The Minnesota Vikings are set to make three significant free agent signings official when the new league year begins on Wednesday afternoon, March 12. These moves include adding defensive tackle Jonathan Allen, offensive guard Will Fries, and center Ryan Kelly. However, that’s not the only exciting news for the franchise.
On Tuesday, the NFL revealed its list of compensatory draft picks, granting 35 additional picks to 15 teams across the league. These compensatory selections, which start at the end of the third round, are awarded to teams that lost more or better compensatory free agents than they signed in the previous year.
Minnesota struck gold, receiving the top compensatory pick available at No. 97 overall, which holds significant value for the Vikings. Before this extra third-round pick was awarded, Minnesota had only three draft selections. With this new addition, the Vikings now have more flexibility in the draft. In addition to the 97th overall pick, the team also holds the 24th overall pick in the first round, along with picks No. 139 and 160 in the fifth round.
The compensatory pick system is based on a formula that takes into account the salary, playing time, and postseason honors of free agents lost compared to those signed by a team. As a result, the Vikings earned a valuable third-round pick, enhancing their draft position significantly. For 2025, the Vikings only received one compensatory pick.
While Minnesota is celebrating its compensatory pick, other teams also benefited from this system. The Dallas Cowboys, Baltimore Ravens, San Francisco 49ers, and Miami Dolphins tied for the most compensatory picks this year, with each team receiving four additional selections.
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