The Vikings’ 5-Item Wish List for NFL Free Agency
The Vikings’ 5-item wish list could likely stretch out a touch further. After all, Minnesota is coming off a disappointing 9-8 season that led to the GM getting fired. Much work remains.
But while there’s no shortage of ways the Vikings can improve, there’s limited budget to do so. As a result, the best path forward is one of targeted aggression. Put differently, a plan that addresses the most pressing needs so as to protect against reaching in the 2026 NFL Draft.
The Vikings’ 5-Item FA Wish List
No. 5 — A Selective Search for Help at Center
In a perfect world, a tremendous center who has seen it all would be lining up in Week 1. Perfection may not be out there for Minnesota.
Veteran Ryan Kelly was that player prior to his retirement. Rugged, great leadership, and experience aplenty. The issues were the concussions; he has wisely chosen to retire. Minnesota, quite possibly, lets Blake Brandel and Michael Jurgens battle with a draftee to be the starter. Alternatively, a veteran could be added into the mix, but only for cheap.
Oddly enough, Garrett Bradbury is now the Bears’ center.
No. 4 — A Steady Running Back
The dream of Kenneth Walker III is likely precisely that: a dream. He’s going to be pricey after some all-world timing with his playoff explosion.
Aaron Jones is heading for the door. Jordan Mason will remain as the top option (at least for now). Per Darren Wolfson, Zavier Scott is coming back. That’s a nice start, but more depth is needed. Double-dipping in free agency and the draft is the way to go for a team that needs running like coffee needs caffeine.
No. 3 — Sort Through the Trade Possibilities
The Vikings would love to offload DT Jonathan Allen, DT Javon Hargrave, and/or RB Aaron Jones with a swap. Very unlikely, though, that even one goes in that manner given that each is soon to be cut.
Someone who may get traded is Jonathan Greenard. He’s a tremendous edge rusher, an unusually rugged pass rusher who isn’t a top-tier athlete but who excels nevertheless. Meanwhile, Ivan Pace Jr. appears to be a trade candidate. Anyone else? Jordan Addison?
No. 2 — Sign a Young, High-End Talent at Linebacker
Adding someone like Leo Chenal makes a pile of sense. Think young, physicality, length, and versatility. What’s that going to cost on the open market?
The Vikings are dangerously thin at linebacker. Blake Cashman, the Vikings’ top option for a couple of seasons, is moving into the final year of his contract. He’s great but has been injured and getting older. Great need here, folks.
No. 1 — Give J.J. McCarthy Robust Competition
Make no mistake: the Vikings want J.J. McCarthy to be the long-term starter. In fact, there’s belief that the outcome can still arrive. What can’t occur, though, is another lost season as the Vikings wait to see if the kid will figure things out quickly enough to compete while Justin Jefferson is in his prime.
Look for Kyler Murray to be added. Some momentum exists around Geno Smith, a veteran who would probably shine. There’s even been talk about Kirk Cousins. I’ve long been an advocate for giving Justin Fields a chance, someone who is young, athletic, and who has demonstrated great leadership. Does Anthony Richardson get tossed into the mix?
Whatever the outcome, the add(s) at quarterback is indisputably the top need.
