9 former Vikings still unsigned after the 2024 NFL Draft

Free agency has been wild in the NFL. It feels like more players than ever changed teams this offseason. The Minnesota Vikings were one of those teams who were active in bringing new faces to the roster.

When new players come to a team, that means some past players will not be able to return. Even if they were major contributors last season, finding a new team to take a chance on an experienced player can be a challenge when there are shiny, young prospects arriving as draft picks or undrafted free agents.

While it is possible there could be a reunion between the nine unsigned players and the Vikings before the 2024 NFL season kicks off, they are still available for any team willing to negotiate a deal and get that contract signed.

9 former Vikings still unsigned after the 2024 NFL Draft

Despite a huge turnaround on the Minnesota Vikings roster, there are only nine players who are still available as free agents. Now that the 2024 NFL Draft is over, teams may be looking to fill their roster with experienced players to be competitive and allow their new arrivals to grow and develop while they gain experience.

Here are the nine players who are still unsigned from last year's Vikings roster according to Spotrac:

- Cam Akers, running back
- Anthony Barr, linebacker
- Coy Cronk, offensive line
- William Kwenkeu, linebacker
- James Lynch, defensive line
- Chris Reed, offensive line
- John Reid, cornerback
- Dalton Risner, guard
- T.J. Smith, defensive line

This list would be ten players, but tight end Ben Ellefson retired following the 2023 NFL season and joined the Vikings' coaching staff. Last year, he acted as a blocking specialist but a lingering groin injury put him on the shelf and did not allow him to return to action, ultimately helping him decide to pivot to coaching.

Vikings fans will point immediately to guard Dalton Risner as a player they would love to see come back to Minnesota. A midseason arrival last year, the veteran offensive lineman was a starter at right guard and provided stability during the team's quarterback carousel following the injury to Kirk Cousins.

As a whole, this is an interesting list of Vikings players. There are guys like Cam Akers who is recovering from an Achilles tendon injury while others like Anthony Barr might be less appealing because of his age.

Other guys like Chris Reed and John Reid are experienced players who haven't been able to fully showcase their skills to the best of their abilities. These are the kind of players who are fringe roster talents who can be sneaky contributors if needed.

As the season continues to approach, keep an eye on these nine players to find a team for the 2024 NFL season. Whether it is with the Minnesota Vikings or not, these guys will likely find a home on a 53-man roster or practice squad during the upcoming season.