More moves from the Minnesota Vikings early Tuesday as the free agent period in the NFL is off to a furious start. A day after the Vikings mainly focused on adding defensive pieces, they turned to the offense Tuesday.
With six-year starter Kirk Cousins off to Atlanta, the Vikings added veteran Sam Darnold, the former top-three pick of the NY Jets who struggled in the Big Apple before starting in Carolina. He spent 2023 as a backup for the San Francisco 49ers. He'll sign a one year, $10 million deal with the Vikings.
Darnold is surely a stopgap while the team searches for a new long term quarterback in the NFL Draft. He brings starting experience to the Vikings and a solid backup presence with only Jaren Hall and Nick Mullens currently on the roster.
Then there is the running back position. The Vikings released Alexander Mattison last week and now are adding a former division rival. Aaron Jones was released in Green Bay Monday and now is taking a one year, $7 million deal with the Vikings.
He'll get to face his former team twice and the rumor is, Jones was not happy about being released by Green Bay who signed former Raider Josh Jacobs on Monday. The Packers wanted Jones to take a pay cut which he was unwilling to do.
In 11 games last season, Jones recorded 889 yards from scrimmage — 656 yards rushing, 233 yards receiving on 30 catches — along with three total touchdowns.
Two edge rushers, the Texans' Jonathan Greenard and former Dolphins Andrew Van Ginkel, along with Houston linebacker Blake Cashman all agreed to terms with the Vikings Monday. Cashman played with the Gophers and is from Eden Prairie, MN.
The Vikings have re-signed two of their own offensive linemen. They've reached deals with David Quessenberry and Blake Brandel. That's according to ESPN's Kevin Siefert.
The big name still out there for the Vikings is defensive lineman Danielle Hunter who is due a major payday. His time in Minnesota is likely coming to an end after the other signings on defense.
Also early Tuesday, the Vikings added kicker John Parker Romo. Greg Joseph, who has been the Viking kicker for three years, is an unrestricted free agent.
None of the deals can become official until Wednesday per league rules.