Welcome to NFL free agency. It’s going to be a wild ride for the Minnesota Vikings as big names could be coming and going. Kirk Cousins? Gone. Danielle Hunter? Still waiting. Christian Wilkins? To the Raiders.
We’ve got a recap of all of the reports and rumors from Day 1 below, with links to some of the major updates also below for easy access. Follow our Day 2 free agency tracker here.
- 2:19 p.m. – Vikings splash again with Blake Cashman signing
- 1:55 p.m. – Vikings ink high-end edge rusher Andrew Van Ginkel
- 1:30 p.m. – Kirk Cousins agrees 4-year deal with Atlanta
- 12:25 p.m. – Vikings’ target Christian Wilkins lands mega deal with Raiders
- 11:40 a.m. – Vikings signing edge rusher Jonathan Greenard
- 9:30 a.m. – Cousins, Atlanta to begin talks
10:30 p.m. — Aaron Jones deal could happen
NFL insider Aaron Wilson is reporting that there is “optimism” that the Vikings could agree to terms with running back Aaron Jones, who was released by the Packers earlier Monday.
#Vikings are having constructive dialogue with former #Packers running back Aaron Jones with some optimism that a potential deal could be reached for him to remain in NFC North after being released by Green Bay, per league sources @KPRC2
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) March 12, 2024
8:30 p.m. – Darnold deciding between Vikings and Broncos?
That’s the word from Boston Globe NFL insider Ben Volin, who says quarterback Sam Darnold is weighing offers from the Vikings and Broncos.
Some other QB buzz I'm hearing: Sam Darnold is weighing offers between the Vikings and Broncos, and the Browns are interested in Jameis Winston as a backup
— Ben Volin (@BenVolin) March 12, 2024
8:15 p.m. – Darnold, Garoppolo are ‘options’ for Vikings
Who will play QB for the Vikings in 2024? You’ve likely seen Sam Darnold connecting to Minnesota numerous times already, but what about Jimmy Garoppolo? He’ll be suspended the first two games but Ian Rapoport says he’s an “option” for the Vikings. Read more here.
7:55 p.m. – Vikings interested in former Packers RB Aaron Jones
Well this would be a surprise. Aaron Jones, the 29-year-old running back released by the Green Bay Packers today after they signed Josh Jacobs, is drawing interest from the Vikings.
Sources to @DMRussini and me:
The Packers wanted Aaron Jones to take at least a 50% pay cut entering the final year of his deal. After being released, Jones is drawing interest from — you guessed it — the Minnesota Vikings.
New story @TheAthletic: https://t.co/hx9uk7VCCi
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) March 12, 2024
7:45 p.m. – Jordan Hicks signs with Browns
Veteran linebacker Jordan Hicks goes to Cleveland after two years in Minnesota. The already have a replacement in former Gopher Blake Cashman.
Former Vikings LB Jordan Hicks is signing a 2-year, $8 million deal with the Browns, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 12, 2024
5:00 p.m. – Marcus Davenport signs one-year deal with Lions
Former Vikings edge rusher signed a one-year deal with Lions after playing just four games for Minnesota in 2023. Read more here.
The #Lions have agreed to terms with DE Marcus Davenport on a one-year deal, sources tell me and @RapSheet. Following a year with the #Vikings, the former first-round pick of the #Saints moves elsewhere in the NFC North. pic.twitter.com/qIDilsGzth
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 11, 2024
3:45 p.m. – Gardner Minshew headed to the Raiders
Another quarterback is off the board, it seems, with Gardner Minshew signing with the Las Vegas Raiders, where he will compete with Aidan McConnell.
Sources: The #Raiders have agreed to terms with QB Gardner Minshew on a 2-year deal. He'll compete with QB Aidan O'Connell.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 11, 2024
2:19 p.m. – Vikings sign former Gopher Blake Cashman
The Vikings continue to rebuild their defense bringing in former Texan linebacker Blake Cashman. The former Gopher had a breakout season in 2023 with the resurgent Texans. Read more here.
Homecoming: The #Vikings are signing Minnesota native and LB Blake Cashman to a three-year deal worth up to $25.5 million, his agent @blakebaratz of @TeamIFA tells me and @RapSheet.
Big deal for @blockayy, who grew up in Eden Prairie, played for the Gophers and now is a Viking. pic.twitter.com/g3Cm2b8wsm
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 11, 2024
2:01 p.m. – Not near done on defense?
Alec Lewis of The Athletic is hinting that more defensive signings could be on the way for the Vikings.
Don't think the Vikings are near done on defense, either… https://t.co/wzC4M1tgP1
— Alec Lewis (@alec_lewis) March 11, 2024
1:55 p.m. – Vikings sign edge rusher Andrew Van Ginkel
Vikings reportedly sign former Dolphins edge rusher Andrew Van Ginkel to a two-year, $20 million deal. Van Ginkel’s 90.7 pass rush grade ranked seventh in the NFL among edge rusher sin 2023, according to Pro Football Focus. Read more here.
