The Final 6 Unsigned Vikings Free Agents
Josh Frey
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We are now into the second week of NFL free agency, and we closed the first week with former Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen joining the Carolina Panthers. Now, as we head into week 2, here are the final 6 unsigned Vikings free agents.
CB Kris Boyd
Kris Boyd has been with the Vikings for each of his first four NFL seasons after being drafted in the seventh round. Considering the lack of depth in Minnesota’s CB room, and the fact that he is still only 26 years old, it would make sense for the Vikings to bring him back. However, to this point, there has been no noise surrounding his free agency.
DL Jonathan Bullard
Jonathan Bullard signed with the Vikings in 2022, continuing his path as an NFL journeyman. Through seven NFL seasons, he has now suited up for five teams, and the only team he has spent more than one season with is the Chicago Bears, who drafted him back in 2016.
The Vikings recently signed Dean Lowry in free agency, but Dalvin Tomlinson is no longer available after signing a huge deal with the Cleveland Browns. Because of that, the door may be open for Bullard to come back in 2023.
WR Bisi Johnson
There has been some buzz around Bisi Johnson in free agency so far, but nothing appears imminent as of now. Recently, the Vikings wide receiver went for a visit with the New England Patriots.
Johnson had a strong rookie season in 2019, catching 31 passes for 294 yards and 3 TDs, but Justin Jefferson’s emergence in 2020 put him in the backseat. Then, torn ACLs in both 2021 and 2022 shelved him before the seasons could even begin. The receiver seems set to try and find a fresh start with a new team in 2023.
CB Duke Shelley
There are Vikings fans aplenty that want to bring this guy back. Duke Shelley signed onto the Vikings practice squad prior to the 2022 season’s start, and for much of the early portions of the campaign, he had a very limited role.
Then, when injuries struck all three of Cam Dantzler, Akayleb Evans, and Andrew Booth Jr., Shelley suddenly found himself as the main CB2 during Minnesota’s Week 10 game at Buffalo. He made a huge pass break-up when facing TE Dawson Knox, and that was launching pad to being a main guy for the remainder of the season.
TE Irv Smith Jr.
Irv Smith was pegged as a potential breakout player prior to both the 2021 and 2022 seasons, but injuries got the better of him in each year. In 2022, his high ankle sprain left him sidelined for much of the regular season, which prompted Minnesota to acquire T.J. Hockenson at the trade deadline.
Considering Minnesota also signed Josh Oliver in free agency, it seems incredibly unlikely that Smith will be back in a Vikings uniform for 2023. There hasn’t been much noise around his free agency to this point, but he should get a chance to show what he can do with another team.
CB Chandon Sullivan
The Vikings brought in Chandon Sullivan from the Packers last offseason along with Za’Darius Smith. Sullivan was given the starting slot cornerback job during the season, and he started 10 games for Minnesota while appearing in all 17.
However, 2022 was the least productive season of the 26-year-old’s career. Now, especially after Minnesota brought in Byron Murphy, it appears that he is another player that will be looking for a new team in 2023.
Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho with a bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.