These Players (and Potential Targets for the Vikings) Are Officially Set to Enter Free Agency after Their Contracts Voided
Josh Frey
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On February 19th, a number of NFL players saw their contracts with current teams void.
As a result, these players are set to enter free agency in 2024 and have a chance to sign wherever they would like this offseason. The Minnesota Vikings managed to extend their deadline with Marcus Davenport, so they didn’t have any contracts void this week. However, they certainly could be interested in adding some of the other names. Here is a look at five players who saw their contracts void ahead of free agency.
WR DJ Chark
The Vikings need to find a WR3 solution this offseason with both K.J. Osborn and Brandon Powell entering free agency. Behind these two players, Jalen Nailor could be a breakout candidate in 2024, but he struggled through injuries over the course of the 2023 season.
DJ Chark offers great size at the position, standing 6’3″ and can be an outstanding deep threat as a boundary receiver. After missing all but four games in 2021, Chark has recorded 500+ receiving yards in each of the past two seasons. This signing would also allow Jordan Addison to spend more time as a slot receiver.
RB Derrick Henry
The Vikings need to find a way to improve their rushing attack in 2024. They finished the 2023 season ranking 28th in total carries, 29th in rushing yards, 23rd in yards per carry, and worst of all, tied for last in rushing touchdowns.
Derrick Henry may not be the explosive running back who is capable of carrying a team to wins on a weekly basis, but he is still a very serviceable player who can be a bully down near the goal line.
RB Cordarrelle Patterson
Cordarrelle Patterson has spent over a decade in the NFL because of his ability to impact a team in multiple ways. Patterson began his career with the Vikings back in 2013 and was named a first-team All-Pro as a kick returner. He has carved out a special role for himself in NFL offenses because of his blend of rushing and receiving abilities as well.
The Vikings saw some major struggles in the rushing department this past season, and while Patterson is past the point of his career where he can carry an offense in that area, his versatility is still something that should be desired in Minnesota.
DT Sheldon Rankins
Jonathan Bullard is set to enter free agency this offseason, and while he had a strong season in Minnesota, the Vikings should look for some extra pass-rushing help at the defensive tackle spot. Sheldon Rankins hopped on with the Texans this year and racked up 40 pressures along with six sacks, but now, he is headed to free agency after his contract voided.
Rankins will turn 30 years old in April, so he likely has a couple years of strong football in front of him. While the Vikings shouldn’t sell the farm to get Rankins, he is worth kicking the tires on this offseason.
Editor’s Note: Statistics for this article were found via Pro Football Focus and Pro Football Reference.
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Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. 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.