Don't look now, but NFL free agency is less than nine weeks away, and the Minnesota Vikings will encounter a different situation this year than last. In 2024, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah had mucho dinero to spend on available veterans. This time, he must cut players or restructure contracts to sign anybody at all, with his team starting the offseason about $30-40 million in the red. Adofo-Mensah also has over 20 internal free agents to consider.
Minnesota's upcoming free-agent class spans offense, defense, and special teams — to the tune of about 20 players.
Roster turnover is common in the NFL, and 20+ free agents is not abnormal. Here's a look at who may depart the Vikings in the next two months.
It's time to dive into 2026 free agency.
Minnesota Vikings fullback C.J. Ham lines up during a road matchup at Lambeau Field, with the action taking place on Nov. 23, 2025, in Green Bay. Ham handles blocking duties and situational snaps as Minnesota battles the Packers in a physical NFC North contest under cold-weather conditions. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Vikings' Free Agents on Offense
With no further ado, these are the Vikings' offensive free agents in 2026:
Ty Chandler (RB)
C.J. Ham (FB)
Matt Nelson (LT)
Rondale Moore (WR)
Jalen Nailor (WR)
Brett Rypien (QB)
Zavier Scott (WR)
Ben Sims (TE)
Justin Skule (LT)
Carson Wentz (QB)
John Wolford (QB)
There are two important names in this section: Ham and Nailor. Ham seemed like a man bent on retirement last weekend. He could've reached the end of the road in 2025 based on the ceremony-style vibe of the Week 18 game. If Ham calls it quits, fans would wonder whether the Vikings would find another fullback or scrap the position altogether, as much of the league has done over the last five years.
Nailor, too, is intriguing because he flashed in spots throughout four seasons in Minnesota. He ended the 2025 campaign with 444 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns, which is modest for a WR3, but some are convinced that he's the real deal. Minnesota drafted Maryland wide receiver Tai Felton in last year's draft, an apparent tip of the cap to Nailor's 2026 exit from the franchise. But then Felton barely played on offense as a rookie.
SI.com 's Will Ragatz noted on Nailor this week, "The Vikings' other most notable free agent is probably Nailor, who had a strong season in a contract year. The former sixth-round pick caught 29 passes for 444 yards and 4 touchdowns as the Vikings' No. 3 receiver."
"If Minnesota believes Tai Felton or others are capable of taking on bigger roles, they could be willing to let Nailor leave and get a decent contract elsewhere."
Skule will be monitored for one reason: if he leaves in free agency, Minnesota will need a backup left tackle, as Christian Darrisaw 's ACL recovery has not gone well in the last 14 months.
On the Defensive Side
As for the defense, these men are scheduled to hit the open market:
Fabian Moreau (CB)
Jeff Okudah (CB)
Ivan Pace Jr. (LB)
Jalen Redmond (IDL)
Bo Richter (EDGE)
Harrison Smith (S)
Taki Taimani (DT)
Tavierre Thomas (CB)
Eric Wilson (LB)
For free agency practicality, there are two big names here: Redmond and Wilson.
Redmond has molded himself into a Top 10 defensive tackle in the NFL, against all odds, as the Vikings found him from the UFL. He was the Vikings' best defensive player in 2025; few dispute it. Minnesota is virtually guaranteed to re-sign Redmond, probably in the neighborhood of $12-15 million per year.
Wilson, too, played like a madman, forcing defensive coordinator Brian Flores to bench Pace Jr. — also a free agent. Pace Jr. may not be back — he probably thinks he can start elsewhere — but the Vikings will likely give Wilson, 31, another contract, especially if Flores returns .
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs pulls away on a long touchdown run as Minnesota defensive tackle Jalen Redmond gives chase, with the play unfolding on Dec. 29, 2024, at U.S. Bank Stadium. The third-quarter burst showcased Jacobs' acceleration while Minnesota scrambled defensively during a pivotal NFC North sequence. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
On Smith, his question is whether to retire or return for one more ride. All signs point to retirement. It's also worth noting that Moreau played really well as the CB3 down the stretch of 2025. He can be re-signed for cheap and perhaps fill a CB4 role in 2026.
How about Special Teams?
The special teams list is small, per usual:
Andrew DePaola (LS)
Ryan Wright (P)
DePaolo will turn 39 this summer. He has to decide if he wants to keep playing. Minnesota will gladly have him back; he's the best long snapper in football.
Minnesota Vikings kicker Will Reichard is congratulated by punter Ryan Wright following a successful point-after attempt, with the moment occurring on Oct. 5, 2025, at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. The exchange came early in the NFL International Series matchup as Minnesota opened scoring duties against Cleveland. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Wright punted well enough and helped stabilize the kicking game as a holder. He's nearly a lock to return.
Current Roster Needs
And with free agency 62 days away, these are the Vikings' roster needs , of which the order is up for interpretation:
Cornerback (probably two)
Safety
Inside Linebacker (maybe two)
Center
Young Running Back
A Young Defensive Tackle?
And, of course, if the beholder is not sold on J.J. McCarthy , Minnesota might need a quarterback.
