BREAKING NEWS: Vikings Set for Landmark Free Agency Spending Spree After NFL’s Latest Update…
For the first time in years, the Minnesota Vikings are preparing to make a major splash in free agency. Previously constrained by salary cap limitations during Kirk Cousins’ tenure, the team took a financial hit last offseason by parting ways with the veteran quarterback. That decision accelerated $28.5 million in dead cap onto their 2024 books, contributing to a total of $70.4 million in unusable cap space—the fifth-highest in the NFL. However, these moves were strategic, designed to build a competitive roster that could support a quarterback on a rookie contract.
Minnesota already had significant financial flexibility heading into free agency, but a recent NFL announcement has further strengthened their position. According to ESPN’s Dan Graziano, the league informed teams on February 19 that the 2025 salary cap will be set between $277.5 million and $281.5 million—an increase of $6 million to $10 million beyond previous projections. As a result, the Vikings could have up to $65 million in cap space, the seventh-highest in the league, giving them more financial firepower than ever before. While inflation plays a role, this marks a rare opportunity for Minnesota to pursue elite free agents—something they struggled to do with Cousins on the payroll.
Last offseason provided a preview of what the Vikings could achieve without a costly quarterback contract. With $32.9 million in cap space before free agency, they landed Pro Bowl pass rushers Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel, as well as linebacker Blake Cashman, while filling out the roster with cost-effective veteran signings. They also secured long-term deals for key players like Justin Jefferson and Christian Darrisaw, anticipating future cap growth.
The additional cap space will help Minnesota retain or upgrade its roster as they face key departures, including 24 impending free agents. The secondary is particularly impacted, with five starters set to hit the market, alongside three of their top four defensive linemen. Notable free agents include quarterback Sam Darnold and running back Aaron Jones. However, with J.J. McCarthy and a deep running back class available in the draft, the Vikings may opt to allocate their resources elsewhere.
