Aug 19, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Tennessee Titans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (left) and Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) shake hands before the game at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
At this year’s league meeting, acting GM Rob Brzezinski noted that the club still has some time remaining before the season kicks off in September. Furthermore, he added that the quiet free agency gives them the financial flexibility to make some moves. His comments sound a lot like there will be some incoming free agents within the next five months.
Of course, the top players have already signed with teams, but there are still some intriguing veterans. Here are three that could make sense for the Vikings.
DeAndre Hopkins
Nov 6, 2022; Phoenix, AZ, United States; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) and DeAndre Hopkins (10) take the field against the Seattle Seahawks at State Farm Stadium.
The Vikings could use another pass-catcher after Jalen Nailor’s departure vacated the WR3 role behind Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. Now that Kyler Murray is the presumed starting QB for the Vikings, why not add one of his old friends from his Cardinals days?
DeAndre Hopkins is obviously no longer the elite weapon at age 33, but his declining athleticism comes with a pair of generational hands and he can be a third fiddle in the receiving room. Nailor took his production of about 400 yards and a handful of touchdowns with him and that’s about what could be expected from Hopkins.
He said last month via TMZ, “I would always embrace that journey with him,” Hopkins said. “If Kyler need me, he knows I’m there. If the Vikings need me, they know I’ll be there.”
Hopkins played for $5 million in 2025. Another year older, that price might have dropped even further.
D.J. Reader
Detroit Lions defensive tackle DJ Reader (98) tries to tackle Cleveland Browns quarterback Joe Flacco (15) during the second half at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025.
The Vikings also lost some bodies on the defensive line. Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave were initially signed 13 months ago, but they only lasted one season with the organization. Minnesota wanted to save the cap space.
Their departure left a thin defensive line rotation, however. Jalen Redmond will slide into the top role, at this point followed by Levi Drake Rodriguez and Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins. Adding an experienced body could elevate the room, especially one that is as good as Reader.
He’s 31 and spent the last couple of seasons in Detroit. Reader has never been much of a pass-rusher, but he’s one of the better run-stoppers in the league.
Reader’s price range should be around $5 million.
Fabian Moreau
Jan 13, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Minnesota Vikings cornerback Fabian Moreau (23) against the Los Angeles Rams during an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Corner Fabian Moreau is not as prominent as Hopkins and Reader, but he brings scheme familiarity to the table. He was added in the summer of 2024 after the Vikings had lost Mekhi Blackmon for the season. Moreau is also past his prime, but he provided solid play for a couple of weeks when Stephon Gilmore was unavailable.
Last season, the Vikings just re-signed him to the practice squad, where he remained until they needed him. Later in the year, with Jeff Okudah sidelined, Moreau was suddenly asked to step up, and he certainly did.
Defensive coordinator Brian Flores can trust returning starters Byron Murphy and Isaiah Rodgers and the club added James Pierre for the CB3 role. Moreau would be a depth player as he was in 2024 and 2025. He can be had for the veteran minimum.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Sports Reference helped with this article.