The Vikings Players Still Adrift in the NFL’s Marketplace
The NFL draft begins and ends after just a trio of days. NFL free agency stretches for months and months.
Yes, most of the league’s most prominent names — Vikings players included — have been scooped up already. Some, though, continue to linger within the NFL marketplace. In the Twin Cities, at least a few players make some sense to consider bringing back to help Minnesota continue pushing toward their goal of making noise in the postseason.
The Vikings Players & NFL Free Agency
Cam Akers, Running Back
Is Mr. Akers the world’s most electrifying runner? No, that crown currently sits atop Saquon Barkley’s head. Is he nevertheless an upgrade at RB3? Yes, it would appear so.
Akers is still only 25, a wild reality given how much has already taken place in his career. He has been drafted in the 2nd and has won a Super Bowl. He has recovered from some serious injuries. He has put in work for three different NFL teams. He even finished 19th in Comeback Player of the Year voting for his efforts in 2024.
The lack of deal between the two parties makes one wonder if the hindrance rests with Cam Akers’ desire for a certain role and a certain cost (and, in turn, the Vikings’ unwillingness to meet those standards). In Minnesota, he would slot in as the third option; does he want to have a shot at a higher placement within the team’s internal hierarchy?
Being a productive RB1/2 for a full season could push Akers toward a strong payday while he’s still in his mid-20s. Can’t blame him at all if that’s what he’s chasing.
Jonathan Bullard, Defensive Tackle
Yes, the DT room is looking pretty crowded, but one wonders if the respected veteran still finds his way back to Minnesota.
Bullard reminds one of a valuable bottom-six forward in hockey. The man does a lot of little things right: he’s strong on the forecheck, can kill penalties, will drop the gloves, and even put the occasional puck in the net. In football terms, that means soaking up blockers, getting a guard back on his heels, clogging running lanes, and maybe even hitting the quarterback.
Don’t be at all surprised if Jonathan Bullard is Minnesota’s first phone call if there’s an injury to one of the top defensive tackles. The underwhelming DT2 would be a strong DT4 or DT5.
Fabian Moreau, Corner
Sure, Stephon Gilmore and Shaq Griffin played more prominent roles — which is to say nothing of generating more offseason chatter — but a team could do a whole lot worse than Mr. Moreau as a CB5.
The 31-year-old defender has a sturdy build at 6’0″ and 204 pounds. Fabian Moreau has been in the NFL since getting snagged at No. 81 back in the 2017 NFL Draft. Originally, Moreau was showing off some serious speed, clocking in at 4.35 coming into the NFL, an elite time. He has since put in work in Washington, Atlanta, Houston, New York (as a Giant), Denver, and, of course, Minnesota.
The veteran played on a $1,460,000 contract last season. A similar number wouldn’t break the bank, instead looking like a reasonable bit of business to shore up the depth.
Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Reference, PFF, and Over the Cap helped with this piece.
K. Joudry is the Senior Editor for Vikings Territory and PurplePTSD. He has been covering the Vikings full time since the summer of 2021. He can be found on Twitter and Bluesky (@VikingsGazette). If you feel so inclined, subscribe to his Substack, The Vikings Gazette, for more great Vikings content.
