Coming off a disappointing 9-8 season and playoff miss. GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah was fired in January; Rob Brzezinski is acting as interim GM.
| Round 1 | #18 |
| Round 2 | #49 |
| Round 3 | #82, #97 |
| Round 5 | #163 (from Eagles) |
| Round 6 | #196 (from Colts) |
| Round 7 | #234, #235 (from Panthers), #244 (from Texans) |
Lost 4th (JAX for Cam Robinson), 5th (CAR for Thielen), 6th (SF for Jordan Mason). Gained 3rd-round comp (#97 for Sam Darnold), 4th-round comp (Daniel Jones), 5th (from PHI for Sam Howell), 5th comp (Cam Robinson), 7th (from HOU for Ed Ingram). Four picks in top 100.
Critical Needs
Harrison Smith was released via post-June 1 designation and is heavily leaning toward retirement after 14 seasons.
The Vikings released BOTH Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave to save $21M+ in cap space after both underperformed in 2025.
Important Needs
Byron Murphy Jr.
Center Ryan Kelly retired after suffering three concussions in 2025 (his sixth career concussion).
Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison are locked in as WR1/WR2, but the WR3 spot is completely vacant.
Depth Needs
This is contingent on the Jonathan Greenard situation.
Aaron Jones restructured his deal to stay at 31 years old ($5.5M base, $5M guaranteed), but he is aging and the Vikings need a long-term plan.
Minor Needs
Eric Wilson was re-signed on a 3-year/$22.5M deal after a career-best 2025 season.
- Signed QB Kyler Murray (1yr/$1.3M) — adds competition for J.J. McCarthy, does not eliminate long-term QB uncertainty but addresses short-term
- Released DT Jonathan Allen — gutted interior DL, massively increases IDL need
- Released DT Javon Hargrave (signed with Packers, 2yr/$23M) — further gutted interior DL
- Released S Harrison Smith (post-June 1 designation) — procedural move while he mulls retirement; if he retires, safety becomes the #1 need
- Re-signed LB Eric Wilson (3yr/$22.5M) — locks in LB1, reduces LB need
Brian Flores runs an aggressive, multiple-front defense that relies heavily on disguised coverages and pre-snap movement. Full scheme analysis →
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