5 Cheap Free Agents the Vikings Should Bring Back in 2026
The Minnesota Vikings have several roster needs this offseason, but they aren’t nearly as well-positioned in terms of cap space as they’ve been in recent years. To maximize flexibility, retaining the right in-house free agents could be just as important as outside additions.
The following list will not include top free agents Eric Wilson and Jalen Nailor, who have likely both played themselves out of the cheap category. Fullback C.J. Ham will not be found, either, as he’s expected to retire.
1. Fabian Moreau
The cornerback group in the Twin Cities has been headlined by Byron Murphy since Brian Flores arrived in 2023. Last year, the club added Isaiah Rodgers to start next to him, but the idea to revive Jeff Okudah’s career went up in flames.
Fortunately, veteran Fabian Moreau was there to step in and provide solid play as the CB3 down the stretch. The journeyman defensive back appeared in 11 games and logged 198 defensive snaps, making him a no-brainer third-year Viking. There’s no real backup plan behind the two starters and he gives the team a solid floor.
Moreau was available for the veteran minimum this year and even started the season on the practice squad.
2. Jalen Redmond
Defensive tackle Jalen Redmond was the breakout player for the Minnesota Vikings in 2025. After contributing as a rotational piece in 2024, he entered the starting lineup and was a real playmaker in his second Vikings season.
After securing 6 sacks and 62 tackles, the Vikings should undoubtedly hand him a new contract. The good news is that he’s an exclusive rights free agent and is unlikely to go anywhere this offseason. Most likely, he’ll either be tendered cheaply or receive a long-term extension.
3. Zavier Scott
Running back Zavier Scott made his NFL debut this year after two campaigns on practice squads and he looked quite promising as a rotational depth runner. The 26-year-old rushed 32 times for 114 yards and added 14 receptions for 98 yards and a beautiful touchdown grab in Dublin, Ireland. Scott was a college receiver and brings legitimate pass-catching ability.
Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason are still signed through 2026, but the Vikings could still make some changes. Either way, Scott should return as the RB3 in the building.
4. Ben Sims
Tight end Ben Sims was a 2023 undrafted rookie with the Vikings, but when they waived him on cutdown day, the Packers snagged him off waivers. He played for the rivals until he was waived during the season, at which point the Vikings brought him back.
Sims appeared in eight games with the Vikings, catching three passes for 30 yards. While he’s not a dynamic weapon by any means, he’s a solid option for the TE3 duties and would compete with sophomores Gavin Bartholomew and Ben Yurosek.
5. Ryan Wright
And finally, we have punter Ryan Wright. After a couple of slower seasons, the undrafted rookie from 2022 was fantastic this season, ranking in the top ten in pretty much all punting categories.
Wright signed a cheap one-year deal a year ago and has shown enough to earn another contract extension. It’s also worth noting that he’s the holder for All-Pro kicker Will Reichard and the duo should stick together.
Also deserving a mention is long snapper Andrew DePaola. He’s scheduled to enter free agency in March. He’s 38, but if he’s willing to give it another shot, he’s a no-brainer for another deal.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Sports Reference helped with this article.