Tracking every Minnesota Vikings move in 2026 free agency
The Minnesota Vikings have several positions that need attention after last season when the team went 9-8 and was third in the NFC North.
The team has informed running back Aaron Jones and defensive tackle Javon Hargrave that they will be released barring a trade, according to NFL insider Adam Schefter, and ESPN's Jeremy Fowler said they are expected to release defensive tackle Jonathan Allen due to salary cap constraints. The reported transactions are in addition to over a dozen free agents who played for Minnesota last season.
Quarterback is a position that many Vikings fans have been talking about this offseason. Some question whether J.J. McCarthy will again lead the team's offense. He missed 24 of 34 possible career games — the majority of which have been due to injury.
"We're still looking at a quarterback who's started 10 games. Ten out of, what, a possible 34 in two years? Not the ideal path for a young quarterback to develop on the field," Coach Kevin O'Connell said at a news conference in January. "But I thought he did. I thought he did some really good things."
The organization will be making moves without a general manager for at least the next six weeks after it fired Kwesi Adofo-Mensah in January. Owners Mark and Zygi Wilf said in a statement that the Vikings will conduct "a thorough search" for their next general manager after the draft. Executive Vice President of Football Operations Rob Brzezinski will lead the team until then, according to the Vikings.
WCCO is tracking every move Minnesota makes in free agency, including cuts, signings, retirements and potentially trades. Check them out below.
Vikings sign QB Kyler Murray to 1-year deal, NFL Network reports
The Minnesota Vikings have signed quarterback Kyler Murray to compete with J.J. McCarthy for the starting job next season, the NFL Network reported on Thursday.
Defensive linemen Jonathan Allen & Javon Hargrave released
As reports foreshadowed, the Vikings confirmed that the team has released defensive linemen Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave. They were both signed last offseason.
Aaron Jones, running back
Aaron Jones remains with the team despite reports that the team would release him barring a trade. The 31-year-old running back restructured his deal with the team for $5.6 million, with $5 million guaranteed, per his agent Drew Rosenhaus, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports.
Tavierre Thomas, defensive back
Defensive back Tavierre Thomas is reportedly re-signing with the Vikings on a two-year deal worth $4.6 million. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported it, citing agents Drew Rosenhaus and Kyle Lincoln.
Andrew DePaola, long snapper
The team and its long-time long snapper Andrew DePaola have agreed to terms on a contract. He's the only long snapper in NFL history to get three consecutive Pro Bowl selections (2022-24).
James Pierre, cornerback
NFL Network reporter Cameron Wolfe said Monday that the Vikings agreed to terms with cornerback James Pierre, a move that will add depth to the team's secondary. The former Pittsburgh Steelers player will get a two-year, $8.5 million deal with $3.7 million guaranteed, Wolfe, who cited Pierre's agent Toney Scott, said.
Eric Wilson, linebacker
Eric Wilson is staying in Minnesota after the team announced Monday that they've reached a three-year, eight-figure deal with the 31-year-old linebacker. The NFL Network's Mike Garafolo says the contract is worth $22.5 million — with $12.5 million "fully guaranteed."
Wilson is in his second stint with Minnesota. He was first signed as an undrafted rookie in 2017 and spent four seasons with the Vikings.
Ryan Kelly, center
Four-time Pro Bowl selection Ryan Kelly is retiring after 10 seasons in the league, the Vikings said. The center signed with Minnesota last year after playing nine seasons with the Indianapolis Colts. He dealt with three concussions last season and only started eight games for the Vikings.
Ryan Van Demark, offensive tackle
The Vikings signed swing tackle Ryan Van Demark from the Buffalo Bills. The Bills placed a tender on Van Demark, a former undrafted free agent, but declined to match the Vikings' offer sheet.
The 6-foot-7, 307-pound tackle started four games for Buffalo last season. The Vikings dealt with multiple injuries across the offensive line last season, so Van Demark will provide key depth for the team.
Carson Wentz, quarterback
The Vikings are bringing back Carson Wentz to round out their quarterback room behind Murray and McCarthy. Wentz started five games for Minnesota last season while McCarthy was injured. The 33-year-old then suffered a season-ending injury of his own.
In relief of McCarthy, Wentz went 2-3, throwing six touchdowns and five interceptions. He won't compete for the starting job, but will provide needed depth for a team that started three different quarterbacks last season.
Johnny Hekker, punter
With punter Ryan Wright departing in free agency, the Vikings brought in former Pro Bowler Johnny Hekker as a replacement.
The 36-year-old Hekker spent last season with the Tennessee Titans. For the first 10 years of his career, he was one of the league's best punters for the Los Angeles Rams.
Full list of Vikings free agents
- RB Ty Chandler
- CB Fabian Moreau
- WR Jalen Nailor (agreed to terms on three-year, $35 million deal with Las Vegas Raiders, per Schefter)
- T Matt Nelson
- CB Jeff Okudah
- OLB Bo Richter
- QB Brett Rypien
- RB Zavier Scott
- T Justin Skule
- TE Ben Sims
- S Harrison Smith
- QB Carson Wentz (re-signed with the Vikings)
- P Ryan Wright (signing a four-year, $14 million deal with New Orleans Saints, per Schefter)
Minnesota also tendered the contracts of linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. and defensive lineman Jalen Redmond.