The Minnesota Vikings have already made plenty of moves during free agency. Follow all the action in live updates below.
Now in their second offseason together, Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and head coach Kevin O'Connell appear to be moving on from the "run it back" mentality of the 2022 season and are shifting the roster to emphasize youth. Plus, the team needs to get salary cap compliant.
Already this offseason, the team has announced the release of some longtime - but expensive - fan favorites: linebacker Eric Kendricks and wide receiver Adam Thielen. Cornerback Cameron Dantzler Sr., who was injured for much of last year, was also waived.
MORE NFL NEWS: CBS Sports' 2023 NFL free agency tracker
There are 17 players in Minnesota who will become free agents on Wednesday. The biggest impact players are arguably cornerback Patrick Peterson, center Garrett Bradbury, kicker Greg Joseph and defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson. Cornerback Duke Shelly, who was signed during the regular season and stepped up in a big way after several cornerback injuries, will also hit the trading block.
Keeping some quality depth, the team made offensive lineman Blake Brandel and nose tackle Khyiris Tonga exclusive rights free agents.
As for positions of need heading into next season, there are many and it depends on which current players return or leave during free agency.
But for starters, the team will need a middle linebacker replacement for Kendricks and a No. 2 wide receiver who will complement the phenom Justin Jefferson. New defensive coordinator Brian Flores was brought in after the team's abysmal defensive performance in 2022, and his 3-4 defensive scheme relies on man coverage. More cornerback acquisitions are expected to pair well with Flores' scheme, be it in free agency or the draft.
RELATED: Legendary Vikings head coach Bud Grant dies at 95
It'll be hard for Minnesota to repeat the success of last year's 13-4 season, especially with a lot less veteran presence, and it will be interesting to see what team management does in the offseason to build sustained success. What's done in free agency will likely impact the team's choices during the upcoming draft, too.
Contracts won't be official until free agency officially begins Wednesday. The negotiation window -- also known as the "legal tampering period" -- was open as of Monday.
The latest reports and roster updates below.
Vikings adding CB Joejuan Williams
The Vikings made a move Monday to restock their depleted cornerback cupboard.
The team announced it has agreed to terms with Joejuan Williams, formerly of the New England Patriots.
A second-round draft pick in 2019, Williams appeared in 36 games for the Patriots, playing mostly on special teams. He missed all of the 2022-2023 season on the injured reserve list.
Cincinnati Bengals sign Irv Smith Jr.
Tight end Irv Smith Jr., who perennially seemed to be on the verge of a breakout season with the Vikings, is heading to the Cincinnati Bengals on a one-year deal.
The Bengals announced the move Thursday morning.
Smith, a second round pick out of Alabama in 2019, appeared in 37 games across three seasons for the Vikings, catching 91 passes for 858 yards and nine touchdowns.
Duke Shelley signs with Las Vegas Raiders
One of the bright spots on the Vikings' defense last season was cornerback Duke Shelley, who filled in admirably after several injuries at the position.
Now, he's moving on. The Las Vegas Raiders say they signed the unrestricted free agent.
Fullback CJ Ham to return on 2-year extension, agency says
Fullback CJ Ham's agency says Ham is sticking with the team on a two-year contract extension.
Vikings bring in another former Ram, LB Troy Reeder
The Vikings also agreed to terms with linebacker Troy Reeder, another player familiar with head coach Kevin O'Connell. Reeder is a close friend with right tackle Brian O'Neill.
Vikings agree to terms with former Rams wide receiver
The Vikings on Wednesday announced they agreed to terms with wide receiver Brandon Powell, who will reunite with head coach Kevin O'Connell. He's expected to be more of a special teams player as a punt returner and adds some depth at wide receiver.
Powell returned a punt for a touchdown against Minnesota in 2021.
DL Jonathan Bullard returns to Vikings
The Vikings announced Tuesday they've agreed to terms with defensive lineman Jonathan Bullard.
The team did not announce the terms of the contract. As a backup last season, Bullard tallied 23 tackles and no sacks.
The 29-year-old has also spent time in Chicago, Arizona, Seattle and Atlanta.
Backup lineman agrees to terms with Vikings
Vikings agree to terms with DL Dean Lowry, former Packer
Panthers agree to terms with Adam Thielen
CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The Carolina Panthers added yet another experienced veteran to their offense on Sunday night, agreeing to terms with free agent wide receiver Adam Thielen from the Minnesota Vikings.
The 32-year-old Thielen was released earlier this offseason after spending the past nine seasons with the Vikings, where he caught 534 passes for 6,682 yards and 55 touchdowns in 135 games. Thielen caught 70 passes last season for 716 yards and six touchdowns while paired with All-Pro wide receiver Justin Jefferson.
According to a person familiar with the situation, Thielen received a three-year deal. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the terms of the contract have not been released.
