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The Vikings’ Weakest Roster Spots before Free Agency
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- The Vikings’ Weakest Roster Spots before Free Agency
Jeffrey Becker
Every offseason, the Minnesota Vikings ' roster needs attention — like every NFL team — but this year is especially crucial because the team's head coach may have to reach the postseason in 2026 for complete job security . Accordingly, these are the roster spots that Minnesota must address in free agency next week or the draft in April.
From linebacker to quarterback, Minnesota has clear pressure points to address next week.
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Minnesota must do all of this on a condensed budget . Last year's vast piggybank is no more.
The 4 Position Groups Demanding Minnesota's Attention
The key roster areas of focus ahead of free agency, ranked in ascending order (No. 1 = weakest spot).
Minnesota Vikings running back Jordan Mason (27) reacts following a defensive sequence during the first half as the Vikings faced the Cincinnati Bengals on Sep 21, 2025 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with the crowd roaring during a tightly contested early-season matchup between the NFC North club and its AFC opponent. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.
Running Back
The RB Group:
RB1: Jordan Mason
RB2: Zavier Scott
(ERFA)
Aaron Jones is gone (or will be formally gone on Wednesday), leaving an RB1 opening that Mason will feel for an undetermined period. The Vikings could turn around and sign a free agent like Travis Etienne , draft a rookie like Washington 's Jonah Coleman , finagle a bombshell trade for De'Von Achane (just an example), or roll with Mason.
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The team could also pursue a combination of these options — like promoting Mason, signing halfback Kenneth Gainwell , and drafting someone like Penn State's Nick Singleton .
No matter how you decide it, however, the Vikings' RB group is unusually small right now.
Off-Ball Linebacker
The LB Group:
ILB1: Blake Cashman
ILB2: Jacob Roberts
ILB3: Josh Ross
This is actually comical — the lack of ILB depth entering the offseason. Eric Wilson and Ivan Pace Jr. are free agents. Most expect Wilson to return, while the verdict is out on Pace Jr., who suddenly couldn't tackle worth a damn in 2025.
The simplest way to ensure the ILB room doesn't become problematic is to re-sign Wilson for a year or two. Wilson's impressive performance has earned him a prominent role in the Vikings' defense last season, even supplanting Pace Jr. in the starting lineup.
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At 31, Wilson's resurgence can likely be attributed to Brian Flores' effective defensive scheme, and Flores deserves credit for maximizing Wilson's potential. Regardless of the reason, Wilson's weekly contributions were undeniable. Re-signing Wilson should be a priority next week.
Among all off-ball linebackers, Wilson ranked first in sacks and quarterback pressures, second in forced fumbles, 13th in defensive stops, and 32nd in tackles — a sweet and unforeseen achievement. He was initially viewed as a backup and a nostalgic reunion, recalling his first stint in Minnesota eight years earlier. Since then, Wilson has evolved into a highly productive player. The guy was a machine in 2025.
Minnesota could also sign a young linebacker from free agency, like Kansas City Chiefs defender Leo Chenal , who will be affordable and might just need playing time to fully break out. The draft also contains non-Round-1 gems like Texas Tech's Jacob Rodriguez.
Cornerback
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The CB Group:
CB1: Byron Murphy Jr.
CB2: Isaiah Rodgers
CB3: Dwight McGlothern
CB4: Zemaiah Vaughn
Entering the 2025 season, the Minnesota cornerback situation appeared precarious, yet the unit somehow navigated the regular season without significant setbacks. Byron Murphy Jr. and Isaiah Rodgers played every game, a stroke of luck considering the team's limited depth.
Minnesota Vikings cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. (7) lines up on defense as the Vikings take on the Los Angeles Rams during an NFC Wild Card playoff game on Jan 13, 2025 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, with Minnesota's secondary tasked with containing the Rams' passing attack in the postseason matchup. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.
Consequently, the Vikings will likely seek to bolster their cornerback depth in 2026. The organization has long aimed to acquire a promising young defensive back through the draft. Minnesota's last homegrown cornerback duo they felt confident in was Trae Waynes and Mackensie Alexander , drafted nearly a decade ago.
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Since then, successive Vikings general managers have repeatedly targeted the position in the draft, with no success. After eight failed CB draft attempts since 2016, the hope is that future selections will yield better results.
Affordable options in free agency might include Asante Samuel Jr. ( Pittsburgh Steelers ), Montaric Brown ( Jacksonville Jaguars ), or Cor'Dale Flott ( New York Giants ).
Quarterback
The QB Group:
QB1: J.J. McCarthy
QB2: Max Brosmer
Kevin O'Connell's own words prove the Vikings will add another quarterback, either in free agency next week or soon after, a move that could spark a training camp battle for the starting role or simply provide experienced depth. Kyler Murray is currently considered the frontrunner.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy jogs onto the field during pregame warmups ahead of Minnesota's matchup with the Atlanta Falcons on Sep 14, 2025, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota, preparing for kickoff as the young quarterback settles into his routine amid early-season expectations for the Vikings offense. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images.
While McCarthy will likely remain on the roster through 2026, his hold on the starting position has loosened, and the assumption of an automatic start has faded.
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McCarthy's participation in only about 30% of the Vikings' games since 2024 is a concern. The injuries are worrisome. In his first season as the starter, he played well in approximately five games, missed seven due to injury, and performed poorly in the remaining five.
This quarterback decision is the number-one-with-a-bullet topic this offseason.
