NFL free agency is off and running, and we're keeping track of every major signing, trade and release of the 2024 offseason, with analysis from our NFL Nation reporters and grades from our experts. The new league year begins March 13 at 4 p.m. ET, which means free agent signings can be made official after that. The first round of the 2024 NFL draft begins April 25 on ESPN.
Here's a breakdown of every 2024 NFL free agent signing by the Minnesota Vikings and how each will impact the upcoming season:
Aaron Jones, RB
Following his release from the Green Bay Packers, Jones and the Vikings came to terms on a one-year, $7 million deal.
What it means: After releasing Alexander Mattison earlier this month, the Vikings weren't willing to go into the 2024 season relying solely on third-year runner Ty Chandler. Jones was the Packers' full-time starter as recently as 2022, when he started all 17 games and had the second-most touches of his career (272). But his 2023 injury struggles, which preceded an impressive run of five consecutive 100-yard games, suggest the Vikings will use him in tandem with Chandler, who emerged last season as a runner with vision and explosion but some deficiencies in blitz pickup.
What's the risk: Jones has put in seven full seasons as an NFL running back. At 29, he's long past the prime of a typical player at his position. In 2023, for example, only two running backs who were 29 or older -- Derrick Henry and Raheem Mostert -- rushed for more than 300 yards. But that would be a greater risk if the Vikings had no options behind him. Chandler should help mitigate Jones' touches. Jones will no doubt be highly motivated to prove the Packers wrong for releasing him, but it would also be unfair to apply the same kind of full-time expectations he played under for most of his career.
Sam Darnold, QB
Minnesota agreed to terms on a one-year, $10 million contract with Darnold.
What it means: With Kirk Cousins heading to Atlanta, Darnold is the likeliest candidate to be the Vikings' Week 1 starter. There is some intrigue about him in the organization, given his pedigree as the No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 draft and his close relationship with new quarterbacks coach Josh McCown. But it's still highly likely that the Vikings will seek to draft a quarterback next month with the intent of developing him -- not Darnold -- into their long-term starter. At the moment, Darnold is one of three quarterbacks on the roster along with Nick Mullens and Jaren Hall.
What's the risk: Frankly, Darnold has never performed well for an extended period of time in six previous seasons. His career QBR of 42.1 since 2018 ranks No. 39 of 43 quarterbacks who have made at least 16 starts over that period. He is still young, with his 27th birthday coming up in June. But any optimism about his on-field performance can only be a projection. It's fair to point out that in his five seasons as a full- or part-time starter -- three with the Jets, two with the Panthers -- the offenses he played on ranked an average of No. 28 in the NFL. He has never been in a good situation offensively. Minnesota will be his best to date.
Jonathan Greenard, LB
Minnesota agreed to terms on a four-year, $72 million deal with Greenard, the former Houston Texans linebacker.
What it means: Greenard almost certainly is the Vikings' replacement for longtime edge rusher Danielle Hunter, who is a pending free agent and negotiated a deal last summer to prevent the Vikings from using the franchise tag to keep him. He is a worthy successor. Greenard is three years younger than Hunter and an ascending player, having recorded a career-high 12.5 sacks last season. In 2023, in fact, his 22.4% pass rush win rate ranked notably higher than Hunter's (13.5%). He also has the size at 265 pounds to fit well in defensive coordinator Brian Flores' multi-positional scheme.
What's the risk: Durability is a concern. Greenard has never played a full NFL season, and he missed nearly half of 2022 because of a calf injury. Last season, an ankle injury cost him two games. Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has not been afraid to take on players who have had injury histories, but those decisions have not always paid off. Last season, for example, he signed oft-injured pass-rusher Marcus Davenport and then watched as the Vikings got only four games out of him because of two separate ankle injuries.
Andrew Van Ginkel, LB
The Vikings and Van Ginkel agreed to a two-year, $20 million deal.