Former Dolphins LB Andrew Van Ginkel agreed to terms on a 2-year deal with the Vikings for $20 million, including $14 million guaranteed. The deal was confirmed by agents Drew Rosenhaus and Ryan Matha.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 11, 2024
1:34 p.m. – ‘Look for the Vikings to go after Sam Darnold’
The next man up could be Sam Darnold. Dianna Russini says “look for” the Vikings to go after the 49ers backup quarterback.
So what now? Look for the Vikings to go after Sam Darnold, who also has other suitors.
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) March 11, 2024
1:30 p.m. – Kirk Cousins agrees to deal with Atlanta Falcons
Kirk Cousins’ agent Mike McCartney posted on twitter that Cousins has agreed to a four-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons. Read more here.
Excited for @KirkCousins8 agreeing to a 4 year deal with the @AtlantaFalcons
— Mike McCartney (@MikeMcCartney7) March 11, 2024
12:25 p.m. – Christian Wilkins off to Las Vegas
No Christian Wilkins for the Minnesota Vikings, with the Dolphins defensive end off to the Las Vegas Raiders for an eye-watering $110-million over four, including $84.75 million in guarantees.
Splash: One of the top free agents is off the market, as #Dolphins star DT Christian Wilkins is headed to the #Raiders, sources say.
He gets a 4-year deal worth $110M base value that includes $84.75M guaranteed in a contract done by @DavidMulugheta of @AthletesFirst. pic.twitter.com/aKwKFIfU5T
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 11, 2024
12:16 p.m. – Confirmation of Vikings’ interest in Wilkins, Sneed
#Vikings dedicated to improving the defense. The Jonathan Grennard agreement is a step. The Vikings have also shown interest in Christian Wilkins and have inquired on #Chiefs corner L'Jarius Sneed. A lot of options for Minnesota.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 11, 2024
11:59 a.m. — Vikes bringing back two on the O-line
The Vikings have confirmed they are re-signing David Quessenberry and Blake Brandel. Darren Wolfson of KSTP says Quessenberry’s deal is $2 million for one year.
The #Vikings have re-signed Blake Brandel and David Quessenberry.
đź“°: https://t.co/qO1xeCXTkC pic.twitter.com/1EOR8FhawR
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) March 11, 2024
11:53 a.m. — Vikings had eyes on Pollard?
That’s the word from Russini, which could u indicate that Minnesota is in the market for a running back after the recent release of Alexander Mattison.
The Dallas Cowboys were in on RB Tony Pollard. The Giants and Vikings had their eye on him too. He took the bigger payday with Tennessee, per sources.
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) March 11, 2024
11:40 a.m. – VIKINGS SIGNING EDGE JONATHAN GREENARD
Breaking news from the NFL.com insiders, with the Vikings signing one of the top edge rushers on the market, Jonathan Greenard, from the Houston Texans.
The Texans declined to franchise tag Greenard coming off a season in which he registered 12.5 sacks, 52 tackles and 22 QB hits.
Greenard is signing a four-year, $76 million deal with $42 million guaranteed.
A splash in Minnesota: The #Vikings are signing edge rusher Jonathan Greenard, sources tell me and @RapSheet.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 11, 2024
11:03 a.m. – Vikings’ ‘top target’ is Christian Wilkins
The star defensive tackle is officially a free agent and the Vikings, per Dianna Russini, is a top target for the Minnesota Vikings.
Christian Wilkins is a top target for many teams including the Vikings, Browns, Texans, and Lions, per sources. He is expected to have a robust market.
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) March 11, 2024
10:51 a.m. – ‘Blast off’ news from Cousins coming?
NFL Network’s Peter Schrager doesn’t think it’ll take long before Cousins news drops.
Cousins jumped right out of the gates with his decision in 2018, the last time he tested the free agent waters. I anticipate something similar here, if he is, in fact, moving on. 10 minutes until the blast off.
— Peter Schrager (@PSchrags) March 11, 2024
10:21 a.m. – Cousins decision “to be made very quickly”
“There’s a real possibility Cousins has played his final down in Minnesota,” says NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. “The Vikings are still in it, however, the Falcons are expected to make a strong push for Kirk Cousins.”
He added: “Expect a decision to be made very quickly here, assuming that the offer is right.”
Where is Kirk Cousins headed? @TomPelissero has the latest đź‘€ pic.twitter.com/ZLb8y8iXPm
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) March 11, 2024
9:54 a.m. – Vikings face ‘real possibility’ of losing Cousins
On Good Morning Football, Mike Garafolo says “the Vikings facing the real possibility of not retaining Cousins.” He reiterated that the expectation is now for Cousins to remain unsigned when the legal negotiating period opens at 11 a.m. CT.
From @gmfb, as we draw closer to the legal negotiating period, on the #Vikings having competition from the #Falcons for Kirk Cousins, the #Eagles lurking on Saquon Barkley and more on the RB market. pic.twitter.com/sCMqckrmWS
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 11, 2024
9:30 a.m. – Cousins, Atlanta to begin talks
Dianna Russini reports that Cousins “will hit free agency and begin discussions with Atlanta” at 11 a.m. CT.
