For the first time in recent memory, the Minnesota Vikings are set to be major players in free agency. Throughout the Kirk Cousins era, the team was limited by salary cap constraints, but last offseason, the Vikings made a bold move by parting ways with the veteran quarterback. This decision resulted in $28.5 million in dead cap hitting the 2024 cap sheet, contributing to a total of $70.4 million in cap space that couldn’t be used — the fifth-highest in the NFL.
These moves were all part of a long-term strategy to build a competitive roster capable of supporting a quarterback on a rookie contract. Minnesota already had significant cap space heading into the upcoming offseason, but recent news from the NFL promises even more financial flexibility for the team.
According to ESPN’s Dan Graziano, the league announced on February 19 that the 2025 salary cap would be set between $277.5 million and $281.5 million, exceeding earlier projections by $6 million to $10 million. With the cap now trending higher than expected, the Vikings could have up to $65 million in available space, ranking seventh in the league, giving them their largest cap surplus in franchise history.
This financial windfall comes at a time when the Vikings have more flexibility than they’ve had in years, especially since the Cousins contract previously prevented them from pursuing top-tier free agents. Last year, the Vikings gave a preview of the type of talent they could bring in without a hefty veteran quarterback contract, entering free agency with $32.9 million in cap space, according to Pro Football Focus (PFF).
They made several significant moves, signing Pro Bowl-caliber edge rushers Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel, along with inside linebacker Blake Cashman. They also filled out the roster with affordable, short-term veteran contracts and secured long-term deals for star players like Justin Jefferson and left tackle Christian Darrisaw — moves that made sense given the expected rise in the salary cap.
With more cap room than ever before, the Vikings are now in a strong position to re-sign their own free agents or bring in new talent. They have 24 impending free agents, including five starters in the secondary and three of their top four defensive linemen, all of whom will need to be addressed.
The most prominent free agents are likely to be Sam Darnold and Aaron Jones, both of whom play key positions. However, with the emergence of quarterbacks like J.J. McCarthy and a deep running back draft class on the horizon, the Vikings may choose to allocate their resources in other areas of need.
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