Who will stay and who will go in 2025? Breaking down the Vikings roster ahead of free agency

As the Minnesota Vikings prepare for the 2025 NFL season, their roster is in the midst of significant transition. With a number of key players set to hit free agency, and some big decisions looming on the horizon, the Vikings face one of the most crucial offseasons in recent memory. Head coach Kevin O’Connell and general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah have to weigh their options carefully, deciding which players will remain part of the long-term vision and which may be on their way out. Let’s take a look at who could stay, who might go, and what decisions the Vikings need to make ahead of the 2025 free agency period.

Key Free Agents: Who is Set to Hit the Market?

Before diving into which players will stay and which might go, it’s important to first identify the free agents the Vikings will need to decide on for the 2025 season. The roster is filled with both high-profile veterans and young contributors, all of whom will be looking for new contracts.

1. Kirk Cousins (Quarterback)

Kirk Cousins, the Vikings’ starting quarterback since 2018, has played an integral role in the team’s offensive success over the years. But heading into the 2025 season, Cousins will be a free agent, and the question is whether Minnesota will look to bring him back or start fresh with a new signal-caller.

Cousins has posted impressive statistics, but he has yet to deliver a Super Bowl title, and his postseason record remains a question mark. He has a reputation for putting up solid numbers in the regular season, but his inability to take the next step in the playoffs has led to calls for a change. The Vikings have a few options here: re-sign Cousins to a short-term deal, possibly looking for a backup QB to groom for the future, or they could potentially target a quarterback in the draft or free agency to lead the team into the next era.

2. Dalvin Cook (Running Back)

Dalvin Cook is another major player entering the 2025 offseason without a clear future. Cook has been a workhorse for the Vikings offense over the past few years, consistently rushing for over 1,000 yards per season and adding a threat in the passing game. However, his contract could be seen as a liability for the Vikings, especially as they look to manage cap space going forward.

Cook will turn 28 before the 2025 season starts, which isn’t ancient for a running back, but the wear and tear of his career, combined with the NFL’s trend toward more committee-based backfields, could lead the Vikings to consider moving on. If the Vikings decide to go in a younger direction at running back, they could release or trade Cook to clear cap space, especially as rookies like Ty Chandler and Kene Nwangwu have shown flashes of potential in limited action.

3. Adam Thielen (Wide Receiver)

Adam Thielen, one of the franchise’s most beloved players, is another key free agent. Thielen has spent his entire career in Minnesota, becoming a Pro Bowl-caliber wide receiver and one of Cousins’ favorite targets. However, as he enters his early 30s, his production has started to dip, and the Vikings have young talent like Justin Jefferson and K.J. Osborn who are stepping up.

Thielen’s contract is expensive for a player at this stage of his career, and with the Vikings having several key positions to fill, they may look to move on from the veteran receiver. If Thielen is willing to take a pay cut, the Vikings might bring him back for a more affordable deal, but his future in Minnesota is uncertain.

4. Danielle Hunter (Edge Rusher)

Danielle Hunter has been one of the Vikings’ most dominant pass rushers, and he remains a crucial part of their defense. However, Hunter is also a player who has been the subject of trade rumors, particularly as his contract has become an issue in terms of cap space. The Vikings might look to extend Hunter on a more team-friendly deal or consider trading him for assets, especially if they believe they can find a suitable replacement.

Hunter is still in his prime and is one of the best edge rushers in the game, so the Vikings would prefer to keep him around. However, his future in Minnesota will largely depend on the team’s ability to make cap space and how they want to build the defense for the long term.

5. Harrison Smith (Safety)

Harrison Smith is another long-time Viking, and his leadership on the defense has been invaluable. However, Smith is nearing the end of his career, and the Vikings will need to determine if he is worth the hefty cap hit in the 2025 season. At 34 years old, Smith is no longer the dominant force he once was, though he can still contribute as a safety net in the secondary.

If the Vikings believe they have a young safety ready to step up, they could part ways with Smith. However, given his leadership role and the team’s defensive needs, it’s possible that he returns on a reduced contract to provide mentorship and depth at safety.

Key Roster Decisions: Stay or Go?

In addition to the major free agents, there are several players on the roster whose futures will be determined by both their performance and the team’s long-term vision. Here’s a breakdown of players who could either stay or go in 2025.

1. Justin Jefferson (Wide Receiver)

Let’s get the obvious one out of the way: Justin Jefferson isn’t going anywhere. He’s arguably the best wide receiver in the NFL and one of the most dynamic playmakers in the league. Jefferson is locked in for the foreseeable future as one of the faces of the franchise, and the Vikings will look to build their offense around him for years to come.

With a potential extension on the horizon, Jefferson is the foundation of the Vikings’ future on offense, and his presence ensures that Minnesota will remain competitive for the long haul.

2. Christian Darrisaw (Offensive Tackle)

Christian Darrisaw, drafted in 2021, has been an outstanding addition to the Vikings’ offensive line. His performance as a left tackle has been one of the few bright spots for an offensive line that has had its struggles in recent years. Darrisaw’s development into a top-tier tackle makes him one of the Vikings’ cornerstones for the future. He’s expected to stay with the team, and an extension could be in the works as the team continues to build around their young star.

3. Brian O’Neill (Offensive Tackle)

Brian O’Neill is another important piece of the Vikings’ offensive line. Though he has been a solid contributor over the years, O’Neill’s contract will be a key talking point in 2025. He’s been a consistent performer at right tackle, but with the Vikings looking to create cap space and build a more youthful offensive line, the team might look to restructure his deal or potentially move on from him if his salary becomes prohibitive.

4. Za’Darius Smith (Edge Rusher)

Za’Darius Smith has been a productive edge rusher for the Vikings since his arrival. However, his contract could become a concern if he fails to meet the team’s expectations in 2025. The Vikings might explore moving on from Smith if they feel they can get a younger, more affordable pass rusher in the draft or free agency. Alternatively, if Smith continues to perform at a high level, he could stay in the fold, especially if Hunter is traded or let go.

Building for the Future: Draft Strategy

Looking ahead to the 2025 draft, the Vikings will need to prioritize filling gaps on the roster, especially on defense and along the offensive line. A strong draft class could set the team up for long-term success, with the ability to add immediate contributors who can help elevate the team to championship contention.

The Vikings’ front office will need to balance retaining key veterans while also embracing the future with younger talent, especially with the potential exit of older players like Thielen, Cook, and Smith.