Welcome to March Madness. While the college basketball brackets will eventually take center stage, the NFL has the spotlight this week with the beginning of free agency and the start of the 2026 league year.
The Minnesota Vikings are sure to be connected to numerous players in free agency as they look to fill holes across the roster, including needs at quarterback, cornerback, running back, wide receiver, center, defensive tackle, and safety.
They took care of one of those needs late Sunday night by reportedly agreeing to a three-year deal with linebacker Eric Wilson, who was one of their top defensive players in 2025 after signing as a free agent during last year's free agency whirlwind. Meanwhile, the Vikings still sound like the frontrunners for quarterback Kyler Murray.
Check back throughout the day for the latest Vikings news and rumors.
Top headlines so far– Jalen Nailor Leaves Vikings, Lands Three-Year Deal With Raiders– Ryan Wright Signs With Saints, Leaving Vikings in Need of a Punter– Vikings Signing Veteran Cornerback James Pierre– How Daniel Jones Could Torpedo the Vikings' Pursuit of Kyler Murray
4:52 p.m. — Vikings retain Zavier Scott, Bo Richter
According to Alec Lewis, the Vikings are re-signing running back Zavier Scott and outside linebacker Bo Richter. Scott was a third-down back who played sparingly last season, while Richter is one of Minnesota's best special teams players.
3:24 p.m. — Vikings officially awarded highest comp pick again
For the second straight year, the Vikings have received the highest compensatory pick in the NFL. It's the 97th overall selection. Last year's was for losing Kirk Cousins in free agency the previous year. This year's is for Sam Darnold's departure. The Vikings did not receive any other comp picks.
1:13 p.m. — Jalen Nailor to the Raiders
Jalen Nailor is signing a three-year, $35 million deal with the Las Vegas Raiders, according to Adam Schefter. Minnesota will now need to look for WR depth this offseason.
Raiders have agreed to terms with WR Jalen Nailor on a three year, $35 million deal including $23 million guaranteed, per Ken Sarnoff and Joe DiBenedetto of 1 Of 1 Agency. pic.twitter.com/1CGC4CcSLu— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 9, 2026
12:30 p.m. — Orlovsky predicts Murray to Minnesota
Murray can't even talk to another team until the Cardinals officially announce plans to release him, but as quarterback dominoes continue to fall, NFL insider Dan Orlovsky predicts that "Kyler Murray is going to be the starting quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings."
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) March 9, 2026
12:18 p.m. — Ryan Wright to the Saints
The Vikings need a new punter after Wright agreed to a four-year, $14 million deal with New Orleans. According to Adam Schefter, the deal includes $8 million guaranteed.
12:01 p.m. — Vikings sign CB James Pierre
According to Cameron Wolfe, the Vikings have agreed to a two-year, $8.5 million deal with cornerback James Pierre. He's a 6-foot-2 outside cornerback who played 408 snaps last season, allowing 16 catches in 35 passes into his coverage, according to Pro Football Focus.
Here's our analysis and instant grade in reaction to Pierre joining the Vikings.
Vikings have agreed to terms with CB James Pierre on a two-year, $8.5 million deal with $3.7 million guaranteed, per his agent Toney Scott. Pierre gets a $2.5 million signing bonus. pic.twitter.com/VcZnVJTxH2— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) March 9, 2026
10:33 a.m. — Falcons expected to land Tua
One of the first big quarterback dominos appears to have fallen. The Falcons are reportedly poised to land Tua Tagovailoa, who was released by the Dolphins. That would give Atlanta an all-lefty quarterback duo, with Michael Penix Jr. presumably backing up Tagovailoa. The Vikings never seemed to make much sense as a landing spot for Tua given his history with Brian Flores.
The Falcons are making a strong push to sign former Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa and a deal could come together soon, sources tell The Insiders. No deal can be finalized until Tua is officially released Wednesday. But signs point to Atlanta. pic.twitter.com/zDAhPnQkSz— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 9, 2026
No deal can be finalized until Tua is officially released Wednesday. But signs point to Atlanta. pic.twitter.com/zDAhPnQkSz
10:30 a.m. — Vikings make several moves official
The Vikings have officially confirmed some of the team's pre-free agency moves. The Eric Wilson re-signing, Jalen Redmond's ERFA tender, and Ivan Pace Jr.'s right-of-first-refusal tender are now all official — not that there was any real doubt.
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) March 9, 2026
9:23 a.m. — Vikings use 'low tender' on Ivan Pace Jr.
What is the low tender Adam Schefter referred to? It's essentially a one-year contract worth $3.547 million, and it gives the Vikings the right to match any offer sheet Pace signs with another team. Pace made a little over $1 million last season, and he is a restricted free agent.
Vikings are using the low tender on restricted free agent LB Ivan Pace.— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 9, 2026
Vikings are using the low tender on restricted free agent LB Ivan Pace.
8:31 a.m. — More trades before 11 a.m. CT?
We mentioned Greenard in the update below, and it feels noteworthy that Dianna Russinni is suggesting that more trades are coming before the legal tampering period officially opens at 11 a.m. CT today.
Expect more trades before we get to 12pm est. Teams all shuffling and making moves this morning.— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) March 9, 2026
8:25 a.m. — Greenard is a name to watch
If the Vikings are going to trade linebacker Jonathan Greenard, it's probably going to happen this week because it would free up money they could use to bolster the roster elsewhere.
Greenard has an $18.39 million base salary for the next two seasons. By trading him before June 1, Over the Cap says the Vikings would create $12.25 million in cap space while absorbing $9.9 million in dead money.
Vikings EDGE Jonathan Greenard is a name to watch this week. A lot of teams have been in on this one. Will likely involve a Day 2 pick if a trade gets done. One variable: Teams know he wants a new contract as part of the deal. He’s got two years and $38M left on current deal. pic.twitter.com/itRSTJQQMs— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 9, 2026
One variable: Teams know he wants a new contract as part of the deal. He’s got two years and $38M left on current deal. pic.twitter.com/itRSTJQQMs
