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The limited advice I offered our readers last week was to buckle up for free agency's wild ride.

Hopefully everyone strapped in for all the twists and turns presented during the first wave.

It is beyond a hunch that you all are the folks in the roller-coaster seat who see no one in line and start negotiating for another trip with the ride operator.

Even after such a monumental week, there's more happening.

Important work is still being accomplished by teams on the free agency front, but for those who haven't been combing through the Vikings Free Agency Tracker, here's a simple list of official moves the Vikings personnel department has executed since last week's Mailbag, which included the news of deals to return Theo Jackson and Aaron Jones, Sr.

Returned: P Ryan Wright, CB Byron Murphy, Jr., Harrison Smith

Added: S Bubba Bolden, DL Jonathan Allen, C Ryan Kelly, G Will Fries, DL Javon Hargrave, CB Isaiah Rodgers, DB Tavierre Thomas, T Justin Skule, LB Eric Wilson (which also counts as bringing him back since he played for Minnesota from 2017-20)

Traded: G Ed Ingram to Houston for a 2026 sixth-round pick

You may notice a move that has been reported, say this past Saturday night, but is not included. That's because I can't add any moves until they become official with the NFL office.

Also last week, we were proud to help announce retired equipment manager Dennis Ryan will be receiving an Award of Excellence at the Pro Football Hall of Fame this summer. D-Ryan set a tremendous example of selfless service during his 47 seasons with the club.

The NFL also announced Minnesota was awarded the first compensatory pick (97^th overall) in the upcoming NFL Draft. The Vikings received the selection to offset the departure of Kirk Cousins during 2024 free agency.

The opening of every free agency means players depart for a variety of reasons — often for financial or playing time opportunities.

Among the confirmed departures this year were quarterbacks Sam Darnold (Seahawks), Nick Mullens (Jaguars) and Daniel Jones (Colts).

For the second time in as many offseasons the Vikings have allocated dollars that would have gone to retaining the previous year's starter toward other parts of the roster.

Lastly, before we get to the questions, I'd like to offer condolences to the family and longtime friends of Paul Flatley, who won 1963 Rookie of the Year honors during his first season as a Viking. Flatley passed away Saturday at age 84.

Lindsey Young worked on this tribute to Flatley, who had participated in a really cool video conference with Justin Jefferson in 2020 when Jefferson won Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. Flatley also had returned to Minnesota to visit Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center in recent years, and it was an absolute treat to share appreciation to him for what he had a role in the NFL becoming.

Flatley recorded the first 200-yard game for a Vikings receiver on Oct. 24, 1965, and Fran Tarkenton aired it out for a career-high 407 yards as Minnesota overcame three 21-point deficits to upend the 49ers by a 42-41 margin. I wish we had full footage of that comeback effort.

Wow, what a free agency haul for the second year in a row. Coach Flo' could be fielding a defense that rivals the Purple People Eaters of lore. Positive additions to the IOL, and now a power running back to support Aaron Jones, Sr., in short yardage situations. Very impressive, Vikes!

Now we can draft the best available player or trade out of the first round to gain additional picks. There's one more domino to fall — a veteran QB to either start or back up J.J. McCarthy. I think we may have been caught off guard when Nick Mullens was signed away in free agency, so what comes next? Barring a trade, the only two quality FA QB's out there are Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson, both of whom presumably still consider themselves starters; both of whom may not be an ideal locker room fit in Minnesota. This last peg is going to be fascinating to watch play out.

Skol Vikes!

— Dan in NW Arkansas

I usually try to have most offseason Mailbags wrapped by Friday to create more family time, but this one extended into Sunday night because of the ongoing nature of free agency and how a domino in one organization can affect the actions of any other club.

Let's start with what has been done. There's a high likelihood that many fans' lists of needs and wants heading into this past week match the Vikings line of thinking and actions.

