Feb 27, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah speaks during a press conference at the NFL Scouting Combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports. At first, the Vikings news involved Minnesota landing a pair of compensatory picks. Then, the possibility was for a third to get added into the mix. Most recently, there has even been an exploration of possibly gaining a fourth.
Indeed, Nick Korte of Over the Cap thinks that the Vikings could could be equipped with four compensatory selections in the 2026 NFL Draft. To be sure, were talking about a possibility thats unlikely, but its still precisely that: a possibility. How would things need to go in order for Minnesota to snag a quad rather than a pair?
The Vikings News and Compensatory Picks
Start off with what appears very likely: gaining two draft choices due to allowing Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones to get away.
Each are looking to be starters in their new homes for Darnold, thats in Seattle; Jones, meanwhile, in settling in in Indianapolis while earning some good money. Mr. Darnold earned a three-year contract thats at bit above $100 million in total compensation. As a result, the Vikings are projected to earn the top comp pick in 2026: No. 97 overall. Jones, if he starts, will be leaving behind a 4th.
Jun 11, 2025; Renton, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) passes the ball to quarterback Drew Lock (2) during mini-camp at Virginia Mason Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images The mystery then rests in whether Johnny Mundt and/or Trent Sherfield could kick over some later picks.
Nick Kortes assessment: The top 3rd rounder and either a 4th or 5th rounder for quarterbacks that left in free agency should be secure for the Vikings. The only question for them is whether or not they can add a 7th or two on top of that as a bonus. But [Trent] Sherfield is expected to be strictly a special teamer in Denver, while Johnny Mundt has never played more than 38.9% of the snaps in a season.
Jumping over to the Korte piece involves some helpful charts alongside a bit of explaining about his methodology, for those who are interested.
The 2026 offseason is going to involve a more subdued Vikings during free agency.
The money is already very skimpy, sitting at roughly $60.8 million in debt. Yes, thats right: getting back to even will mean finding close to $61 million in cap savings. Doing so wont allow the Vikings to sign anyone. Rather, Minnesota will only be cap compliant. More savings will be needed to bring in new talent.
As a result, the draft picks look ultra important. Drafted players all operate of cost-controlled deals. Translation: these players are guaranteed to be cheap. When one hits think Justin Jeffersons rookie-contract years as a great example then a team can get huge value. Bringing in lots of youthful talent for cheap looks to be precisely what the Vikings need next year.
Dec 24, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah looks on before the game against the Detroit Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports. As a best case for the 26 offseason, the Vikings could have a 3rd, 4th, and two 7ths for their troubles during the most recent free agency. Keep in mind, folks, that the Vikings news wasnt scarce back in March. On the contrary, the Vikings welcomed a ton of talent but were nevertheless capable of giving themselves what looks like a minimum of two picks alongside a maximum of four.
A final word.
Do note that these (potential) draft picks are not arriving by some random chance. The Vikings went into free agency planning to acquire compensatory picks. Sure, things may be working out better than originally anticipated, but the point was to open the possibility of gaining at least a pair of nice picks while maybe gaining more.
Overall, gotta tip the cap to Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. He appears to have beefed up his roster and the Vikings draft picks at the same time.
Editors Note: Information from Over the Cap helped with this piece.
