Sports
NFL Analyst Hands Vikings a Failing Grade
Some have maintained that “less is better” for the Minnesota Vikings free agency, but Yahoo Sports‘ Frank Schwab disagrees. Through the first few days of free agency, Minnesota added just two new players, cornerback James Pierre and quarterback Kyler Murray. And according to Schwab, that inactivity nets the Vikings a ‘D’ grade.
A prominent NFL analyst gave Minnesota a rough report card for its early 2026 offseason work.
Only the Denver Broncos ranked lower in his estimation, with Sean Payton’s team fetching a ‘D-.’
One NFL Analyst Thinks the Vikings Fell Short in Free Agency
The Vikings are minimalists this offseason.
Schwab: Early Vikings Free Agency Is a ‘D’
With the NFL entering the second wave of free agency, Schwab reflected on the first and was not impressed by the Vikings’ strategy.
“The salary cap caught up to the Vikings. They didn’t make any huge signings right away in free agency while running back Aaron Jones ,and defensive tackles Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen were released, and center Ryan Kelly retired. Receiver Jalen Nailor is gone too, having signed with the Raiders,” Schwab wrote.
“The Vikings could also trade defensive end Jonathan Greenard. Maybe they sign quarterback Kyler Murray, but there’s a reason the Cardinals moved on. This has been a rough offseason so far for Minnesota, who is operating underneath interim general manager Rob Brzezinski. Grade: D.”
Minnesota still has time to add players, but signing the cream of the crop is rapidly falling by the wayside.
The Spending Sprees Were in 2024 and 2025
In 2024, former Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah signed Blake Cashman (ILB), Sam Darnold (QB), Stephon Gilmore (CB), Jonathan Greenard (OLB), Shaquill Griffin (CB), Aaron Jones (RB), Jalen Redmond (DT), Jerry Tillery (DT), and Andrew Van Ginkel (OLB).
Last offseason, they handed out even larger contracts to these men: Jonathan Allen (DT), Will Fries (RG), Javon Hargrave (DT), Ryan Kelly (C), Rondale Moore (WR), Isaiah Rodgers (CB), and Eric Wilson (ILB).
Now, the chickens have come to roost. Despite clearing loads of cap space earlier this week, Minnesota is playing the long game in free agency, refusing to splurge “just to splurge” right off the bat.
Remaining Roster Needs
Depending on the eye of the beholder, the Vikings have the following roster needs, as the second week of free agency nears:
- Center
- CB3-CB4
- DT
- OT2
- Safety (if Harrison Smith retires)
- WR3-WR4
- Young RB
The club would need a third outside linebacker if Jonathan Greenard is traded — there are rumors of that — so keep that in mind. The top need after the Kyler Murray signing on Thursday evening is arguably center, unless Minnesota is completely content with Blake Brandel or Michael Jurgens in a starter’s role.
SI.com‘s Jonathan Harrison noted Thursday on Minnesota’s need at center, “The prices for free agent centers have been steep this offseason. It’s possible that the inflated asking price could lead Minnesota to address the position in the draft in April. If Minnesota does look to bring in a free agent at the position, former Browns center Ethan Pocic leads the list.
“He allowed just 14 pressures in over 500 pass block snaps in 2025. Tennessee’s Lloyd Cushenberry and Detroit’s Graham Glasgow could also be options, though both are likely to fetch deals that could be out of the Vikings’ spending range.”
He also mentioned the CB spot: “Minnesota already addressed its cornerback room once with the Pierre signing. Coming off a season-ending foot injury and largely failing to impress in Cincinnati, Taylor-Britt could be a good option for a one-year prove-it deal that we’ve seen this front office hand out numerous times over the past couple of seasons. Former Cowboys and Packers corner Trevon Diggs could also be another candidate in that realm.”
Rams Lead the Way per Schwab
The Rams were the only team to earn a solid ‘A’ grade from Schwab.
He wrote, “The Rams know what they’re doing. There was a severe need at cornerback, so they added a couple of Chiefs. They traded for elite corner Trent McDuffie and then signed Jaylen Watson. There were no other major additions, but the Rams didn’t need to make a ton of moves. Just the ones that addressed their biggest need.”
“The Rams didn’t have any free agents that absolutely needed to be retained, so there won’t be any significant losses. The Rams were a Super Bowl contender coming into the offseason and probably leave it as the Super Bowl favorite. Grade: A”
The Tennessee Titans and Pittsburgh Steelers pulled down an ‘A-‘ apiece.
The NFL Draft is the next big step of the Vikings’ offseason, and that’s 41 days away.
