As is the case every offseason and summer, some former Minnesota Vikings players from the 2025 roster are having a rough time finding employment. This go-around is no different, with six players stuck on the free-agent wire.
Hope is fading for the following men to fetch contracts, but perhaps business will pick up at the end of the month when training camp hits.
Fabian Moreau (CB)
Moreau quietly performed well as the CB3 in 2025. In 11 games, he allowed a 54.2 passer rating and rarely became the weak link opposing quarterbacks hoped to exploit. Since Moreau isn’t a household name, his performance largely went unnoticed. Minnesota should strongly consider re-signing him if the price is right. Moreau would be a smart choice for a fourth or fifth cornerback, possessing enough experience to step up when injuries inevitably occur.
PurplePTSD‘s Brevan Bane wrote last month about a possible Moreau reunion: “The Vikings really feel like they could use another veteran in the room to be the CB4 behind Pierre. Fortunately, that potential veteran played for them just last season. Fabian Moreau has technically had two stints with the Minnesota Vikings. The first came in 2024, when he saw 86 coverage snaps, allowing 7 receptions and 2 TDs on 10 targets for a grand total of 67 yards, per PFF.”
“So, why not Moreau? Minnesota can keep roster spots open for one of these young bucks in the corner room to have a shot at some meaningful minutes. Worst case scenario, bring back Moreau and he already knows his role and how the defense operates.” Based on his performance last year, Moreau should have a job in the NFL. He’s not washed.
Matt Nelson (OT)
Nelson spent most of his NFL career on the fringe of the league, bouncing between practice squads and emergency depth roles without ever becoming a recognizable name.
That explains his quiet free agency period. His next opportunity will likely arise closer to training camp, if at all. Once a team has a tackle injury or decides their current depth is insufficient, Nelson should receive another call.
Jeff Okudah (CB)
Okudah’s tenure in Minnesota was largely unsuccessful. Plagued by concussions, his on-field performance was consistently poor, as opposing quarterbacks frequently targeted him with ease. So, the former third overall pick’s draft status has become a more prominent topic of discussion than his recent play. While he may secure a training camp invitation, the “2020 draft bust” label is likely to persist.
His career could be over.
Brett Rypien (QB)
Around this time last year, Rypien was the Vikings’ QB3. What a difference a year makes.
The Vikings’ quarterback room underwent a rapid transformation, leaving Rypien to seek new opportunities. His most likely path forward is securing an inexpensive QB3 role, ideally with a team that values an experienced professional during training camp. Rypien’s extensive knowledge of various offenses still makes him a valuable asset, even if a major role is no longer feasible.
John Wolford (QB)
Wolford emerged as Minnesota’s emergency option last season when the quarterback room faced injury challenges. He is not expected to return for the 2026 season, and his market value is likely limited to a practice squad role. Alternatively, a team experiencing injuries might consider him as a standby. Wolford’s primary value lies in his familiarity with NFL systems and his readiness to serve as a depth quarterback — probably on a practice squad.
Contextual Note
Harrison Smith is technically a free agent, but he won’t sign with another team. It’s either return to the Vikings or retire, a decision that remains a mystery through six months of the offseason.
Former Vikings quarterback Kyle Sloter recently told our Steven Hoikkala, “I actually talked to Harrison probably daily … we probably didn’t talk too much football and what’s it looking like coming back and this, that, the other. There is fire. I would say that he, just from a body standpoint as well as mentally, he’s in a place where I think he’s probably moved on. Also, I’ll say this. I don’t think, and I’m not promising anything, I’m not speaking for him.”
“This is my guess based on everything: I think that players hate training camp. They hate OTAs. Don’t want to be there for that. Especially veterans, guys that are Hall of Famers, they don’t feel the need to be there. They know the system. They know how to play football at that point in their career. It’s about their body.”
Smith turned 37 in February.
Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin BakerTraining Camp Offers the Last Real Path Back for 2026
