MINNEAPOLIS — There are enough comings and goings on the Minnesota Vikings roster through free agency that the club may need to make nametags mandatory when Organized Team Activities (OTAs) begin in May.
To ease the confusion, KARE 11 is compiling a list of departures and arrivals as the Vikings remake their roster in big and small ways.
Kirk Cousins – QB: This is the big dog. Cousins leaves Minnesota after six seasons heavy on downfield passing, signing a four-year, $180 million deal with Atlanta. His replacement will likely lack the system knowledge and veteran judgement to justify that many pass attempts, meaning Coach Kevin O’Connell may need to build up the Vikings’ running game a bit. See below.
Danielle Hunter – DE: The four-time Pro Bowler has reportedly signed a two-year, $49 million with the Houston Texans. Hunter was a third-round selection for the Vikings in 2015 and developed into one of the best pass-rushers in franchise history. Hunter is leaving Minnesota with the sixth-most sacks in team history.
K.J. Osborn – WR: The 26-year-old wideout served as the Vikings’ third wide receiver for the last three years. Osborn produced some memorable moments for the team over the 50 games he played. Multiple reports say Osborn has agreed to a deal with the New England Patriots, a team that, like the Vikings, is headed into 2024-25 without an established quarterback.
Alexander Mattison – RB: Mattison signed a new deal to replace cap casualty Dalvin Cook before the 2023-24 season, but disappointed with his meager rushing totals and inability to hang on to the ball. The Vikings cut him before the onset of free ag
ency.
