NFL Free Agency 2020: Minnesota Vikings, Denver Broncos Lose Key Players This Offseason

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers made the biggest splash in free agency by acquiring Tom Brady. The Dallas Cowboys have been as busy as anyone, using the franchise tag on Dak Prescott and giving Amari Cooper $100 million.

It’s been a very different story for a couple of other teams in the 2020 NFL offseason.

The Minnesota Vikings have lost several key players in recent days. Cornerbacks Trae Waynes and Mackensie Alexander have both agreed to sign with the Cincinnati Bengals. Defensive tackle Linval Joseph is headed to the Los Angeles Chargers. Defensive end Everson Griffen is still a free agent.

Minnesota traded Stefon Diggs to the Buffalo Bills for a first-rounder and other draft picks. The Vikings used the franchise tag on safety Anthony Harris, but there are rumors that he could still be traded.

Kirk Cousins signed a two-year extension with Minnesota, becoming one of the five highest-paid quarterbacks in the league. Defensive tackle Michael Pierce, who had 35 tackles for the Baltimore Ravens in the 2019 season, is the Vikings’ one significant free-agent addition.

The Vikings went 10-6, beating the New Orleans Saints in the wild-card round of the playoffs before losing to the San Francisco 49ers.

The Denver Broncos lost arguably the best cornerback on the market when Chris Harris joined the Chargers. The veteran agreed to a two-year deal with Denver’s division rival, making him one of a few key Broncos that are headed elsewhere.

Guard Connor McGovern agreed to a three-year deal with the New York Jets. Derek Wolfe and Shelby Harris are free agents and unlikely to return as members of Denver’s defensive line. The Broncos also released quarterback Joe Flacco.

Denver kept safety Justin Simmons with the franchise tag. The Broncos have signed Graham Glasgow, who started on the Detroit Lions’ offensive line in each of the last four years.

The Broncos haven’t made the playoffs since winning Super Bowl 50 in February 2016.