List of All 2025 Minnesota Vikings Free Agents, Including Aaron Jones, Camryn Bynum, Sam Darnold, and Others

The Minnesota Vikings are set to enter the 2025 NFL offseason with several important decisions to make, especially regarding free agents. As the team looks to build on its successes and address areas that need improvement, managing contracts and deciding which players to retain will be crucial. This offseason is no exception, with key players such as Aaron Jones, Camryn Bynum, and Sam Darnold potentially entering free agency. Let’s take a deep dive into the 2025 Minnesota Vikings free agents, exploring their roles, performance, and the likely impact of their departures or returns on the Vikings’ future.

The 2025 Minnesota Vikings Free Agents

The Minnesota Vikings’ free agent list for 2025 is an interesting mix of established veterans, up-and-coming talent, and players with potential for growth. Some of these free agents could return to the team, while others might look for opportunities elsewhere. The Vikings have important decisions ahead regarding salary cap space and team needs.

1. Aaron Jones – Running Back

Aaron Jones, the versatile and explosive running back, has been a key contributor to the Vikings’ offense since joining the team. Known for his dynamic running style, ability to catch passes out of the backfield, and leadership, Jones has proven himself as one of the top running backs in the NFL.

In 2024, Jones posted impressive numbers, including over 1,100 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns. His speed and ability to break big runs have made him a key component of the Vikings’ offensive game plan. Jones also added another layer to the offense with his receiving skills, catching 45 passes for 450 yards and 3 touchdowns.

However, Aaron Jones will be 30 years old by the start of the 2025 season, which may affect the Vikings’ decision to retain him for another contract. Running backs tend to have shorter shelf lives in the NFL, and the Vikings will need to assess whether they should extend his contract or explore younger options in the draft or free agency.

If the Vikings decide to move on from Jones, they will need to find a reliable replacement to share the backfield with their younger running backs like Kene Nwangwu and Ty Chandler. That could mean either re-signing a more affordable backup or investing in a rookie running back in the upcoming draft.

2. Camryn Bynum – Safety

Camryn Bynum has been a promising safety for the Minnesota Vikings since being drafted in the 2021 NFL Draft. With his ability to cover ground quickly and make plays in the secondary, Bynum quickly became a vital part of the Vikings’ defense.

In 2024, Bynum emerged as one of the most reliable safeties in the NFC North, tallying 3 interceptions and 85 tackles. He demonstrated impressive range and solid tackling ability, helping to solidify the Vikings’ secondary alongside veterans like Harrison Smith.

Bynum’s potential to grow into a cornerstone of the Vikings’ defense makes him a priority for the team, especially considering the importance of safeties in today’s NFL, where strong pass defense is paramount. Re-signing Bynum could be a wise move for the Vikings to maintain their defensive continuity and avoid losing a young and productive player.

However, Bynum’s value in free agency could also be high, and the Vikings may have to compete with other teams looking for a playmaking safety. If Bynum decides to test the market, the Vikings could be forced to look elsewhere for a safety who can step in and make an immediate impact.

3. Sam Darnold – Quarterback

The addition of Sam Darnold to the Vikings’ roster brought an intriguing veteran presence to their quarterback room. Darnold was brought in as a backup for Kirk Cousins but also as someone who could potentially compete for a starting role if needed.

Darnold had a solid 2024 campaign, stepping in when needed and posting a completions rate of 62%, 1,200 passing yards, and 7 touchdowns in his limited role. His ability to step in and deliver in critical situations helped the Vikings keep their offense competitive during stretches of the season.

However, Darnold’s future with the Vikings largely depends on Kirk Cousins’ long-term future with the team. If Cousins remains healthy and continues to be the starter for the Vikings, Darnold might not be a top priority for the team’s future. Moreover, with the Vikings’ interest in potentially drafting a young quarterback to groom behind Cousins, Darnold’s free agency could lead to him exploring opportunities as a starting quarterback with another team.

Should the Vikings decide to part ways with Darnold, they will likely need to address the backup quarterback position, either by signing another veteran or drafting a rookie to provide more depth behind Cousins.

