purple and gold bring in for training camp and the preseason to see if they can crack the 53-man roster?

5 cheap free agents the Vikings could sign before training camp in 2024

One look at the list of available free agents reveals that several big names are still looking for new teams. However, signing a player to a massive contract without having a major role in mind for them for the upcoming season can be a disaster and a waste of resources. The Minnesota Vikings should take a look at these four players.

Justin Bethel, cornerback

The Vikings' roster has several young cornerbacks who should be able to gain some experience this season and continue to evolve into contributors for Minnesota. Although the team has Byron Murphy Jr. and Shaq Griffin on the roster, it wouldn't hurt to bring in another experienced cornerback to help ease the transition to the younger players. Justin Bethel has 193 games of NFL experience and the six-foot defender could be a solid depth signing for the team if he can earn a spot. If nothing, the three-time Pro Bowl defender raises the bar for the upcoming defensive backs.

Sterling Shepard, wide receiver

Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison are set to take the field in 2024 with Brandon Powell slated to be the team's third receiver. Past them on the depth chart. N'Keal Harry, Jalen Nailor, Trent Sherfield, and others fight for a role. Bringing in former Giants receiver Sterling Shepard would automatically raise the floor of that unit and help to provide depth and experience.

Dalvin Cook, running back

It still feels a little weird to have Aaron Jones as the Minnesota Vikings' starting running back but the team had to do something after moving on from Alexander Mattison. Ty Chandler had a few flashes last year, but a reunion with Dalvin Cook could be a smart move if the price is right. Although the four-time Pro Bowl running back wouldn't see the field much as a backup or rotational player, Jones thrived in Green Bay when he wasn't asked to shoulder the load.

Josh Tupou, defensive tackle

Beefing up the trenches seems like a good idea and former Bengals defensive tackle Josh Topou has some beef. The 320-pound defender dealt with a shoulder injury last season but still saw action in 14 games. With six seasons of experience, Topou could be a big body to provide depth and help slow the attack of opposing offenses.