The Minnesota Vikings had one of the most surprising seasons in the NFL last year, finishing 14-3 with Sam Darnold at quarterback. But when it mattered most, they fell short—losing to the Detroit Lions in Week 18 with the NFC North title on the line and then crashing out of the playoffs against the Rams.
Darnold played well enough during the season to land a massive payday, signing a three-year, $100.5 million contract with the Seattle Seahawks. Now, it’s officially J.J. McCarthy’s team. The rookie never saw the field last year due to a torn meniscus, but expectations are high for him in 2025. The Vikings will likely bring in a veteran backup (could a Kirk Cousins reunion be in the works?), but McCarthy is the guy moving forward. With Justin Jefferson still in the mix, his job is simple—get the ball to one of the best receivers in the league.
Busy Offseason for the Vikings
Minnesota has been aggressive in free agency, loading up on both sides of the ball. They landed DT Jonathan Allen on a three-year, $60 million deal after he was released by Washington and are set to sign DT Javon Hargrave once his release from San Francisco is official. That beefs up the defensive line alongside Harrison Phillips.
They also reinforced the offensive line, signing guard Will Fries to a five-year, $88 million deal and bringing in veteran center Ryan Kelly on a two-year, $18 million contract. Keeping McCarthy protected is a clear priority as they prepare for a stacked NFC North.
The Vikings also locked in CB Byron Murphy with a three-year, $66 million extension but lost safety Cam Bynum to the Colts. That leaves safety as one of their top draft needs.
Vikings’ 2025 NFL Draft Outlook
Minnesota currently holds four picks:
1st round (24th overall)
3rd round (97th overall)
5th round (139th overall)
5th round (160th overall)
With Bynum gone, safety is a prime target. South Carolina’s Nick Emmanwori and Georgia’s Malaki Starks are two names to watch. Cornerback is another area they could address, with prospects like Kentucky’s Maxwell Hairston, East Carolina’s Shavon Revel Jr., Florida State’s Azareye’h Thomas, and Notre Dame’s Benjamin Morrison all in play at No. 24.
The NFC North is shaping up to be a brutal division, and the Vikings are making moves to stay in the fight. Now, it’s up to J.J. McCarthy to prove he’s ready to lead the way.
Breaking Down the Vikings’ Offseason Moves in the NFC North Race
