Free agency in 2015 for the Minnesota Vikings began late last summer.
Minnesota recognized what it had in tight end Kyle Rudolph and right guard Brandon Fusco, and reached contract extensions with the 2011 draft picks in training camp and the preseason last year. Vikings general manager Rick Spielman has gained a reputation for rewarding draft picks who had become foundations of the team.
Chad Greenway, Adrian Peterson, Brian Robison, John Sullivan, Phil Loadholt and Everson Griffen were given lucrative second contracts with Minnesota before being able to test free agency. Signing their own has been the Vikings' chosen path when it comes to spending its salary cap.
Securing Rudolph and Fusco to long-term deals gave Minnesota a head start on 2015, but the Vikings still could look to bring back a few more players from coach Mike Zimmer's first season.
A look at the Minnesota's pending free agents:
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS
The 2011 draft class is reaching free agency for the first time. The Vikings seemed to have settled on their 2011 draft picks by extending Rudolph (a second-rounder) and Fusco (a sixth-rounder). Ponder, taken No. 12 overall, is the only other 2011 draft pick still with the team.
Defensive tackle Christian Ballard left the team and Minnesota had already moved on from Brandon Burton, DeMarcus Love, Mistral Raymond, Ross Homan, D'Aundre Reed and Stephen Burton. Ponder, 27, will soon join his former teammates on the outside of the Vikings' organization.
Minnesota had the chance to extend Ponder for a fifth season as he was a first-round draft pick under the new Collective Bargaining Agreement. Despite little risk, the Vikings passed on another year of Ponder and he acknowledged the likely end of his time in Minnesota when the season ended.
Ponder, for all his inconsistency and skittish play, should find another home. The quarterback market doesn't have many intriguing options, but Ponder has athletic ability, experience and could perhaps find a job as a backup elsewhere in the league.
Felton, 28, wasn't scheduled to be a free agent but he got a jump on the Vikings by exercising his own option to become a free agent. Felton said he wouldn't rule out a return to Minnesota but knows he likely will have more opportunities for extended playing time elsewhere after he was used sparingly on offense during running back Adrian Peterson's absence.
Felton should be one of the top fullbacks on the market and will have some suitors. Felton knew he might have been a candidate for a release, so he made the decision himself to enter free agency. Minnesota has fullback Zach Line on the roster and also has blocking tight end Rhett Ellison, who has filled the role at times.
Wootton signed a one-year deal with the Vikings last year hoping to re-establish his value in the market. As the third defensive end behind starters Griffen and Robison he was on the low end of a rotation and certainly didn't provide much of a pass rush in his limited time.
While Wootton is just 27, Minnesota has two younger defensive ends on the roster with potential. Scott Crichton, 23, was a third-round draft pick last year and Justin Trattou is 26. Crichton could be ready for a bigger role next season and replace the snaps played by Wootton, who could have other options at his age and past success.
Here's an interesting case for the Vikings and their long-time long snapper. Loeffler, 34, has been one of the more consistent long snappers in the league and the position has led to players playing later in years if they can maintain their play.
There don't appear to be any replacement snappers on the current roster. Loeffler is likely looking at his final NFL contract and possibly would want to finish his career in Minnesota. He is the longest tenured member of the Vikings, just finishing his 11th season with the organization.
Loeffler has been with Minnesota since 2004 and has played the most games in team history for a long snapper. He's also played every game the past three seasons and was recognized by USA Football this past season on its All-Fundamentals team. Loeffler could be one pending free agent the Vikings re-visit for a possible reunion.
The reliable Berger, 32, stepped up again last season filling in when Minnesota was hit with injuries and poor performance at the two guard positions. Sullivan's backup at center, Berger also plays guard and has been a valuable reserve for four seasons.
The Vikings and Berger could find another reunion possible. He signed a one-year deal as a free agent to stay with Minnesota last year. Without Berger, the Vikings would be missing a key piece to the offensive line even though he hasn't entered any season with the team as a full-time starter. Minnesota might find Berger, his experience and versatility, more valuable than other teams in free agency.
Like Wootton, Johnson signed a one-year contract last year to build up his value. Perhaps never a perfect fit in the 3-4 defense in New Orleans previously, Johnson was an effective under tackle in the 4-3 defense last year for the Vikings. Johnson was part of Zimmer's tackle rotation, which was effective from all points last year.
Johnson was second on the team in sacks to Griffen and flourished in Zimmer's system. Perhaps Johnson will look to capitalize and find a bigger contract or more playing time in free agency. A return to Minnesota can't be ruled out if both sides can agree. Johnson will turn 31 years old next season, which could also become a factor.
Brinkley, 29, was signed to a one-year contract last year to fill the middle linebacker position. The position appears to be open again heading into the offseason. Brinkley was steady and finished fifth on the team in tackles. His forte coming in was as a run stopper and that's where he excelled last season.
Brinkley still had his issues in coverage, which could lead Minnesota to continue the search for another middle linebacker. Brinkley's options could likely be limited again. The Vikings could look for a younger option who could stay on in passing situations. Audie Cole again flashed at the end of the season and Minnesota has Michael Mauti. The Vikings could look at free agency or the draft, as well.
Ducasse, 27, was signed to provide an experienced backup and was thrust into a starting spot after Fusco was lost for the season because of injury. Ducasse struggled and Minnesota will likely look elsewhere this season, whether it's 2014 rookies David Yankey and Austin Wentworth, free agency or the draft.
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (Vikings can match offers if they tender a qualifying offer)
Asiata, 26, has been a favorite of coaches and rewarded the loyalty with another strong finish to the season. He had three touchdowns over the final three weeks and posted a season-high 91 yards rushing in the finale, which gave him the team lead in rushing yards for the season.
Minnesota has to extend a qualifying offer to retain their restrictive rights on Asiata, but expect the offer to come soon for the former undrafted free agent who has proven useful and versatile for two different coaching staffs. No matter what happens with Peterson, Asiata gives the Vikings depth at the position.
Harris, 27, was picked up off waivers from San Diego before last season started and he ended up starting five games in place of Loadholt. Minnesota picked up the final year of the undrafted Harris' rookie contract. The Vikings will likely tender an offer for Harris, too. He has good size and experience playing left and right tackle and is a capable backup option.
EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS (Can only negotiate with Vikings if tendered a qualifying offer)
DeCicco, 26, showed enough to Zimmer during the rookie minicamp last year to earn a contract. He ended up spending the entire season on injured reserve. He could return to compete in training camp again.
Samuda, 26, became known for a gruesome ankle injury in one of the few workouts last summer open to the media. He spent the season on injured reserve and could be given a chance to come back and compete, and really show himself for the first time to the coaching staff.
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