What’s next for the Vikings? Here are key upcoming events, dates in the NFL offseason.
The NFL’s focus shifts toward free agency and the draft with the scouting combine ahead at the end of February, when a lot can be learned about the free-agent market.
The Vikings completed a contract extension for head coach Kevin O’Connell and are working toward one with General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. Seven Vikings players participated in the Pro Bowl Games, with cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. earning defensive MVP honors in the NFC’s win. O’Connell was named NFL Coach of the Year and former Vikings sack machine Jared Allen was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame ahead of the Eagles' Super Bowl win.
The NFL offseason is officially here as the focus shifts to player acquisition and retention in free agency and the draft. Here’s what’s next for the Vikings.
Franchise and transition tag period
Feb. 18-March 4
Teams have a 15-day window to tag their free agent players with either franchise or transition tags before the signing period.
The Vikings could tag Darnold if they want to keep him around for another season without committing long-term. Darnold would be paid an estimated $39.5 million next year if tagged. He could also be tagged by the Vikings and then traded.
Whether the Vikings tag Darnold or not could be a substantial clue to how they view their 2025 quarterback outlook. O’Connell and Adofo-Mensah didn’t commit to a path forward at QB following the conclusion of the 2024 season.
The Vikings are likely to use the league’s gathering at the scouting combine in Indianapolis next week to gauge the market for Darnold.
Scouting combine
Feb. 24-March 3
Vikings coaches and front office personnel will turn their focus to the incoming rookie class at the scouting combine, which is once again being held at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
Televised coverage of on-field workouts begins at 3 p.m. Feb. 27, on NFL Network and lasts through March 3.
The Vikings could be looking to add younger players at running back, safety and cornerback, among other positions.
Free agency
Negotiation period, March 10-12
Signing period, March 12
It should be another busy mid-March for the Vikings, who have 28 free agents. Among them are prominent role players on both sides of the ball, including Darnold; running backs Aaron Jones and Cam Akers; safety Camryn Bynum; cornerbacks Stephon Gilmore, Fabian Moreau and Murphy; edge rusher Pat Jones II and more.
Last year’s free agency period brought a host of talent to Minnesota, particularly on the defensive side, and set a high bar for Adofo-Mensah, who is projected to have around $60 million in cap space. Which positional needs the Vikings address in free agency will help inform how they might spend their draft picks, too.
NFL draft
April 24-26
The 2025 NFL draft is taking place only a short road trip away from the Twin Cities in Green Bay, Wis.
The Vikings, who are No. 24 in the draft order, currently have just three picks: one in Round 1 and two in Round 5. They could receive a compensatory pick in the third round for quarterback Kirk Cousins leaving in free agency last year.
Last year, the Vikings traded their second-, third- and fourth-round picks in this year’s draft for the No. 17 overall pick they used to select outside linebacker Dallas Turner.
Minnesota’s sixth- and seventh-round picks were part of the deal sending edge rusher Za’Darius Smith to the Browns in 2023. The Vikings received their fifth-round picks in both last year’s and this year’s draft in the deal.
A franchise tag for quarterback Sam Darnold would have cost the Vikings $40.24 million for 2025. While they could still agree to a new contract with him, they are facing the prospect of having a new starting QB for the third consecutive year.
