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The 4 Biggest Losers of 2026 Vikings Free Agency
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- The 4 Biggest Losers of 2026 Vikings Free Agency
Matt Krohn
Most of the splashy happenings from Minnesota Vikings ' 2026 free agency — there weren't many, other than Kyler Murray's arrival — are over. The club can still sign depth free-agent pieces, but the firestorm of free-agent movement is done. So, let's look at the "losers" from the process.
Minnesota's roster shuffle came with collateral damage.
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The criteria? Players most affected — not in a good way — by new arrivals and the front office's decision-making . The players on this list are in ascending order (No. 1 = biggest "loser").
Some Vikings Now Face Steeper Climbing This Summer
Who do you consider the biggest loser?
Minnesota Vikings cornerback Dwight McGlothern (29) aligns across from receivers and scans the formation against the Los Angeles Rams, Jan 13, 2025, at State Farm Stadium in an NFC Wild Card matchup, bringing physical coverage and awareness as Minnesota's secondary handled a high-pressure postseason test under bright lights. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.
4. Dwight McGlothern (CB)
McGlothern may not have been the smoking-gun candidate to earn Minnesota's CB3 job in 2026, and the signing of veteran defensive back James Pierre made sure of that.
Minnesota found McGlothern via undrafted free agency in 2024, and since then, many fans have held high hopes for a breakout performance because of his tremendous size and production at LSU and Arkansas. So far, it's just not meant to be, as he's banked just 50 defensive snaps in two seasons.
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McGlothern still profiles as a practice squad candidate in 2026 and could even make the active roster, but with the Vikings likely to draft a cornerback or two in April, his outlook is shaky. He probably needed to contribute more in 2024 and 2025 to have a puncher's chance at the CB3 or CB4 post this autumn.
3. Will Reichard (K)
Reichard's fine; no need to worry. He is not a real "loser." Still, he lost his holder at the start of free agency when the New Orleans Saints stole punter Ryan Wright , handing the specialist a contract worth $14 million over the next four years.
In return, the Vikings signed six-time All-Pro punter Johnny Hekker this week, whom Minnesota hopes will turn back the clock to his glory days of a decade ago. Hekker was an average punter last season.
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The 36-year-old also holds extra points and field goals. Reichard will need a competent holder to continue his All-Pro career. If it's not Hekker, look for Minnesota to find a rookie punter late in the draft or from undrafted free agency.
2. Max Brosmer (QB)
Minnesota rarely carries four quarterbacks on its regular-season roster, sometimes keeping only two, suggesting a roster reduction is coming. Brosmer was already likely headed for the practice squad or outright release, but Carson Wentz 's re-arrival earlier in the week brought a significantly narrower path for Brosmer to potentially secure the QB3 role.
Minnesota quarterback Max Brosmer (QB01) goes through drills and throws during on-field workouts at the NFL Combine, Mar 1, 2025, at Lucas Oil Stadium, showcasing mechanics and arm talent as evaluators monitored prospects ahead of the draft in a structured, high-visibility environment. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.
Brosmer's prospects have now shifted dramatically. Once an intriguing undrafted free agent—with some even drawing loose comparisons to Brock Purdy — he is now likely destined for the practice squad or outright release. The momentum simply isn't there.
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With the recent additions and re-signings, the quarterback depth chart now includes Murray, J.J. McCarthy , Wentz, and Brosmer, leaving little room for surprises when final cuts are made. It was a tough week for Brosmer.
Our Janik Eckardt on Brosmer's hellish week : "Sure, he hasn't particularly earned more reps or trust, but it's important to note that he didn't enter the league with high expectations. A developmental undrafted quarterback needs time to grow as a player to become a reliable backup down the line."
"Completely writing him off after 71 passes is not entirely fair, given his draft status. However, the NFL isn't fair and if a player can't get it done, he'll be replaced, regardless of whether he was supposed to be ready or not. The good news is that Brosmer's career isn't over with a stint on the practice squad."
1. J.J. McCarthy (QB)
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McCarthy has encountered an extremely wicked, shockingly evil, and vile offseason. There's no way around it.
The Vikings don't have to trade McCarthy — at 23, he has time to develop — but recent developments cast doubt on the team's long-term commitment to him. If the Vikings were fully behind McCarthy, their quarterback situation would likely look different, especially with Murray now expected to be QB1.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) breaks the pocket and scrambles upfield during second-quarter action, Aug 10, 2024, at U.S. Bank Stadium, displaying mobility and decision-making in a preseason matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders as he extended the play under pressure. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports.
Some speculate that McCarthy was general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah's preferred pick, while head coach Kevin O'Connell favored alternatives like Sam Darnold , Daniel Jones , Aaron Rodgers , or Drake Maye . If that's the case, Minnesota might move on from McCarthy sooner than anticipated, potentially trading him to a team such as the Arizona Cardinals or Pittsburgh Steelers for a mid-round pick.
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This offseason, Minnesota replaced the executive who drafted McCarthy, acquired Murray, and re-signed Wentz , presumably as a QB2 contender. None of these moves suggests a promising future for McCarthy with the team.
The last couple of months have been a nightmare for McCarthy's long-term outlook.
