The Minnesota Vikings are working to rebuild their roster and so far, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has done a really good job of doing just that.
The first week of free agency is always chopped full of great players. However, those big contracts don’t often work out. When they do, it can help transform a roster quickly. If they don’t, it can be a major setback for your organization.
The Vikings have made 15 signings so far consisting of a relatively even split of outsiders and re-signings. We graded all of them on the criteria of talent, fit and cost.
TE Johnny Mundt
Mundt signed a one-year contract to return to the Vikings this season worth up to $2.5 million. After Kevin O’Connell called Mundt the best TE3 in the NFL, it felt like it was bound to happen. Mundt will likely be the starter at tight end with T.J. Hockenson still recovering from his torn MCL and he will be a nice asset for the Vikings until his return.
Grade: B+
TE Nick Muse
The Vikings signed Muse to his exclusive right tender totaling only $985,000 and he will provide depth at the position. He was viewed coming out of South Carolina as a developmental option and that still holds true going into year three. Smart to bring him back at this price.
Grade: B
EDGE Jonathan Greenard
The Vikings agreed to terms with Greenard on a four-year, $76 million contract with $42 million guaranteed within just a few minutes of the legal tampering period beginning. While he is set to replace Danielle Hunter, he isn’t a one to one replacement. Greenard is quicker off the football with vines for arms and is seemingly a better fit for how Brian Flores wants his edge rushers to win. However, he’s still not as good of a player as Hunter, but is two years younger and $5 million cheaper.
Grade: A-
OG Blake Brandel
Brandel being brought back was a smart play especially with how often offensive linemen get injured. With the ability to play all five positions if needed, that makes Brandel even more valuable. At just $9.5 million over three years, Brandel is a great value for the Vikings.
Grade: A+
OT David Quessenberry
The Vikings brought back Quessenberry who was good for them in his spot duty last season. With the price of offensive linemen getting more and more expensive, bringing value to the backup spots is key and Quessenberry does just that.
Grade: B
OLB Andrew Van Ginkel
The Vikings added Van Ginkel as their second pass rusher in free agency this offseason on a two-year, $20 million deal with $14 million guaranteed. Having played for Flores in Miami for three seasons, he understands how the defense is supposed to run and is valuable in all phases of defense. At the price point, Van Ginkel is going to provide that and then some.
Grade: A
ILB Blake Cashman
The Vikings went back to the structure of the Josh Oliver contract when they signed ILB Blake Cashman to a three-year deal. After having a one season breakout in year five, it’s a low risk/high reward move for the Vikings and Cashman gets a nice influx of cash for his really good 2023 season. Cashman will fit in nicely next to Ivan Pace Jr. at a price significantly lower than the likes of Patrick Queen and Jordyn Brooks.
Grade: B+
QB Sam Darnold
This one ruffled a lot of feathers. At $10 million for the 2024 season, it feels like it’s too expensive but he’s making 20% of what the top of the quarterback market is. That number is just fine for the former third overall pick in the 2018 NFL draft. Where there is intrigue is with the supporting cast that Darnold will have, as it will easily be the best in his career. Can the Vikings extract more from him? That remains to be seen but he’s a capable enough starter with a rookie likely to join him.
If you think someone like Drew Lock would have been better, that’s completely fair! Darnold is just fine for the position he’s being asked to fill.
Grade: B
RB Aaron Jones
Jones has reportedly agreed to a one-year, $7 million deal with the Vikings and will be their starting running back in 2024. This is a great move from the Vikings as they need a player to elevate the running game immediately and Jones is going to be motivated after how things went at the end with Green Bay.
Grade: A
K John Parker Romo
The Vikings need a kicker and bringing in multiple players at the position is a good idea. Romo kicked in the XFL and has made a 64 yarder during practice so you know he has the leg for it. Will he be a good NFL kicker? Who knows but it’s worth trying going into training camp.
Grade: B
WR Brandon Powell
Powell played really well for the Vikings last season and set career highs in catches and yards. He is on the smaller side so he shouldn’t be crowned WR3 right away, but Powell is definitely someone you want on your roster. Really smart move retaining him.
Grade: B+
DE Jonathan Bullard
Bullard was one of the better front seven defenders for the Vikings last season, especially in the running game. Bullard isn’t going to wow you with the pass rush but in base packages, he provides some great utility.
Grade: B
DT Jerry Tillery
Tillery isn’t thought of highly by fans of his former teams, but there is some pass rush upside there. Considering he doesn’t count toward the compensatory formula and his cost, it’s a worthwhile signing.
Grade: B-
WR Trent Sherfield
With K.J. Osborn on the move, the Vikings needed to add more depth at wide receiver and they do so with a good run blocker that is a special teams ace. At the price of just $1.79 million, it’s a really smart move.
Grade: A-
G/C Dan Feeney
Feeney was thought to be one of the better interior offensive linemen coming out of the 2017 NFL draft. He hasn’t lived up to those expectations but is a solid option at guard and center. You don’t want him starting a bunch of games but he’s a good player to have.
Grade: C
