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Are the Vikings Quietly Pocketing Their Cap Space?
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- Are the Vikings Quietly Pocketing Their Cap Space?
Jeffrey Becker
The Minnesota Vikings had a mountain to climb before the start of the new league year earlier this week. After an offseason of lavish spending, Rob Brzezinski needed to clear nearly $50 million in cap space, and that led to some tough decisions.
Obviously, the Vikings cap czar got the job done, but there's been very little movement since. The Kyler Murray splash is exciting , but the bill is just $1.3 million. James Pierre was the only other free agent Minnesota has brought in, and they sit in the doldrums when it comes to spending money for 2026.
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Minnesota's Quiet Free-Agency Approach Raises a Bigger Question
It's not as though Minnesota is flush with cap space. At this point, Spotrac has them sitting with just over $13 million in current room. They could further increase that spending power, and they are still engaged in discussions to trade for Jonathan Greenard . Moving him would open up a sizable chunk, but also immediately lean into Dallas Turner 's readiness to start.
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (1) reaches to make a touchdown catch ahead of Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback James Pierre (42) in the second quarter of the NFL Week 3 game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh on Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021. The Bengals led 14-7 at halftime.
Ultimately, though, things have gotten too quiet at the TCO Performance Center. Pierre and Murray are nice, but they clearly aren't enough. The Vikings said goodbye to both of their starting interior defensive lineman. They could use another linebacker; they need a center, a punter, and a safety, all while depth on the roster is virtually non-existent.
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It's worth noting that Kevin O'Connell and company have nine draft picks to work with. They didn't utilize those well while Kwesi Adofo-Mensah was in charge, but there's an opportunity for impact. Four of the picks fall within the first 100 selections. Each of those could be a day-one starter.
We saw last year that spending significantly doesn't guarantee anything. Adofo-Mensah went that route, and the team finished just 9-8 while missing the playoffs. The Wilfs probably would like to recoup some of their losses from that spree a year ago, but they need to continue doing right by the current state of this roster.
Oct 13, 2025; Eagan, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell speaks with reporters while addressing team injuries and post-bye week plans during a media availability at team headquarters. O'Connell outlined recovery timelines for several key players and emphasized preparation for the upcoming stretch of games following the break. Mandatory Credit: YouTube.
The Vikings had to pivot at quarterback because they are constructed to win now. Justin Jefferson wasted a year watching poor quarterback play cost him an opportunity last year. It's beyond believable that adding Murray fills a substantial gap, but he can't be where things end.
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This roster has the firepower to make things work in the NFC North. A competent quarterback is always scary in the playoffs. None of it will matter if there aren't more free agent acquisitions coming, and the Vikings have really waited for the market to shake out.
