Vikings updated roster after first wave of free agency highlights massive strengths with some areas needing to be fortified

The first wave of free agency is now behind us and the Minnesota Vikings are among the biggest winners. They have thrived in multiple areas, but especially in the trenches where they made major waves with center Ryan Kelly, right guard Will Fries, defensive tackle Jonathan Allen, and defensive tackle Javon Hargrave. Now that the […]

Tyler Forness — NFL & College Football News Writer
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Jan 13, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) against the Los Angeles Rams during an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium.
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The first wave of free agency is now behind us and the Minnesota Vikings are among the biggest winners. They have thrived in multiple areas, but especially in the trenches where they made major waves with center Ryan Kelly, right guard Will Fries, defensive tackle Jonathan Allen, and defensive tackle Javon Hargrave.

Now that the first wave of free agency is over, the Vikings are looking to continue growing the roster. General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah is likely to be selective in this wave with compensatory picks being on the line if they sign those who qualify for the formula.

Looking at the roster as it's currently constructed, there aren't many holes remaining, but some could be prioritized more to make the Super Bowl run the fanbase has been craving.

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Quarterback

  • J.J. McCarthy 
  • Brett Rypien

The Vikings need to fortify the position behind McCarthy with a veteran. There has been a lot of steam surrounding Aaron Rodgers, but it's very unlikely to happen. There aren't a lot of options left, but this is the McCarthy show now, and it won't matter much who is the backup in terms of the on-field play.

Running Back

  • Aaron Jones
  • Jordan Mason
  • Ty Chandler
  • Zavier Scott
  • FB: C.J. Ham

The Vikings now don't have to worry about going into the NFL Draft with a major need at running back. They can instead be selective about who they take, as they have a 1-2 punch with diversity at the position.

Wide Receiver

  • Justin Jefferson
  • Jordan Addison
  • Jalen Nailor
  • Lucky Jackson
  • Jeshaun Jones
  • Thayer Thomas

The top of the wide receiver room is excellent with Jefferson and Addison. After that, it's a mixed bag. Nailor is a solid number three, but there isn't much depth after him. Getting depth at the position should be a high priority for the Vikings.

Tight End

  • T.J. Hockenson
  • Josh Oliver

The Vikings won't go into the season with just two tight ends. They lost Johnny Mundt in free agency and will likely prioritize them in the second wave of free agency. Getting a veteran and another player to develop behind them will be addressed.

Offensive Tackle

  • Christian Darrisaw
  • Brian O'Neill
  • Justin Skule
  • Walter Rouse
  • Trevor Reid
  • Marcellus Johnson
  • Leroy Watson

The Vikings are in a really good spot at offensive tackle. They have high end players at both left and right tackle with solid depth. Keep an eye on Reid, as he was the Saskatchewan Roughriders' nominee for the CFL's Most Outstanding Rookie.

Offensive Guard

  • Blake Brandel
  • Will Fries
  • Michael Jurgens
  • Henry Byrd

The Vikings don't have enough depth here, but there is still plenty of time to figure it out. Depth is going to be key for the Vikings and that will end up coming over the next few weeks.

Center

  • Ryan Kelly
  • Garrett Bradbury

Bradbury is on his way out of Minnesota whether via trade or release, meaning center depth is also a concern. They do have Jurgens with center flexibility so it's not a dire need, but finding a center should be one that the Vikings find depth with.

Edge Rusher

  • Jonathan Greenard
  • Andrew Van Ginkel
  • Dallas Turner
  • Bo Richter
  • Gabe Murphy

This is a talented group of players at edge rusher, but is there the depth that Brian Flores will want with how often he likes to utilize the NASCAR package? Taking one in the NFL Draft might be an option.

Defensive Linemen

  • Harrison Phillips
  • Jonathan Allen
  • Javon Hargrave
  • Taki Taimani
  • Jalen Redmond
  • Levi Drake Rodriguez
  • Travis Bell
  • Jonathan Harris

How good does this defensive tackle room look now compared to last year? Three bona fide starters paired with three good developmental pieces is a great way to enter training camp.

Inside Linebacker

  • Blake Cashman
  • Ivan Pace Jr.
  • Eric Wilson
  • Brian Asamoah II
  • Max Tooley

Cashman has been a great asset for the Vikings after being signed last year. Pace is a talented player, but he isn't a three-down linebacker in the same way. Wilson and Asamoah are solid special teams players, but upgrading in the NFL Draft would be a good bet, especially with Wilson and Asamoah set to be free agents after the year.

Cornerback

  • Byron Murphy Jr.
  • Isaiah Rodgers
  • Tavierre Thomas
  • Mekhi Blackmon
  • Dwight McGlothern
  • Reddy Steward
  • Ambry Thomas
  • Nahshon Wright

This isn't the most exciting group of players around., but collectively the are solid. The first round of the NFL Draft is a likely spot for the Vikings to upgrade and they could choose to do so multiple times. come April's annual selection meeting.

Safety

  • Harrison Smith
  • Josh Metellus
  • Theo Jackson
  • Jay Ward
  • Bubba Bolden
  • Kahlef Hailassie 

How will the Vikings approach safety? Is it a position where they will work to fortify with their three safety package or choose to wait on it with their limited resources. Players like Nick Emmanwori and Malaki Starks should be a priority in the first round.

Specialists

  • K Will Reichard 
  • P Ryan Wright 
  • LS Andrew DePaola
  • ST NaJee Thompson

The Vikings feel set on special teams, but punter could be one the Vikigns could focus on, as Wright's contract wasn't strong enough to signal they believe in him.

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