What it means: It's hardly a coincidence that Van Ginkel ended up in Minnesota. Flores was the Miami Dolphins' head coach in 2019 when Van Ginkel was drafted there, and the Vikings have given Flores a strong influence on their plan to upgrade defensive personnel. Van Ginkel has put up huge sack numbers as an edge rusher -- he set a career high with six in 2023 -- but he ranked No. 20 in the NFL in pass rush win rate (17.9%) last season. Flores will have a plan to maximize his skills opposite fellow newcomer Jonathan Greenard.
What's the risk: Van Ginkel suffered a foot injury in the 2023 regular-season finale and was placed on injured reserve prior to the Dolphins' wild-card playoff game against the Kansas City Chiefs. All free agent acquisitions are contingent on passing a physical, of course, and the Vikings can protect themselves contractually if they need to at that point. But the Vikings' history with acquiring players who have injury histories are mixed at best, and Van Ginkel's health will be worth watching.
Blake Cashman, LB
Minnesota and Cashman came to terms on a three-year contract.
What it means: Cashman became a full-time starter last season in his fifth year in the league, quickly becoming a tackling machine for the Texans while also excelling in coverage. That means he could likely pair with rising star Ivan Pace Jr. as an inside linebacker in the Vikings' 3-4 scheme, and it could well mean that veteran Jordan Hicks, who turns 32 this summer and is a pending free agent himself, is moving on. Cashman will also give the Vikings another local connection to their fan base, as he attended high school in suburban Minneapolis and played at the University of Minnesota.
What's the risk: There isn't a long record of Cashman holding up over a full season as a prominent defensive player, largely because of injuries. He appeared in only 14 games and played a total of 612 defensive snaps in his first three NFL seasons, all with the New York Jets. After joining the Texans, however, he played in 30 of a possible 34 games. Flores' game plans tend to vary from week to week, especially for inside linebackers, so it's possible that Cashman's playing time could vary based on the opponent.
Jihad Ward, LB
The former Giants linebacker is joining the Vikings on a one-year contract.
What it means: The Vikings have been committed to revamping their defensive depth, and Ward is one of four veteran free agents they have signed who are primarily edge players. Although he had a career-high five sacks last season, Ward is probably best as a run stopper. He'll give the Vikings an additional option when Flores is trying to mix and match personnel. Flores has a unique scheme, but Ward has been with six teams in eight NFL seasons and has plenty of experience in transitions.
What's the risk: No one should have any illusions about Ward's previous performance as a pass-rusher. Despite his sack numbers in 2023, he had a 1.1% pass rush win rate as an edge rusher last season. Overall, he won four of 171 rushes from anywhere on the field. The Vikings didn't sign him to be a full-time player, and Flores will figure out a way to use him efficiently, but he should very much be viewed as a secondary depth piece.
Shaquill Griffin, CB
Minnesota is bringing Griffin in on with a one-year contract.
What it means: Although there are likely to be more acquisitions at the position, Griffin came to a good spot if he wants to compete for a starting job. Starter Akayleb Evans was benched in two separate games toward the end of last season, and 2022 second-round pick Andrew Booth Jr. didn't get much playing time. Veteran Byron Murphy Jr. is expected to hold down one of the starting jobs, but even at this early date, it's fair to say that Griffin will certainly get his chance.
What's the risk: Griffin has bounced around a fair bit since the 2020 season when he left Seattle, the site of the best years of his career. He made it two seasons in Jacksonville, then was waived after a half-season in Houston in 2023 before finishing it out with the Panthers. In other words, three NFL teams have bid him farewell in the past 12 months. But the Vikings signed him to a modest one-year deal, and it's unlikely they're pinning their hopes on Griffin starting 16 games for them. This deal gives him a chance to resurrect his career at a relatively low cost to the team.
Jonathan Bullard, DT
The Vikings agreed to terms on a one-year deal to keep the defensive tackle.
What it means: Bullard played 655 snaps for the Vikings last season, more than 200 over his previous career high. Coaches like his run-stopping ability, and his role expanded when veteran Dean Lowry suffered a season-ending pectoral injury in Week 9. The Vikings released Lowry earlier this week, and there are plenty of reasons to think Bullard will have a prominent role at a position that -- at least in 2023 -- was not a primary emphasis of Flores' scheme. In fact, they had one or fewer defensive linemen on the field for roughly one-third of their total defensive plays, the highest rate in the league since at least 2006.
