 returns the ball against the New England Patriots during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports</p>
<p>” data-medium-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/USATSI_19375054.jpg” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1180,height=787,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/USATSI_19375054.jpg”><figcaption> Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption></figure>
<p>NFL free agency popped off in a big way this week, and the Minnesota Vikings splashed along the way. </p>
<h4>These Are the 9 New Vikings</h4>
<p>Several players left the organization. You can learn their identities <a href=)
here.
And these are the newcomers, men who will play for the 2025 Vikings or at least vie for a 53-man roster spot. They’re listed alphabetically.
1. Jonathan Allen (DT)
 in action during the game between the Washington Football Team and the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images.</p>
<p>” data-medium-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Jonathan-Allen-2.jpg” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1180,height=675,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Jonathan-Allen-2.jpg” src=”https://vikingsterritory.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Jonathan-Allen-2-788×444.jpg” alt><figcaption> Jerome Miron-Imagn Images.<span></span></figcaption></figure>
</div>
<p><strong>Former Team: <span data-color=)
Washington CommandersAge: 30
Projected Role in 2025: Starting DT
The Vikings added its first Pro Bowl-caliber three-technique defensive tackle since Kevin Williams on Tuesday, and Allen is a Viking.
He brings 109 games of experience, 42 sacks, and two Pro Bowls to Minneapolis — a DT injection the Vikings desperately need.
At the peak of his powers — Vikings fans want to see those — Allen is an elite pass-rushing interior defensive lineman.
2. Bubba Bolden (S)
 talks to the media during the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images.</p>
<p>” data-medium-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Bubba-Bolden.jpg” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1180,height=627,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Bubba-Bolden.jpg” src=”https://vikingsterritory.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Bubba-Bolden-788×444.jpg” alt=”vikings”><figcaption> Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images.<span></span></figcaption></figure>
</div>
<p><strong>Former Team: <span data-color=)
UFLAge: 24
Projected Role in 2025: Vie for 53-Man Roster Spot
Bolden has bounced around as a practice squad commodity and UFL participant, undrafted from the University of Miami in 2022.
He’ll be one of those players who fights for a roster spot at training camp and in the preseason.
3. Will Fries (OG)
 talks with teammates Sunday, Sept. 10, 2023, during a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jenna Watson-Imagn Images.</p>
<p>” data-medium-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Will-Fries.jpg” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1180,height=585,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Will-Fries.jpg” src=”https://vikingsterritory.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Will-Fries-788×444.jpg” alt><figcaption> Jenna Watson-Imagn Images.<span></span></figcaption></figure>
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<p><strong>Former Team: <span data-color=)
Indianapolis ColtsAge: 26
Projected Role in 2025: Starting RG
Here’s Fries’ tale of the tape from Pro Football Focus:
- 2024: 86.9
- 2023: 61.2
- 2022: 58.4
- 2021: 54.8
Fries broke his leg last season, so his 2025 trajectory isn’t absolutely sterling. Most expect him back by the start of the regular season, but there are some “yeah buts” with Fries. For example, the first section of 2024 — before the leg fracture — was the first time Fries was actually good-good in four seasons. Folks will hope that directly translates to the Vikings’ offense. He should be the real deal.
At five years and $88 million, Fries’ contract is the largest ever granted to an external free agent by general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah.
4. Javon Hargrave (DT)
 reacts after recording a sack against the New York Giants in the second quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports.</p>
<p>” data-medium-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/USATSI_21473702.jpg” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1180,height=787,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/USATSI_21473702.jpg” src=”https://vikingsterritory.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/USATSI_21473702-788×444.jpg” alt><figcaption> Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports.<span></span></figcaption></figure>
</div>
<p><strong>Former Team: <span data-color=)
San Francisco 49ersAge: 32
Projected Role in 2025: Starting DT
Minnesota was hellbent on adding an impactful defensive tackle this offseason, evidenced by Hargave and Allen.
Peek at the Vikings evolving line for next season:
DT: Javon Hargave
DT: Jonathan Allen
DT: Harrison Phillips
OLB: Dallas Turner
OLB: Andrew Van Ginkel
OLB: Jonathan Greenard
Here’s Hargave’s PFF resume to date:
- 2024: 60.6
- 2023: 74.9
- 2022: 80.1
- 2021: 67.3
- 2020: 61.2
- 2019: 83.4
- 2018: 80.6
- 2017: 74.3
- 2016: 63.7
Not bad.
