7 realistic free agents the Vikings could sign in 2024
By Adam Carlson
Which free agents could the Minnesota Vikings realistically sign to play with the team during the 2024 NFL season?
A lot of attention will be paid to the top tier players in free agency but sometimes the signing of a more realistic free agent will help a team like the Minnesota Vikings to be successful during the upcoming season.
Minnesota has a decent amount of salary cap space this offseason but also has a lot of needs that must be addressed. That means that getting a top player to fill one gap doesn't make a lot of sense for the Vikings.
Not only does Minnesota have holes on their current depth chart, but they have in-house situations to deal with. Finalizing an extension with star wide receiver Justin Jefferson is going to be expensive but should be a top priority.
Let's take a look at seven unrestricted free agents who could realistically join the Minnesota Vikings this offseason and discuss why they might be a good fit for the team in 2024 as well as many seasons to come.
Realistic Vikings Free Agent No. 1
Christian Wilkins - DL
2023 Team: Miami Dolphins
As soon as it was announced that the Miami Dolphins were parting ways with defensive lineman Christian Wilkins, Minnesota Vikings fans immediately started to wonder if he would be a good fit for the team.
Defensive coordinator Brian Flores will be familiar with Wilkins from their time with the Dolphins. Considering the Vikings need help in the trenches, it wouldn't be surprising for Minnesota to show interest in the 6-foot-4, 310-pound defender.
Wilkins had an extremely productive year in 2023, notching a career-high nine sacks in 23 quarterback hits while starting all 17 games for Miami. However, he is set to be compensated very well, according to Spotrac, who estimates his 2024 value to be approximately $20.2 million.
It would take a pretty deep discount or some creative salary cap work to bring Christian Wilkins to the Minnesota Vikings but hopefully, his familiarity with Flores and the positive reputation of the franchise can lure him into a purple and gold jersey.