10 Vikings Players Who Appear Unlikely to Return for 2025

At the end of the day, the NFL’s free agency period always contains a surprise or two, so we’ll see how things shake out.

Nevertheless, consider a list of 10 Vikings players who appear unlikely to call Minnesota home in 2025. Keep in mind that the players have different statuses — some are on the team, some are moving toward free agency, some are restricted free agents — but what’s bringing them together is a negative outlook for their ongoing employment with the Vikings.

10 Vikings Players Who Appear Unlikely to Return in 2025

Player #1 — Cam Robinson, Left Tackle

An issue that has been discussed on PurplePTSD.

The talented left tackle was brought to town to function as the Christian Darrisaw replacement for the remainder of 2024. He has accomplished the task. Look for him to pursue a large deal given that he’s a bit older and likely looking to land at least one more major deal before his career is done.

Player #2 — Patrick Jones, Edge Rusher

Already, the edge rusher spot is being led by a top trio of Jonathan Greenard, Andrew Van Ginkel, and Dallas Turner. Keep in mind, as well, that upside UDFAs Bo Richter and Gabriel Murphy — both of whom received playing time in 2024 — are still calling Minnesota home.

Mike Garafolo of The NFL Network thinks there could be a large deal for Jones: “Another guy who could surprise with a big-money deal next week: #Vikings LB Patrick Jones II. Seven sacks last year. Now heads to a market with pass rushers that are deeper into their career or with some other question marks. The 2021 third-rounder could cash in nicely.”

Alec Lewis of The Athletic agrees: “A relevant one here for Vikings comp pick formula. Heard similar in Indy — that multiple teams would be very interested in [Patrick] Jones.”

Player #3 — Ed Ingram, Guard

He’s the team’s top cut candidate. Moving on would save $3,406,000.

Consider, as well, that he has struggled when on the field and was benched during the most recent season. Very small chance Ingram is still a Viking in 2025.

Player #4 — Jerry Tillery, Defensive End

Jerry Tillery has oodles of talent and plays a position of need. Even still, he looks like a long shot to be brought back.

The former 1st-Round selection was brought to town to give the defensive line some pass-rush sizzle. Instead, he picked up 0 sacks and just 3 QB hits. Seems likely that there will be a team willing to give him more money.

Player #5 — Brandon Powell, Wide Receiver/Punt Returner

Small and shifty, Powell has a role in the NFL.

The issue in Minnesota is that he has struggled to produce explosive plays as the punt returner. Minnesota seems likely to try to get better production from that spot on special teams. Even worse, Powell’s receiving numbers took a large step back in 2024.

Player #6 — Stephon Gilmore, Corner

The former Defensive Player of the Year offered the Vikings solid coverage as an outside corner in 2024. The issue is that he’s well into his 30s and Minnesota seems likely to rebuild their CB position.

Gilmore may one day get into the Hall of Fame. His career résumé is that impressive. At 35 in September, though, Gilmore may either be heading toward retirement or a new team.

Player #7 — Nick Mullens, Quarterback

I continue to maintain that Nick Mullens is a great QB2. The issue is that the quarterback spot is crowded in Minnesota.

The top options for the Vikings are Sam Darnold, Daniel Jones, and J.J. McCarthy. Plus, Brett Rypien is under contract for 2025. Mullens very likely goes somewhere else to function as a strong backup who can help the starter prepare and step into game action at a moment’s notice.

Player #8 — Camryn Bynum, Safety

Mr. Bynum is good, not great. Does the contract reflect that reality?

The defender is an excellent teammate and a strong option as a deep safety. Working against him is that it’s not that difficult to find safety talent and he was drafted by the former regime. Don’t be shocked if another team makes him a priority while the Vikings’ interest just doesn’t match up.

Player #9 — Ryan Wright, Punter

All things considered, Ryan Wright has been a success.

The punter came to town as an UDFA after the 2022 NFL Draft. He had a very promising rookie season but has since settled into being just a solid option. The Vikings’ special teams is a bit of a mixed bad: some good, some bad. Look for improvement in the punting game. Wright is an RFA.

Player #10 — Dalton Risner, Guard

The Vikings like Dalton Risner. They don’t seem to be in love, though.

Last offseason, the veteran got brought back after the draft. Minnesota was fully willing to let him linger within free agency, risking the loss the whole time. The veteran seems likely to pursue a good-size deal, especially after he has proved capable of playing both LG and RG.

Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Reference and Over the Cap helped with this piece.

K. Joudry is the Senior Editor for Vikings Territory and PurplePTSD. He has been covering the Vikings full time since the summer of 2021. He can be found on social media (Bluesky & Twitter). If you feel so inclined, subscribe to his Substack, The Vikings Gazette, for more great Vikings content.