The Panthers were in need of adding experience in the wide receiver room after trading D.J. Moore to the Chicago Bears as part of a deal that also included giving up two first-round picks and two second-round picks to move up to the No. 1 overall spot in the NFL draft.
Thielen, who has been selected to two Pro Bowls, immediately becomes the most experienced wide receiver on the Panthers roster.
Last week the Panthers also agreed to terms with running back Miles Sanders, tight end Hayden Hurst and quarterback Andy Dalton, giving the offense experience at the skill positions.
The Panthers are expected to use the No. 1 pick on a quarterback.
New CB Byron Murphy Jr. excited to play with S Harrison Smith
Safety Harrison Smtih reportedly staying with Vikings on new contract
The Minnesota Vikings' elder statesman, safety Harrison Smith, is reportedly staying with the team after agreeing to a new contract.
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports Smith will receive $8 million in 2023, with another $2 million available in incentives.
Smith, 34, has spent his entire career with the Vikings. He was a first round pick in 2012 and has amassed 34 interceptions over his career.
Vikings bringing back RB Alexander Mattison
The Vikings are bringing No. 2 running back Alexander Mattison, per a release from the team. Pro Bowl starting running back Dalvin Cook remains under contract for next season, but there have been rumors of a trade due to his age and cost.
NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reports Mattison is getting a two-year deal worth up to $8 million.
Vikings re-sign Ellefson, Willekes; agree to terms with Oliver, Davenport & Murphy
The Minnesota Vikings have started their latest secondary revamp by agreeing to terms on a contract with former Arizona cornerback Byron Murphy, the team confirmed.
Murphy will get a two-year deal worth about $22 million, according to the Associated Press.
The 25-year-old replaced Patrick Peterson in the Cardinals' starting lineup in 2021 when Peterson joined the Vikings. Now, the 2019 second-round draft pick will take over for Peterson again.
Murphy was limited to nine games in 2022, when he was hampered by a back injury. He had a career-high four interceptions in 2021.
Additionally, the team has agreed to terms with Josh Oliver and Marcus Davenport, of the Jaguars and the Saints, respectively.
Also on Wednesday afternoon, the Vikings said that they have successfully retained tight end Ben Ellefson, and outside linebacker Kenny Willekes.
Ellefson, a native of Hawley, first joined Minnesota in two years ago after beginning his career in Jacksonville the season before. He is a graduate of North Dakota State University.
Quick rundown of Vikings updates
Check out a quick rundown of the reported updates during free agency week.
Signed:
CB Byron Murphy Jr.
TE Josh Oliver
ED Marcus Davenport
Re-signed:
C Garrett Bradbury
QB Nick Mullens
K Greg Joseph
LS Andrew DePaola
Released and/or signed with other team:
WR Adam Thielen
LB Eric Kendricks (Chargers)
CB Patrick Peterson (Steelers)
CB Cameron Dantzler (Commanders)
DT Dalvin Tomlinson (Browns)
Remaining glaring needs:
- Wide receiver (to complement Justin Jefferson)
- Middle linebacker (to replace Eric Kendricks)
- Interior defensive line (Dalvin Tomlinson left in free agency)
Report: Vikings working to finalize deal with CB Byron Murphy
The Vikings have reportedly filled a big need by working to sign CB Byron Murphy from the Arizona Cardinals. It's reportedly a multi-year deal.
Vikings agree to terms with Bradbury, Mullens
Center Garrett Bradbury and quarterback Nick Mullens will be staying put in Minnesota for the upcoming season.
Greg Joseph to return as kicker
Greg Joseph will return to the Vikings for his third season.
The team announced Tuesday evening that they have agreed to terms with the kicker.
Joseph made Vikings history last Christmas Eve, when he set the record for the longest field goal in franchise history.
Vikings bring back All-Pro long snapper
AP source: Vikings convert Cousins bonus, clear $16M off cap
The Minnesota Vikings reached an agreement with quarterback Kirk Cousins on Tuesday to change bonus language in his existing contract that cleared $16 million from their salary cap for 2023, according to a person with knowledge of the negotiation.
Vikings didn't do well in CBS Sports' Day 1 free agency grades
It was a relatively quiet day Monday for the Minnesota Vikings to kick off free agency week, which isn't surprising considering the team doesn't have a whole lot of salary cap room to make huge moves.
That being said, CBS Sports graded Minnesota nonetheless, and there's a lot of room for improvement.
The score? D-
CBS Sports' Garrett Podell called the defensive end Marcus Davenport reported deal a "whiff" and the reported deal with tight end Josh Oliver "insanity."
Report: Former longtime linebacker signs with Chargers
Fan favorite Eric Kendricks, who was recently released by the Vikings, is reportedly on his way to Los Angeles.
