Vikings build foundational pieces while strategically freeing cap space. Will these quiet moves fuel a bold free agency push?
The Minnesota Vikings have had a quiet offseason by way of actual deals. That said, the team has made an effort to bring in good talent for 2026.
The Vikings opened March with a three-year contract to star linebacker Eric Wilson on March 9. And while some view the deal as the bare minimum for having a strong season next year, Wilson's return means much of the team's strong run defense is intact for another three years.
The signing of Wilson set a good tone for the offseason, but some are understandably getting impatient with the lack of other roster movement. On the same day the team signed Wilson, Minnesota tendered offers to defensive lineman Jalen Redmond and linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. Outside of those moves the team has not done much to tangibly improve yet.
Outside of Wilson, the team has signed the following players: Linebacker Bo Richter, running back Zavier Scott, cornerback James Pierre, safety Tavierre Thomas and long snapper Andrew DePaola. In short, we have not seen anything that would drastically improve the team's roster so far. In addition, the team has released big names in safety Harrison Smith and defensive linemen Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave.
Minnesota Vikings linebacker Eric Wilson (55) pressures Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) as Love passes the ball on Sunday, November 23, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay. Tork Mason-USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn ImagesIt's fair to say the offseason moves the Vikings have made have been underwhelming for the most part. That said, the perceived lack of movement has been purposeful. The team has done enough to make the second week of free agency more eventful.
Minnesota has been active in restructuring contracts over the last few days. Among the players with restructured deals are tight end T.J. Hockenson, wide receiver Justin Jefferson, offensive tackle Christian Darrisaw, cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. and running back Aaron Jones Sr.
The big move came from star wide receiver Justin Jefferson, whose restructured contract created just under $17 million in cap space. The team also freed up around $8 million from Murphy, $5 million from Hockenson and around $5 million from Jones with significant cap reduction for Darrisaw for 2026 before higher cap hits next season.
Add in what the team saves from releasing Allen and Hargrave and the Vikings are now set up to make other moves this offseason.
The offseason has not been a success yet, but it has not been a failure given the difficult cap situation it faced heading into March. Minnesota will look to capitalize on its newfound cap space as free agency continues.