MINNEAPOLIS — The makeup of the Minnesota Vikings' roster is drastically changing as NFL free agency kicks off this week.
Though free agency doesn't officially start until Wednesday, the "legal tampering period" is already underway as of late Monday morning. That means players with expiring contracts can — through their agents — communicate with and negotiate a contract with other teams.
Not long after the legal negotiation period opened, one of the biggest questions heading into the offseason was answered: veteran Kirk Cousins will no longer be the Vikings' starting quarterback. He reportedly will sign a four-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons.
To replace Cousins, the Vikings are reportedly bringing in former San Francisco 49ers QB Sam Darnold on a one-year deal. He could serve as a bridge quarterback should the Vikings choose to take a young passer in the upcoming draft.
Another notable Viking testing free agency is pass rusher Danielle Hunter, who dominated last season with more than 16 sacks. It looks less likely that he'll return after the team reportedly signed edge rusher Jonathan Greenard and linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel, who also has had success rushing the passer.
The Vikings parted ways with last season's starting running back Alexander Mattison earlier in the offseason, which left a need at the RB position. That has been addressed, too, with the team reportedly bringing in former Green Bay Packers RB Aaron Jones.
Contracts can only become official when free agency begins at 3 p.m. Wednesday, but plenty of big updates are expected in the meantime.
Follow updates below:
Vikings adding defenders Jihad Ward, Kamu Grugier-Hill
The Vikings continued their defensive spending spree in free agency Wednesday by adding pass rusher Jihad Ward and linebacker Kamu Grugier-Hill.
Ward, 29, had a career year with the New York Giants last season, logging five sacks and a forced fumble. He has 18 sacks in his career.
Grugier-Hill, also 29, played for the Carolina Panthers last season, tallying 56 total tackles and a sack. In 2021 with the Houston Texans as a full-time starter, he had 108 sacks, two forced fumbles, an interception and three sacks.
Ward has signed his contract, the Vikings said, while Grugier-Hill has agreed to terms with the team.
Vikings sign CB Shaq Griffin
The Viking added to their threadbare cornerback room Tuesday, agreeing to a deal with veteran Shaq Griffin.
Griffin, 28, started games for the Houston Texans and Carolina Panthers last season. The Seattle Seahawks drafted him in the third round in 2017. He spent two seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars after leaving Seattle in 2021.
Griffin has seven interceptions in 89 games played. He made the Pro Bowl in 2019.
Vikings sign fmr. Rams DL Jonah Williams
The Minnesota Vikings have announced a signing that will add to the depth along the defensive line.
On Monday, the team confirmed that it signed former Los Angeles Rams defensive lineman Jonah Williams.
Williams joined the Rams as an undrafted free agent in 2020. He started 16 out of 17 games last season.
RELATED: Vikings shore up defense by striking deals with Greenard, Van Ginkel, Cashman
Former Vikings RB Alexander Mattison reportedly joins AFC West team
Former Minnesota Vikings running back Alexander Mattison has found his next team.
Mattison, who was released by Minnesota in late February, is reportedly signing with the Las Vegas Raiders.
The Vikings recently signed RB Aaron Jones, who was released by the Green Bay Packers. Jones and Ty Chandler, who showed explosiveness last season, are likely to provide the majority of the running attack this upcoming season.
WR K.J. Osborn reportedly signing with Patriots
K.J. Osborn, who's served mostly as the Vikings' No. 3 wide receiver since being drafted in 2020, is reportedly headed to the New England Patriots in free agency.
The NFL Network first reported the move. Terms of the deal were not reported.
Osborn has 158 catches for 1,845 yards and 15 touchdowns in his career.
Minnesota Vikings now have 2 first-round draft picks after deal with Houston Texans
The Minnesota Vikings now have two first-round draft picks in the upcoming NFL Draft after a deal with the Houston Texans.
On Friday, the team announced it had acquired the Texans' No. 23 pick in a draft pick trade.
[Read more here]
Harrison Smith staying with Vikings on restructured contract
Harrison Smith, the Vikings' longest-tenured player, is staying with the franchise for another season.
The team announced Wednesday Smith has restructured his contract. He was rumored to be a candidate for release as the Vikings seek additional cap space.
The Vikings drafted Smith 29th overall in 2012. He's started 175 games for the team and has 34 career interceptions, along with 19.5 sacks and 12 forced fumbles.
Vikings agree to terms with Darnold, Greenard, Cashman and Van Ginkel
With free agency officially underway Wednesday afternoon, the Minnesota Vikings confirmed the agreement on terms with several previously reported signings:
- QB Sam Darnold
- LB Blake Cashman
- OLB Jonathan Greenard
- OLB Andrew Van Ginkel
[Read more on the defensive signings]
Vikings agree to terms with DL Jonathan Bullard
A familiar face along the Vikings' defensive line is returning.
The team announced Wednesday that it has agreed to terms with DL Jonathan Bullard.
The 30-year-old was set to hit free agency Wednesday afternoon if a deal wasn't done. He played in all 17 games last season, starting in 14 of them.
Bullard was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft. He joined the Vikings as a free agent in 2022.
Vikings officially sign kicker John Parker Romo
The Minnesota Vikings have a new kicker.
On Wednesday, the team announced the signing of John Parker Romo. The free agent played for the San Antonio Brahmas in the 2023 XFL season.
The Peachtree City, Georgia native has spent time on several NFL teams, including the Detroit Lions and Chicago Bears, but has not yet started.
Kirk Cousins says goodbye to Vikings, fans in Minnesota
Former Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins bid a formal farewell to his fans, coaches and teammates Wednesday as he heads to the Atlanta Falcons.
