MINNEAPOLIS — The makeup of the Minnesota Vikings’ roster is drastically changing as NFL free agency kicks off this week.
Though free agency doesn’t officially start until Wednesday, the “legal tampering period” is already underway as of late Monday morning. That means players with expiring contracts can — through their agents — communicate with and negotiate a contract with other teams.
Not long after the legal negotiation period opened, one of the biggest questions heading into the offseason was answered: veteran Kirk Cousins will no longer be the Vikings’ starting quarterback. He reportedly will sign a four-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons.
To replace Cousins, the Vikings are reportedly bringing in former San Francisco 49ers QB Sam Darnold on a one-year deal. He could serve as a bridge quarterback should the Vikings choose to take a young passer in the upcoming draft.
Another notable Viking testing free agency is pass rusher Danielle Hunter, who dominated last season with more than 16 sacks. It looks less likely that he’ll return after the team reportedly signed edge rusher Jonathan Greenard and linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel, who also has had success rushing the passer.
The Vikings parted ways with last season’s starting running back Alexander Mattison earlier in the offseason, which left a need at the RB position. That has been addressed, too, with the team reportedly bringing in former Green Bay Packers RB Aaron Jones.
Contracts can only become official when free agency begins at 3 p.m. Wednesday, but plenty of big updates are expected in the meantime.
