Did it feel like the Minnesota Vikings’ offseason and free agency, in particular, were a bit quieter than normal? Your observation was correct. CBS Sports ranked each NFL team last week by offseason spending, and Minnesota checked in at No. 32 — the fewest dollars spent.
It’s a new era in Minnesota with general manager Nolan Teasley in the saddle and a freshly reset salary cap.
“Quiet” Offseason Was Deliberate for Vikings
CBS Sports on Vikings’ Spending
The Vikings were fiscally restrained, and the numbers prove it.
Garrett Podell wrote this week, “The Minnesota Vikings were up against it from a salary cap perspective entering free agency, which hindered how active they were this offseason. Minnesota began around $43 million over the salary cap, but was able to clear up space with the retirement of offensive lineman Ryan Kelly, plus contract restructures for wide receiver Justin Jefferson, left tackle Christian Darrisaw and cornerback Byron Murphy.”
“Trading edge rusher Jonathan Greenard to the Philadelphia Eagles also helped decrease the Vikings’ financial issues. Cutting defensive linemen Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen were also subtractions the Vikings needed to make to their roster this offseason.”
The Vikings went on an absolute spending barrage in 2024 and 2025; the 2026 offseason was markedly different.
“While they weren’t big spenders, their most expensive free agent signing on an average per year basis — San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings — fills a key need. Minnesota lost speedster Jalen Nailor to the Las Vegas Raiders, but Jennings can certainly make up for some of the production lost in Nailor’s departure,” Podell added.
“Since 2024, Jennings’ 83 receiving first downs rank 28th in the NFL. Once 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy returned from injury in Week 11 in 2025, Jennings’ six receiving touchdowns from Week 11 to the end of the regular season were tied for the second most in the entire league. He’ll be a prime secondary weapon for whomever emerges in the quarterback battle between J.J. McCarthy and Kyler Murray.”
Who’d They Get?
Because the Vikings ventured into free agency without an official general manager — Kwesi Adofo-Mensah was fired about a week before the Super Bowl, and Rob Brzezinski took over in the interim — onlookers didn’t know what to expect from free agency.
Well, Minnesota played it cool — aside from landing a new quarterback in Murray. Here’s the haul of notable additions:
- Eric Johnson (DT)
- Isaiahh Loudermilk (DT)
- James Pierre (CB)
- Jauan Jennings (WR)
- Johnny Hekker (P)
- Kyler Murray (QB)
- Ryan Van Demark (OT)
Because Murray and Jennings have big-name offensive appeal, it didn’t feel like Minnesota was totally quiet. Yet, compared to the rest of the NFL, the spending was puny.
The Cap Is Reset
The Vikings pressed pause on the remote control this offseason, compared to their spending in 2024 and 2025. Theoretically, they could’ve pursued high-profile free agents like Tyler Linderbaum or Trey Hendrickson — moves that would have generated considerable buzz — but the team chose a different path.
Rather than loading massive cap hits into future seasons (2027-2030), the Vikings prioritized value. They secured Murray on a teensy contract, added the aforementioned veterans at reasonable prices, and largely steered clear of bidding wars.
The strategy contrasts sharply with that of many other NFL teams. The Eagles, for example, are known for pushing cap obligations into future years, a tactic the New Orleans Saints also employed for an extended period. While effective in the short term, this approach eventually leads to substantial financial reckoning.
It appears Minnesota decided that 2026 was the opportune time to rectify its financial outlook.
While this offseason has been quieter, the Vikings’ cap health has improved. By 2027, they anticipate having substantial financial flexibility, avoiding the cap disasters that often plague teams employing more aggressive spending habits.
Heading into 2027, the books will be relatively clean.
Any More on the Way?
Minnesota has just over $13 million in cap space — from spending judiciously. The roster is largely in good shape, but as always, a couple of enhancements could be in order.
At the top of the list, the purple team needs an OLB3 if rookie Jake Golday isn’t ready to fill a hybrid ILB-OLB role as a rookie, or if the tentative plan to convert DT Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins to OLB doesn’t take flight. Free agents like Jadeveon Clowney, Joey Bosa, Leonard Floyd, and others are waiting on the wire for a phone call.
Otherwise, the Vikings could sign an extra guard or safety for depth if Harrison Smith doesn’t return or OT Walter Rouse isn’t converted to guard.
The Vikings’ regular season begins in 81 days.