4. Adam Thielen – Wide Receiver

Adam Thielen has been a stalwart in the Minnesota Vikings’ wide receiver corps for nearly a decade. His route-running precision, strong hands, and red-zone ability have made him a favorite target for quarterbacks in Minnesota.

However, as Thielen ages and with the emergence of younger receivers like Justin Jefferson and K.J. Osborn, the question becomes whether the Vikings will continue to pay Thielen the money he demands as he enters his 30s. In 2024, Thielen finished with 78 receptions, 1,100 yards, and 7 touchdowns, which proves he still has plenty to offer, but it is likely that the Vikings will have to make a tough decision about whether to bring him back for another year or move forward with a more youthful group of wideouts.

Given his leadership, reliability, and strong locker room presence, the Vikings might opt to keep him on a more team-friendly deal for one final run at a Super Bowl. Alternatively, if they choose to move on, Thielen may look to sign with a contending team in need of veteran leadership and wide receiver depth.

5. Dalvin Tomlinson – Defensive Tackle

Dalvin Tomlinson has been one of the more consistent defensive players for the Minnesota Vikings since joining the team. The 6-foot-3, 320-pound defensive tackle is known for his run-stuffing ability, strength at the point of attack, and occasional pass-rush pressure.

In 2024, Tomlinson continued to be a force in the interior of the defensive line, recording 55 tackles, 5 sacks, and 9 tackles for loss. Tomlinson’s presence allowed the Vikings’ defense to be more balanced, and he was a key component in their ability to control opposing offenses.

While the Vikings’ defensive line looks strong, re-signing Tomlinson will likely be a priority to maintain the team’s run defense and fortify their defensive front. However, his value on the open market may be high, and the Vikings will need to determine if they are willing to commit significant resources to keep him or explore cheaper alternatives to fill the position.

6. Patrick Peterson – Cornerback

Patrick Peterson has been one of the most experienced and respected cornerbacks in the NFL over his long career. His signing with the Vikings in 2021 added an element of leadership and savvy to their secondary. Though he’s getting up there in age, Peterson’s ability to read offenses and make clutch plays in critical moments has kept him a reliable option in the Vikings’ cornerback group.

In 2024, Peterson continued to show flashes of his former Pro Bowl self, tallying 3 interceptions and 12 pass deflections. However, at 34 years old, Peterson is nearing the end of his career. The Vikings could re-sign him for another season or two, offering him a smaller role while continuing to develop younger cornerbacks.

Alternatively, the Vikings might look to invest in younger, more long-term solutions at cornerback, given Peterson’s age. If he doesn’t return to the Vikings, Peterson could still offer his expertise to another team for one more season before he retires.

7. Evan Hull – Running Back

Evan Hull, a more recent addition to the Vikings’ backfield, has proven to be a versatile and capable running back. The team has primarily used him in a backup role behind Aaron Jones and Alexander Mattison. Hull’s ability to contribute in both the run game and the passing game gives him a valuable skill set that the Vikings could choose to retain.

Hull was a solid performer in 2024, contributing with 350 total yards and 2 touchdowns. As a restricted free agent in 2025, Hull could receive offers from other teams or possibly remain in Minnesota as a depth piece behind the more established starters.

Key Decisions for the Vikings

With such a wide array of potential free agents, the Minnesota Vikings’ front office will have tough decisions to make. Key decisions will include whether to extend contracts for proven veterans like Aaron Jones, Dalvin Tomlinson, and Adam Thielen, or whether to invest in younger players and free-agent signings to complement their existing roster.

The salary cap will play a major role in shaping these decisions. The Vikings have the option to either re-sign their established veterans or focus on bolstering areas of need, like defensive back and linebacker, as they continue to build toward future playoff contention.

Additionally, the Vikings will have to consider how much they want to rely on younger players already on the roster, as they begin to groom replacements for veterans who are nearing the end of their careers. Decisions on whether to target these free agents or allow them to explore the market will shape the team’s long-term roster strategy.