Free agency is four days away, believe it or not, and according to ESPN, the Minnesota Vikings have two internal free agents on the Top 100 board this go-round: wide receiver Jalen Nailor and defensive tackle Javon Hargrave.
Nailor’s market looks lively, and Hargrave’s future feels unsettled as the Vikings prep for a busy free-agency week.
Hargrave hasn’t been officially released yet, but ESPN had no qualms rolling the dice on recent clues.
Minnesota’s Two Biggest “Keep or Go” Cases before the Market Opens, per ESPN
Vikings’ in-house free agency is pretty quiet this year.
Nailor = 58th-Best Free Agent per ESPN
ESPN’s Matt Bowen sized up the NFL’s Top 100 free agents, and Nailor was not excluded.
“What he brings: Nailor is more than willing to work the middle of the field, and he has the foot quickness to separate on out-breaking routes. With the ability to line up inside or outside, he has proved himself as a solid No. 3 option. He averaged 15.3 yards per catch and scored three touchdowns in 2025,” Bowen opined.
Recent reports suggest that about a dozen teams are interested in Nailor next week, so his market might be robust.
Hargrave at No. 96
Then, Hargrave, who hasn’t been technically released yet, got the nod from Bowen at No. 96.
He wrote, “What he brings: With the Vikings expected to release Hargrave, the veteran defensive tackle just makes our list because of his ability to rush from the interior. He has 49 career sacks, including 3.5 this past season. Hargrave also had 18 pass rush wins in 2025, which tied for 23rd at his position.”
The Vikings will reportedly try to trade Hargrave — which likely won’t amount to anything — and release him if that plan flops.
All in all, Hargrave’s stop in Minnesota will have lasted one season.
Who’s Missing
In addition to Nailor and Hargrave, these are Minnesota’s internal free agents this cycle:
- Ty Chandler (RB)
- Fabian Moreau (CB)
- Matt Nelson (LT)
- Jeff Okudah (CB)
- Ivan Pace Jr. (LB)
- Jalen Redmond (IDL)
- Bo Richter (EDGE)
- Brett Rypien (QB)
- Zavier Scott (RB)
- Justin Skule (LT)
- Ben Sims (TE)
- Harrison Smith (S)
- Taki Taimani (DT)
- Tavierre Thomas (CB)
- Carson Wentz (QB)
- Eric Wilson (LB)
- John Wolford (QB)
- Ryan Wright (P)
Smith likely didn’t factor into ESPN’s calculation because it’s common knowledge that he will either retire or return to Minnesota for Year No. 15.
Otherwise, Wilson probably should’ve earned a nod on Bowen’s list. He was signed as a veteran backup, slated to provide depth and contribute on special teams. By December, however, the situation had drastically shifted. Wilson had become a vital component of the defense. Opponents even began tailoring their game plans to account for him, a testament to his unexpectedly significant role.
Wilson’s performance was statistically dominant, too. He consistently penetrated the line, disrupting plays in the backfield. Among linebackers, he led the league in sacks and pressures and ranked near the top in forced fumbles, showcasing an unforeseen level of aggression.
At 31, the man enjoyed a career year, amassing 115 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, 10 quarterback hits, 6.5 sacks, and four forced fumbles. This production was a stark contrast to the previous year, when he was primarily viewed as a reserve and special teams player; the 2025 season completely redefined his role.
Even as he approaches 32, Minnesota will strongly consider re-signing Wilson for another season or two. Throughout the year, he consistently delivered impactful plays and reliable tackles. Initially brought in to support Cashman and Pace, Wilson ultimately became one of the defense’s most dependable assets.
Vikings Continue to Clear Cap Space
In the backdrop, the Vikings continue to clear cap space for free agency next week. They began the offseason about $40 million underwater, needing to make tough decisions to get salary cap compliant.
So far, reports have indicated that Minnesota will part ways with running back Aaron Jones — who oddly wasn’t mentioned by ESPN — in addition to defensive tackles Jonathan Allen and the aforementioned Hargrave. The older free-agent solutions from the last couple of offseasons did not stick around for long.
It’s also worth noting that Minnesota is operating without an official general manager. The franchise fired Kwesi Adofo-Mensah on January 30th after four years of lousy drafts and the fact that former Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold proved he could reach and win the Super Bowl in Seattle.
Free agency’s “legal tampering” period begins Monday. The Vikings are expected to target help for the defensive secondary, perhaps a center, an off-ball linebacker (if Wilson isn’t re-signed), and maybe a running back to replace Jones.
