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5 Free Agents Who Could Transform the Vikings
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- 5 Free Agents Who Could Transform the Vikings
Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
The Minnesota Vikings do not have much spending money for free agency in 2026. Last year at this time, the club had about $70 million to use on external newcomers. This go-round, interim general manager Rob Brzezinski must eliminate about negative $40 million in order to sign anybody at all. But if one assumes that Brzezinski pulls off his usual cap magic, the following list is a "shoot for the stars" collection of free agents.
If the Vikings want real change, it starts with adding at least one true difference-maker — if they can afford it.
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Of course, the Vikings won't sign all these players, but one or two might do the trick.
Five Potential Additions With Franchise-Shifting Impact
Ranked in ascending order (No. 1 = most tantalizing), these five men could transform the Vikings in 2026 and beyond.
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) celebrates with teammate Kamren Curl (3) after a scoring play during a postseason matchup, reacting with energy as the offense capitalized in a high-stakes contest. On Jan 13, 2025, Stafford helped lead the Rams against the Minnesota Vikings at State Farm Stadium during the NFC Wild Card round with momentum swinging throughout the night. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.
5. Kamren Curl | S
Curl would bring a wealth of experience and durability to the field, having played in 93 NFL games with 86 starts. Over his career, he has recorded 586 total tackles, 28 passes defended, 18 tackles for loss, 14 quarterback hits, eight sacks, and five interceptions, demonstrating his range, physicality, and prowess playing near the line of scrimmage.
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Drafted by Washington in the 7th Round of the 2020 draft — just two days after Minnesota selected Justin Jefferson — Curl spent four seasons in D.C. on his rookie contract before signing with the Rams in the 2024 offseason. Since joining Los Angeles , he has started 33 games for Sean McVay's defense .
At 6-foot-2 and 200 pounds, Curl embodies the modern hybrid safety. Heading into 2026, Pro Football Focus ranks him as the 16th-best safety in the league, highlighting his consistent tackling as a key strength. His command in space and forceful closing ability make him a valuable asset in any defensive scheme.
His PFF marks since 2020:
2025: 77.8
2024: 67.3
2023: 65.9
2022: 82.9
2021: 69.4
2020: 68.4
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Estimated Price per Year: $12M
4. Tariq Woolen | CB
Woolen is huge — 6'4″ and 210 pounds. Let's get that out there. Over the years with the New England Patriots , Miami Dolphins , and now the Vikings, Brian Flores has generally preferred at least one big, physical corner in his lineup. That has oddly eluded him in Minnesota. Woolen could do the trick.
The PFF skinny:
2025: 61.2
2024: 67.9
2023: 67.1
2022: 71.6
And passer-rating-against:
2025: 75.5
2024: 76.9
2023: 79.8
2022: 48.7
Fresh off a Super Bowl dub, Woolen's stock is high, and he would mesh well in Minnesota — if it finds the money.
Estimated Price per Year: $10M
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3. Breece Hall | RB
When evaluating running backs, durability is paramount, and Hall has consistently demonstrated his. Outside of an injury in his career, he has been remarkably reliable, and his performance accompanies the availability.
The stats showcase his production: 681 yards and five touchdowns in 2022, 1,585 yards and nine touchdowns in 2023, 1,359 yards and eight touchdowns in 2024, and 1,415 yards with five touchdowns in 2025. Moreover, he boasts a career average of 4.5 yards per carry.
Acquiring Hall would likely be a popular move for Minnesota, as the Vikings are aware of his potential impact. However, his salary poses a challenge, as the team has already committed over $20 million to Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason , representing a significant investment in the running back position.
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In 2025, Minnesota's rushing attack was adequate but lacked dominance. Even with inconsistent quarterback play, Kevin O'Connell frequently relied on the passing game, and the running game rarely dictated defensive strategies.
While the draft offers a path to long-term development, Hall provides immediate, proven production. O'Connell could put his foot down and sign Hall. Call it good. O'Connell's new offensive line and run game coordinator, Keith Carter , coached Hall in New York.
Estimated Price per Year: $11M
2. Malik Willis | QB
Here's the deal: Willis is an intriguing option because of his potential. Unlike other free-agent quarterbacks, he could develop into a long-term starter. While veterans like Jimmy Garoppolo are viewed as temporary solutions, Willis could anchor a team for the next decade.
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Much of the excitement surrounding him stems from his markedly impressive efficiency in 2025. Among quarterbacks with at least 55 dropbacks, he ranked first in EPA+CPOE by a huge margin. However, that was based on a small sample of only 58 dropbacks, raising questions about his ability to sustain that level of performance.
Tennessee Titans quarterback Malik Willis (7) moves through pregame routines while preparing mentally and physically for the upcoming matchup, loosening up on the field as teammates complete warmups nearby. On Oct 29, 2023, Willis readied himself at Nissan Stadium before Tennessee faced the Atlanta Falcons during a regular-season contest featuring multiple young offensive contributors. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports.
Nevertheless, recent success stories like Sam Darnold and Baker Mayfield demonstrate that quarterbacks can revitalize their careers, making a gamble on Willis seem less risky. Furthermore, acquiring him as a free agent would not require surrendering valuable draft picks via trade.
The Vikings' offensive scheme demands a quarterback who can make rapid decisions and execute a high volume of throws. While Willis has shown flashes of brilliance, whether he can consistently handle 400+ pass attempts per season remains uncertain. Can he evolve into a pass-first quarterback who utilizes his mobility as a secondary weapon? That's the mystery.
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Projected to command an annual salary of $20-25 million, the Vikings must determine whether Willis is worth it and if they can box out teams like the Miami Dolphins and Arizona Cardinals , who may seek his services.
Estimated Price per Year: $25M
1. Tyler Linderbaum | C
Given Ryan Kelly 's recent concussions , his future as the Vikings' center is uncertain. Should he retire, Minnesota would likely consider internal options, such as Blake Brandel or Michael Jurgens , while also exploring the free agent market for a long-term solution.
Baltimore Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum (64) prepares for action during pregame warmups, focusing on technique drills and movement work ahead of a divisional matchup. On Oct 6, 2024, Linderbaum went through preparations at Paycor Stadium before Baltimore's meeting with the Cincinnati Bengals, continuing his role as a key interior presence along one of the league's more physical offensive lines. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images.
The elite acquisition would be Linderbaum. PFF ranks him as the fifth-best center in the NFL, and a player of his caliber would likely command around $20 million annually.
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Baltimore 's potential difficulty in affording that contract could create an opportunity for other teams to pursue him. The guy's early career has Hall of Fame written all over it.
Estimated Price per Year: $20M
