Three Minnesota Vikings players are among the top 25 pending unrestricted free agents for the 2025 offseason, according to ESPN’s Matt Bowen and Jeremy Fowler. Here’s a look at each player, Fowler’s analysis, and our own take on their future with the team.
8. Sam Darnold
Minnesota head coach Kevin O’Connell has indicated that rookie J.J. McCarthy (knee) is the team’s future at quarterback, which seems to set up Darnold for a potential departure. However, Darnold and the Vikings are currently 7-2 together, so a short-term deal might still be a possibility as the team continues to develop McCarthy. Darnold’s play over the remaining games will be crucial in determining his future.
Darnold is the only quarterback in the top 25 free agents, which could work in his favor. His free agency value will largely depend on his performance in the final stretch of the regular season, plus any playoff opportunities. If he continues the solid play he showed early in the season, he could command starting money from a team in need of a quarterback. But with five interceptions in the last two games, his future could swing back toward a backup role if those struggles persist. Given the direction of the Vikings’ future with McCarthy, it’s unlikely Darnold returns to Minnesota in 2025.
16. Camryn Bynum
Minnesota has made efforts to extend Bynum, who is seen as a natural successor to Harrison Smith as the leader of the secondary. With Smith turning 36 in February, Bynum’s value is rising—he’s recorded three interceptions and eight passes defended this season. Bynum is likely to seek a deal worth $16 million or more annually, joining the top tier of safeties.
Bynum has been a standout in Brian Flores’ defense, and the Vikings would love to keep him around long term. The former fourth-round pick has been solid as the deep safety and is a respected figure in the locker room. However, with no extension yet, his price tag is rising, and the Vikings will need to decide how much they’re willing to invest. With plenty of cap space next offseason, it will come down to whether the Vikings are ready to meet his demands.
25. Cam Robinson
Robinson’s time with the Vikings seems to be a temporary solution while Christian Darrisaw recovers from an ACL injury. Once Darrisaw is healthy in 2025, he will reclaim his starting left tackle spot. Robinson, traded to Minnesota for a mid-round pick, is being relied upon to stabilize the offensive line in Darrisaw’s absence, which could increase his free-agent value.
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Robinson appears to be a short-term fix for the Vikings. If he performs well, he should attract starting left tackle offers from other teams in free agency. With Darrisaw expected back, the Vikings will likely look elsewhere for a backup or a more cost-effective option rather than re-signing Robinson. The only way a return makes sense is if Robinson is open to shifting to guard, but given his eight-year career as a left tackle, that seems unlikely.
Other Notable Vikings Free Agents:
– Aaron Jones
– Byron Murphy Jr.
– Stephon Gilmore
– Pat Jones II
– Shaq Griffin
– Jerry Tillery
– Jonathan Bullard
– Dalton Risner
…and many others.
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