There is incredibly flexibility for the Vikings, who are first scheduled to go on the clock at No. 24 and have four total selections at this point. So many things can affect a draft board as it gets later into the first round. B.P.A. (best player available), trading down to try to maximize value or continuing to reinforce depth for the long haul are legitimately possible.

I really appreciate Dan's thoughts, as well as numerous emails I've read regarding the Vikings status and strategy at QB. Everyone has opinions and visions of how they would approach making major decisions if they were the GM or HC. There's really been a couple of broad factions of yes or no and a split of reporting as to whether something will or will not happen.

There's a possibility that Darnold, Daniel Jones and Mullens could factor into the compensatory draft pick formula for 2026. Mullens, who is from Alabama, opted to go to Jacksonville with former Vikings assistant and now Jaguars OC Grant Udinski, along with tight end Johnny Mundt.

So that means McCarthy and Brett Rypien (who drew credit for his leadership of the practice squad last season) are the only QBs currently under contract.

The names of Rodgers and Wilson have been mentioned the most in media reports regarding teams who still may be looking to add a veteran at the position, but what hasn't been indicated in clear terms is either's view on being a starter or a reserve.

What we do know is the Vikings front office that has put together really strong free agency classes last year and (in theory) this year are working together on what to do at the QB position.

I'm also sure someone will send me an email that they consider everything above a non-answer.

Stay tuned, and we'll be as prepared as possible to bring you upcoming news.

I really believe we don't need to over-spend on a DB. I think taking care of the front four to get pressure up the middle will remedy that. Also address the interior of the O-line. Any names you're hearing as possible signings?

— Mike in Hayward, Wisconsin

Mike's email came through on March 9 and I could not float any names, but I wanted to include his thoughts this week since his line of thinking about the line of scrimmage matched Minnesota's approach.

The Vikings balanced keeping some continuity in their secondary with the deals for Jackson, Murphy and Smith but also managed to invest heavily on the interior of their offensive and defensive lines.

Allen and Hargrave started for the NFC in the 2022 Pro Bowl (after the 2021 season), and Kelly is a four-time Pro Bowler. He and Fries have developed good chemistry in their four seasons together in Indianapolis, despite both dealing with injuries last season.

Which players with 3 or fewer years of experience do you see having an impact with the Vikings this year?

— Gerald Goblirsch

I don't want to minimize the development of players and the work that anyone is doing for anyone not listed, but I'll mention a few names that people are going to be interested in seeing what happens this year.

We've already seen some flashes of and are looking forward to seeing what is to come, especially with young players like Jalen Redmond and Levi Drake Rodriguez positioned to learn what Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah refers to the "dark arts of pass rushing" from Allen, 30, and Hargrave, 32. Redmond just turned 26 on March 12, and Rodriguez will turn 25 in August. Taki Taimani, 26 in October, is also a contemporary of theirs on the interior defensive line.

Another 2024 undrafted rookie like Taimani, cornerback Dwight McGlothern, 23, flashed so much during last year's training camp that I'm excited to see him go through a second offseason program. The same goes for Mekhi Blackmon, who turns 26 tomorrow. Blackmon suffered a knee injury on the first day of 2024 training camp to end his second pro season.

I feel like everyone has already seen significant impacts from LB Ivan Pace, Jr., and WR Jordan Addison, but here's your reminder that they're both just heading into their third seasons.

Lastly, a pair of Alabama teammates from the 2024 draft class will have eyes turned their way: Will Reichard had a strong rookie season, despite missing time with an injury, and Dallas Turner, who is only 22 years old, will pique interest, especially with Pat Jones II departing in free agency.

I've been a fan since '61. Decades of frustrations watching the Vikings and other Minnesota teams.

I predict Justin Jefferson will play in a Super Bowl, but unfortunately not with the Vikings.

Oftentimes history does repeat itself.

— Ron NaSal in Sacramento, California (Minneapolis native. Skol.)

The Vikings have made the playoffs in two of the past three seasons but haven't recorded a postseason victory since Jan. 5, 2020, so I understand why fans would believe there's still a long way to go to get to a Super Bowl.

