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Over 20% of the Vikings’ Starters Are Gone
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- Over 20% of the Vikings’ Starters Are Gone
Kirby Lee
It's not necessarily atypical, but it's important to call out that the Minnesota Vikings have watched as one-fifth of their 2025 starters have departed via retirement and free agency.
Minnesota's offseason turnover hit the starting lineup a bit hard.
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The main faces on the coaching staff will remain the same, but from a starter personnel viewpoint, get ready to see a revised Vikings club in September .
Familiar Vikings Starters Have Moved On
In alphabetical order, these are the starters who left.
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) slips pressure and breaks outside as Minnesota Vikings defensive end Jonathan Allen (93) closes in, Dec 7, 2025, at U.S. Bank Stadium, extending the play during second-half action while Washington searched for yardage against Minnesota's front in a tightly contested game through the middle of the field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.
Jonathan Allen (DT)
Where He Went: Cincinnati Bengals
Allen lasted one year in Minnesota after signing a three-year, $51 million contract last offseason during former general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah's big spending spree . He played decently, basically at a replacement level, making the large financial commitment no longer worth a second look.
Minnesota released him right away during free agency, and he quickly landed in Cincinnati, where his new contract will alleviate most of the Vikings' 2027 salary cap burden pertaining to his contract.
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Allen was a swing-and-a-miss for the Vikings, at least per expectations.
C.J. Ham (FB)
Where He Went: His House. Retirement.
Ham came up during the Mike Zimmer era and stood the test of time. Providing support as an outstanding blocker, special teamer, and sometimes-playmaker, Vikings fans adored Ham and are sad to see him go. He was one of the locker room guys in Minnesota, a team captain through and through.
The longtime purple fullback said this week during a retirement ceremony, "There's nothing like game day at The Bank. From the beginning, I felt all the love. Just a fellow Minnesota kid living his dream of wearing the purple and gold someday. I know that resonated with many Minnesota fans, so I felt as if I was doing it for me and my family, I was also doing it for you."
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Ham called it quits alongside former teammate Adam Thielen at the ceremony, and head coach Kevin O'Connel mentioned about the duo: "Their impacts clearly on and off the field have left a tremendous impact, not only on myself as the head coach of this team, all of our players, but also your families and what you guys were able to establish in the community here in the Twin Cities and beyond."
"I know I, today, get the opportunity to not only speak for our team and our organization, but Minnesota Vikings fans everywhere, just saying, Thank you for your impact that you guys both had."
Hopefully, Ham returns to the game as a coach down the road.
Javon Hargrave (DT)
Where He Went: Green Bay Packers
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You can basically scroll up, read the paragraphs about Allen, rinse, and repeat.
The Vikings added Hargrave last offseason for $30 million over two years, and like Allen, the relationship was not parleyed into a second season. Minnesota dropped Hargrave, and a couple of days later, he did the unthinkable, signing with the Packers .
Minnesota will see him twice next year.
Ryan Kelly (C)
Where He Went: His House. Retirement.
Kelly had a bittersweet time in Minnesota, signed with Allen and Hargrave as part of 2025 free agency. When Kelly was on the field in 2025, he was fantastic, very much living up to his four-time Pro Bowl reputation.
Indianapolis Colts center Ryan Kelly (78) walks off the field after an overtime win against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Jan 5, 2025, at Lucas Oil Stadium, reflecting a hard-fought finish as Indianapolis secured a 26-23 victory and players exited following a physical divisional matchup with teammates and staff near the sideline. Mandatory Credit: Grace Hollars/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images.
But concussions ruined everything, as Kelly sustained three in one season alone. He even wore a Guardian cap down the stretch of 2025. It didn't change anything.
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Kelly retired from the NFL, and now Minnesota needs a center, either promoting Blake Brandel or Michael Jurgens, signing a free agent like Ethan Pocic, or drafting a rookie next month.
Jalen Nailor (WR)
Where He Went: Las Vegas Raiders
Nailor jelled instantly with Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy, but it wasn't enough to secure a second contract beyond his rookie deal. The Raiders pounced earlier this month, granting Nailor a deal worth $35 million over the next three years.
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jalen Nailor (83) powers through contact from Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Travon Walker (44), Nov 10, 2024, at EverBank Stadium, fighting for extra yardage during third-quarter action as Minnesota's offense looked to sustain a drive against Jacksonville's defense while maintaining balance and momentum near the sideline. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images.
The Vikings need a WR3 to replace Nailor, unless 2025 rookie Tai Felton, from Maryland , is ready for the offense's bright lights. Nailor, on the other hand, will fill a WR1 or WR2 role in Las Vegas, presumably with rookie passer Fernando Mendoza when the Raiders make the draft pick official next month.
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The Waiting Game: Harrison Smith
Smith played flag football with his peers on Saturday afternoon.
Meanwhile, he has made no concrete decision on his future, whether to retire or return for Year No. 15. It's a waiting game. One would think that if Smith planned to retire , he would've done so by now. The sipidity of "Will he or won't he?" regarding Smith continues.
While no one would be shocked by a Smith retirement tweet , the clues hint at a return.
