Minnesota Vikings have major potential to earn compensatory picks this offseason with multiple top free agents
It's never too early to start planning for next season. The Minnesota Vikings are entering a pivotal offseason in 2025. They have a whopping $75 million in salary cap space with needs at crucial positions in cornerback, defensive tackle and running back. They will have a significant amount of money to spend on whoever they […]
It's never too early to start planning for next season.
The Minnesota Vikings are entering a pivotal offseason in 2025. They have a whopping $75 million in salary cap space with needs at crucial positions in cornerback, defensive tackle and running back.
They will have a significant amount of money to spend on whoever they want to bring in. At the same time, there are multiple players the Vikings could use their money on, including cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. ESPN's Matt Bowen and Jeremy Fowler ranked their top 25 projected free agents for the upcoming offseason and the Vikings had three players make the list.
8. QB Sam Darnold
Why he could get paid: Darnold has completed 68.6% of his throws, and his 17 touchdown passes are tied for fourth in the league. His decision-making can still be questioned here, and he has thrown at least one interception in seven of nine games played this season. But with his arm strength and mobility, Darnold will have options on the market if he can produce over the second half of the season. — Bowen
What we're hearing: Minnesota coach Kevin O'Connell has deemed injured rookie J.J. McCarthy (knee) the franchise's quarterback of the future, which seemingly sets the stage for Darnold to sign elsewhere. But Darnold and Minnesota are 7-2 together, so entertaining a bridge deal while the team continues to develop McCarthy behind the scenes shouldn't be completely off the table. Darnold's decision-making on the field down the stretch will determine a lot about his future. — Fowler
It's an interesting discussion with Darnold. It's still a higher than zero percent chance that the Vikings choose to bring Darnold back next season, especially since they are 7-2 and have a real chance to make a run at the Super Bowl.
It's worth noting that an extension is unlikely at this point, but there are still eight games left plus any the Vikings would have in the playoffs.
16. S Camryn Bynum
Why he could get paid: An ascending player with centerfield range, Bynum has seen his value rise in Brian Flores' defensive system in Minnesota. Over the past two seasons, he has 188 tackles, 5 interceptions and 10 pass breakups. He's an interchangeable safety who can function and produce in multiple systems. — Bowen
What we're hearing: Minnesota has made efforts to extend Bynum, who is a natural successor to Harrison Smith as the Vikings' leader in the secondary. Smith turns 36 in February. Five safeties make at least $16 million per year, and Bynum, whose value is rising after three interceptions and eight passes defensed this season, will look to become the sixth. The Vikings believe they are in a good place with him as far as a long-term working relationship. — Fowler
The fact that this deal hasn't been done is a bit concerning. Bynum's performance this season has earned him a significant amount of money. In September, I predicted that Bynum would get a three-year, $36 million extension with $20.5 million guaranteed.
With what Fowler is saying, that price has gone up and that shouldn't be a surprise. The real question is whether they want to pay that price. A good working relationship is a great sign for the Vikings, but we don't know whether or not they want to pay that kind of price.
25. LT Cam Robinson
Why he could get paid: At 6-foot-6 and 335 pounds, Robinson has the ideal size, length and traits for the tackle position. Technical lapses have prevented him from playing at a consistent level, and his 84.0% pass block win rate is below average. But with the ability to engulf rushers at the point of attack and the foot speed to redirect, Robinson has the tools to improve his value in Minnesota. — Bowen
What we're hearing: Robinson's stint in Minnesota seems like an audition for the rest of the league. Christian Darrisaw — once healthy again after tearing an ACL this season — will be the Vikings' starting left tackle in 2025. The Vikings traded a midround pick to Jacksonville for Robinson because they believe he can help sustain the offense while Darrisaw is out. And if Robinson does so over the next two months, it will enhance his free agency value. — Fowler
This is where the Vikings could end up with a really nice compensatory pick if they were to not bring back Robinson, which seems unlikely. The only way they would bring him back is if one or two things happen: Darrisaw's recovery timeline is worse than anticipated or they convince him to play guard.
With a good finish to the season, Robinson could fetch upward of $20-25 million on the free agent market, a number that could net the Vikings a third-round compensatory pick in 2026, which would be upward of 30 picks higher than what the Vikings gave up to acquire Robinson.
It's worth noting as well that Aaron Jones nearly missed the cut and they didn't mention Murphy. Now, there are some intriguing names that the Vikings could end up targeting this March.
- 2. Kansas City Chief OG Trey Smith
- 3. Miami Dolphins S Jevon Holland
- 4. New York Jets CB D.J. Reed
- 5. San Francisco 49ers CB Charvarius Ward
- 12. Dallas Cowboys OG Zack Martin
- 14. Los Angeles Chargers CB Asante Samuel Jr.
- 19. Kansas City Chiefs ILB Nick Bolton
- 20. San Francisco 49ers ILB Dre Greenlaw
- 22. Arizona Cardinals S Budda Baker
They would have to find a way to navigate signing big-name free agents with losing their own players to earn compensatory picks, but they could give themselves an opportunity to do so, especially since signing players who were released from their contracts don't count toward the formula.
Recent CB extension proves Minnesota Vikings have urgent need to extend pivotal defender
The Vikings need to make this move and soon