What's the risk: While Bullard is a good run stopper, he is not going to scare opposing offenses as a pass-rusher. His pass rush win rate last season was 1.8%, meaning he won only three times in 169 pass rush attempts, and his pressure rate was 1.3%. To be fair, Flores' scheme seeks to create pressure in other ways and doesn't necessary count on defensive linemen to get quick penetration. With that said, it's fair to assume the Vikings will continue to scour free agency and the draft for depth at the position.
Jerry Tillery, DT
The former Raider is joining the Vikings with a one-year contract.
What it means: Defensive tackle has been one of the Vikings' top needs since the start of free agency. The team's personnel was so lacking last season, in part because of a season-ending injury to the since-released Dean Lowry, that Flores minimized the frequency that defensive linemen were on the field. In fact, they had one or fewer defensive linemen on the field for roughly one-third of their total defensive plays, the highest rate in the league since at least 2006. Tillery will give them a chance at having additional depth with a playmaking upside.
What's the risk: A first-round pick in 2019, Tillery is now on his third organization. The Chargers parted ways with him before his rookie contract was completed, and he then spent parts of two seasons with the Raiders, so no one should have any illusions about the potential for immediate and significant impact. Flores brings high expectations, and Tillery will have to prove he can perform in order to get on the field.
Jonah Williams, DE
Williams is joining the Vikings on a one-year contract.
What it means: The Vikings have worked to build out a second-tier level of depth at defensive line after missing out on superstar free agent Christian Wilkins when the negotiating period first opened. First it was Tillery, and now it's Williams, who went undrafted but worked his way into a starting job with the Rams last season. His time in Los Angeles also overlapped with that of current Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell, so there is some familiarity there.
What's the risk: The Vikings presumably didn't feel great about their depth at the position in 2023. They had one or fewer defensive linemen on the field for roughly one third of their snaps, the highest rate for an NFL team since at least 2006. Some of that could have been a scheme preference of Flores. But there is no guarantee that the new depth the Vikings have accumulated will be any more useful than what they had in 2023.
Brandon Powell, WR
Powell is re-signing with the Vikings for one year.
What it means: Powell surprised some people in the organization last season after injuries elevated him into the team's No. 3 receiver role, catching a career high 29 passes for 324 yards and a touchdown that won a game over the Atlanta Falcons. It's quite possible that the Vikings have plans to add more receivers in free agency and/or the draft, but with K.J. Osborn set to become a free agent, Powell is the leading candidate for the No. 3 job at the moment behind top options Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. He also has value as the team's punt returner.
What's the risk: At 5-foot-8 and 181 pounds, Powell will never have a size advantage over a defender. But he also has excellent body control and a level of toughness to be expected from a player who is essentially a converted running back. With Jefferson and Addison serving as deep threats, Powell would be free to work the sidelines and the middle of the field in ways that brought him great success in 2023.
Trent Sherfield, WR
Formerly with the Bills, Sherfield is signing for one year.
What it means: The Vikings need depth at wide receiver behind presumptive starters Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, especially with free agent K.J. Osborn still unsigned. Powell has a chance to end up their No. 3 receiver, while 2022 draft choice Jalen Nailor struggled to stay healthy last season. Sherfield is a low-cost player with special teams ability and experience moving from various systems.
What's the risk: The Vikings will be Sherfield's fifth NFL team and fourth in the past four seasons. This is a play for depth, and the Vikings are under no illusions about the extent to which he will impact them statistically. But he is durable, having missed only four games in six seasons, and will bring a level of toughness, assuming he makes the team.
David Quessenberry, OT
The Vikings re-signed Quessenberry to a one-year deal.
What it means: Quessenberry proved to be an effective and important swing player after arriving in Minnesota just before last season. He started four games, three at right tackle and one at left tackle, and held his own in each of them. The Vikings have two established veteran starters at those positions -- Christian Darrisaw on the left side and Brian O'Neill on the right -- but each has worked through injuries over the past two seasons. Having a reliable backup for both positions makes a significant impact on roster flexibility.
