The Vikings said goodbye to quarterback Kirk Cousins, pass rusher Danielle Hunter and several other free agents. In their first wave of signings, they emphasized defensive playmakers and brought in a new lead running back they are quite familiar with and a quarterback who is Cousins' presumptive replacement (just don't call him a bridge quarterback).
The flurry of signings was the Vikings' biggest splash in free agency since Kwesi Adofo-Mensah became general manager in 2022. Two years into their stewardship of the team's football fortunes, Adofo-Mensah and head coach Kevin O'Connell have finally gained autonomy. Their financial situation is as free of obstructions as ever, and they are staring at a bright, open future. Their breakups with Cousins and Hunter, two of the final links to the Rick Spielman-Mike Zimmer era, made it as clear as ever the Vikings' decision-makers are setting out on their own.
Get to know five of the newest Vikings:
