22 Minnesota Vikings are set to be free agents in 2026, including a future Hall of Famer, and two emerging superstars

Harrison Smith, Jalen Nailor, and Jalen Redmond highlight the Minnesota Vikings free agents heading into the 2026 offseason.

Tyler Forness — NFL & College Football News Writer
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Dec 21, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive lineman Jalen Redmond (61) reacts with linebacker Eric Wilson (55) during the first half at MetLife Stadium.
Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

The Minnesota Vikings are going to look different in 2026.

They are entering the offseason with a 9-8 record and the 18th overall NFL Draft pick, the worst among teams that missed the playoffs. One of the ways the Vikings will look different is with the free agents set to hit the market this offseason.

Before anyone gets cut, the Vikings will have 22 players hit free agency, with some of them being unrestricted. Here are those players with information about each.

Minnesota Vikings pending free agents

S Harrison Smith

Smith is one of the best safeties the NFL has seen this century. He’s played for the Vikings in each of the last 14 seasons and served as a captain for the Vikings. He had one of his best games against the Detroit Lions on Christmas Day, earning him NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors. He got a standing ovation on Sunday against the Green Bay Packers, and certainly feels like he’s going to retire.

FB C.J. Ham

Like Smith, Ham is also hinting at retirement. He’s been with the Vikings since 2017, and has been a team captain for multiple years. Like Smith, Ham received a standing ovation, and head coach Kevin O’Connell made sure that he got a touchdown in his final game.

ILB Eric Wilson

Wilson was signed to be a depth player at linebacker, and ended up being a starter for the entire season. He was a renaissance at the position, maximizing his ability within Brian Flores‘ scheme. Wilson could price himself out of Minnesota after a great season in his ninth year.

CB Jeff Okudah

Okudah was signed to be a depth cornerback, and ended up being the nickel corner. He only played in six games before landing on injured reserve with three concussions. It would be a surprise if Okudah returns.

CB Tavierre Thomas

Thomas was signed to be a special teams player, and he was one of the Vikings’ gunners this season. There is a chance Thomas returns this season.

WR Rondale Moore

When the Vikings signed Rondale Moore, he was there to provide depth with Jordan Addison facing a three-game suspension. Unfortunately, Moore suffered a season-ending injury in the first preseason game.

LT Justin Skule

With Christian Darrisaw still recovering from his torn ACL, Skule played more snaps than you’d like a swing tackle to play. He played 578 snaps this season, and was average, which is all you can expect from a player of Skule’s caliber.

P Ryan Wright

Wright had the best season of his career this season, including a league-high 77-yard punt this season. After a few years of up-and-down play, Wright put it together this year and was in serious consideration for a Pro Bowl berth.

QB Carson Wentz

Wentz was the backup quarterback, and went 2-3 in his starts. He suffered a brutal shoulder injury that ended his season after the Thursday night loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. There is a chance that he chooses retirement after the season.

LS Andrew DePaola

DePaola is one of the best long snappers in the NFL, and he earned All-Pro honors from A to Z Sports. He’s earned two first-team All Pros in the last four seasons, along with three Pro Bowl berths. Being that he’s close to 40, DePaola will likely continue signing one-year contracts until he chooses to retire, which could be any time.

CB Fabian Moreau

Moreau was on the practice squad to start the season, and he joined the active roster. A good hand to have in the room, but as a CB4.

QB John Wolford

The Vikings are likely to move on from Wolford, who only joined the team due to the injuries at the position.

QB Brett Rypien

Like Wolford, Rypien was only brought back due to the injuries at the position. He might end up competing for a roster spot in training camp, but he lost that battle to Max Brosmer.

LT Matt Nelson

The Vikings signed Nelson during training camp, but suffered an injury and was placed on injured reserve. It would be a surprise to see him back.

RB Ty Chandler

Chandler was a fifth-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, but never took the step many thought he would as a running back. He did a really good job on special teams, but it’s probably not enough to bring him back.

WR Jalen Nailor

Nailor is the best free agent on the list from the offensive side of the football. While his stats don’t reflect it with just 29 receptions for 444 yards and four touchdowns, the film shows Nailor is emerging as a very good receiver in the NFL. If the Vikings can bring him back, it will be huge for trying to maximize J.J. McCarthy next year.

DT Jalen Redmond

Redmond is, without question, the best player on the list that isn’t Harrison Smith. He was signed at the 90th man on the roster in June of 2024 and made the roster. Redmond was tremendous this season, notching 6.0 sacks and 12.o tackles for loss. Redmond is an exclusive rights free agent, so a contract would only cost around $1.1 million, but the Vikings would be smart to try and sign him to a long-term contract.

DT Taki Taimani

Taimani is the only nose tackle the Vikings have on the roster, and he made the practice squad this season. Taimani will likely return to the Vikings as an exclusive rights free agent.

ILB Ivan Pace Jr.

Pace emerged as a starter at linebacker as both a rookie and second-year player. However, he was benched once Blake Cashman returned from injury. Pace is a restricted free agent, and the Vikings would have to tender him between approximately $3.2 million and $7.2 million.

EDGE Bo Richter

Richter is one of the better special teams players on the roster, and has versatility between edge rusher and off-ball linebacker. Richter will likely be retained as an exclusive rights free agent.

RB Zavier Scott

Scott emerged as a viable running back during training camp, including playing better than Chandler. As an exclusive rights free agent, Scott likely returns.

TE Ben Sims

Sims was with the Vikings in rookie minicamp in 2023, but ended up being waived. The Green Bay Packers ended up signing him, but he joined the Vikings mid-way through the 2025 season. He will be a restricted free agent.

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