What You Need to Know About Vikings Busy Start to Free Agency
The Vikings lost a couple fan favorites, but still found a way to improve their roster
As it always is, the first day of NFL free agency was frenzied.
The Vikings, who entered the day with the sixth-most salary cap space in the league, were in on the action, too. A full summary of their gains and losses is at the bottom of this article.
When all was said and done, a pair of fan favorites signed elsewhere.
QB Sam Darnold inked a $100 million deal in Seattle
S Cam Bynum was signed by the Indianapolis Colts for $60 million over four years.
None of this was unexpected.
What was up in the air was the Vikings chances of retaining key pieces of their core AND their ability to attract other teams’ good players. That is up in the air no longer.
The Vikings accomplished both tasks.
With another fast and furious day about to unfold on Tuesday, here’s what you need to know from a busy Day 1 of free agency for the Vikings.
Big Improvement on the Inside
As I suggested they would do, the Vikings wasted no time improving along the line of scrimmage. They started with the offensive line, where they signed center Ryan Kelly away from the Indianapolis Colts, agreeing to a two-year, $18 million contract with the nine-year veteran.
What’s interesting about the Kelly signing is the presence of incumbent center Garrett Bradbury. While Bradbury has been decent for the Vikings, there’s no question Kelly is an upgrade. Bradbury, however, is still under contract.
It will be interesting to see if the Vikings simply demote Bradbury to backup center or if they ask him to switch positions and challenge for a starting guard spot. Even in that scenario, Bradbury would still be a premium option as a backup to Kelly, who is 31 and has some durability concerns.
The Vikings are also thought to be interested in signing a guard during free agency. Kelly’s teammate in Indianapolis, Will Fries, is the best available guard still on the market and would represent an even bigger investment in the offensive line.
On defense, the Vikings have brought in veteran free agent defensive tackle Jonathan Allen for a visit. He’s reportedly still in town, a strong indication his visit, which began earlier on Monday, is going well. Allen, a 1st-round pick of Washington’s out of Alabama in 2017, is a two-time Pro Bowler and is represented by a Minneapolis-based agency which has done dozens of deals with the Vikings in the past.
Corner(s) OFF the Market
The team’s top free agency priority, at least in terms of re-signings, was addressed late on Monday as the Vikings re-signed CB Byron Murphy, Jr. to a three-year, $66 million deal. Murphy, Jr., who led the Vikings in interceptions last season with six, was one of the top CBs available this offseason. He’s available no longer.
Also no longer available is Super Bowl champion Isaiah Rodgers. He signed with Minnesota on a two-year, $15 million deal and brings title winning swag after spending last season with the Philadelphia Eagles. Rodgers has versatility because he can play outside or nickel cornerback, and he projects to be a core special teams player, potentially as a returner but definitely on kickoff and punt coverage units.
Keeping Up with Jones
Aaron Jones had a career high in rushes and rushing yards with the Vikings last season. That along with an increased salary cap and their appreciation for his intangible traits and leadership ability led to the Vikings doing what it took to keep Jones in Minnesota.
The Vikings re-signed Jones to a two-year, $20 million deal.
Some may quip that it’s too much to pay a running back who has already turned 30. Yet others, myself included, would argue that Jones’ leadership shouldn’t be overlooked, especially in a year where last year’s starting quarterback will be gone and at least one rookie running back will be added.
Areas that Should Still be Addressed
Yes, Monday was a good, if not great, day for the Vikings. But their work is not done. Not even close.
Here are a few priorities for the Vikings heading into Day 2 of free agency.
Finish a Deal for DT Jonathan Allen
The Vikings got steady contributions from last year’s interior starters - Jonathan Bullard, Harrison Phillips and Jerry Tillery. But Bullard and Tillery are free agents and Phillips is getting long in the tooth. Plus, what that trio provides in their peak moments is what Allen can provide routinely.
Sign Colts RG Will Fries
The addition of Kelly is big-time for the Vikings’ interior offensive line. But more improvement is needed and the Vikings will get every ounce of it if they can find a way to sign Will Fries. Doing so would give the Vikings two immediate starers at center (Kelly) and right guard (Fries) and would subsequently immediately improve their depth along the interior because last year’s staters - Bradbury at center and Ed Ingram/Dalton Risner at right guard - would compete with Blake Brandel for the starting left guard position.
Find a Backup Quarterback
Darnold signed in Seattle, last year’s backup, Nick Mullens, signed in Jacksonville and late-season acquisition Daniel Jones is a free agent. That leaves the Vikings with no legitimate backup quarterback behind J.J. McCarthy. The Vikings know quite well the value of having a capable backup quarterback on the roster since that’s exactly what Darnold was signed to be. Jones would be the optimal outcome here, but that’s no sure thing at this stage.
The following quarterbacks comprise the top end of who’s available for Minnesota to acquire:
Daniel Jones
Jameis Winston
Gardner Minshew
Jacoby Brissett
Trey Lance
Summary of Vikings Day 1 Gains and Losses
Acquired or Re-Signed
CB Byron Murphy, Jr. - 3 years, $66 million
RB Aaron Jones - 2 years, $20 million
C Ryan Kelly - 2 years, $18 million
CB Isaiah Rodgers - 2 years, $15 million
S Theo Jackson - 2 years, $12.615 million
S Bubba Bolden
P Ryan Wright - 1 year, $1.75 million
Lost
QB Sam Darnold - 3 years, $100.5 million (Seattle Seahawks)
S Camryn Bynum - 4 years, $60 million (Indianapolis Colts)
Edge Pat Jones II - 2 years, $20 million (Carolina Panthers)