Story by
The Sneaky Roster Decisions for Vikings Free Agency
- Story by
- The Sneaky Roster Decisions for Vikings Free Agency
Jeffrey Becker
The Minnesota Vikings have big-ticket decisions ahead — which extra quarterback will they sign, who's making the final call for personnel decisions, will Jalen Nailor return , etc. — in free agency, but don't forget the small and sneaky stuff. Minnesota must proceed carefully next week, as there's little room for error on the roster after four years of underwhelming draft classes.
Minnesota has quiet questions at safety, linebacker, and wide receiver.
Advertisement
Here's a peek at the stealthy stuff.
The Low-Key Decisions That Could Steer Minnesota's Offseason
Interim general manager Rob Brzezinski leads his first free agency as the main guy.
Minnesota Vikings linebacker Eric Wilson (55) celebrates after making a play during the first half as the Vikings faced the Atlanta Falcons on Sep 14, 2025 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota, reacting with energy while Minnesota's defense tried to control the tempo of the early-season matchup in front of the home crowd. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.
Can Eric Wilson Be Trusted for Back-to-Back Stellar Seasons?
Wilson balled out in 2025; no one debates it. He deserves another contract from the Vikings . But Wilson is not a solution for the 2028 Vikings, as he will turn 32 in September.
Most assume that because Wilson played so damn well in 2025, he will return in 2026 — a fair way to think about it. However, Minnesota could prepare for the future at linebacker, possibly signing a big-name free agent like Devin Bush , who has ties to Brian Flores from the 2022 season in Pittsburgh , or Leo Chenal from the Kansas City Chiefs , who may be sitting on the brink of a breakout season.
Advertisement
The draft will also bring tantalizing ILB prospects, such as Sonny Styles (Ohio State), C.J. Allen (Georgia), Anthony Hill Jr. (Texas), and Jacob Rodriguez (Texas Tech).
Perhaps Minnesota will do both: re-sign Wilson and sign/draft a youngster.
Do the Vikings Proceed at Safety as if Harrison Smith Is Coming Back?
The 2026 NFL Draft is a wonderful time to need a safety. It's a deep safety draft. Meanwhile, productive safeties — even young options this year like Nick Cross — will be available on the open market next week.
Smith has not expressly retired, even if the fans had a farewell ceremony for him in January during the Week 18 win over the Detroit Lions . In fact, it actually feels likely that Smith will return for Year No. 15 and maybe play a situational role.
Advertisement
Regardless, will Minnesota operate this month and next as if Smith isn't coming back? They've never really done that before, evidenced by letting Camryn Bynum leave in free agency last year.
If so, a new safety would be a Top 3 roster need this offseason.
OLB3 Is Suddenly Important after Greenard Trade Rumors
FOX9 Jeff Wald wrote this week , "ESPN's Adam Schefter has already reported the Vikings are likely to release Aaron Jones and Javon Hargrave if they can't find a trade partner. It appears veteran edge rusher Jonathan Greenard might also be on the way out. Schefter reported Tuesday the Vikings are open to moving Greenard to shed salary, as they're more than $40 million over the salary cap going into free agency."
Advertisement
"Greenard's contract calls for a $22.3 million hit against the cap, and $19 million in cash. If the Vikings move on from Greenard, that leaves Andrew Van Ginkel and Dallas Turner as the team's options at edge rusher. Turner, who is entering his third season in Minnesota, led the defense with eight sacks last season."
Minnesota Vikings linebacker Jonathan Greenard (58) reacts after recording a sack against the Houston Texans during fourth-quarter action on Sep 22, 2024 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota, energizing teammates and the home crowd as Minnesota's pass rush sealed a strong defensive performance late in the game. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.
If one assumes that Greenard will be traded because Minnesota doesn't have the funds for a fair-market extension, it would leave these players to vie for the OLB3 job:
All undrafted free agents.
Trading Greenard would mean the Vikings would need to draft an outside linebacker sometime before the end of Round 4 in April, or sign an OLB3 from free agency, like Jadeveon Clowney or Joseph Ossai .
Advertisement
Our Ted Schwerzler wrote this week about Greenard, "As things stand, the Vikings have eight total selections. That should grow to double digits after a Greenard trade. Beyond just the draft capital, the Vikings would clear space to allocate Greenard's committed funds elsewhere."
"Aside from that, his departure opens an immediate starting path for Dallas Turner . The former first round pick had eight sacks last season despite starting just 10 games and playing only 66% of the defensive snaps."
Is Tai Felton Trustworthy as WR3?
The Vikings spent a 3rd-Round pick on Felton last April, and that's usually a draft round where players are asked to contribute as rookies. How did Minnesota manage Felton's workload? They targeted him in the offense three times. Three times.
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Tai Felton (13) runs through pregame warmups before Minnesota's matchup with the New England Patriots on Aug 16, 2025 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota, preparing alongside teammates as the Vikings offense readies for preseason action inside the home stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.
Felton became a "special teams guy." If that's what the Vikings wanted, they could've signed an undrafted free agent and called it good.
Advertisement
Still, folks must wonder if the redshirt year on offense was planned. If so, is Felton ready to be the WR3 if Jalen Nailor leaves in free agency? Or do the Vikings need to sign a veteran like Darnell Mooney or Christian Kirk ?
Felton's a wildcard and mystery this offseason.
