Three Vikings players are among the top 25 unrestricted free agents for the 2025 offseason. New list from ESPN’s Matt Bowen and Jeremy Fowler. Let’s review each one, see what Fowler had to say, and then offer our own analysis of that player’s future.

Fowler’s view: Minnesota coach Kevin O’Connell has acknowledged injured rookie JJ McCarthy (knee) as the team’s quarterback of the future, seemingly paving the way for Darnold to sign elsewhere. But Darnold and Minnesota are 7-2 together, so a bridge deal shouldn’t be completely off the table as the team continues to develop McCarthy behind the scenes. Darnold’s decisions on the field will determine a lot about his future.

Our thoughts: Darnold is the only quarterback in this top 25, which creates a good environment for him. How commanding he is in free agency will be determined by how he plays in the final eight regular-season games this season and a potential playoff opportunity. The guy who played this well in September would surely get big starting money from a team with a hole at QB. But he has thrown five interceptions in the last two games and could move back into the backup/QB competition mix if that continues. There’s a lot of money at stake for Darnold during this difficult stretch.

The only thing I can say with confidence is that it would be very surprising if he returned to Minnesota for another year. This will be JJ McCarthy’s team in 2025.

Fowler’s view: Minnesota made an effort to expand Bynum, the natural successor to Harrison Smith, as the Vikings’ leader in the second round. Smith will turn 36 in February. Five safeties make at least $16 million annually, and Bynum, whose value has increased after three interceptions and eight passes defensed this season, will try to be the sixth. The Vikings believe they are in a good place with him in terms of a long-term working relationship.

Our thoughts: Bynum is the type of player the Vikings would like to keep around. The former fourth-round pick was a great fit as the primary deep safety in Brian Flores’ defense, and he is well-liked in the locker room. However, the extension did not happen and Bynum’s value is increasing this season due to his strong play. The Vikings will have a lot of money to spend in free agency next year, so they’ll have to decide how much to offer Bynum for a second contract.

Fowler’s view: Robinson’s tenure in Minnesota is like an audition for the rest of the league. Christian Darrisow, healthy again after tearing his ACL this season, will be the Vikings’ starting left tackle in 2025. The Vikings traded a mid-round pick to Jacksonville for Robinson, believing he could help run the offense while Darrisav is out. And if Robinson does that in the next two months, it will increase his free agency value.

Our thoughts: Robinson feels like a perfect rental for the Vikings. Assuming he plays to his career standard, he should start receiving money from a team at left tackle in March. And the Vikings have Christian Darrisow, who is already recovering and has a chance to be ready for Week 1 of next season. Even if it doesn’t, the Vikings will likely use an in-house backup or a cheaper bridge option rather than re-signing Robinson. The only reason it would make sense to bring him back would be if he wants to play guard, but that seems unlikely for a guy who has only coached briefly in his eight-year career.

Other notable Vikings free agents: Aaron Jones, Byron Murphy Jr., Stephon Gilmore, Pat Jones II, Shaq Griffin, Jerry Tillery, Jonathan Bullard, Dalton Risner (and others)