Seven of the PFF’s Top 100 Free Agents are with the Minnesota Vikings.

The NFL offseason is always filled with excitement, as teams look to improve their rosters through the draft, trades, and free agency. The Minnesota Vikings, a team that has been competitive in the NFC North in recent years, are now facing a crucial period of roster management as they approach the upcoming season. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), the Vikings have seven players ranked among the Top 100 free agents for the upcoming offseason, which is a testament to the talent on the roster but also a sign that Minnesota has important decisions to make about its future.

With these seven free agents set to hit the open market, the Vikings find themselves in a situation where they must balance keeping key contributors while also addressing roster holes that might have prevented them from making a deeper run in the playoffs. From veteran playmakers to emerging stars, these seven players represent a diverse mix of talents, and each decision will have significant implications for the Vikings’ strategy moving forward.

In this article, we’ll take a look at the impact these seven free agents have had on the Minnesota Vikings’ roster and explore what the future might hold for the team if they are re-signed, allowed to walk, or replaced.

The Vikings’ Free-Agent Landscape: Seven Impact Players

Let’s start by breaking down the seven Minnesota Vikings free agents ranked among the PFF Top 100 and examine how they’ve contributed to the team.

1. Dalvin Cook – Running Back

Perhaps the most high-profile player on this list, Dalvin Cook has been the centerpiece of the Vikings’ offense for the past several seasons. With his blend of speed, agility, and vision, Cook has established himself as one of the top running backs in the NFL. Over his career with the Vikings, he has rushed for over 1,000 yards multiple times and is consistently a threat to break off big runs.

In 2024, Cook continued to demonstrate his ability to impact the game in both the running and passing games, contributing significantly to Minnesota’s offense. However, Cook is now entering his prime years, and the question of whether the Vikings should continue to invest heavily in a running back is a complex one. While Cook is undeniably talented, running backs tend to have shorter careers, and the financial implications of keeping him might push the Vikings to explore other options.

If Cook is re-signed, he would continue to provide the Vikings with a dynamic offensive weapon. However, Minnesota will have to weigh his value against his potential market price and the overall salary cap implications. Should Cook leave, the Vikings would have to lean on younger backs or potentially look to the draft to replace him.

2. Adam Thielen – Wide Receiver

Adam Thielen, the Minnesota native and longtime Viking, has been a fixture of the team’s wide receiver corps for years. Known for his crisp route running and ability to make clutch catches, Thielen has been a reliable target for the Vikings’ quarterbacks. Although Thielen is no longer in his prime, he still possesses a level of savvy and consistency that makes him a key contributor to Minnesota’s offense.

In recent seasons, Thielen’s production has declined somewhat due to age and injuries, and the Vikings have begun to lean more on younger talents like Justin Jefferson. However, Thielen remains a valuable piece in the red zone and as a mentor for the younger wide receivers on the roster.

The decision to bring Thielen back will be a tricky one for the Vikings. While his veteran leadership and ability to make plays are invaluable, Minnesota will need to balance his salary against the potential need to develop younger talent. If Thielen is re-signed, he would continue to provide a steady presence in the receiving game, but if he departs, the Vikings might look for a younger and more cost-effective option at wide receiver.

3. Patrick Peterson – Cornerback

Veteran cornerback Patrick Peterson has been a key part of Minnesota’s secondary since joining the team, and he remains one of the league’s top cover corners. Although Peterson is in the later stages of his career, he continues to show he can play at a high level. His leadership and experience in the secondary have helped solidify Minnesota’s defense, especially in critical moments.

In 2024, Peterson was still a reliable option on the outside and a player who could take on some of the league’s best wide receivers. However, as Peterson ages, there are concerns about his ability to sustain this level of play over a full season. The Vikings have the option to bring him back for another year or two, but they must also consider how much longer Peterson can remain an elite cover corner.

Re-signing Peterson would help the Vikings maintain a solid veteran presence in the secondary, but they may also need to think about transitioning to a younger player if Peterson’s play begins to dip. If Peterson moves on, the Vikings will need to find a new starter to pair with their promising younger cornerbacks.

