3 sneaky good NFL free agents the Vikings must sign in the 2026 offseason

The Minnesota Vikings they thought they were well-prepared for a brilliant season in 2025. They addressed a couple of needs on the offensive line with several key signings and knew they had a dynamic defense that had shown the ability to limit opposing offenses.

what vikings he had no strength at quarterback. They had one of the best quarterbacks in the league in 2024 when Sam Darnold was under center, but the Vikings gambled that second-year QB JJ McCarthy was poised to become a star who could lead the Vikings deep into the playoffs.

That turned out to be a big mistake as McCarthy was plagued by inconsistencies and injuries throughout his sophomore season. Head coach Kevin O’Connell he loved McCarthy’s background and make-up, and also felt confident in his own ability to mold the young talent into an outstanding performer. Perhaps the coach’s ego got the best of him and former general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah made the mistake of believing in an unproven player and his over-optimistic coach.

The Vikings had a gem in Darnold, but they let him slip away

Vikings also underestimated Darnold’s value. He left the Vikings during free agency and signed with the Seattle Seahawks. He continued his development and consistent production and played a huge role in leading the Seahawks to a Super Bowl victory.

Darnold didn’t set any records in Seattle’s 29-13 victory over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl 60, but he avoided any big mistakes as the Seahawks took control of the game early and never relinquished it to the Patriots. In short, Darnold played a high-level professional game helping his team rise to the top of the pro football world.

In addition to letting their leader get away, the Vikings didn’t bring in a competent veteran to back up or compete with McCarthy. The Vikings’ season fizzled out early and they lost any chance of competing for a playoff spot when the Seahawks routed them 26-0. That dropped their record to 4-8, and while they won their last 5 games to finish 9-8 and escape the NFC North basement, the season was a disaster for a team that went 14-3 in 2024.

The Vikings must be active in the free agent market if they want to overcome their weaknesses.

C Tyler Linderbaum

The Vikings have had a need in the middle of their offensive line for several seasons. Garrett Bradbury was halfway through his 2024 season before the Vikings realized he couldn’t hold his own against elite opponents. They thought they had solved the problem when they dealt Ryan Kelly from the Indianapolis Colts a year ago, but the 11-year veteran didn’t have enough gas in the tank. He suffered 3 concussions last season and has had 6 brain injuries during his career.

The Vikings must make a move on free agent Tyler Linderbaum from the Baltimore Ravens. Linderbaum, 25, was a three-time pro bowler. He’s clearly in the prime of his career and after playing at a high level in the Ravens’ complex offense, he should be able to excel if he lands with the Vikings.

Linderbaum has the ideal size and strength for his position, but also has the speed and athleticism to gain an advantage in key matchups. The Vikings have a pair of tight ends in Christian Darriso and Brian O’Neal — when healthy — and the addition of a powerful center could give Minnesota one of the best offensive lines in the NFL.

Edge Jaelan Phillips

Phillips was a first-round pick of the Miami Dolphins in 2021 and showcased his talent with the Dolphins in 4 1/2 seasons before being traded to the Philadelphia Eagles midseason.

Injuries affected Phillips in 2023 and 2024, but he played 17 games between the 2 teams last season. Although he only had 5.0 sacks last year, he showed his skills and there’s no doubt that a defensive coordinator like Brian Flores should be able to get the most out of Phillips’ considerable talent.

The Vikings could lose Jonathan Grinard during the offseason – they could give up of his contract — and replacing him with Phillips would bolster Minnesota’s defense.

The Vikings not only let Darnold get away last year, they let Jones get away with it. The Vikings signed Jones at the end of the 2024 season and wanted to keep him as McCarthy’s backup last year, but he decided not to stay with the team as a backup. He signed a one-year, $7.15 million free agent deal with the Colts because they gave him a chance to compete for the No. 1 job.

Jones got the job and got off to a great start for Indianapolis last year. The Colts were writing a brilliant story in the 2025 season, but it all fell apart when the strong-armed and athletic Jones suffered a fractured fibula and a torn Achilles.

Jones will have an opportunity for a new contract this offseason, and the Vikings should pursue him hard and give him a chance to compete with McCarthy for the KB1 position.