EAGAN, Minn. — While the big news out of Eagan on Monday was quarterback Kirk Cousins signing with the Atlanta Falcons, the Minnesota Vikings did make some moves to help bolster the offense.
The first big splash for the Vikings was the addition of Jonathan Greenard, who is coming off a 12.5-sack season with the Houston Texans. The signing, which is reportedly a four-year, $76 million deal, almost certainly means Danielle Hunter won't be back next season as he tests the market. Hunter, a four-time Pro Bowler, is seeking a big deal coming off a 16.5-sack season, one that will likely be too expensive for a Minnesota team looking to shed some money.
Greenard is coming off his best season as a pro. At 26, he's a younger — and likely cheaper — option than Hunter, but will have big shoes to fill as he looks to replace one of the best pass rushers in franchise history.
The Vikings also added a pair of linebackers on Monday, including Eden Prairie native Blake Cashman. Cashman's return to Minnesota comes after spending the past two seasons with the Texans. Cashman, who played at the University of Minnesota, was selected in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the New York Jets. He joined the Texans in 2022 and is coming off a season where he amassed 106 total tackles, including two sacks.
According to NFL Insider Tom Pelissero, Cashman's agent said his deal is for three years and worth up to $25.5 million. Minnesota has also reportedly added former Miami Dolphins linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel, giving defensive coordinator Brian Flores some new pieces to work with in 2024.
The Vikings mostly thrived under Flores, but his strategies weren't as effective late as injury absences for Jordan Hicks, Marcus Davenport, D.J. Wonnum and cornerback Byron Murphy loomed large down the stretch. The Vikings allowed an average of 30 points over a four-game losing streak to finish the season.
The Vikings also re-signed restricted free agent guard Blake Brandel and unrestricted free agent tackle David Quessenberry on Monday to maintain some depth along the offensive line. Brandel has started five games in three seasons after a year on the practice squad. Quessenberry joined the team at the end of training camp last season and started four games.
The flurry of a start to free agency Monday left quarterback as the most obvious position to address, with the Vikings almost certain to not only sign a cap-friendly veteran with starting experience but also use a high draft pick on a rookie next month.
Defensive back is another position that's sure to get some reinforcement. Last month, the Vikings re-signed safety Theo Jackson for depth there, with the return uncertain for veteran Harrison Smith. Cam Bynum has become a reliable young starter at the other safety spot, but beyond Murphy there isn't much to lean on at cornerback.
Akayleb Evans struggled down the stretch. Mekhi Blackmon had a decent rookie year. But Andrew Booth has done little to secure a spot since his inclusion in a 2022 draft class that has not panned out well for the Vikings.
Watch more coverage of Minnesota sports:
Watch the latest reports from the KARE 11 sports team in our YouTube playlist:
WATCH MORE ON KARE 11+
Download the free KARE 11+ app for Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV and other smart TV platforms to watch more from KARE 11 anytime! The KARE 11+ app includes live streams of all of KARE 11's newscasts. You'll also find on-demand replays of newscasts; the latest from KARE 11 Investigates, Breaking the News and the Land of 10,000 Stories; exclusive programs like Verify and HeartThreads; and Minnesota sports talk from our partners at Locked On Minnesota.
- Add KARE 11+ on Roku here or by searching for KARE 11 in the Roku Channel Store.
- Add KARE 11+ on Fire TV here or by searching for KARE 11 in the Amazon App Store.
- Learn more about the KARE 11+ app for Apple TV in the Apple App Store.
- Learn more about KARE 11+ here.