Minnesota Vikings 2025 | Best Offseason Transfers

The Minnesota Vikings are making waves in the 2025 NFL offseason as they restructure their roster to build on last season’s success and address some glaring gaps. With key departures, impactful signings, and smart strategic moves, the Vikings appear determined to continue competing at a high level.

Minnesota Vikings | Key Additions and Re-signings

Byron Murphy Jr. – Cornerback of Minnesota Vikings

One of the most significant moves by the Minnesota Vikings was re-signing star cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. on a three-year, $66 million deal. Murphy, a 2024 Pro Bowler, solidified his place as a top defensive asset. His ability to cover both outside receivers and slot options makes him a crucial piece for Minnesota’s secondary. With nine interceptions in the past two seasons, the Vikings prioritized keeping Murphy to prevent a full overhaul of their defensive backfield.

Ryan Kelly – Center

The Minnesota Vikings also addressed one of their offseason priorities, shoring up their interior offensive line by signing Ryan Kelly to a two-year, $18 million contract. The former Indianapolis Colt is a four-time Pro Bowler who will likely take over the starting center position, displacing Garrett Bradbury. Kelly’s experience and talent should help stabilize an offensive line that struggled in pass protection last year, particularly during the playoffs. However, concerns over Kelly’s health, given his history of injuries, highlight some inherent risks with this move.

Isaiah Rodgers – Cornerback

To further bolster their secondary, the Minnesota Vikings signed Isaiah Rodgers, formerly of the Eagles, on a two-year, $15 million deal. Rodgers, an ascending cornerback with solid coverage skills, adds depth to a position group that saw significant turnover this offseason. Though he missed the 2023 season due to a gambling suspension, the Vikings are banking on his talent to contribute on a team aiming for another postseason push.

Aaron Jones – Running Back

Veteran running back Aaron Jones returns on a two-year, $20 million deal after a career year where he amassed over 1,100 rushing yards and seven touchdowns. Coach Kevin O’Connell has signaled plans to transition to a running-back-by-committee approach, which should help manage Jones’ workload as he approaches his mid-30s. Although age is a concern, Jones’ leadership and versatility remain invaluable.

Minnesota Vikings | Major Departures

Sam Darnold – Quarterback

The Minnesota Vikings bid farewell to quarterback Sam Darnold, who signed a massive three-year, $100 million contract with the Seattle Seahawks after a strong 2024 season. Despite leading the Vikings to one of their best regular-season records in years, Darnold’s playoff struggles and high price tag made retaining him unfeasible. With Darnold gone, the team is turning to J.J. McCarthy, their highly-touted rookie quarterback who missed last season due to injury. While a question mark remains about McCarthy’s readiness, the franchise appears optimistic about his potential to lead the offense.

Patrick Jones II – Outside Linebacker

Another notable departure is outside linebacker Patrick Jones II, who signed a two-year, $10 million deal with the Carolina Panthers. Jones notched seven sacks last year and was a disruptive force early in the season. His absence leaves a void on the defensive line that the Vikings must address either through free agency or the draft.

Minnesota Vikings Areas of Focus for 2025

Secondary Overhaul

The Minnesota Vikings entered this offseason with nearly all of their starting cornerbacks from 2024 headed to free agency. By re-signing Byron Murphy Jr. and adding Isaiah Rodgers, the team has made strides in plugging these gaps. However, further depth will be required to maintain the Vikings’ secondary as a top-tier unit in the NFL.

Offensive Line Complications

The offensive line remains a critical area of focus. Despite the addition of Ryan Kelly, concerns about depth and injury risks persist. The team may also revamp its guard positions, with players like Garrett Bradbury and Ed Ingram possibly being cut to free up cap space.

Quarterback Transition

With Sam Darnold gone, the weight falls on McCarthy to meet high expectations. The Vikings could look to bring in a veteran quarterback as a backup, ensuring stability under center in case McCarthy struggles or faces setbacks.

Minnesota Vikings | Looking Ahead

The Vikings still have work to do as the offseason progresses. With an estimated $59 million in cap space, they are positioned to remain aggressive in free agency. Additionally, holding the 24th overall pick in the upcoming draft presents an opportunity to reinforce their roster further, perhaps by adding a young cornerback or bolstering their trenches.

Minnesota fans have every reason to look forward to the 2025 season. The team’s proactive approach to addressing weaknesses while retaining key talent ensures they remain competitive in the NFC. Whether McCarthy can take the reins effectively will be the ultimate test of the Vikings’ offseason success.

For further reading, check out these sources:

• 2025 Free Agency Tracker – SI.com
• Vikings 2025 Moves and Signings – ESPN
• Vikings Official Free Agency Tracker

FAQ about Minnesota Vikings

1. Why did the Vikings get rid of Dalvin Cook?
   The Vikings released Dalvin Cook in 2023 due to his declining efficiency and high salary. Cook was set to earn $14 million, making him one of the highest-paid running backs. The team opted for a younger, cheaper option in Alexander Mattison, freeing up $9 million in cap space1.
2. Who will be the Vikings’ QB in 2025?
   The Vikings are expected to start J.J. McCarthy, their 2024 first-round pick, as their quarterback in 2025. McCarthy missed his rookie season due to injury but is now poised to take over after Sam Darnold’s departure3.
3. What are the odds of the Vikings winning the Super Bowl?
   Current odds for the Vikings’ Super Bowl chances in 2025 are not explicitly available in the sources reviewed. However, their offseason moves and a strong 2024 season suggest they remain competitive.
4. Who did the Vikings get in free agency?
   Key signings include cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. (three years, $66 million), center Ryan Kelly (two years, $18 million), and cornerback Isaiah Rodgers (two years, $15 million). They also re-signed running back Aaron Jones3.
5. Why did Stefon Diggs want to leave the Vikings?
   Stefon Diggs left the Vikings in 2020 due to frustrations with the team’s offensive strategy and his role. He was traded to the Buffalo Bills, where he became a key player.
6. Why did the Vikings fall off?
   The Vikings’ struggles in recent years have been attributed to inconsistent quarterback play, injuries, and challenges in maintaining a balanced roster under the salary cap.
7. Who is the oldest Vikings player?
   As of 2025, safety Harrison Smith, at 36 years old, is the oldest player on the Vikings roster3.
8. Who will be the king of Norway in Vikings (TV show)?
   This question pertains to the historical drama “Vikings.” The show’s storyline concluded with Harald Hardrada’s rise, but this is unrelated to the NFL team.
9. Who is the Vikings’ QB now?
   Currently, J.J. McCarthy is expected to be the starting quarterback for the Vikings in 20253.
10. Have the Vikings ever won a Super Bowl?
    No, the Minnesota Vikings have never won a Super Bowl. They have appeared in four Super Bowls but lost each time.
11. Who will win the Super Bowl in 2026?
    Predictions for the 2026 Super Bowl winner are speculative and depend on team performances in the 2025 season.
12. Where will the 2029 Super Bowl be held?
    The location for the 2029 Super Bowl has not been officially announced yet.

Stay tuned for continuing updates on all things Vikings as the offseason unfolds on Sport Keerha!