Minneapolis, MN – The Minnesota Vikings have announced the departure of three pivotal players in a bold move aimed at reshaping their roster ahead of the 2025 NFL season. The team confirmed Monday morning that veteran linebacker Eric Kendricks, star wide receiver Justin Jefferson, and starting cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. will not be returning next season, signaling the start of a new era in Minnesota.
General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah addressed the media at TCO Performance Center, explaining the difficult decisions behind the departures.
“We are grateful for everything Eric, Justin, and Byron have contributed to this organization,” Adofo-Mensah said. “These moves weren’t made lightly, but we believe they are necessary to position us for long-term success and flexibility.”
The departures come after a frustrating 2024 campaign in which the Vikings finished 7-10, missing the playoffs for the second consecutive year. Rumors of a potential rebuild had been swirling, and Monday’s announcement confirmed the team’s commitment to a revamped approach under head coach Kevin O’Connell.
Kendricks, a longtime defensive leader and fan favorite, expressed gratitude in a statement posted on social media. “Minnesota will always be home. Thank you to the fans, my teammates, and this organization for believing in me,” he wrote.
Meanwhile, the unexpected decision to part ways with Jefferson, widely regarded as one of the league’s top receivers, shocked many analysts. Sources close to the team indicate contract negotiations had stalled in recent weeks, prompting the Vikings to explore trade options. Jefferson’s departure is expected to net Minnesota multiple high draft picks in the upcoming NFL Draft.
Murphy Jr., who joined the Vikings as a free agent in 2023, struggled with injuries last season but was viewed as a cornerstone of the secondary. His release is believed to be financially motivated, freeing up over $7 million in cap space.
The Vikings now head into the offseason with significant draft capital and financial flexibility, but also with glaring holes in key positions. Fans are left wondering whether the team will aggressively pursue replacements in free agency or fully embrace a youth movement.
“This is just the beginning of what we’re building,” Adofo-Mensah added. “We’re committed to bringing a championship to Minnesota.”
As the dust settles from Monday’s announcement, one thing is clear: big changes are underway in Minneapolis. Whether they’ll pay off remains to be seen.
