The Minnesota Vikings are once again aiming to strike gold in free agency. Following a 2024 season led by defensive coordinator Brian Flores and a standout free agent class, headlined by Jon Greenard, Andrew Van Ginkel, and Blake Cashman—the Vikings fielded one of the NFL’s most ferocious defenses. Looking to take the next step, Minnesota reloaded with key veteran additions, including two former Pro Bowl interior linemen, hoping to elevate the defense to an elite level.
Interior Defensive Line
While Minnesota’s interior defensive line didn’t feature a big-name star last season, the group quietly dominated against the run. The Vikings allowed just 93.4 rushing yards per game, ranking second only to the Ravens. However, the unit lagged in pass rush production, contributing just 4 of the team’s 49 total sacks.
To address the issue, Minnesota made splash signings by adding Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave—both former Pro Bowlers coming off injury-plagued seasons. These veterans will lighten the workload on Harrison Phillips, who has been a steady presence in the run game, but not a dynamic disruptor.
The Vikings also uncovered a potential gem in UFL standout Jalen Redmond, who flashed in limited snaps and earned a 77.2 PFF grade. Last Season Redmond showed great burst and should see his role increase this season. The Vikings also added Fifth-round rookie Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins. He will push for playing time early with his ability to across the line. Depth pieces like Taki Taimani and Levi Drake Rodriguez contributed in preseason but struggled to crack the rotation. Both will battle for those last snaps along the interior.
If healthy, Allen and Hargrave don’t need to be All-Pros to make a difference. For perspective, in limited action last season, Hargrave posted a 13.6% pressure rate, and Allen managed 8.5%—both far above Jerry Tillery’s 5.5%, the top mark among Vikings interior defenders last year.
This revamped unit has the talent and depth to become one of the NFL’s best.
Edge Rushers
Last offseason, Minnesota made the difficult decision to move on from longtime star Danielle Hunter. In his place, they signed Jon Greenard, who was coming off a breakout 12.5-sack season with Houston, and Andrew Van Ginkel, who reunited with Flores from their Miami days.
The duo delivered in a big way—combining for 23.5 sacks, earning Pro Bowl honors, and helping lead the Vikings to the fourth-most sacks in the NFL. Van Ginkel also received Second-Team All-Pro honors, solidifying the unit as one of the league’s top edge tandems.
2023 first-round pick Dallas Turner had a relatively quiet rookie campaign, playing just 308 defensive snaps. However, with Patrick Jones II now in Carolina, Turner will have more opportunity to shine. Flores’ complex scheme demands a lot out of young players. Turner’s development could be the key to elevating this pass rush to even greater heights.
Behind them, UDFAs Gabe Murphy and Bo Richter are set to compete for rotational snaps. With minimal offseason additions, both could carve out roles in 2025.
If Turner takes the expected leap, Along with the interior additions. The Vikings look to build on strong 2024 season and lead this team to a deep playoff run.
Linebackers
The Vikings’ 2024 free agent class hit big, and perhaps no addition was more impactful than Blake Cashman. Paired with UDFA sensation Ivan Pace Jr., the duo formed a complementary linebacker tandem that keyed Minnesota’s dominant defense.
Pace thrives as an aggressive downhill attacker and frequent blitzer, averaging four blitzes per game last year. Blake Cashman’s versatility, especially in coverage was a great reason for the success this season. Their importance was evident. Minnesota lost both games Cashman missed, and their run defense dropped significantly from 77.5 to 109.8 yards per game in Pace’s absence.
To bolster depth, the Vikings brought back Eric Wilson, a veteran with strong special teams value and starting experience. The surprise draft selection of Kobe King, who is similar to Ivan Pace in play style, adds further depth and insurance in case of injuries.
Cornerbacks
Minnesota faced a potential overhaul in the secondary, with every contributing corner set to hit free agency. They prioritized retaining Byron Murphy Jr., fresh off a career year, signing him to a three-year, $54 million extension.
Mekhi Blackmon, the first defensive pick of the Brian Flores era, is returning from a torn ACL suffered in training camp. He showed promise as a rookie and is expected to play a huge role this upcoming season. Minnesota also added Isaiah Rodgers, a ballhawk Flores specifically targeted. His ability to play slot and outside compliment Flores’ Style. They would also take a low-risk flyer on former third-overall pick Jeff Okudah, hoping a change of scenery unlocks his potential.
Notably, the Vikings chose not to draft a corner, a sign of confidence in their existing depth—including Dwight McGlothern, a 2023 UDFA with intriguing traits who saw limited action last season.
With everyone age 27 or younger, this youthful group could surprise and grow into one of the league’s better secondaries.
Safeties
Faced with a tough decision in free agency, the Vikings opted to retain Byron Murphy over fan-favorite safety Cam Bynum, who signed with the Colts. That left the team’s safety room in flux—until franchise legend Harrison Smith announced he would return for his 14th season.
At age 36, Smith remains a savvy, versatile defender, and locker-room leader, capable of disguising coverages and making timely plays. His return stabilized the position group.
Minnesota re-signed Theo Jackson, who’s been a playmaker in limited snaps. His path mirrors that of Josh Metellus, who has developed into one of the most versatile and impactful defenders in the league. Metellus’ ability to line up from the box to the slot makes him a key piece in Flores’ system.
Jay Ward, a 2023 fourth-round pick with nickel and cornerback experience, mostly played special team’s. Ward could see a bigger role this year. With hopes to show the versatility that got him drafted and carve out a nice role.
While many expected the Vikings to add a safety via the draft or free agency, The would opt to promote within. Placing trust in their in-house talent and coaching to elevate the unit in 2025.
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