Our Vikings Free Agency Grades Are In
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports The Minnesota Vikings’ heavy-lifting portion of 2026 free agency is largely over, and we have grades for the transactions. The club was quieter than usual because of a cash-strapped budget , but that didn’t stop it from landing a big fish at quarterback in Kyler Murray.
Some moves landed better than others for Minnesota. Oddsmakers believe Minnesota will win eight or nine games in 2026, a familiar spot, as the club seems to have that forecast every offseason at this time on the calendar. One Vikings Decision Already Looks Better Than the Rest How did the Vikings fare in free agency ?
We have answers. Carolina Panthers punter Johnny Hekker (10) stands ready during special teams action against the Philadelphia Eagles, Dec 8, 2024, at Lincoln Financial Field, tracking field position and preparing for the next snap as Carolina navigated a road matchup in a competitive late-season NFC contest. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images.
Signing Johnny Hekker (P) Grade: C Signing Hekker as the punting solution after Ryan Wright’s unexpected departure is phenomenal — if the year were 2015 or 2016. Indeed, Hekker is a six-time All-Pro , but his best days are in the rearview. In 2026, his performance mirrored that of a middle-of-the-road punter.
Thankfully, he can still hold field goals and extra points with the best of them, music to Will Reichard’s ears, who lost his holder when Wright skedaddled for the New Orleans Saints. Hekker could embark on a late-career surge in Minnesota, but it’s probably best for the Vikings to draft a punter in Round 7 or sign one from undrafted free agency. Georgia’s Brett Thorson comes to mind.
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