In the farewell video, Cousins said it's a "bittersweet" day for him. Later in the day, Cousins is expected to officially sign a contract with the Falcons, which will end his tenure as a Viking.
[Click here for more]
Danielle Hunter reportedly leaving for Houston Texans
Dominant pass rusher Danielle Hunter is reportedly not re-signing with the Minnesota Vikings and will instead head to the Houston Texans.
On Tuesday, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that Hunter, 29, agreed to a $48 million two-year contract with the Texans.
[Click here to read the full story.]
Quick update on notable departures so far (not named Kirk Cousins)
Here's a look at some notable Vikings players who are now reportedly signed elsewhere.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, linebacker Jordan Hicks — who provided solid play for the Vikings last season — is heading to the Cleveland Browns on a two-year deal.
Though he didn't get much playing time due to ankle injuries, Marcus Davenport showed flashes as a pass rusher for the Vikings last season. He's reportedly heading to the Detroit Lions, so Minnesota will potentially see him twice next season. If he overcomes his injuries, he could be a menace for the Vikings.
Vikings part ways with a couple defensive players
The Minnesota Vikings on Tuesday announced that they have terminated the contract of defensive lineman Dean Lowry and waived linebacker William Kwenkeu.
Vikings to sign former XFL kicker John Parker Romo: Report
The Minnesota Vikings are signing former XFL kicker John Parker Romo, according to a report from NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.
Pelissero says Romo received three offers after winning a kicking competition over the weekend. During the competition, he apparently made a 64-yard field goal.
Romo has spent time on several NFL teams, but has yet to start.
The Vikings' kicker last season, Greg Joseph, is currently a free agent.
Vikings to reportedly bring in fmr. Packers RB Aaron Jones
The Minnesota Vikings are reportedly bringing in a running back from an NFC North rival.
According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, the Vikings and Aaron Jones have agreed to a one-year deal worth $7 million.
The Green Bay Packers released Jones on Monday and are reportedly bringing in Josh Jacobs, formerly of the Las Vegas Raiders.
Vikings reportedly sign QB Sam Darnold to replace Kirk Cousins
It didn't take long for the Minnesota Vikings to seek out a replacement quarterback after Kirk Cousins signed with the Atlanta Falcons.
The NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports the Vikings will sign Sam Darnold to a one-year deal worth up to $10 million.
[Click here to read the full story.]
Vikings reportedly to sign Minnesota native who played for Gophers
The Minnesota Vikings are signing linebacker Blake Cashman to a three-year deal worth up to $25.5 million, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported.
Cashman is from Eden Prairie and played for the Golden Gophers.
It's the team's second reported signing of a linebacker. Earlier, the team brought in former Dolphins linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel (detailed in an update below).
The team appears to be making a push to improve the defense in the early stages of free agency, also reportedly bringing in edge rusher Jonathan Greenard of the Houston Texans.
Vikings release statement on Cousins
Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah released a statement following reports of Cousins' deal with the Falcons.
"After significant and positive dialogue with Kirk and his representatives, we were unable to reach agreement on a contract that fits the short and long-term visions for both Kirk and the Minnesota Vikings. Kirk holds a special place in Vikings history, and we appreciate his leadership and contributions to the team and the Minneapolis-St. Paul community over the past six seasons. We wish him, his wife, Julie, and their children all the best.
"Our approach heading into free agency always included layers of contingencies regarding the quarterback position. We are moving forward with plans that allow us to continue building a roster that can compete for a championship."
Vikings reportedly bring in a linebacker from Dolphins
The Vikings have reportedly agreed to terms with former Dolphins linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. The deal is reportedly a two-year contract for $20 million with $14 million guaranteed.
"The deal was confirmed by agents Drew Rosenhaus and Ryan Matha," Schefter said.
Earlier, the Vikings reportedly agreed to terms with edge rusher Jonathan Greenard from the Houston Texans.
Kirk Cousins reportedly signing 4-year deal with Atlanta Falcons
Kirk Cousins' time as the Minnesota Vikings' starting quarterback is officially over, according to his agent.
Agent Mike McCartney said on X Monday that Cousins will sign a four-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons. The 35-year-old was the top free agent QB on the market.
[Read the full story here]
Vikings bring back two depth pieces on offensive line
The Minnesota Vikings announced Monday that they are re-signing offensive linemen David Quessenberry and Blake Brandel.
The move will bring some stability to the OL depth. Quessenberry, 33, was signed to the team last offseason and stepped in for both left tackle Christian Darrisaw and right tackle Brian O'Neill when they suffered injuries.
Brandel, 27, was selected by the Vikings in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
Starting left guard Dalton Risner and swing tackles Austin Schlottmann and Oli Udoh are still testing the free agency market.
Vikings reportedly sign edge rusher Jonathan Greenard
The Vikings have reportedly signed a free agent edge rusher, though not the one fans were likely hoping for.
NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported Monday the Vikings will sign Jonathan Greenard from the Houston Texans.
Greenard, 26, had 12.5 sacks last season, the best year of his career.
According to a report from ESPN's Adam Schefter, Greenard will be signing a four-year, $76 million deal with $42 million of it guaranteed.
Signing Greenard doesn't rule out the Vikings bringing back Danielle Hunter, though it certainly makes it less likely.
Vikings re-sign TE Johnny Mundt
Before free agency began, the Vikings re-signed their No. 3 tight end, Johnny Mundt.
With starter T.J. Hockenson expected to miss the start of the regular season, Mundt could see an increased role early on.
[Click here for the full story.]
GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah talks Cousins, Hunter, Jefferson negotiations at combine
At the NFL Scouting Combine last month, Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah addressed the three most important negotiations of the offseason: Kirk Cousins, Justin Jefferson and Danielle Hunter.
[Click here for the full story.]