Looking Ahead to Minnesota’s 2023 Free Agents
K. Joudry
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Free agency is mostly behind us (though we’d all welcome a J.C. Tretter signing). The draft is similarly in the past, and the focus is understandably looking toward the rest of the offseason program and the season itself. Nevertheless, it’s worthwhile to step back and see how the roster is looking moving forward. The Vikings’ performance in 2022 will dramatically impact how they interact with their free agents in 2023, so let’s see who is playing on an expiring deal.
The fine folks from Spotrac provide us with the capacity to look into the future quite easily. They suggest that the Vikings currently have 26 free agents in 2023. Take a peak at some of the most notable ones:
- Patrick Peterson, Corner
- Garrett Bradbury, Center
- Oli Udoh, Guard/Tackle
- Chandon Sullivan, Corner
- Irv Smith Jr., Tight End
- Greg Joseph, Kicker
- Jordan Berry, Punter
- Jesse Davis, Right Guard
- Sean Mannion, Quarterback
- Kris Boyd, Corner
Thankfully, the Vikings aren’t scheduled to lose any of their top-tier players. The most talented player in the above group is Smith, the fourth-year tight end. We’re all hoping he explodes this season, giving the Vikings another dynamic weapon. Perhaps the most important player, though, is Peterson. The veteran corner provides steady play and endless knowledge about how to play in the NFL. He’ll be very important in a corner room that almost exclusively features youth.
Another note on the roster. The 2023 free agents aren’t particularly notable, but the Vikings could begin a rebuild by moving on from some of their high-priced vets. Cutting players like Eric Kendricks, Jordan Hicks, Harrison Smith, and Za’Darius Smith is not without financial consequence, and yet there are plenty of cap savings available if Minnesota opts for this option.
As we’ve known for a little while, the Vikings have given themselves a two-year window. If things go really poorly in 2022, perhaps the rebuild begins as early as 2023.
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