The Minnesota Vikings have made it clear that upgrading the interior of their offensive line will be a top priority in free agency. However, with nearly $64 million in salary cap space, the team has the flexibility to invest in other key areas—most notably, the defensive line, which could benefit from additional reinforcements.
One potential target who has emerged on their radar is Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Milton Williams, who will officially hit free agency on March 12. ESPN’s Kevin Seifert predicted that Williams will land in Minnesota on a four-year contract worth $96 million, which would include a substantial $75 million in guaranteed money.
“The Vikings tried to sign free agent Christian Wilkins last season to inject some power into the interior of their defensive line, and they’ll take another swing here,” Seifert wrote. “Over the past two seasons, they have 91 sacks — but only nine have come from defensive tackles.”
At just 26 years old, Williams is expected to attract interest from multiple teams, including the Denver Broncos and New England Patriots. However, ESPN’s Dan Graziano believes the Vikings will ultimately outbid the Broncos for his services.
“It was between Minnesota and Denver, and the fourth year on the deal, combined with the stronger guarantee, pushed this toward the Vikings,” Graziano wrote. “This is also a team that won 14 games last season, and while there’s a lot to like about Denver’s trajectory, the Vikings are already a contender. They give Williams the best chance to get back to the Super Bowl soon.”
Vikings Pass on Franchise Tag for Darnold and Murphy
Heading into free agency, the Vikings had the option to use the franchise tag, with their two most viable candidates being quarterback Sam Darnold and cornerback Byron Murphy Jr.. However, the team ultimately decided against tagging either player due to the high price tag associated with both positions.
For Darnold, the cost of a one-year franchise tag would have exceeded $40 million, a figure that proved too steep for Minnesota’s front office. Meanwhile, Murphy’s tag would have come in at over $20 million, per Over The Cap. As a result, the team opted to let both players test the open market.
Darnold is now expected to depart in free agency, as the league-wide demand for starting quarterbacks has made him a coveted option for several teams. This development means that Minnesota is likely to move forward with second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy, the young signal-caller they drafted to be their long-term solution under center. The team will also look to sign a veteran quarterback who can serve as either a backup or a short-term bridge starter for the 2025 season.
As for Murphy, the talented cornerback is expected to command a lucrative deal on the open market, potentially reaching $22 million annually after a stellar 2024 campaign in which he recorded six interceptions. Retaining him would be costly, but he remains one of the most valuable pieces in the Vikings’ secondary.
Secondary Overhaul Looms as Harrison Smith’s Future Remains Uncertain
While Murphy is the most high-profile player in Minnesota’s secondary set to hit free agency, he’s far from the only one. In fact, four of the team’s five starting defensive backs are set to become free agents in less than a week. This means the Vikings could be looking at a major overhaul in the secondary, particularly if they are unable to re-sign key contributors.
One of the biggest question marks surrounds veteran safety Harrison Smith, who could be facing a potential departure or even retirement. The six-time Pro Bowler remains under contract, but his current deal would see the Vikings owe him $25 million in 2026, a figure that may not be sustainable. Minnesota will likely seek to renegotiate his contract or part ways with him altogether if a resolution isn’t reached.
Vikings Also Targeting Upgrades on the Offensive Line
Despite their defensive needs, the Vikings remain committed to bolstering their offensive line, a unit that has been inconsistent in recent seasons. Reports indicate that Minnesota is eyeing Indianapolis Colts guard Will Fries, a young and dependable interior lineman, as a potential addition on a multi-year contract.
By prioritizing both the trenches and the secondary, Minnesota appears to be taking a balanced approach to roster building, ensuring that both J.J. McCarthy and the defense have the necessary reinforcements to help the team remain competitive in the NFC. With free agency fast approaching, the next few weeks could be pivotal in shaping the Vikings’ roster for the 2025 season and beyond.
BREAKING: Vikings Agrees to Sign Super Bowl D-Tackle to $96 Million Deal
