Vikings Face Crucial Offseason Decisions: Free Agents, Extensions, and Big Names in Focus
The Minnesota Vikings are gearing up for a pivotal offseason filled with big decisions, including navigating free agency, drafting strategies, and managing their cap space. By the time the new league year begins on March 12 at 3 p.m. CT, many of these critical moves may already be finalized.
The Vikings have already secured head coach Kevin O’Connell with a yet-to-be-disclosed extension, and reports suggest general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah is next in line for a new deal. Once that’s out of the way, all eyes will shift to shaping the Vikings’ 2025 roster.
Free Agency Dilemmas: Who Stays and Who Goes?
Nearly half the roster from the Vikings’ impressive 14-3 season in 2024 is heading to free agency, and these aren’t benchwarmers. The list includes key contributors like Harrison Smith, Byron Murphy Jr., Sam Darnold, and Stephon Gilmore.
Key Pending Free Agents:
- Sam Darnold (QB): 1,110 snaps
- Harrison Smith (S): 1,011 snaps
- Byron Murphy Jr. (CB): 1,060 snaps
- Camryn Bynum (S): 1,032 snaps
- Stephon Gilmore (CB): 864 snaps
- Aaron Jones (RB): 700 snaps
These players were integral to the Vikings’ success, and deciding who stays will play a major role in the team’s future.
Spotlight on Andrew Van Ginkel and Jonathan Greenard
Two standout defenders, Andrew Van Ginkel and Jonathan Greenard, are also in focus, though their situations differ.
- Andrew Van Ginkel:
Van Ginkel, 29, is entering the final year of a two-year deal that has a team-friendly out. Cutting him before the league year starts would save the Vikings $6 million, though it would still leave $6.6 million in dead cap. 2024 Stats:- 79 tackles
- 11.5 sacks
- 19 QB hits
- 18 TFL
- 2 interceptions (2 TDs)
- Jonathan Greenard:
Greenard, 27, signed a cap-friendly deal last year, and cutting him isn’t an option due to a $32.2 million dead cap penalty in 2025. However, restructuring his deal with a longer term and bonus incentives could be beneficial for both parties. 2024 Stats:- 59 tackles
- 12 sacks
- 22 QB hits
- 18 TFL
- 4 forced fumbles
Signs Point to Long-Term Deals
Despite contract questions, it seems both Van Ginkel and Greenard are here to stay. Over the weekend, Van Ginkel was spotted at a Minnesota Timberwolves game, while Greenard shared photos of his new house under construction in Minnesota, proudly sporting a Minnesota Wild jersey.
An extension for Greenard would allow the Vikings to manage his cap hit, while Van Ginkel will likely seek to turn his two-year “prove-it” deal into a longer-term contract. Both moves would help the Vikings solidify their defense for the long haul.
Looking Ahead
As the offseason unfolds, the Vikings have plenty of work to do to maintain the momentum of their 14-win season. The question remains: can they retain their key players, navigate the cap, and stay competitive in the NFC North? The decisions made in the coming weeks will shape the team’s 2025 outlook.
