Several Former Vikings Remain Unsigned in Free Agency

A handful of familiar names from the 2025 roster are still seeking their next NFL opportunity.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 1:06pm

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Several former Minnesota Vikings players from the 2025 season remain unsigned as free agency approaches the one-month mark. This group includes quarterbacks Brett Rypien and John Wolford, cornerbacks Fabian Moreau and Jeff Okudah, safety Harrison Smith, and offensive tackle Justin Skule. While some may return to the Vikings, others face uncertain futures as they continue to hunt for their next NFL jobs.

Why it matters

The Vikings' offseason moves at key positions like quarterback, cornerback, and offensive line have left several familiar faces from 2025 without a clear path forward. Their continued free agent status highlights the fluid nature of NFL rosters and the challenges players face in securing their next opportunity, even after contributing to a team the prior season.

The details

Brett Rypien served as the Vikings' backup quarterback in 2025 but now finds himself without a clear role as the team pursues other options like Kyler Murray, J.J. McCarthy, Carson Wentz, and Max Brosmer. Cornerback Fabian Moreau provided reliable depth for the Vikings, while Jeff Okudah struggled with injuries and inconsistent play. Safety Harrison Smith was released but could return if he decides to play another season. Offensive tackle Justin Skule, who filled in capably, was passed over when the Vikings signed Ryan Van Demark from the Bills.

  • NFL free agency began in mid-March 2026.
  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for late April.

The players

Brett Rypien

A quarterback who served as the Vikings' QB2 in 2025 but is now seeking a new opportunity, likely as a QB3 or QB4.

Fabian Moreau

A veteran cornerback who provided reliable depth for the Vikings in 2025, holding opponents to a 54.2 passer rating in 11 games as a CB3.

Harrison Smith

An All-Pro safety who was released by the Vikings last month but could potentially return if he decides to play another season.

Jeff Okudah

A cornerback who struggled with injuries and inconsistent play during his time with the Vikings, casting doubt on his future in the NFL.

John Wolford

A quarterback who served as the Vikings' emergency option last season but is likely to seek a practice squad or depth role with another team.

Justin Skule

An offensive tackle who provided solid snaps for the Vikings in 2025 but was passed over when the team signed Ryan Van Demark from the Bills.

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What they’re saying

“It seems safe to assume that if Smith comes back for the 2026 season, it will be in a Minnesota uniform and not with another team. The All-Pro defender has spent his entire NFL career with the Vikings, and there haven't been any indications that he would want to join another franchise.”

— Adam Patrick, Writer

What’s next

The Vikings will continue to monitor the free agent market and could potentially re-sign some of these players, especially if they are looking to add depth at key positions like cornerback and offensive line.

The takeaway

The continued free agent status of these former Vikings players highlights the volatile nature of NFL rosters and the challenges players face in securing their next opportunity, even after contributing to a team the prior season. As the Vikings move forward with their offseason plans, they will need to carefully evaluate their depth and determine if any of these familiar faces could still fit into their plans for the 2026 season.