Three Vikings players are listed among the top 25 pending unrestricted free agents for the 2025 offseason in a new list from ESPN’s Matt Bowen and Jeremy Fowler. Let’s go through each of them, see what Fowler had to say, and then give our own analysis on this player’s future.

Fowler’s view: Minnesota coach Kevin O’Connell has viewed injured rookie JJ McCarthy (knee) as the franchise quarterback, which appears to set the stage for Darnold to sign elsewhere. But Darnold and Minnesota are 7-2 together, so considering a bridge deal while the team continues to develop McCarthy behind the scenes shouldn’t be completely out of the question. Darnold’s decision-making on the field will determine a lot about his future.

Our thoughts: Darnold is the only quarterback in this top 25, which suits him well. His level of mastery in free agency will be determined by how he plays in the final eight regular-season games of this season, as well as a likely playoff opportunity. The guy who played so well in September would absolutely get significant starting money from a team with a hole at QB. But he’s thrown five interceptions in the last two games, and if that continues, he could return to the backup/QB competition. There’s a lot of money on the line for Darnold during this stretch.

One thing I can say for sure 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 a push to extend Bynum, who is a natural successor to Harrison Smith as the Vikings’ leader in the secondary. Smith will turn 36 in February. Five safeties bring in at least $16 million per year, and Bynum, whose value is increasing after three interceptions and eight passes defended this season, will look to become the sixth. The Vikings believe they are in a good position with him as far as a long-term working relationship.

Our thoughts: Bynum is the type of player the Vikings would like to keep. The former fourth-round pick has proven to be an excellent choice as the primary safety in Brian Flores’ defense and is highly regarded in the locker room. But no extension happened and Bynum’s value is increasing this season because of his strong play. The Vikings will have plenty of money to spend in free agency next year, so they’ll just have to decide how much they’re willing to offer Bynum on a second contract.

Fowler’s view: Robinson’s time in Minnesota feels like an audition for the rest of the league. Christian Darrisaw – healthy again after tearing an ACL this season – will be the Vikings’ starting left tackle in 2025. The Vikings traded a mid-round pick to Jacksonville for Robinson because they believe he can help keep the offense going while Darrisaw is out. And if Robinson does that in the next couple of months, it will increase his free agency value.

Our thoughts: Robinson looks like a pure rental for the Vikings. Assuming he’s up to his career level, he should get the money for a team’s left tackle in March. And the Vikings already have Christian Darrisaw, who is on the mend and has a chance to be ready for the first week of next season. Even if he isn’t, the Vikings will likely use an internal backup or cheaper bridge option instead of re-signing Robinson. The only reason it would make sense to bring him back would be if he maybe wanted to play guard, but that seems unlikely for a guy who has only been LT 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 many more)