Minnesota Vikings Free Agency news: Analyzing NFL team's latest signings

The Minnesota Vikings recently completed a painful but necessary roster purge to accelerate their "competitive rebuild" and clear salary cap space. With several veteran players being let go, the Vikings now need to focus on how they will replace them.

General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah was never going to be spending big after working so hard to clear cap space this spring. But at some point, the Vikings will need to address their defensive secondary, especially at cornerback, and could be in the market for a receiver to backfill the role of departed veteran Adam Thielen.

Minnesota Vikings signings

Alexander Mattisons scores a touchdown during the 3rd quarter against the Chicago Bears

Alexander Mattison (RB) signed a two-year deal to return to the Minnesota Vikings for more than $6 million, which begs the question if they're done with Cook. While Mattison has been a reliable and capable backup for Cook, it's hard to believe they would splurge this way on a backup running back.

Olisaemeka Udoh (OT) agreed to terms on a one-year deal, and this is purely a depth move. Offensive line depth is an issue in the NFL, and you could do a lot worse for your fourth tackle than Udoh.

Dean Lowry (DT) signed a two-year contract, and he's a solid option to replace the departed Tomlinson and Bullard. Lowry is reliable as a pro, having missed only three games in his seven-year career, but he doesn't have the upside as an interior disrupter that Tomlinson demonstrated last season.

Byron Murphy (CB) signed a two-year deal with a $7 million signing bonus and a $1.1 million base salary for 2023, replacing veteran Patrick Peterson. The Vikings still have some work to do after parting ways with Peterson (fellow 2022 starter Cameron Dantzler; nickelback Chandon Sullivan and part-time starter Duke Shelley are pending free agents).

Marcus Davenport (DE) signed a one-year deal, and Minnesota hopes that new defensive coordinator Brian Flores can light a fire under him. Davenport had enough natural ability to be the No. 14 overall pick of the 2018 draft, but his sack totals have never matched that draft position.

Austin Schlottmann (OL) agreed to terms on a one-year deal to return to Minnesota, where he will fill the versatile backup role he filled in 2022.

Greg Joseph (K) signed a one-year deal after converting 59 field goals over the past two seasons, the fifth-most in the NFL during that span. His 83.1% conversion rate ranks No. 24 among qualified kickers.

Garrett Bradbury (C) agreed to terms to return on a three-year deal, which is good enough to avoid a replacement. However, the Vikings will have to accommodate his limitations over the next few seasons.

Nick Mullens (QB) signed a two-year deal, and the Vikings hope he continues to keep them competitive as a spot starter if Kirk Cousins, misses any time.

Andrew DePaola (LS) signed a three-year deal to return to Minnesota, giving them stability in a position that isn't always easy to fill.

Josh Oliver #84 and Mark Andrews #89 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrate during training camp

The Vikings have reached an agreement with tight end Josh Oliver on a three-year contract. The move suggests that they plan to increase their usage of "12" personnel, which features two tight ends, as they used it at the seventh-lowest rate in the league last year.

It is unlikely that Oliver, who has only 26 catches in 35 NFL games, will cut into the playing time of incumbent tight end T.J. Hockenson.

Notable Minnesota Vikings departures

Adam Thielen #19 reacts after scoring a touchdown in the second quarter against the Detroit Lions

Longtime fan-favorite Adam Thielan was cut as part of the team's reload, his play has declined over the past season and he is still a useful number-two receiver. Tight end Irv Smith also moved on, and on the defensive side, Patrick Peterson will be a huge loss after his career rejuvenation in Minnesota, while Eric Kendricks and Dalvin Tomlinson also moved on.