One week in, what would your grade be?
With the first week of NFL free agency in the books, the Minnesota Vikings turn their attention to the NFL Draft and lower on the rung free agent signings to complete the final 90-man roster.
Gordon McGuiness of Pro Football Focus took a stab at grading each team's wheelings and dealings.
Minnesota Vikings: B
CB James Pierre signs with Minnesota Vikings
2025 PFF Grade: 86.22025 PFF WAR: 0.33Contract: 2 years, $8.5 millionPFF Projected Contract: 1 year, $1.25 millionPFF Deal Grade: Average
Pierre looked really good in limited work in 2025, earning an 86.2 PFF overall grade on 408 snaps, so this is a worthwhile swing of the bat for the Vikings. It's a bigger contract than PFF was projecting, but even if all he is is a good depth player, it's a perfectly reasonable signing. The upside is that if Pierre can continue to improve, as we saw this past season, the Vikings could be getting a starting-caliber cornerback for a steal.
QB Kyler Murray signs with Minnesota Vikings
2025 PFF Grade: 72.22025 PFF WAR: 0.55Contract: 1 yearPFF Contract Projection: 1 year, $1.3 millionPFF Contract Grade: Good
After a trying 2025 season that saw Murray play just five games, he lands in an ideal landing spot with the Vikings. Murray hasn’t been as dynamic over the last three years with a 74.3 PFF passing grade, tossing 48 big-time throws compared to 43 turnover-worthy plays, but he’s still a high-ceiling starter who should push J.J. McCarthy. If Murray plays like peak form, this will look like an absolute bargain.
Adding a starting quarterback in free agency for basically free is a huge win for the Vikings, as Murray steps into the situation with a chance to secure the starting spot before becoming a free agent in 2027.
Much of the Vikings' offseason has been about clearing cap space, as the team let Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen go, along with Harrison Smith, who is still deciding whether to retire.
Aaron Jones reworked his contract to remain in Minnesota, which may indicate the Vikings' draft plans and doesn't force them to select a running back with Jones and Jordan Mason in play as the top two running backs.
The full scope of the Vikings' offseason won't be known until Minnesota hires a full-time GM and the draft class is finally revealed.
One thing is for sure, the Murray and J.J. McCarthy situation will be must-see TV all training camp. Preseason games will take on a much larger role.