Five Minnesota Vikings free agents made the top 50 list, with four projected to depart, shaking up the roster.

The Minnesota Vikings have made significant strides in recent years, positioning themselves as one of the most competitive teams in the NFC North. But as the franchise navigates through the offseason, they face a crucial crossroads with several key players set to hit free agency. This year, five Vikings free agents have made the top 50 list of players to watch, but the landscape of the roster could change dramatically in 2025, as four of those players are projected to leave.

With the cap space constrained and the front office facing tough decisions, the Minnesota Vikings will have to balance re-signing core players, bringing in new talent, and preparing for the long-term future. The looming free-agent departures will force the Vikings to rethink their strategies and consider how best to build a Super Bowl-caliber team moving forward. The following breakdown explores the implications of these key free agents and what their potential departures could mean for the team.

The Top 50 Free Agents: Vikings Players Who Made the List

The NFL offseason is an exciting time for both fans and analysts alike as teams set their sights on improving their rosters for the upcoming season. Every year, analysts compile lists of the top free agents based on performance, position, and future potential. For the Vikings, five of their free agents have made this coveted list—showing just how much talent is potentially leaving the roster.

1. Dalvin Cook – Running Back
   Dalvin Cook is one of the most electric running backs in the NFL. Since being drafted by the Vikings in 2017, Cook has been the centerpiece of their offense, putting up impressive numbers and dominating in both the run and passing games. As one of the top 50 free agents, Cook is expected to attract significant interest from around the league. However, with the Vikings already committed to a heavy cap hit, his future in Minnesota remains uncertain.

   Cook’s ability to change the game with his speed, vision, and balance makes him a coveted player, but the Vikings may need to move on in order to make space for other needs. His departure would create a major void in the backfield, but the Vikings may be considering a more cost-effective running back room to build out the rest of the roster.

2. Zadarius Smith – Outside Linebacker
   Zadarius Smith has proven to be a disruptive force in the pass rush since joining the Vikings. In his first season with the team, Smith recorded impressive numbers and was a key contributor to the defense. Known for his tenacity and ability to pressure the quarterback, Smith has become a fan favorite for his relentless style of play.

   As a member of the top 50 free agents, Smith’s value cannot be overstated. His edge-rushing prowess will be highly sought after, and given the Vikings’ need to retool the defense, they may find it difficult to re-sign him, especially with competing teams likely offering a higher salary. If Smith departs, the Vikings will have to address their pass-rushing needs through the draft or free agency.

3. Adam Thielen – Wide Receiver
   Adam Thielen has been the face of the Vikings’ receiving corps for much of his career. As a native of Minnesota, Thielen is beloved by fans and has been instrumental in their passing game for years. Although his numbers have declined slightly with age, Thielen is still a reliable target and has a wealth of experience in big games.

   However, with the emergence of Justin Jefferson as the clear No. 1 option and the team’s focus shifting toward younger talent, Thielen’s future with the Vikings could be in jeopardy. The Vikings might opt for a more youthful receiving corps, and while Thielen may still have gas left in the tank, it may not come at a price the Vikings are willing to pay. If he does depart, the Vikings would need to find a reliable veteran presence or a younger option to fill the void.

4. Patrick Peterson – Cornerback
   Patrick Peterson is a veteran cornerback who has enjoyed a Hall-of-Fame-worthy career with the Arizona Cardinals and later with the Minnesota Vikings. Peterson’s leadership and experience have been valuable assets to the Vikings’ secondary. He has consistently shown his ability to lock down top receivers and is a critical piece of their defensive backfield.

   As one of the top 50 free agents, Peterson could command significant interest from teams looking for a proven player at cornerback. At this stage in his career, however, Peterson may be seeking a competitive situation, and the Vikings could be in a position to prioritize younger cornerbacks or invest in a long-term solution. Given the influx of younger talent in the NFL at the cornerback position, it’s plausible that the Vikings may let Peterson walk in favor of getting younger and more athletic at the position.

5. Eddie Jackson – Safety
   Eddie Jackson’s impact on the field for the Vikings has been undeniable, particularly as a ball-hawking safety who can change the momentum of a game with his ability to force turnovers. Though he hasn’t consistently reached the level of elite safeties in the NFL, his potential is certainly recognized by analysts and opposing teams.

   Jackson’s role in Minnesota’s secondary cannot be understated, but his future with the Vikings may depend on the team’s financial flexibility and priorities. The Vikings could seek to get younger at the safety position, especially if they are able to retain other key players. If Jackson leaves, it will be vital for the Vikings to find a strong safety presence to replace him.

Four Projected Departures: What Does This Mean for the Vikings?

While all five of the players listed above are important to the team’s identity, it’s anticipated that four of them will likely leave the Vikings in free agency. This could result in major changes to the team’s overall roster composition and force the Vikings to explore different options.

1. The End of an Era with Dalvin Cook
   Dalvin Cook’s expected departure would be one of the most impactful changes for the Vikings’ offense. While Cook is undoubtedly one of the best running backs in the league, his high cap hit and the emergence of backup running backs could make him expendable. The Vikings may decide to go in a different direction, either through the draft or with a more affordable veteran running back.
2. Rebuilding the Pass Rush Without Zadarius Smith
   Zadarius Smith’s departure would leave a significant hole in the Vikings’ defense. The team has been relying on Smith to provide a steady pass rush, and without him, the defensive line would need reinforcements. Whether through the draft or free agency, the Vikings would need to find another pass rusher to pair with Danielle Hunter and continue to pressure opposing quarterbacks.
3. Moving On from Adam Thielen
   Adam Thielen’s departure may signal a shift in the Vikings’ offensive identity. With Justin Jefferson as the clear No. 1 receiver and a need to get younger and faster at the position, the Vikings could let Thielen walk in favor of a younger, more cost-effective wide receiver room. This would mark the end of an era for Thielen, but it could open the door for new talent to emerge in the receiving corps.
4. Secondary Shake-Up Without Patrick Peterson
   If Patrick Peterson leaves, the Vikings will have to look for a new starting cornerback to help lead their secondary. Peterson’s leadership will be difficult to replace, but the Vikings have the opportunity to develop younger cornerbacks or bring in another veteran presence to stabilize the position. Finding the right balance between youth and experience will be crucial for the Vikings moving forward.

What’s Next for the Minnesota Vikings?

As the Vikings prepare for a potentially turbulent offseason, they will need to weigh their options carefully. The departure of these key players would undoubtedly impact the roster, but the team still has a strong foundation to build upon. With Kirk Cousins at quarterback and Justin Jefferson emerging as one of the league’s best receivers, the offense remains potent. The defense, however, will need to undergo some adjustments, particularly in the pass rush and secondary.

The Vikings will also likely focus on the draft, where they can find young talent to fill in the gaps left by the departing free agents. With their limited cap space, the team will need to make strategic decisions about which players to retain, which to let go, and how to retool the roster for the future.

In the end, the departures of these key players may signify a shift toward a new era for the Vikings. While it’s always difficult to let go of fan favorites, the Vikings’ front office has the chance to reshape the roster and build a more sustainable contender for the years to come.

As the offseason unfolds, Vikings fans will eagerly await the team’s next steps in navigating these roster changes. One thing is for certain—the franchise is at a pivotal moment, and how they address these free-agent departures will shape the course of their future for years to come.