Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray prepares for recreation motion earlier than taking the sphere at State Farm Stadium. Previous to kickoff on Nov. 12, 2023, in Glendale, Arizona, Murray donned his helmet and accomplished pregame routines because the Cardinals readied for a matchup towards the Atlanta Falcons. Obligatory Credit score: Matt Kartozian-Imagn Photographs.
Each NFL crew wants reasonably priced gamers who outperform their contracts, particularly these squads actually contending for the Tremendous Bowl. The Minnesota Vikings aspire to these very stakes in 2026, and we’re thus right here to doc the highest cut price gamers on the 2026 roster.
As at all times with bargain- or value-based participant lists, we didn’t embody gamers on rookie contracts as a result of they’re extensively thought of reasonably priced.
Right here’s the pecking order, ranked from good to nice cut price (No. 1 = high cut price).
Vikings’ Finest Contract Values Are the Meal Ticket
Minnesota Vikings offensive sort out Blake Brandel participates in pregame warm-ups earlier than a highway matchup towards the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. Brandel continued creating as a flexible offensive lineman whereas making ready for depth and particular groups duties. The scene unfolded on Sept. 12, 2021, forward of Minnesota’s season-opening contest. Obligatory Credit score: Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports activities.
5. Blake Brandel | C
2026 Cap Hit: $4.5M
Brandel performs each place on the offensive line, and it appears head coach Kevin O’Connell will ask Brandel to be his beginning middle in 2026. Brandel’s versatility is invaluable — he’s already performed sort out, guard, and middle for the Vikings since becoming a member of the franchise in 2020.
Whether or not he morphs right into a strong middle stays to be seen, however his $4.5 million cap hit is team-friendly, it doesn’t matter what. If he stinks at middle, O’Connell can yank him again into the jack-of-all-trades function.
It’s additionally price noting that Brandel is eligible for an extension, which might arrive as early as this summer season.
4. Eric Wilson | LB
2026 Cap Hit: $4.1M
Wilson produced Professional Bowl numbers — out of nowhere — in 2025 after the Vikings signed him away from the Inexperienced Bay Packers. Followers thought he would play particular groups and be a depth asset if Blake Cashman or Ivan Tempo Jr. acquired damage.
As a substitute, he turned a starter by October, stealing Tempo Jr.’s job.
Wilson led the NFL in sacks and quarterback pressures by an off-ball linebacker. Accordingly, Minnesota re-signed him in March. A $4.1 million cap hit is price it to see if Wilson was a one-hit marvel.
3. Jauan Jennings | WR
2026 Cap Hit: $9.5M
Earlier than Jennings signed within the Twin Cities, the who’s who of NFL reporting claimed that he needed “WR2 money.” Nicely, that may climb all the best way as much as $30 million. Ask Christian Watson of the Packers, who simply snagged an extension price $28 million per season.
Minnesota paid Jennings $9.5 million for the upcoming season. When the Jennings-to-Minnesota rumor mill kicked up mud, many questioned if the Vikings might afford him beneath $20 million. The value is half that.
The Vikings haven’t spent luxuriously at WR3 in years; Jennings gives them with their finest WR3 possibility in eons. A steal of a deal.
Minnesota Vikings vast receiver Jauan Jennings speaks with reporters following organized crew actions at TCO Efficiency Heart. Jennings mentioned adapting to a brand new surroundings, studying the offense, and constructing chemistry with teammates after becoming a member of Minnesota. The media session passed off on Could 27, 2026, in the course of the Vikings’ spring OTA schedule. Obligatory Credit score: YouTube.
Star Tribune‘s Michael Rand on Jennings and the Vikings’ WR room: “Any trio of Vikings receivers has a good starting point with Justin Jefferson. He has been in the conversation for the best receiver in the NFL for several years. He’s still part of that chatter even after struggling to make an on-field connection with J.J. McCarthy last season.”
“Add in Jordan Addison, who was very good in 2023 and 2024, and newcomer Jauan Jennings, who has approached 1,000 yards in the past with the San Francisco 49ers, and it is a formidable group. All three are at least capable of being above-average starters, with Jefferson of course having a higher ceiling. Jennings is listed at 6-3, 212 pounds and looks every bit of that.”
It’s not outrageous to say Minnesota now has a Prime 3 corps within the NFL.
“The Vikings haven’t had a receiver that big and physical in quite some time. He’s a very capable (and willing) run blocker who plays with an edge. He’ll also be motivated to have a big season while playing on a one-year contract,” Rand continued.
“All three of Jennings, Addison and Jefferson, in fact, should be motivated this season and their styles should be a good complement to each other. That’s what makes this potentially the best Vikings receiver trio in more than a quarter-century.”
2. James Pierre | CB
2026 Cap Hit $2.9M
Pierre was a best-kept secret in Pittsburgh, firing up a PFF grade over 86.0 in 2025. Minnesota employed Gerald Alexander from Pittsburgh to exchange defensive passing recreation coordinator Daronte Jones, who picked the Washington Commanders as his subsequent employer (defensive coordinator). Alexander is bringing Pierre with him.
The Vikings paid Jeff Okudah $2.36 million in 2025 for his underwhelming CB3 companies. Pierre at $2.9 million is sort of the change of tempo. A welcome one.
1. Kyler Murray | QB
2026 Cap Hit: $1.3M
Not solely is Murray at $1.3 million for a season the perfect deal within the NFL, it may be the highest worth in all of sports activities — assuming he performs at his peak degree in 2026.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray and Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson meet at midfield following a preseason matchup at State Farm Stadium. The 2 dynamic quarterbacks shared a postgame alternate after main their respective groups in exhibition motion. The interplay occurred on Aug. 21, 2022, in Glendale following the preseason contest. Obligatory Credit score: Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK.
The Arizona Cardinals determined to maneuver on from Murray, and like Sam Darnold in 2024, Minnesota has an opportunity to pounce on supreme worth at crucial place on a soccer crew. It’s nonetheless mind-boggling that Arizona kicked him out — and that he wound up in Minnesota a couple of days later. It could possibly be a turning level in Vikings historical past.
Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … Extra about Dustin Baker
