It doesn’t feel real. It simply feels like a fantasy that the Minnesota Vikings are making moves in free agency. Big ones, as a matter of fact. Obviously the elephant in the room is that Kirk Cousins signed with Atlanta, and while I am devastated about that because I’ve defended Kirk Cousins with every fiber in my body, I’m happy to see him get paid, and I’m happy to see Atlanta grossly overpay him. He’s a 35 year old quarterback coming off a torn achilles who just made 180 million dollars.

The only other notable losses thus far are Marcus Davenport, who couldn’t stay healthy if his life depended on it, and Jordan Hicks, who I did like, but he’s old. As of right now, I feel like the additions out weight the losses.

DE Jonathan Greenard

4 years, $76 million

With Danielle Hunter heading to Houston, the Vikings front office realized that they needed to add to their pass rush and replace Hunter’s productivity. Look, I get it’s going to be hard to replace Hunter. He had 16.5 sacks last season and in his eight years in the NFL, he has five seasons over ten sacks. Here’s the thing though — Hunter is almost 30 years old. By signing Greenard to supplement Hunter’s production, you get a 26 year old player who is moving towards his peak by getting better and better each season. In 2023, Greenard tallied 52 tackles, 12.5 sacks, and a forced fumble.

While I’ll obviously miss watching Hunter play for the Vikings, it feels necessary to cut ties. His asking price is far too high and his age is a factor. I’m pumped to see Greenard in Brian Flores’ 3-4 system that thrives on creating pressure.

LB Blake Cashman

3 years, $25 million

Minnesota subtracts, Minnesota adds. Jordan Hicks, the 31 year-old linebacker, is out and Blake Cashman, the 27 year-old linebacker is in. Cashman joins his former Texan teammate, Greenard, on the Vikings defense and personally, I like the signing. He’s a quick inside linebacker with decent coverage skills and is productive. Last season he made 106 tackles, 2 sacks, 5 pass breakups, and an interception. His veteran presence alongside Troy Dye and Ivan Pace Jr. will be massive in Minnesota becoming more successful on defense.

RB Aaron Jones

1 year, $7 million

The signing of Aaron Jones means a lot of things, but the biggest is that there are now two revenge games on the schedule for when Minnesota plays Green Bay. After cutting Alexander Mattison, the Vikings lacked a lead back in their running back room. Ty Chandler and Cam Akers are good number two and three backs, but if you want to succeed on offense, you need to have a player like Jones who you can feed the rock to time after time again and he’ll pick up yards.

Last regular season, Jones saw a bit of decline as he rushed for 656 yards on 142 carries and 2 touchdowns, but he turned it up big time in Green Bay’s two playoff games. Over a two game stretch, Jones rushed for 226 yards on 39 carries and added 3 touchdowns. Jones is coming off a hot streak in high-stakes games so I love everything about this signing.

LB Andrew Van Ginkel

2 years, $20 million

It’s been made apparent that Minnesota wants to sure-up their front seven and I’m all for it. With Hunter gone, they add another pass rusher with former Dolphins outside linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel. In 2023, Van Ginkel tallied 69 tackles, 6 sacks, and 8 pass breakups. It’s exciting to get a player like Van Ginkel because of his on-field efficiency, but it’s more exciting because he’s reuniting with Brian Flores. There shouldn’t be a huge learning curve for Van Ginkel as there is a familiarity between himself and Flores.

QB Sam Darnold

1 year, $10 million

This move might make me kill myself stop being a fan of the Vikings. Then again, maybe it’ll make me happy. While Darnold hasn’t proved to be efficient over his career, he’s never had weapons like the Vikings offense has with Justin Jefferson (please don’t leave), K.J. Osborn, T.J. Hockenson, Jordan Addison, and Aaron Jones. It feels like Darnold will be more of a bridge quarterback, but if he steps up his play big time, then he could be the quarterback of the future for the Vikings. I’ll probably start the season hating him, but he could quickly change my attitude.