We do know that Jefferson is under contract for the next several years, along with a talented roster that has continued to evolve. He wants to win a Super Bowl, and everyone is working together to attain the ultimate goal.

One of the newest additions, Hargrave, played in back-to-back Super Bowls with the Eagles and 49ers but had to watch Chiefs confetti fall from the rafters in Arizona and Las Vegas. Then, this past season, he suffered a partially torn triceps in Week 3 and watched as his former Eagles (including Isaiah Rodgers, the new cornerback with the tattoo to prove it) prevented the Chiefs from hitting the trifecta.

When a team invests in so many reputable veterans, including multiple Pro Bowlers, it's often because leadership legitimately believes in proximity. That belief is important, but it will have to be earned during the season.

Excited to see J.J. McCarthy in action. Cannot wait for the new season.

Super Bowl here we come!

— Mark Nye

I always love the balance that exists in the inbox between fans who need an occasional shot of espresso for reinforcement and those who are ready, willing and able to supply one.

The Vikings have said in certain terms on-the-record and on-background that they are excited in what McCarthy showed prior to his injury and what they think he will be able to do. O'Connell and Co. have proven to be elevators of the QB position and fundamentally committed to creating a nucleus that can help a QB.

With only four picks in the 2025 draft, it looks like the Vikings are looking for ways to build draft capital back up for the 2026 draft. With picks in Rounds 1-3, plus a comp pick in the third round for Darnold according to Over the Cap's comp formula, where are we at for Rounds 4-7? I know we lose either 4 or 5 for Cam Robinson and 6 for Cam Akers. Do we get anything in return on those guys along with the 6 for Ed Ingram?

— Rick Swanson

The Vikings did acquire an extra sixth-round pick for Ingram, creating more flexibility.

Minnesota will not lose a 4 or 5 for Cam Robinson or a 6 for Cam Akers, who were both acquired via in-season trades. Players who sign with another team during free agency are then factored into the equation to help their former team.

The Vikings have made some strong additions, but Allen will not count against Minnesota in the 2026 compensatory formula because he was released by Washington prior to the start of the New League Year.

Really love how the team is addressing up front on both sides of the ball! The O-line really needed it, and hopefully the additions will help us pick up 1 yard. Is the MMC (Minnesota Moving Company) back? We'll see, SKOL!

— Rick in Stillwater, Oklahoma

I walked by a couple of people in the building last week, smiled, and said, "Trenches!"

Teammates will obviously take care of each other at training camp, but I fully expect there to be some iron-sharpening-iron moments when Hargrave and Allen face the combo of Kelly and Fries during interior pass-rush drills.

Now that we made big moves in free agency, adding a new center and guard was big (Thanks Kwesi) however he still needs to gain my vote as far as drafting talent. Mekhi Becton might be a good add at guard. What do you think? I will be excited to see what undrafted talent Kwesi brings in this year. Another strong area for Kwesi. We have a great offense when it comes to the skill positions. The icing on this cake would be Ashton Jeanty or TreyVeyon Henderson at running back. We currently have the parts to go for a Super Bowl; however, the window is small (at best three years because players get older, and contracts get more expensive). … Hopefully we can grab a young defensive tackle in this year or next year's draft. If Kenneth Grant is available at 24, take him and draft a running back later in the draft.

One more note: Rob Brzezinski, you're the best when it comes to finance. Thanks again for listening SKOL,

— Rodger W. in Sacramento, California

Becton signed with the Chargers after Rodger sent in his email, but he had played right guard for the Eagles in his transition from playing tackle for the Jets. All signs point to the intention of having Fries at right guard between Kelly and Brian O'Neill.

As mentioned, the Vikings have much more flexibility for the draft than before free agency opened.

Brzezinski is one of the humblest people in the NFL, especially to have the level of success he's delivered for the Vikings. This will be his 27^th season in Minnesota and 33^rd in the NFL.