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Cole Smith
Feb 24, 2026
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With 18 free agents set to hit the market, the Vikings must balance continuity and change. Here’s who should return — and who should move on.

We're a little over three weeks away from the start of the new league year. That means the start of free agency and the first major step in roster building this offseason.

Much of the attention is paid towards team additions, but what about players who will be leaving?

The Minnesota Vikings currently have 18 scheduled free agents in March. Who should they keep, and who should be allowed to test the free agent waters?

Deciding Who Stays: Evaluating the Vikings’ 2026 Free Agents

LB Eric Wilson: The Vikings didn't expect Wilson to be a main contributor when they signed him last year, but the veteran linebacker was one of the defense's most impactful players. He started 16 games, generating a team-high 52 stops. Verdict: Re-sign

WR Jalen Nailor: It was a frustrating season for Nailor. His stats were modest (29 receptions, 444 yards, 4 touchdowns), but he was consistently open, becoming a victim of poor quarterback play. The Vikings could be open to re-signing him if they aren't confident in Jordan Addison's future with the team. Verdict: Re-sign

CB Jeff Okudah: The former third-overall pick only played in six games in 2025, continuing the history of injuries that have plagued his career. The Vikings can get younger and healthier here, providing better depth at a position of need. Verdict: Don't re-sign

OT Justin Skule: Minnesota signed Skule, hoping he could fill in at left tackle if Christian Darrisaw were to miss the beginning of the season. Darrisaw missed the first two games, then was in and out of the lineup all year. Skule started nine games and took offensive snaps in 12 total. He posted a 65.7 PFF grade, but the drop-off from Darrisaw was evident. Verdict: Don't re-sign

RB Ty Chandler: It's been a frustrating four seasons for Chandler, who never seemed to gain the coaching staff's trust. Minnesota needs to get younger and cheaper at running back. Verdict: Don't re-sign

LB Ivan Pace, Jr (restricted free agent): Pace lost his starting job to Wilson midway through the 2025 season. His return could depend on whether the Vikings bring Wilson back. Or, Minnesota could opt for a cheaper and more scheme-aligned option altogether. Verdict: Don't re-sign

DL Jalen Redmond (exclusive rights free agent): Outside of Wilson, it's hard to find anyone on the Vikings' roster who outperformed expectations as Redmond did. His 72.7 PFF grade ranked third among regular defensive contributors and was one of the most consistent players on the team. Verdict: Re-sign

P Ryan Wright: It took a few seasons, but Wright finally brought the consistency the Vikings had been seeking in 2025. He was the lone specialist who didn't make either All-Pro team, but Minnesota could find value in keeping its kicking operation intact. Verdict: Re-sign

LS Andrew DePaola: Minnesota's 38-year-old long snapper goes mostly unnoticed during games, which is a good thing. He was named All-Pro for the fourth straight season, earning second-team honors in 2025. Verdict: Re-sign

QB Carson Wentz: There is an argument that the Vikings' offense was at its best in Wentz's five games. But he's coming off season-ending shoulder surgery, and brings a volatility the team likely doesn't want in a veteran option. Wentz feels like a last resort at quarterback if he comes back. Verdict: Don't re-sign

Everyone Else

S Tavierre Thomas: Re-sign

CB Fabian Moreau: Re-sign

OT Matt Nelson: Don't re-sign

QB Brett Rypien: Don't re-sign

QB John Wolford: Don't re-sign

TE Ben Sims (restricted free agent): Re-sign

EDGE Bo Ricther (exclusive rights free agent): Re-sign

RB Zavier Scott (exclusive rights free agent): Re-sign

With several depth pieces worth retaining and a few veterans best replaced, Minnesota's biggest roster gains this March may come from smart subtraction as much as splash additions.