{"id":848441,"date":"2026-04-02T02:26:40","date_gmt":"2026-04-02T02:26:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/848441\/"},"modified":"2026-04-02T02:26:40","modified_gmt":"2026-04-02T02:26:40","slug":"vikings-quietly-have-3-of-nfls-top-future-free-agents","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/848441\/","title":{"rendered":"Vikings Quietly Have 3 of NFL’s Top Future Free Agents"},"content":{"rendered":"

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"AndrewMinnesota Vikings linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel (43) returns an interception for a touchdown during a game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on Sep. 8, 2024, in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The play flipped momentum as Van Ginkel showcased instincts and burst in coverage for a key defensive score. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

Indeed, the NFL is winding down 2026 free agency<\/a>, but outlets like ESPN are already looking ahead to next offseason<\/a>. And per Matt Bowen, the Minnesota Vikings have three of the league\u2019s best free agents to be in March 2027.<\/p>\n

ESPN determines the three main headlining acts of the Vikings\u2019 2027 free agency. <\/p>\n

Those men are Kyler Murray, Andrew Van Ginkel, and T.J. Hockenson. <\/p>\n

Minnesota\u2019s 2027 Outlook Already Includes 3 Big Decisions<\/p>\n

Yes, it\u2019s a small peek at 2027 free agency.<\/p>\n

\"KylerKyler Murray takes the field for his 2023 season debut, leading the Cardinals offense during action on Nov. 12, 2023, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale. The quarterback returned to game speed against Atlanta, showcasing mobility and timing as Arizona evaluated his impact following time away earlier in the season. Mandatory Credit: Rob Schumacher-Arizona Republic.<\/p>\n

Kyler Murray | QB<\/p>\n

Murray made the cut in Bowen\u2019s quarterback section, alongside Matthew Stafford and Baker Mayfield.<\/p>\n

He wrote<\/a>, \u201cIf Murray wins the starting job in Minnesota over J.J. McCarthy<\/a>, there is major opportunity here for him in coach Kevin O\u2019Connell\u2019s system. With a game plan built around Murray\u2019s dual-threat ability (five seasons of 400-plus rushing yards), defined throws and play-action shots, he could cash in after his one-year deal is up.\u201d<\/p>\n

If Murray performs well and\/or the Vikings reach the postseason in 2026 \u2014 maybe even win a playoff game? \u2014 the club is severely unlikely to let him leave, not after what transpired with Sam Darnold out in Seattle. The franchise cannot make the same mistake twice. <\/p>\n

Think of it this way: Murray has one big chance to become the Vikings\u2019 forever quarterback.<\/p>\n

Andrew Van Ginkel | OLB<\/p>\n

The Vikings extended Van Ginkel\u2019s contract about one year ago, attaching an extra $23 million to his wallet, fresh off the steam of a fantastic inaugural season in Minnesota, complete with two pick-six touchdowns.<\/p>\n

But there\u2019s one \u201cissue\u201d with Van Ginkel that some don\u2019t realize: he\u2019s not young. He\u2019ll turn 31 this summer. He was a late bloomer in Miami. Bowen on Van Ginkel\u2019s 2027 free agency<\/a>: \u201cAfter 11.5 sacks in 2024, Van Ginkel recorded 7.5 in 12 games last season. His skill set fits best in a defense that schemes one-on-one matchups and stunts for him off the edges as an outside linebacker.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"AndrewAndrew Van Ginkel scans the Tennessee backfield during second-half defensive action on Nov. 17, 2024, at Nissan Stadium in Nashville. The Vikings linebacker read developing plays and adjusted positioning as Minnesota countered the Titans\u2019 offensive looks, highlighting his awareness and role within the defensive rotation in a cross-conference matchup. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images.<\/p>\n

If Minnesota extends Van Ginkel this summer, it would likely be a matter of adding another $25 million onto his 2027 tab, and it\u2019s unclear if the Vikings have that kind of cash lying around. If they do, that may be reserved for Van Ginkel\u2019s teammate, Jonathan Greenard<\/a>, who is two years younger and also wants a fat contract extension.<\/p>\n

T.J. Hockenson | TE<\/p>\n

Minnesota cut a deal with Hockenson this offseason, docking his pay just a bit for 2026 while ensuring he\u2019ll be able to test free agency in 2027. The arrangement also guaranteed that the Vikings won\u2019t get any compensatory draft picks for his possible free-agent departure, one of the downsides of a contractual rework.<\/p>\n

Bowen on Hockenson: \u201cA knee injury in 2024 cut Hockenson\u2019s season short, and sub-par QB play in 2025 reduced his total production. At his best, Hockenson should be viewed as a rugged, three-down tight end who can win in the middle of the field or on seams and corner routes. He had a career-best 95 receptions in 2023.\u201d<\/p>\n

O\u2019Connell used Hockenson as a blocking tight end in 2025, mainly because offensive line injuries ruined everything. At his price point, Minnesota must use Hockenson heavily in the 2026 passing game. Otherwise, his chunky contract just isn\u2019t worth the squeeze.<\/p>\n

\"T.J.T.J. Hockenson sets at the line before the snap during second-half action on Nov. 30, 2025, at Lumen Field in Seattle. The Vikings tight end aligned within the formation as Minnesota prepared its next play, emphasizing timing and spacing against a Seahawks defense focused on limiting short and intermediate passing lanes. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images.<\/p>\n

Some Vikings enthusiasts \u2014 and this website \u2014 would love to see O\u2019Connell pull Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq<\/a> out of Round 1 of April\u2019s draft.<\/p>\n

The Rest \u2014 Not Mentioned by ESPN<\/p>\n

Oh, did you think we were done? We\u2019re not done with 2027 Vikings free agency. ESPN merely called out its version of Minnesota\u2019s top three free agents on tap to test the open market.<\/p>\n

The larger list is ginormous. In addition to Murray, Van Ginkel, and Hockenson, these men are on deck for free agency as well:<\/p>\n

Blake Brandel (OL)<\/p>\n

Blake Cashman (ILB)<\/p>\n

Andrew DePaola (LS)<\/p>\n

Aaron Jones (RB)<\/p>\n

Jordan Mason (RB)<\/p>\n

Ryan Van Demark (OT)<\/p>\n

Brian O\u2019Neill (RT)<\/p>\n

Ivan Pace Jr. (ILB)<\/p>\n

Jalen Redmond (DT)<\/p>\n

Bo Richter (OLB)<\/p>\n

Isaiah Rodgers (CB)<\/p>\n

Jay Ward (S)<\/p>\n

Carson Wentz (QB)<\/p>\n

You\u2019ll probably see factoids about the Vikings\u2019 holding impressive cap space<\/a> next offseason. That\u2019s fine and dandy, but the reality is that most of the starting lineup on offense and defense has a scheduled inflection point.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s worth noting that men like Cashman, O\u2019Neill, Redmond, Rodgers, and Ward could lock down contract extensions as early as this summer. Bowen noted on that process, \u201cIt\u2019s important to remember that most top players primed for free agency in 2027 will sign contract extensions long before we reach next March. Players can also be franchise-tagged. But for now, let\u2019s size up the potential of the 2027 class with the best players who are at least currently slated to hit the open market.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAge, positional value, expected future production and scheme versatility are all factors in making the list. We also included three players who received franchise tags this season and some 2023 first-round picks who are eligible for a fifth-year option in 2027.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Vikings are expected to win eight or nine games next season, according to sportsbooks. <\/p>\n

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