The Minnesota Vikings should keep these players who are scheduled to become free agents after the 2023 NFL season.
2023 has been an interesting year for the Minnesota Vikings so far. They have seen some unexpected players step up in a big way to help them to a 5-4 record through the team's first nine weeks.
There are quite a few contracts expiring for the Vikings after this season. Big-name players like Kirk Cousins and Danielle Hunter are likely to sign with another team in free agency while some other high-priced players will likely make their exit.
Minnesota does have some players who would make sense to bring back for at least one more year. These are the players who are a great fit for the team and wouldn't break the bank to re-sign before the 2024 NFL season kicks off.
Keeping players who contribute at a lower cost will be a huge help to the team as they attempt to continue their soft rebuild. Here are seven players that the team would be smart to consider bringing back after this year.
Vikings player No. 1
Josh Dobbs, quarterback
As of now, it is up in the air as to whether or not the Minnesota Vikings will bring Kirk Cousins back to be their starting quarterback in 2024. If they don't, expect the team to look to a rookie with a capable backup to help them learn
Josh Dobbs has only played in one game for the Vikings so far, but he seems to fit in well with the team. Having him as insurance for a young quarterback would make a lot of sense and not break the bank.
If Dobbs finishes out the season for Minnesota and plays well, there is a chance he could work himself into a bigger role somewhere else, but that will depend on his performance in the coming weeks and how the Vikings end their season.
Re-signing Dobbs wouldn't be the flashiest move, but it is one that would allow the Minnesota Vikings to be a little mor flexible in their search for the next long-term answer at quarterback as the team continues to build for the future.
Vikings player No. 2
D.J. Wonnum, edge
The situation at edge rusher is a tough one in 2024 for the Minnesota Vikings. They have Danielle Hunter, Marcus Davenport, and D.J. Wonnum all set to become free agents at the end of the season, meaning they will need to replenish talent at the position.
Hunter will likely get a massive payday somewhere and Davenport probably won't be back, especially if his cost is similar to his cap hit in 2023. That means D.J. Wonnum could have an opportunity to re-sign and become a starter.
Patrick Jones II and Andre Carter II are the only other outside linebackers on the active roster. Even if Minnesota does bring Wonnum back, they will likely still need to search for another starter for the upcoming season.
At only 26 years old, Wonnum has shined at times in limited action. He has 19 sacks in 56 games played with 25 starts while adding 143 combined tackles, 44 quarterback hits, seven pass defenses, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery for a touchdown.
Vikings player No. 3
Cam Akers, running back
At this point, it's fair to say that Alexander Mattison can't return as the focal point of the Minnesota Vikings run offense. Cam Akers looked like the better running back when they were splitting carries but a ruptured Achilles ended up placing him on injured reserve.
There is a chance Ty Chandler will be able to fill in and do a good enough job that bringing Akers back wouldn't be necessary. Unless Chandler can be productive in that role, the Vikings should look to bring Akers back when he's healthy.
Any Vikings running back committee that includes Cam Akers in some kind of role would be good. Of course, this all depends on his ability to have a full recovery from his Achilles injury this offseason and his cost to return to the team.
Even though it is conditional and the Minnesota Vikings have running backs returning for the 2024 season, keeping an eye on the condition and availability of Cam Akers would be a smart thing for the team's front office to do.
Vikings player No. 4
Dalton Risner, offensive line
The Minnesota Vikings offensive line has cleaned up their act quite a bit since the start of the season. Bringing in Dalton Risner as a free agent has allowed the team to trade impending free agent Ezra Cleveland but now means they will need to find someone to start at left guard next year.
Risner has been a great fit for the Vikings. Since arriving in Minnesota, he seems to have embraced the culture and direction of the franchise while helping to solidify the interior of Minnesota's offensive line.
During his four seasons in Denver, Dalton Risner started 62 games. Now, he appears to be Minnesota's starter at left guard for the rest of the season unless something changes with the team's roster.
Keeping a solid offensive line needs to be a priority for the Minnesota Vikings. Fans have seen the results of having even one questionable offensive lineman and that could spell disaster for a young quarterback trying to develop.
Vikings player No. 5
Jordan Hicks, linebacker
Unlike the younger players on this list, it looked like the Minnesota Vikings were prepared to move on from inside linebacker Jordan Hicks before the start of the 2023 NFL season. Restructuring his contract allowed him to stay with the team, but he's set to become a free agent after this year.
Hicks has enjoyed a good season playing next to rookie Ivan Pace Jr. in the middle of Minnesota's defense. He even earned NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors for his play in Week 6 against the Chicago Bears.
Hicks is 31 years old but that wouldn't keep him from being able to return and start at linebacker. He is on pace to have a career-high in tackles in the new Brian Flores defense, and he hasn't looked like a liability.
This season, Jordan Hicks has a salary cap hit of $5 million. If he can return for a number close to that in 2024, it would be well worth the Minnesota Vikings keeping him around to be in the middle of the defense next season.
Vikings player No. 6
David Quessenberry, offensive line
Not only is the story of offensive lineman David Quessenberry's return to the NFL an inspirational one, but he has filled in pretty well when starting left tackle Christian Darrisaw missed time due to a groin injury.
Quessenberry is 33 years old but could still be a valuable asset to the Vikings' offensive line in 2024. With a cap hit of less than $1 million, he would be an inexpensive backup with experience and familiarity to the offense.
Any time you can fill a team need with a capable player at a low cost, the team has to explore that option. Although Minnesota may look to find a younger backup offensive tackle, they have other priorities to address first.
David Quessenberry re-signing with the Minnesota Vikings isn't a transaction that would make a lot of noise, but it's one that would help to keep the team stable while the rest of the team continues to make changes to adjust for the future.
Vikings player No. 7
K.J. Osborn, wide receiver
There is a solid chance that a team will pay K.J. Osborn quite a bit of money to have a bigger role in their offense if he is allowed to test free agency. However, he is a great fit as the third wide receiver for the Minnesota Vikings.
Knowing what it would cost to bring Osborn back to the team in 2023 would be tough. He would likely be the fourth option in Minnesota's passing offense behind Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and T.J. Hockenson.
Having as many solid weapons as possible for whoever the Vikings' quarterback will be next season is important, especially if the team makes the decision to go with a rookie quarterback that they find in the 2024 NFL Draft.
A fifth-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, K.J. Osborn is only 26 years old. With many years ahead of him in the NFL, the Minnesota Vikings have to be pleased with what he has been able to accomplish so far and may want him to stick around to keep doing it.