4. Za’Darius Smith – Edge Rusher

Za’Darius Smith was one of the most important signings for the Vikings’ defense in recent years. A dynamic edge rusher, Smith has been a consistent source of pressure on opposing quarterbacks. He provides Minnesota with a versatile pass-rusher who can disrupt plays and be a game-changer on the defensive front.

In 2024, Smith continued to perform at a high level, contributing to Minnesota’s ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks. With Danielle Hunter on the opposite side, the Vikings had one of the more dangerous pass-rushing duos in the league. Smith’s ability to generate pressure has been critical to the Vikings’ defensive success, and retaining him could provide the team with a solid pass-rush threat in the years to come.

However, Smith is entering the latter stages of his career, and with the salary cap always a concern, the Vikings may need to decide whether to extend Smith or move on and invest in younger, cheaper options. If Smith is re-signed, he would continue to be a key contributor, but the Vikings must weigh whether his cost is worth the production.

5. Garrett Bradbury – Center

Garrett Bradbury, the Vikings’ starting center, has been a mainstay on the offensive line since being drafted by Minnesota. Bradbury’s ability to anchor the middle of the line and facilitate the offense’s blocking schemes has been important for the Vikings’ success in the running game. While he has faced some criticism for his play in past seasons, Bradbury has improved in recent years and continues to be a reliable part of the offensive line.

In 2024, Bradbury performed better than many expected, showcasing his ability to protect the quarterback and open up running lanes for Dalvin Cook. However, with offensive line play being one of the more volatile areas for improvement, the Vikings must decide if re-signing Bradbury is the right move or if they should explore other options in free agency or the draft.

Re-signing Bradbury would provide stability at the center position, but the Vikings may also look to upgrade the line further, especially considering the struggles that have plagued Minnesota’s offensive line in years past. If Bradbury moves on, the team will need to find a capable replacement in an important position.

**6. Javon Kinlaw – Defensive Tackle

Javon Kinlaw was brought in as a key piece of Minnesota’s defensive front, but injuries have slowed his progress in recent seasons. Despite this, when healthy, Kinlaw possesses the potential to be a dominant force in the middle of the defensive line. The Vikings have had issues with run defense, and Kinlaw could be a critical part of their solution moving forward.

If Kinlaw is able to stay healthy in 2025, he could emerge as a game-changer on the defensive front, helping Minnesota’s defense improve against the run. However, the Vikings need to decide whether his injury history is a red flag or whether they should take a chance on his upside.

**7. Kirk Cousins – Quarterback

Kirk Cousins has been the Vikings’ starting quarterback for several years, and while his play has often been inconsistent, he remains one of the better quarterbacks in the league. Cousins has shown that he can lead the Vikings to the playoffs, but his inability to win in big moments has been a point of criticism. The Vikings must now decide if they want to continue with Cousins or seek a potential upgrade at quarterback.

If Cousins returns in 2025, he will likely remain the face of the franchise. However, the team has to weigh whether they want to stick with him long-term or start fresh with a younger option. The Vikings will need to decide how much longer they’re willing to invest in Cousins and whether they believe he can lead them to a Super Bowl.

The Vikings’ Future in Free Agency

With seven players ranked among PFF’s Top 100 free agents, the Minnesota Vikings are at a crossroads. The decisions they make about these free agents will have a significant impact on the team’s direction moving forward. Whether they choose to re-sign some of these key contributors or move in a new direction, the Vikings’ success in the 2025 season and beyond will depend heavily on how they manage their roster.

For Minnesota to remain competitive in the NFC, they must be strategic about how they balance veteran leadership with the infusion of young talent. With key players on both sides of the ball entering free agency, the next few months will be crucial in determining whether the Vikings can maintain their standing as a playoff-caliber team or if they’ll need to rebuild in certain areas. It’s a pivotal time for the franchise, and how they handle their free-agent decisions will shape their future.