Free agency is near and Minnesota’s priorities are clear for a new, interim general manager.
That process for Brzezinski begins now, as free agency is just two weeks away.
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Three urgent roster arrangements ahead of Minnesota
A look at Brzezinski’s top to-do list, listed in order of importance (No. 1 = most important problem to solve).
Penn State running back Nicholas Singleton (10) breaks free into the end zone during a pivotal scoring drive, speeding past defenders to finish a second-quarter touchdown run in a high-profile matchup. On November 1, 2025, Singleton found space in Ohio Stadium against the Ohio State Buckeyes, showing off his explosion and poise in one of the Big Ten’s most competitive conference matchups. Mandatory credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images.
3. Find a new runner
The Vikings offense would likely benefit from prioritizing the running game. Minnesota needs a running back strategy focused on reliability, durability and efficiency per carry; Currently, their approach seems like a short-term solution. While Aaron Jones has been a reliable veteran, his age (32 in the 2026 season) raises concerns about his long-term effectiveness.
This requires a crucial decision on the part of Brzezinski and head coach Kevin O’Connell. They could acquire an established veteran, like Travis Etienne or Breece Hall. Alternatively, they could go back to the draft to find a potential star running back, a strategy they haven’t employed since selecting Dalvin Cook in 2017.
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In 2025, the running game was adequate but lacked the dominance necessary to consistently challenge opposing defenses. To establish a Top 10 offense, Minnesota needs a true RB1 workhorse, a critical component and not a mere luxury.
O’Connell’s offensive system thrives when a strong running game keeps defenses honest, which depends on a running back capable of handling a significant workload while also making explosive plays.
Ideally, because Minnesota is cash-strapped, it will eventually draft a running back before the end of Round 4 in April, which could translate to Jonah Coleman (Washington), Jadarian Price (Notre Dame) or Nick Singleton (Penn State), to name a few.
Should Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love fall to No. 18, that would be a no-brainer to end all no-brainers for the Vikings.
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2. Fix the defensive secondary, probably with youth
The Vikings secondary had two main problems:
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Harrison Smith can retire. If he doesn’t, he will retire after the 2026 season. The Vikings need a replacement for Smith sooner rather than later.
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In 2025, Minnesota got away with unusually thin cornerback depth. That probably won’t work again in 2026.
Minnesota’s pass defense had no issues in 2025, but with personnel, the group could have gotten “lucky” at times.
To eventually replace Smith and successfully draft a cornerback of any type for the first time since Trae Waynes and Mackensie Alexander a decade ago, Brzezinski and Flores will likely have to find rookie cornerbacks and safeties to fuel the defensive roster in the long run.
Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith (22) stands on the field during pregame warmups, surveying the stadium as he prepares for another season of defensive leadership. On August 18, 2019, Smith performed the first routines at US Bank Stadium before Minnesota’s preseason matchup against the Seattle Seahawks, continuing his long tenure as one of the franchise’s most trusted veterans. Mandatory Credit: Ben Ludeman-USA TODAY Sports.
SI.comJoe Nelson recently recommended the free agent signing of Seattle Seahawks safety Coby Bryant, “With Harrison Smith likely to retire, the Vikings need more talent at safety alongside Josh Metellus, Theo Jackson, Jay Ward and Tavierre Thomas. If Minnesota doesn’t believe Jackson can be an every-week starter, then Bryant is the type of player they should pursue.”
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“Bryant moved from cornerback to safety in 2024, and he’s been a stud ever since. This season, he had four interceptions on a stout Super Bowl-winning Seattle defense. With a projected three-year, $30 million contract, his average annual value of $10 million would compare to Smith’s 2025 cap hit of $9.9 million.”
The veteran safety recorded a 65.5 Focus on professional football degree in 2025 and is 26 years old.
Nelson continued: “It makes even more sense if the Vikings want to stay young (he’s 27) and avoid paying a higher price for safeties like Kam Curl (he’s 27 with a projected four-year, $65 million deal) and Kevin Byard (he’s 33 and projected to get a two-year, $25 million deal).”
“Another option would be to trade for Minkah Fitzpatrick, who has experience in Flores’ defense and was one of the highest-rated safeties in the league last season.”
1. Sign or trade for another QB to compete with JJ McCarthy
Since the beginning of the offseason, Adofo-Mensah (before his firing) and Kevin O’Connell announced that the Vikings would spend the offseason creating a deeper quarterback room than last year, which included JJ McCarthy, Carson Wentz, Max Brosmer, John Wolford, Desmond Ridder, Sam Howell and Brett Rypien from March to December.
San Francisco quarterback Mac Jones pauses on the sideline after the final whistle, surveying the field as his teammates and staff begin postgame routines following a divisional road victory. On November 16, 2025, Jones stood near the bench area at State Farm Stadium after San Francisco completed its victory over the Arizona Cardinals in Glendale. Mandatory credit: Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images.
If the organization is serious, that means Brzezinski isn’t far away from acquiring a newcomer, likely someone with more youth or talent than Wentz, the top backup in 2025.
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The most popular candidates are these men:
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Anthony Richardson (commerce)
Brzezinski, with input from O’Connell, must choose one. O’Connell’s job security may depend on it.