5. Ryan Kelly (C)
 leaves the field after defeating the Jacksonville Jaguars 26-23 in overtime at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Grace Hollars/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images.</p>
<p>” data-medium-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Ryan-Kelly.jpg” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1180,height=611,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Ryan-Kelly.jpg” src=”https://vikingsterritory.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Ryan-Kelly-788×444.jpg” alt><figcaption> Grace Hollars/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images.<span></span></figcaption></figure>
</div>
<p><strong>Former Team: <span data-color=)
Indianapolis ColtsAge: 31
Projected Role in 2025: Starting C
This four-time Pro Bowler ended the Garrett Bradbury era in the Twin Cities. Bradbruy will be traded or released before too long.
Kelly isn’t like a Bradbury — a one-trick run-block pony. Kelly does it all.
Minnesota should be able to squeeze a few great years from their new center. The Vikings grabbed him for two years and $18 million.
6. Isaiah Rodgers (CB)
 runs the ball under pressure from Indianapolis Colts cornerback Isaiah Rodgers Sr. (34) in the second quarter at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports.</p>
<p>” data-medium-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/USATSI_19186540.jpg” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1180,height=787,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/USATSI_19186540.jpg” src=”https://vikingsterritory.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/USATSI_19186540-788×444.jpg” alt><figcaption> Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports.<span></span></figcaption></figure>
</div>
<p><strong>Former Team: <span data-color=)
Philadelphia EaglesAge: 27
Projected Role in 2025: CB3
The former 6th-Round pick from the 2020 NFL Draft missed all of the 2023 campaign due to a gambling violation. One season later, he won a Super Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles.
He didn’t play starter’s minutes for the Eagles, but he could see a snap increase with the Vikings. Two years, $11 million.
7. Justin Skule (OT)
 against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.</p>
<p>” data-medium-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Justin-Skule.jpg” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1180,height=597,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Justin-Skule.jpg” src=”https://vikingsterritory.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Justin-Skule-788×444.jpg” alt><figcaption> Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.<span></span></figcaption></figure>
</div>
<p><strong>Former Team: <span data-color=)
Tampa Bay BuccaneersAge: 28
Projected Role in 2025: Backup OT
If Christian Darrisaw’s ACL hasn’t healed by Week 1, Skule will likely get the start until he returns.
Skule has played 66 games since 2019 while starting 17. He’s a dependable spot starter, akin to Oli Udoh of Vikings’ past.
8. Tavierre Thomas (CB)
 reacts after a play against the Cincinnati Bengals in the second half at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports</p>
<p>” data-medium-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/USATSI_21946662.jpg” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1180,height=787,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/USATSI_21946662.jpg” src=”https://vikingsterritory.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/USATSI_21946662-788×444.jpg” alt><figcaption> Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports<span></span></figcaption></figure>
</div>
<p><strong>Former Team: <span data-color=)
Tampa Bay BuccaneersAge: 29
Projected Role in 2025: Special Teams | CB6
Thomas played over 300 special teams snaps for the Buccaneers in 2024. He’s on deck to replace Trent Sherfield, who signed with the Denver Broncos this week.
He and the next guy are the Vikings’ special teams splashes of the 2025 offseason.
9. Eric Wilson (LB)
 against the New Orleans Saints in the NFC Divisional Playoff football game at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports.</p>
<p>” data-medium-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/USATSI_10547972.jpg” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1180,height=787,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/USATSI_10547972.jpg” src=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/USATSI_10547972.jpg” alt><figcaption> Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports.<span></span></figcaption></figure>
</div>
<p><strong>Former Team: <span data-color=)
Green Bay PackersAge: 30
Projected Role in 2025: LB4
Wilson played his rookie contract with the Vikings, bounced around the league a bit, settled in Green Bay, and has now returned home.
He can play special teams — his specialty — and off-ball linebacker. Vikings fans over the age of 20 will remember Wilson fondly.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. The show features guests, analysis, and opinion on all things related to the purple team, with 4-7 episodes per week. His Vikings obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band). He follows the NBA as closely as the NFL.
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.
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