J.J. McCarthy, Minnesota Vikings
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(Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
The Minnesota Vikings have managed to have the quietest, yet loudest free agency of any team thus far in 2026.
The Vikings have only made two external signings so far since the NFL league year officially began last Wednesday. One of these was a very underrated James Pierre signing, and the other was one of the most-talked about moves in recent memory.
Minnesota’s signing of QB Kyler Murray sent shock waves through the entire NFL landscape. Getting him on a $1.3 million price tag is arguably the best value contract in the NFL today. The Vikings essentially get a free shot to see if they can maximize the talent of a former first overall selection.
Vikings’ Offseason Gets Blunt Evaluation
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray during an NFL game.
GettyGLENDALE, ARIZONA – SEPTEMBER 14: Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals looks on following the game against the Carolina Panthers at State Farm Stadium on September 14, 2025 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)
Pro Football Focus recently gave a blunt evaluation of the Vikings’ offseason to this point. They gave Minnesota a “B” letter grade for the signings of Kyler Murray and James Pierre.
They elaborated on the acquisition of Kyler Murray.
“After a trying 2025 season that saw Murray play just five games, he lands in an ideal landing spot with the Vikings.
Murray hasn’t been as dynamic over the last three years with a 74.3 PFF passing grade, tossing 48 big-time throws compared to 43 turnover-worthy plays, but he’s still a high-ceiling starter who should push J.J. McCarthy. If Murray plays like peak form, this will look like an absolute bargain.”
They also spoke on the acquisition of James Pierre.
“Pierre looked really good in limited work in 2025, earning an 86.2 PFF overall grade on 408 snaps, so this is a worthwhile swing of the bat for the Vikings. It’s a bigger contract than PFF was projecting, but even if all he is is a good depth player, it’s a perfectly reasonable signing.
The upside is that if Pierre can continue to improve, as we saw this past season, the Vikings could be getting a starting-caliber cornerback for a steal.”
Pierre has spent most of his career with the Pittsburgh Steelers, with his stints there sandwiching a season spent in Washington in 2024.
Minnesota’s Updated Cap Situation
Kevin O'Connell
GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – SEPTEMBER 08: Head coach Kevin O’Connell of the Minnesota Vikings looks on against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on September 08, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Per OverTheCap, the Minnesota Vikings currently have right under $6 million left in available cap space in 2026.
Unless a move on Jonathan Greenard or an extension and restructure for Brian O’Neill or Blake Cashman is in order, the Vikings don’t have a lot of flexibility to make any further moves in free agency.
The team will need to have around $10 million in free space to sign their rookie class. This number is dependent on how many draft picks the Vikings have this year, so if they are to trade some away, it could go down.
Either way, the Vikings will need to clear up some room in order to make any more moves to benefit their 2026 campaign.