NFL free agency is off and running, and we're keeping track of every major signing, trade and release of the 2026 offseason, with analysis from our NFL Nation reporters and grades from our experts.
The new league year began March 11, where free agents could officially be signed. The first round of the 2026 NFL draft begins April 23 on ESPN.
Here's a breakdown of every 2026 NFL free agent signing by the Minnesota Vikings and how each will impact the upcoming season:
Kyler Murray, QB
Murray agreed to a one-year, $1.3 million deal.
What it means: For a detailed look at what Murray's arrival in Minnesota means for the Vikings, J.J. McCarthy and Justin Jefferson, read our FAQ.
Eric Wilson, ILB
The Vikings are bringing Wilson back on a three-year, $22.5 million deal.
What it means: If there were any doubt, Wilson will remain a fixture in defensive coordinator Brian Flores' scheme after his breakout 2025 season. Wilson displayed a unique aptitude for Flores' blitz packages after signing a one-year contract for what was assumed to be a special teams role, posting the NFL's third-best pressure rate (15.3%) after joining the starting lineup.
It's worth noting, though, that he turns 32 in September. Fellow inside linebacker Blake Cashman turns 30 in May. Their ages make depth important, and at the moment of Wilson's signing, he and Cashman were the only players at their position under contract in Minnesota.
James Pierre, CB
The former Steeler agreed to a two-year contract worth $8.5 million.
What it means: The Vikings entered free agency with only two established cornerbacks on their 2026 roster: starters Byron Murphy Jr. and Isaiah Rodgers. Pierre, 29, will provide depth and probably a significant presence on special teams. In the past two seasons, he played 26% of the Steelers' defensive snaps.
The Vikings tend to use their safety depth when they go to nickel more often than many teams, making a deep bench at cornerback less urgent, but it's clear they wanted a familiar face to fill a defined role. They have two assistant coaches who spent time with Pierre in Pittsburgh: defensive coordinator Brian Flores and defensive passing game coordinator/defensive backs coach Gerald Alexander.
Tavierre Thomas, DB
Thomas is staying in Minnesota on a two-year, $4.6 million deal.
What it means: Thomas was the Vikings' most consistent special teams player in 2025, recording a team-high 19 tackles while playing 83% of the snaps. NFL teams have annual turnover among their top special teams contributors, and the Vikings will be no different after the retirement of C.J. Ham, the uncertain future of Ivan Pace Jr. and the likely expected elevations of Tai Felton and Jay Ward to their offensive and defensive roles, respectively.
Thomas is not much of a factor as a defensive back, having played 18 snaps there last season, but he will provide a key level of continuity elsewhere.
Carson Wentz, QB
Wentz is staying in Minnesota on a one-year contract.
What it means: The Vikings weren't joking about their determination to add depth and elevate performance at the position this offseason. Even after signing Murray as the likely starter, they bring back Wentz to a group that also includes McCarthy and Max Brosmer. This winter, O'Connell has repeatedly pointed out that the team won 13 regular-season games in 2022 and 14 in 2024, when their chosen starter played the entire season. Murray remains the likely starter, but Wentz could compete with McCarthy for the No. 2 job and, if nothing else, would give them a more reliable option at No. 3 than Brosmer.
Johnny Hekker, P
The former Titan is joining the Vikings on a one-year contract.
What it means: Hekker's arrival gives the Vikings a trifecta of specialists with All-Pro credentials, along with kicker Will Reichard and long-snapper Andrew DePaola. He replaces Ryan Wright, who departed after four years to sign a four-year contract with the Saints.
Hekker is a natural fit, having punted for the Rams when Vikings' coach Kevin O'Connell was their offensive coordinator from 2020 to 2021. At 36, Hekker's most prolific years are behind him. He made the last of his four Pro Bowl and All-Pro teams in 2017. But the Vikings will play 11 games indoors in 2026, and his skill as a holder should minimize disruption for Reichard.
Andrew DePaola, LS
Minnesota is bringing the long-snapper back with a one-year, $1.725 million deal.
What it means: DePaola, 38, is one of the NFL's best long-snappers. In each of the past four seasons, he has been named either a first- or second-team All-Pro. His return for 2026 didn't seem to be in question, but it will serve extra importance with the change at punter. DePaola will provide a level of continuity as Reichard adjusts to a new holder and will be a reliable partner for Hekker.
Ryan Van Demark, OT
What it means: The Vikings needed a robust option for their swing tackle considering the health issues their starting tackles faced last season. Left tackle Christian Darrisaw played in only 10 games, and left five of those early, while dealing with the aftereffects of an October 2024 injury to his left knee. After the season, former general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah admitted the Vikings needed to be "more mindful" of insurance at the position. Right tackle Brian O'Neill, meanwhile, missed three games because of various ailments. At 6-foot-6 and 307 pounds, Van Demark is big enough to play either position. The Vikings obviously believe so after guaranteeing him $4.2 million for 2026.