Kirk Cousins will hit free agency and begin discussions with Atlanta as soon as the tampering window opens in 90 minutes, per sources.
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) March 11, 2024
8:52 a.m. – Schefter unsure Falcons can ‘pry’ Cousins from Minnesota
“The Minnesota Vikings are not going to let him go without fighting for him,” Schefter said on ESPN’s Get Up. “They are the incumbent and still the team that would have to be beat. There have been are ongoing discussions to try to get him there. Atlanta would have to step up in a way to essentially pry him loose from the Vikings and the best I can tell, I don’t know that that will happen.”
Adam Schefter's latest on Kirk Cousins (Get Up): "Atlanta would have to step up in a way to essentially pry [Cousins] loose from the #Vikings and the best I can tell, I don't know if that will happen." pic.twitter.com/2TIPCsY34b
— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) March 11, 2024
8:15 a.m. – Cousins deal could have ramifications for Vikings’ Hunter, Sneed efforts
An interesting story by Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, who says the Vikings and the Falcons appear to be the final two teams in contention for Cousins’ signature.
But what’s more, if the Vikings sign Cousins it could signal that they are in “win now” mode and see them be more aggressive going after other free agents, such as re-signing Danielle Hunter and pursuing Kansas City Chiefs’ cornerback L’Jarius Sneed.
“The Vikings have already called the Kansas City Chiefs on Sneed, and Minnesota could take the next steps if the quarterback situation turns in its favor,” Breer writes.
Read more here.
6:24 a.m. – Cousins is ‘always going to take the biggest deal’
From NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport: “It does seem like the MN Vikings are still working, still trying to see if there’s somehow, someway they can get Kirk Cousins to stay. He is always going to maximize, always going to take the biggest deal.”
From @GMFB: Russell Wilson lands with the #Steelers, the #Vikings are still working on Kirk Cousins, and Baker Mayfield stays home. pic.twitter.com/wb3b1oREUb
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 11, 2024
9:38 p.m. – 49ers’ ‘top priority’ may be Danielle Hunter
Danielle Hunter will be free to speak to teams barring a last-minute negotiation with the Vikings, and one team that could be going after him is the defending NFC champion San Francisco 49ers. Longtime San Francisco sports insider Tim Kawakami believes Hunter is their “top priority.”
Yes. I believe the 49ers are setting themselves up to go after multiple defensive linemen — an edge and a DT and maybe more.
I believe Danielle Hunter is the top priority. But there will be a ton of competition. https://t.co/cl3H2WhOXh
— Tim Kawakami (@timkawakami) March 11, 2024
8:48 p.m. – Vikings won’t mind if Cousins gauges the market
According to Ben Goessling of the Star Tribune, the Vikings and Cousins talked contract over the weekend and now Goessling believes the Vikings don’t mind if Cousins inspects the market, “especially if it helps him put their offer in context.”
The #Vikings continued contract talks through the weekend with Kirk Cousins, who’s now about 14 hours from fielding other offers.
My sense is, the Vikings haven’t minded Cousins gauging his market, especially if it helps him put their offer in context w/others. Busy week ahead.
— Ben Goessling (@BenGoessling) March 11, 2024
8:02 p.m. – Broncos reportedly out on Cousins
Denver has been connected to Cousins in rumors but The Athletic’s Dianna Russini is now reporting that the Broncos will not be pursuing him if he reaches free agency.
While the Denver Broncos had some conversations about the possibility of going after QB Kirk Cousins, they are not going to be pursuing him if he hits free agency, per sources.
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) March 11, 2024
7:12 p.m. – Structure the most important element for Cousins?
According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, the chance of Cousins re-signing with Minnesota “will come down to structure of the deal.” In other words, it’s all about guaranteed money.
The Vikings are having internal conversations about their offer to Kirk Cousins. They haven't been informed by Cousins' camp about his decision, per sources. There's a feeling around the team that the QB wants to stay a Viking but this will come down to structure of the deal.
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) March 11, 2024
6:24 p.m. – Cousins deal “could come together quickly”
Pelissero said “it does appear that the four-time Pro Bowl quarterback is going to hit the free agent market on Monday.” He went on to say the Falcons and possibly the Broncos could show interest and that the cost for Cousins will be $40 million or more per season, with guarantees also being important.
“The Vikings are still in this. A deal could come together quickly assuming that the offer is right,” Pelissero said.
The #Vikings and Kirk Cousins remain in communication, but it appears the four-time Pro Bowl QB will test the free-agent market, which opens at noon ET on Monday. @NFLTotalAccess @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/qwGM49Cier
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 10, 2024
2:02 p.m. – Texans, Vikings in on Christian Wilkins?
Houston-based NFL insider Aaron Wilson is reporting that the Texans and Vikings are expected to have “strong” interest in Wilkins.
Extremely rich market expected for #Dolphins free agent Christian Wilkins. Among the multiple teams expected to have strong and mutual interest in Wilkins, who has 20 1/2 career sacks, including career-high nine last year, #Texans and #Vikings, per league sources. @KPRC2
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) March 10, 2024
