The Minnesota Vikings signed wide receiver Jauan Jennings, filling their roster. Staff members recommend targeting one additional free agent to enhance the defense.
Key points
Minnesota Vikings signed wide receiver Jauan Jennings
Roster is now full after free agency and draft
Staff recommends one additional free-agent signing
Focus is on strengthening the defense
Minnesota Vikings
The Free Agents We’d Target for the Vikings after the Jauan Jennings Move
Nov 28, 2021; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (90) gives a thumbs up during the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images.
The Minnesota Vikings signed wide receiver Jauan Jennings on Thursday night, making the roster pretty full after an initially quiet free agency and a fruitful draft. Now, our staff has recommendations for one extra free-agent move as a cherry on top.
One signing helped the offense. Now the staff turns to the defense.
We asked for one name per writer. Here’s what they said.
Staff Picks for the Vikings’ Next Free Agent Addition
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Kyle Van Noy celebrates after the Patriots defeated the Rams in Super Bowl LIII. Vikings free agency
New England Patriots linebacker Kyle Van Noy celebrates on the field after his team defeated the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl LIII at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Feb. 3, 2019. Van Noy played a major role in New England’s defensive dominance during the championship matchup, helping secure another title in the Patriots dynasty era. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports.
Kyle Van Noy | OLB
VT Writer: Henrique Gucciardi
After trading Jonathan Greenard, the Vikings need an experienced EDGE rusher to rotate with Dallas Turner and Andrew Van Ginkel. Van Noy turned 35 recently, but still played almost 50% of the snaps in 2025, and has familiarity with Brian Flores.
Xavier Woods | S
VT Writer: Tony Schultz
The Vikings shored up a lot of spots over the last few years, including the offensive and defensive lines. There are a few spots that are more glaring than others right now, with wide receiver taken care of after the Jauan Jennings signing. I wrestled with which position needs the most attention now, and between EDGE and safety, I feel the team has solid young depth on the outside.
Safety is the one position that could use another veteran body. If Harrison Smith truly is retired, then Xavier Woods is the player I would tap in. He brings experience and can help younger players, like rookie Jakobe Thomas, find their path. Without Smith at the wheel, the defense may need a steady hand to keep the ship on course.
The Vikings have addressed plenty of holes on their roster, and did well to cover them in the draft. There’s still room to add depth at the EDGE rusher position in the Dallas Turner role. A veteran like Joey Bosa, or someone a little younger like Yetur Gross-Matos, could be a good contingency plan.
Jordan will turn 37 this summer, so yes, he’s old and won’t play much longer. He should cost around $7 million or $8 million. The longtime New Orleans Saint registered 10.5 sacks last year and missed just two games in his entire career, an absolutely remarkable feat.
Cameron Jordan stands on the Saints sideline during a game against the Eagles. Vikings free agency
New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan stands along the sideline during a road game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on Jan. 1, 2023. Jordan remained one of the Saints’ veteran defensive leaders during the 2022 season, continuing to anchor the pass rush with his trademark durability, energy, and long-established presence in New Orleans. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports.
His father, Steve Jordan, played tight end for the Vikings for 13 seasons from 1982 to 1994. There is some poetry in adding Jordan; he can finish his career where his father’s started and ended. Steve Jordan, incidentally, is one of the best tight ends in Vikings history.
Bring his son aboard to play OLB for a year or two. He’d make great insurance for Andrew Van Ginkel and Dallas Turner.
Nobody
VT Writer: Wes Johnson
The signing of Jennings saps up a lot of the cap savings the Vikings got in the Greenard deal. What cap they have left needs to be treated like having a single silver bullet against a hungry vampire; they need to make it count. This money will be saved and used to fill roster positions should an injury occur during the preseason or at the start of the season.
Jadeveon Clowney or Joey Bosa | OLB
VT Writer: Cole Smith
The one glaring hole right now is EDGE3 depth, depending on how the Vikings view Jake Golday. I’d be in favor of signing either Jadaveon Clowney or Joey Bosa to bring a veteran presence off the bench.
Jadeveon Clowney | OLB
VT Writer: Ali Siddiqui
With Jonathan Greenard gone, the Vikings can use another pass rusher. Clowney is 33 years old, but can still produce. He had 8.5 sacks last season in 13 games while playing just under 400 defensive snaps. The man can ball; he proves it every year.
Jadeveon Clowney | OLB
VT Writer: Steve Hoikkala
Jadeveon Clowney stands on the Texans sideline during a game against the Colts. Vikings free agency
Houston Texans linebacker Jadeveon Clowney stands on the sideline during the second quarter of a road matchup against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sep. 30, 2018. Clowney was one of the NFL’s most physically disruptive defenders during his Texans tenure, combining explosiveness, speed, and power as a premier edge-rushing presence. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports.
The Vikings still lack depth at the EDGE position behind Dallas Turner and Andrew Van Ginkel. By adding Clowney, who had 8.5 sacks last year in 13 games, the Vikings gain a rotational pass rush threat that can provide additional pressure on the quarterback and depth on a cheap one-year contract. This kind of move is ideal for the Vikings’ current cap space and needs.
Jadeveon Clowney | OLB
VT Writer: Brevan Bane
The former first overall selection remains awaiting an opportunity in 2026. Clowney has a solid 23 sacks over the last 3 seasons, the perfect amount for a third EDGE rusher. That is a spot that opened up on the Vikings after Jonathan Greenard got sent packing to Philadelphia, meaning Dallas Turner is now a starter. Minnesota needs EDGE rushing depth, and they have the money to get a halfway decent rotational piece.
Jadeveon Clowney | OLB
VT Writer: Janik Eckardt
The Vikings could use another established pass rusher to solidify their defensive front. Every summer, he chooses his new team, and he’s always fantastic. With Jonathan Greenard in Philadelphia, it’s time to make the call.
