Seven starters from last year’s playoff team will not return to the Vikings in 2020, creating opportunity for rookie newcomers and veteran holdovers alike.
Free-agent departures and releases this offseason included receiver Stefon Diggs, defensive end Everson Griffen, nose tackle Linval Joseph, cornerbacks Xavier Rhodes, Trae Waynes and Mackensie Alexander and right guard Josh Kline. The Vikings added with a 15-rookie draft class, the NFL’s largest in the seven-round era; that group included first rounders in receiver Justin Jefferson and cornerback Jeff Gladney. A failed pursuit for former Washington left tackle Trent Williams, who was traded to San Francisco during draft weekend, led to second-round tackle Ezra Cleveland addressing another priority.