Safety Harrison Smith sends picture of Prince to Twin Cities sports reporter
Pioneer Press sports reporter Chris Tomasson says he only received a picture of Prince when he asked the veteran safety about his contract situation.
The cryptic response got plenty of attention on Twitter, with over 2,200 likes as of Tuesday morning. What does it mean?
Fmr. Vikings DT Dalvin Tomlinson is heading elsewhere, report says
NFL Network Ian Rapoport is reporting that defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson is expected to sign a big deal with the Cleveland Browns.
Report: Vikings to sign Marcus Davenport
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport says New Orleans Saints defensive end Marcus Davenport will soon be wearing purple and gold.
Davenport was drafted by the Saints in 2018, where he has spent the past five seasons.
According to AP sources, the deal is a one-year, $13 million contract.
ESPN: Patrick Peterson heading to Steelers
ESPN's Adam Schefter reports Vikings cornerback Patrick Peterson is moving to Pittsburgh.
Peterson spent 10 season with the Arizona Cardinals before joining the Vikings in 2021.
AP source: Vikings agree to 3-year deal with TE Josh Oliver
The Minnesota Vikings ramped up their run blocking on Monday by agreeing to terms with former Baltimore tight end Josh Oliver on a three-year, $21 million contract, according to a person with direct knowledge of the deal.
The person confirmed the agreement to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because free agent contracts can't be finalized until the new league year begins on Wednesday. The deal includes $10.75 million in guaranteed money and has attainable incentives that would push the total value to $24 million, the person said.
The Vikings ranked 26th in the NFL last season with an average of 4.1 yards per rush and tied for 27th in total rushing yards. Oliver was the highest-ranked tight end in run blocking in 2022 by Pro Football Focus.
Oliver was a third-round draft pick by Jacksonville out of San Jose State in 2019, but he played in only four games in two seasons for the Jaguars. He suffered a severe hamstring injury in his first training camp and, after a brief return, saw his rookie season end with a back injury.
The following year, he broke a bone in his foot in camp and was again placed on season-ending injured reserve.
The Jaguars traded him the next spring to the Ravens, for whom he had a limited role in 14 games in 2021.
Oliver flourished as a run blocker last season, playing in all 17 games and 47% of the snaps on offense. He had 14 receptions for 149 yards and two touchdowns.
The move was the first made by Minnesota after the market opened for formal free agent negotiations. The Vikings still needed to clear more than $7 million in salary cap charges when Monday began, even after releasing linebacker Eric Kendricks and wide receiver Adam Thielen last week. Talks can take place over the first two days and agreements in principle can be reached, but contracts cannot be signed until Wednesday.
The deal with Oliver all but assures the Vikings will not re-sign tight end Irv Smith Jr., whose injury-limited four years with Minnesota ended with him in a complementary role to Pro Bowl acquisition T.J. Hockenson.
Hockenson was sixth overall in the Pro Football Focus tight end rankings for 2022, and Oliver was eighth. The Vikings also have Johnny Mundt under contract at tight end. He primarily is a run blocker as well.
Here's CBS Sports' pick for the Vikings' greatest FA signing
It might not come as a surprise: Hall of famer John Randle.
Deemed too short by the Buccaneers (who cut him shortly after signing him as an undrafted rookie), the 6-foot-1 John Randle signed with the Vikings before the start of the 1990 season. The rest was history.
CBS Sports says Dolphins' DB Nik Needham would be good fit for Minnesota
"Minnesota badly needs bodies in the secondary. Needham played -- and succeeded -- for three seasons in Miami under Brian Flores, who is now the Vikings' defensive coordinator."
Needham suffered a torn Achilles in Week 6 against the Vikings.
Vikings tout No. 1-ranked workplace conditions amid free agency frenzy
The Minnesota Vikings have been ranked as the team with the best working conditions for its athletes, according to a recent survey from the NFL Players Association.
Read the previous story here.
Report: Vikings restructure ILB Jordan Hicks' contract
NFL Insider Adam Caplan reports that the Vikings have reportedly restructured veteran inside linebacker Jordan Hicks' contract.
The move means there will be some veteran leadership continuing into the 2023 season on the defense, with safety Harrison Smith's future in doubt and middle linebacker Eric Kendricks' release earlier this month.
Hicks was signed in last year's free agency, providing much-needed experience for the defense's shift to 3-4.
Za'darius Smith posts goodbye tweet to the Vikings, but team isn't ready to part ways quite yet
Za'darius Smith posted what appears to be a goodbye tweet to the team and fans, but insiders say that may actually be some wishful thinking on the linebacker's part.
Report: Vikings, QB Kirk Cousins have contract extension talks, but nothing is imminent
There's reportedly no agreement on the horizon when it comes to a contract extension for Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins.
NFL Network's Mike Garafolo on Sunday said there's been talks, but nothing is imminent, so Cousins playing out the final year of his contract "feels quite possible right now."
