The Minnesota Vikings are going into a very crucial offseason under general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and head coach Kevin O’Connell.
Not only is the starting quarterback in major flux with Kirk Cousins set to be a free agent, but outside linebacker Danielle Hunter is also set to hit the market along with wide receiver Justin Jefferson and left tackle Christian Darisaw set to receive extensions.
What should the Vikings end up doing in free agency? There are a lot of different options and we are set to explore them all.
First up, our staff took a look at four players the Vikings should re-sign.
Managing Editor Tyler Forness: OLB Marcus Davenport
The obvious answer here is Danielle Hunter. The Vikings could very well lose him to free agency as he’s likely to take the best offer. Let’s look in a different direction with Davenport. He signed a one year, $13 million deal last year with four void years at $1.7 million per. With $6.8 million in dead cap for 2024 if he doesn’t sign an extension by 3 p.m. on March 13th, there is a really nice opportunity for the Vikings to save money with a new deal that is $5 million or less in 2024. With the Vikings needing to bring in three edge rushers this offseason, it’s a great potential value.
Columnist Judd Zulgad: OLB Danielle Hunter
The veteran pass-rusher finished fifth in the NFL with 16.5 sacks and will be looking for a big contract as a free agent. The drawbacks are that Hunter will turn 30 in October and played in only seven games over a two-season period (2020 and 2021) because of injuries. Hunter, however, was a huge part in what new defensive coordinator Brian Flores did last season as Minnesota’s defense went from one of the worst in the NFL in 2022 to very respectable. Replacing Hunter’s production would be extremely difficult and, if he walks, the Vikings’ defense instantly becomes weaker.
Columnist Saivion Mixson: DE Jonathan Bullard
Bullard has been a journeyman since leaving Chicago in 2018. Minnesota gave him a chance to prove that he can be a depth piece for this Vikings defense, and he had his best season as a pro. Bullard was a key reason why the Vikings were one of eight teams to allow less than four yards a carry in 2023. Bringing him back for another year on a minimal veteran deal seems like a small price to pay for a solid presence along the defensive line.
Columnist Chris Spooner: OLB D.J. Wonnum
This is as much about numbers as it is about production. It’s going to take a lot to re-sign Wonnum’s running mate Danielle Hunter, and there’s a good chance that Hunter is in a different jersey in 2024. Along with Hunter and Wonnum, fellow outside linebacker Marcus Davenport is also scheduled to hit free agency. Davenport was hurt for much of the season, but was productive in the limited time that he did see the field.
At the end of the day, the Vikings can’t afford to let all three of them walk in free agency. Hunter may have priced himself out of Minnesota with the season he had in 2023, and Davenport’s injury status makes his departure easier to stomach. Which makes Wonnum the most likely to return next season. It would be great to get both Wonnum and Hunter back, but they at least need to secure Wonnum.
