The Minnesota Vikings had a busy offseason as they licked their wounds after their crushing defeat 27-9 at the hands of the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Wild Card Game. They bolstered both interior lines, found a nice complement to Aaron Jones in the backfield, and added needed depth to the defense. But the question is how second-year pro J.J. McCarthy will perform as the starting quarterback for the Vikings in 2025.
After sitting out all of last season with a torn meniscus in his right knee, McCarthy is being handed the reins of a Vikings offense with an assortment of weapons and a revamped line. I believe a couple of additional veterans will be added to the roster (perhaps at cornerback and running back) before the regular season begins. But here is a first look with training camp right around the corner. First, the offense.
Vikings Offense
Quarterback
J.J. McCarthy, Sam Howell, Brett Rypien
No surprise here as the Michigan alum will receive every opportunity to succeed at the position. He is fully recovered from last season’s knee injury and looked sharp at the mini camp. He has been fortunate to have the tutelage of Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell, offensive coordinator Wes Phillips, and quarterbacks coach Josh McCown. With the talent around him, he needs to be good, not great, right away.
Sam Howell suffered a horrendous 2023 season with the Washington Commanders, where he was forced to throw 612 passes and was sacked 65 times. But he has a live arm and should fill in nicely if McCarthy has to miss any time.
The battle between Rypien and undrafted free agent (UDFA) Minnesota Gophers star Max Brosmer for the third quarterback position will be fun to watch. Rypien has been a valuable resource in the quarterback room, and Brosmer possesses great football smarts and natural leadership abilities. The loser of this contest will be a strong practice squad candidate.
Running/Full Back
Aaron Jones, Jordan Mason, Tre Stewart, C.J. Ham
Despite missing some time in 2024, Jones had an outstanding year for the Vikings. He ran for 1,138 yards for a 4.5 rushing average and scored five rushing touchdowns. He also caught 51 passes for 408 yards and two TDs through the air. Like most aging running backs, it’s ideal to have a proficient backup who can take up some of the workload. And they acquired an excellent one in Jordan Mason, who filled in for Christian McCaffrey for the 49ers.
Some people are suggesting the Vikings may go to a 50-50 split in carries, but I think Jones will still be used more often. In his three years with Minnesota, Ty Chandler has shown flashes but never the consistency needed to lock down the second running back position. Now with other options to take his role as the team’s regular kick-returner, this may be the end of the line for the former Tar Heel.
Currently, UDFA Tre Stewart is a placeholder at the third running back position. I believe that when the smoke clears, there will be a veteran back signed as teams make their final roster cuts. Ham has been a reliable plug-n-play guy for the Vikings, and O’Connell has devised a way to utilize his pass-blocking talents. He also saves the team from having to roster four tight ends.
Wide Receiver
Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, Jalen Nailor, Tai Felton, Silas Bolden, Tim Jones
Jefferson, of course, is in a class by himself. He is one of the elite receivers in the league and continues to improve each year. Addison has been the yin to JJ’s yang, but he may have to sit out three regular-season games if the NFL penalizes him for his 2024 DWI arrest. That will necessitate Jalen Nailor stepping up to fill the void. He distinguished himself last season after a couple of injury-plagued campaigns. He caught 28 passes, but six of those were for touchdowns. He became a clutch go-to receiver for the Vikings.
Tai Felton, an excellent route runner, will have to take up some of the slack if Addison misses any time. Silas Bolden’s most significant contribution might be in the return game. He was an explosive kick and punt returner for the Texas Longhorns last season. Tim Jones was acquired from Jacksonville and’ll provide depth to this unit.
Tight End
T.J. Hockenson, Josh Oliver, Ben Yurosek
T.J. Hockenson looked a bit slower in 2024 after he returned from a serious knee injury in midseason. Here’s betting that he returns to his Pro-Bowl self. Nothing better for a young quarterback than a tight end who can find an opening in the seam. Josh Oliver is an underrated player for the Vikings. Known more for his blocking ability, he made some key third-down receptions and ended up with 22 catches and three receiving touchdowns.
The third tight end spot will come down to UFDA Ben Yurosek and 2025 sixth-round pick Gavin Bartholomew. They are both versatile tight ends who will get heavy special-teams duty. Even though he wasn’t drafted, Yurosek has a little more upside, even though his collegiate stats were underwhelming. Bartholomew catches on with the practice squad.
Offensive Line
Christian Darrisaw (LT), Donovan Jackson (Left Guard), Ryan Kelly (Center), Will Fries (Right Guard), Brian O’Neill (Right Tackle), Justin Skule (T), Walter Rouse (T), Blake Brandel (G, T), and Michael Jurgens (C)
This is the strongest Minnesota offensive line on paper in many years. There is some question as to whether Darrisaw will be ready for Game 1 as he recovers from a torn ACL he suffered at the start of the 2025 season. Here’s betting he’s in the lineup from the beginning. The Vikings surprised everyone when they did not trade their 2025 first-round draft pick but instead picked Ohio State offensive lineman Donovan Jackson. Jackson can play both guard and tackle, but he’ll be slotted in next to Darrisaw at left guard.
The signing of Ryan Kelly and Will Fries from the Indianapolis Colts brought robust stability to the line, although both had injury-plagued seasons in 2024. Brian O’Neill is steady as a rock at right tackle. Justin Skule slides in for Darrisaw if he is unable to start the season. Last year’s starting left guard, Blake Brandel, will back up the guard and tackle positions. Walter Rouse will serve as the backup to O’Neill, and Jurgens provides depth at the center position.
Part 2
In the next article, I will make player predictions for the Vikings’ defense and specialists.
