The Vikings Should Sign These 2 Players from Free Agency

Sep 22, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Houston Texans running back Cam Akers (22) scores a touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings in the third quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images. The Minnesota Vikings have about $14 million to spend on free agents between now and the regular season, which is about 15 weeks away. The Vikings have plenty of time to add more free agents, and if they’re in the mood, Cam Akers and Mike Hilton make sense. The club always adds a semi-notable free agent or two between June and August, so onlookers should fully expect more roster enhancements. And VikingsTerritory formally recommends these two players. Cam Akers (RB) Roughly 10 players from the Vikings’ 2024 depth chart have signed nowhere in the NFL, and Akers, in addition to Dalton Risner, Jonathan Bullard, Brandon Powell, and Shaquill Griffin, headline the list. Jan 13, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Cam Akers (27) against the Los Angeles Rams during an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images. Via trade in back-to-back seasons, Akers has found his way to Minnesota’s roster, holding down the fort as an RB2. No team has taken the plunge for his services through two months and change of free agency. Why won’t Minnesota sign him outright and avoid another emergency autumn trade? Why Akers? Through their actions, the Vikings proved in 2024 that they preferred Akers’ presence on the depth chart over Ty Chandler. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have traded for Akers from the Houston Texans. Chandler is the same guy from the 2024 campaign. Now, Chandler is in line to assume RB3 duties, and Akers is a free agent. Just sign Akers now, and call it good. It’s not that complicated. Akers showed his eternal worth when he caught a game-sealing pass against the Green Bay Packers last season in Week 17, scooping a Sam Darnold pass from the top of his shoelaces. The man has the “it” factor. Jan 8, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; Los Angeles Rams running back Cam Akers (3) rushes against Seattle Seahawks linebacker Cody Barton (57) during the first quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports. PurplePTSD‘s Kyle Joudry wrote about Akers earlier this month, “Is Mr. Akers the world’s most electrifying runner? No, that crown currently sits atop Saquon Barkley’s head. Is he nevertheless an upgrade at RB3? Yes, it would appear so. Akers is still only 25, a wild reality given how much has already taken place in his career.” “He has been drafted in the 2nd and has won a Super Bowl. He has recovered from some serious injuries. He has put in work for three different NFL teams. He even finished 19th in Comeback Player of the Year voting for his efforts in 2024.” Minnesota also has undrafted free-agent running back Tre Stewart of Jacksonville State in its roster orbit. Joudry added, “The lack of deal between the two parties makes one wonder if the hindrance rests with Cam Akers’ desire for a certain role and a certain cost (and, in turn, the Vikings’ unwillingness to meet those standards). In Minnesota, he would slot in as the third option; does he want to have a shot at a higher placement within the team’s internal hierarchy?” “Being a productive RB1/2 for a full season could push Akers toward a strong payday while he’s still in his mid-20s. Can’t blame him at all if that’s what he’s chasing.” Mike Hilton (CB) In addition to Akers — a no-brainer for the RB3 job — Minnesota should spend some bucks on Mike Hilton, formerly of the Cincinnati Bengals. Sep 25, 2023; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Mike Hilton (21) is introduced prior a Week 3 NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kareem Elgazzar-USA TODAY Sports. Along with Asante Samuel Jr., Jack Jones, Shaquill Griffin, and Rasul Douglas, Hilton is one of the premier cornerbacks still available on the open market. No team has signed the 31-year-old. Why Hilton? A CB2 battle will ensue at Vikings training camp and preseason, but Hilton should be obtained and tossed into the mix for a couple of reasons. He’s experienced, playing in the NFL since 2017. His specialty, as a cornerback, is blitzing quarterbacks, and Minnesota does a whole lot of that. Hilton may be in the mix for the Atlanta Falcons, too, so time could be of the essence. Althon Sports‘ Josh Petry wrote this week, “If Atlanta is looking to upgrade the team’s nickel package, former Cincinnati Bengals and Pittsburgh Steelers player Mike Hilton will need a landing spot for training camp later this summer. Hilton has always had an aggressive mentality when it comes to tackling and would be an upgrade to the Falcons defense, which has taken steps to get better.” “He has been a good coverage defender and can disrupt the opposing team from the edge. If Falcons head coach Raheem Morris decides to stay par for the course with a zone-heavy defense, Hilton would work in this instance. Atlanta has recently stated that it wants to become a more aggressive team, but either way, adding another veteran to the secondary would be a win.” Dec 31, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Mike Hilton (21) warms up against the Kansas City Chiefs prior to a game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports. If Hilton or another corner is not signed, Isaiah Rodgers and Mekhi Blackmon on the Vikings’ roster will presumably duke it out this summer for the CB2 post. Petry added., “For the most part, Hilton can match up with anyone and patrol space regularly. In his eight NFL seasons, he has recorded 13 interceptions and 11.5 sacks, to go along with 34 pass breakups.” “As plenty of teams will be taking a look at the cornerback position, the Atlanta Falcons need all of the depth that they can get. Not just bodies on the sidelines, but rather able-bodied individuals who can still play and contribute.” Other Free Agents? If the Vikings don’t fancy Akers or Hilton, these free agents may be in play: Nick Chubb (RB) J.K. Dobbins (RB) Rasul Douglas (CB) Gerald Everett (TE) Stephon Gilmore (CB) Shaquill Griffin (CB) Jack Jones (CB) Asante Samuel Jr. (CB) Don’t be surprised, either, if the Vikings fire off a trade or two — probably for a cornerback.