2 Vikings FAs superb players signed elsewhere

Time to get caught up on some of the Vikings free agents who have recently landed deals with new teams. DYE TO CHARGERS Former Vikings linebacker Troy Dye has signed a one-year deal with the Chargers. The Vikings offered more to keep him, per the Star Tribune’s Andrew Krammer, but Dye chose Los Angeles because he believes he’ll have a chance to compete for a bigger role on defense.

A fourth-round pick out of Oregon in 2020, Dye primarily played on special teams during his four years with the Vikings, though he did make eight starts on defense. He’s excellent and versatile in the third phase of the game. Now the 27-year-old is headed back to his home state to try to earn more playing time. TONGA TO CARDINALS The Vikings did not tender Khyiris Tonga or Cam Akers, who were their two restricted free agents. As a result, both became UFAs, and Tonga is now joining the Cardinals for the 2024 season. The big nose tackle out of BYU was drafted by the Bears in the seventh round in 2021 and was signed off the Falcons’ practice squad by the Vikings the following year. Tonga played in 26 games over the past two seasons, starting four of them. He’s a solid rotational nose who can eat up blocks and defend the run.

SCHLOTTMANN TO GIANTS Austin Schlottmann is headed the Giants after two years with the Vikings as their backup center. He started four games in 2022 and three more last year due to injuries to Garrett Bradbury. The former Bronco graded well as a pass-blocker in 2023 and also has some guard versatility. As a response to losing Schlottmann, the Vikings signed ex-Bear Dan Feeney to be a backup interior lineman. VIKINGS IN-HOUSE FREE AGENTS Updated as of 3/16/24 Re-signed by Minnesota DL Jonathan Bullard WR Brandon Powell TE Johnny Mundt OL David Quessenberry Gone QB Kirk Cousins: Falcons OLB Danielle Hunter: Texans LB Jordan Hicks: Browns OLB D.J. Wonnum: Panthers OLB Marcus Davenport: Lions LB Troy Dye: Chargers DT Khyiris Tonga: Cardinals OL Austin Schlottmann: Giants OL Hakeem Adeniji: Browns Available WR K.J. Osborn LG Dalton Risner QB Josh Dobbs RB Cam Akers K Greg Joseph LB Anthony Barr OL Oli Udoh DL Sheldon Day DT James Lynch OL Chris Reed LB Nick Vigil