Vikings Quietly Have 3 of NFL’s Top Future Free Agents
Story by
Vikings Quietly Have 3 of NFL’s Top Future Free Agents
Minnesota Vikings linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel (43) returns an interception for a touchdown during a game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on Sep. 8, 2024, in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The play flipped momentum as Van Ginkel showcased instincts and burst in coverage for a key defensive score. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images.
Dustin Baker·Vikings Territory
·
4 min read
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Indeed, the NFL is winding down2026 free agency, but outlets like ESPN are already looking ahead tonext offseason. And per Matt Bowen, theMinnesota Vikingshave three of the league's best free agents to be in March 2027.
ESPN determines the three main headlining acts of the Vikings' 2027 free agency.
Minnesota's 2027 Outlook Already Includes 3 Big Decisions
Yes, it's a small peek at 2027 free agency.
Kyler Murray takes the field for his 2023 season debut, leading the Cardinals offense during action on Nov. 12, 2023, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale. The quarterback returned to game speed against Atlanta, showcasing mobility and timing as Arizona evaluated his impact following time away earlier in the season. Mandatory Credit: Rob Schumacher-Arizona Republic.
He wrote, "If Murray wins the starting job in Minnesota overJ.J. McCarthy, there is major opportunity here for him in coach Kevin O'Connell's system. With a game plan built around Murray's dual-threat ability (five seasons of 400-plus rushing yards), defined throws and play-action shots, he could cash in after his one-year deal is up."
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
If Murray performs well and/or the Vikings reach the postseason in 2026 — maybe even win a playoff game? — the club is severely unlikely to let him leave, not after what transpired withSam Darnoldout inSeattle. The franchise cannot make the same mistake twice.
Think of it this way: Murray has one big chance to become the Vikings' forever quarterback.
Andrew Van Ginkel | OLB
The Vikings extended Van Ginkel's contract about one year ago, attaching an extra $23 million to his wallet, fresh off the steam of a fantastic inaugural season in Minnesota, complete with two pick-six touchdowns.
But there's one "issue" with Van Ginkel that some don't realize: he's not young. He'll turn 31 this summer. He was a late bloomer inMiami. Bowen onVan Ginkel's 2027 free agency: "After 11.5 sacks in 2024, Van Ginkel recorded 7.5 in 12 games last season. His skill set fits best in a defense that schemes one-on-one matchups and stunts for him off the edges as an outside linebacker."
Andrew Van Ginkel scans the Tennessee backfield during second-half defensive action on Nov. 17, 2024, at Nissan Stadium in Nashville. The Vikings linebacker read developing plays and adjusted positioning as Minnesota countered the Titans' offensive looks, highlighting his awareness and role within the defensive rotation in a cross-conference matchup. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images.
If Minnesota extends Van Ginkel this summer, it would likely be a matter of adding another $25 million onto his 2027 tab, and it's unclear if the Vikings have that kind of cash lying around. If they do, that may be reserved for Van Ginkel's teammate,Jonathan Greenard, who is two years younger and also wants a fat contract extension.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
T.J. Hockenson | TE
Minnesota cut a deal with Hockenson this offseason, docking his pay just a bit for 2026 while ensuring he'll be able to test free agency in 2027. The arrangement also guaranteed that the Vikings won't get any compensatory draft picks for his possible free-agent departure, one of the downsides of a contractual rework.
Bowen on Hockenson: "A knee injury in 2024 cut Hockenson's season short, and sub-par QB play in 2025 reduced his total production. At his best, Hockenson should be viewed as a rugged, three-down tight end who can win in the middle of the field or on seams and corner routes. He had a career-best 95 receptions in 2023."
O'Connell used Hockenson as a blocking tight end in 2025, mainly because offensive line injuries ruined everything. At his price point, Minnesota must use Hockenson heavily in the 2026 passing game. Otherwise, his chunky contract just isn't worth the squeeze.
T.J. Hockenson sets at the line before the snap during second-half action on Nov. 30, 2025, at Lumen Field in Seattle. The Vikings tight end aligned within the formation as Minnesota prepared its next play, emphasizing timing and spacing against a Seahawks defense focused on limiting short and intermediate passing lanes. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images.
Some Vikings enthusiasts — and this website — would love to see O'Connell pull Oregon tight endKenyon Sadiqout of Round 1 of April's draft.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
The Rest — Not Mentioned by ESPN
Oh, did you think we were done? We're not done with 2027 Vikings free agency. ESPN merely called out its version of Minnesota's top three free agents on tap to test the open market.
The larger list is ginormous. In addition to Murray, Van Ginkel, and Hockenson, these men are on deck for free agency as well:
You'll probably see factoids about the Vikings' holding impressivecap spacenext offseason. That's fine and dandy, but the reality is that most of the starting lineup on offense and defense has a scheduled inflection point.
It's worth noting that men like Cashman, O'Neill, Redmond, Rodgers, and Ward could lock down contract extensions as early as this summer. Bowen noted on that process, "It's important to remember that most top players primed for free agency in 2027 will sign contract extensions long before we reach next March. Players can also be franchise-tagged. But for now, let's size up the potential of the 2027 class with the best players who are at least currently slated to hit the open market."
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
"Age, positional value, expected future production and scheme versatility are all factors in making the list. We also included three players who received franchise tags this season and some 2023 first-round picks who are eligible for a fifth-year option in 2027."
The Vikings are expected to win eight or nine games next season, according to sportsbooks.