What's the risk: He'll be 34 in August, making him one of the oldest offensive linemen under contract at the moment, according to Roster Management System. But there is a big difference between asking a lineman of that age to serve as a spot starter and expecting him to be a full-time player. And in truth, offensive line depth is so shaky around the league that having a proven player at an advanced age might be preferable over counting on a younger player who has never demonstrated the same level of aptitude.
Blake Brandel, G
Minnesota locked up Brandel, who was a pending restricted free agent, to a three-year, $7 million deal.
What it means: Over the past two seasons, the Vikings' coaching staff has considered Brandel a reliable backup at all four guard and tackle positions. He started two games last season and three in 2022. It's worth noting that they signed veteran guard Dalton Risner during the 2023 season and ultimately inserted him into the lineup to replace longtime starter Ezra Cleveland. Risner is a pending free agent, and while Brandel might not be their first choice to step into the starting lineup, he has proved he can do it before.
What's the risk: There isn't too much risk here. Brandel is a 6-foot-7, 315-pound player who is 27 and has experience starting at multiple offensive line positions. The Vikings might be pushing it if they think he can slide into their open left guard spot as a cheaper alternative to Risner, but as a backup swing player, Brandel is pretty ideal. He was a pending restricted free agent, so there wasn't a need to get into a negotiating posture with him.
Dan Feeney, G
Feeney is joining the Vikings with a one-year contract.
What it means: The Vikings needed a swing backup capable of playing center and guard after bidding farewell to Austin Schlottmann, who signed with the Giants. Feeney has done just that during a seven-year career that has spanned tenures with the Chargers, Jets and Bears. The Vikings still appear to have an open starting job at left guard, with 2023 starter Dalton Risner unsigned, but the most likely projection for Feeney is as a reserve.
What's the risk: There isn't much risk here. Feeney has proved exceptionally durable in his career, having played in 112 of a possible 115 games in his career, and his experience playing at multiple positions makes him a natural for this role. The only downside here is that Feeney hasn't played many snaps since he ended a three-year stint as a starter on the Chargers' offensive line. He played 184 snaps for the Jets in 2021, 109 for them in 2022 and 91 for the Bears last season.
Johnny Mundt, TE
Minnesota re-signed Mundt to a one-year, $2.5 million contract.
What it means: The Vikings have reassembled their depth at tight end with starter T.J. Hockenson's recovery from a torn right ACL expected to continue into the early part of the 2024 regular season. Mundt has spent most of the past two seasons as the Vikings' No. 3 tight end, but he received the majority of tight end targets after Hockenson's injury. The Vikings targeted Mundt 13 times on 63 routes in the two games that followed, while fellow tight end Josh Oliver was targeted five times on 20 routes. Mundt is a favorite of the Vikings' coaching staff, and O'Connell said last year: "I believe Johnny Mundt is the best third tight end in the National Football League."
What's the risk: Other than the two games after Hockenson's injury, Mundt hasn't spent much time in his career as a primary receiver. Entering that period, he had 44 targets in his seven-year career. The Vikings also re-signed tight end Nick Muse, who was a pending exclusive free agent, and their plans for Hockenson's presumed absence are still forming. Oliver will no doubt play a prominent role, and it's not out of the question that the Vikings could sign another veteran tight end and/or select one in the draft.
Kamu Grugier-Hill, LB
Minnesota is adding the linebacker on a one-year deal.
What it means: Grugier-Hill has developed from a special teams player into a valuable part-time player on defense, and the Vikings will likely use him in both roles. Last season in Carolina, he played 403 defensive snaps and another 297 on special teams. He was also used extensively in pass coverage, a role that will give him an element of versatility that is necessary to get significant playing time in Flores' defensive scheme. He can even serve as a long-snapper in an emergency.
What's the risk: The Vikings will be the sixth team Grugier-Hill has played for in his career, and that's not including the New England Patriots, who drafted him in 2016. So the expectations will be set accordingly. He'll be a perfect addition if he's playing a core role on special teams, with a defined role on defense.