Three topics rise to the top when people discuss the Minnesota Vikings’ top offseason needs. They are:
- Solving their starting quarterback dilemma
- Will they or won’t they have to replace defensive coordinator Brian Flores
- What will they need to do to free up some cap space
And all of these issues are critical as the Minnesota front office attempts to plot its future. But other journalists and I have covered these topics ad nauseam, and you will hear a lot more on each one of these situations as the weeks progress. I decided to take a different tack with this article.
I decided to examine five other areas that the Vikings must address this offseason that are sometimes overlooked. They are all interrelated with the topics mentioned above, but each presents challenges the team must solve on its path to becoming a Super Bowl contender.
Vikings Running Back Situation
The Vikings thought they had the ideal running back alignment as they entered the 2025-26 season. They retained the versatile but brittle veteran Aaron Jones and paired him with the young, talented Jordan Mason, who made a splash with the San Francisco 49ers the previous season. But injuries to Jones, a battered offensive line, and a subpar performance from Mason led to an oftentimes undependable running attack. Jones’s cap number rises to $14.6 million, while his departure would saddle the team with a $6.8 million cap hit.
Jones is a talented player and a great locker room presence, but with his injury history and age (32 next season), his price may be too high for the team to take the risk. Certainly, Mason has to elevate his game compared to last season, but with a healthy offensive line next season (fingers crossed), he should regain some of the zest he displayed in 2024. My guess is that the Vikings bid a respectful farewell to Jones and pair Mason up with a rookie running back they acquire in this spring’s NFL Draft.
Addison, Nailor, or Both?
Conventional wisdom seemed to dictate that the Vikings would move on from wide receiver Jalen Nailor, hoping that 2025’s third-round pick Tai Felton could step in to fill the void. But Jordan Addison’s trespassing arrest this week in Tampa, Florida, has thrown a possible wrench into their plans. This is the third straight offseason brush with the law for Addison, and the team is beginning to question his character. Inking him to a new contract no longer seems like a slam dunk.
However, there are lingering doubts about Felton’s ability to handle the third receiver duties for the team. It’s a crap shoot for Minnesota, no matter how you slice it. I believe the team grants Addison one more chance and signs him to a new contract. This means Nailor will take his services elsewhere, with the expectation that Felton will step into his role. And with the Vikings currently holding 11 picks in this year’s draft, securing another wide receiver is definitely on their shopping list.
Is it Time to Say Goodbye to T.J.?
After a stellar 2023 season, Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson has been beset by a series of injuries that have limited his playing time. His salary for next season is projected to be $21.3 million, but his dead cap number if they release him after June 1 is only $5.3 million.
His production has been so minimal due to his injuries, and his release would be so cost-effective. I believe that Minnesota will part ways with the veteran tight end. With no immediate replacement on the roster, look for the team to resolve this situation both through the draft and with the acquisition of a reliable, offensive proficient veteran.
Shoring Up the Lines
There is no doubt that Vikings’ head coach Kevin O’Connell was disappointed with the performance of both his offensive and defensive lines this past season. Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill comprise one of the best tackle tandems in the NFL, but they, like everyone along the line, missed considerable playing time with injuries. Returning Darrisaw to full strength is a must for this team.
Rookie left guard Donovan Jackson kept improving every week as the season progressed. And veteran right guard Will Fries struggled with his pass protection, but hopefully a return to good health will improve his performance.
But center Ryan Kelly has played through several consecutive injury-plagued seasons, and his retirement could be imminent. If he doesn’t retire, he will be released, as the Vikings will recognize $8.3 million in savings through this action. Blake Brandel stepped in admirably in Kelly’s absence, but outside help will be needed to shore up this position.
The Vikings are perfectly happy with the play of their edge rushers, Jonathan Greenard, Andrew Van Ginkel, and Dallas Turner. No roster adjustments are needed here, save for a possible restructuring of a contract or two. But the acquisitions of veteran defensive tackles Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen resulted in disappointing performances from both. Hargrave is almost certainly gone, as Minnesota will save $11 million upon his release. Allen has a much higher cap hit, so he will return as will outstanding second-year pro Jalen Redmond.
Help for a Thin Secondary
The Vikings have several holes to fill in their secondary. At cornerback, the reclamation project that was Jeff Okudah collapsed with his long stint on the injured list. Isaiah Rodgers flashed moments of brilliance, but his overall play lacked consistency. Even Pro-Bowler Byron Murphy took a step back in his performance numbers from the previous season. It is very possible that Minnesota chooses a cornerback with its first selection of the draft. And look for additional depth to be acquired both through the draft and free agency.
The safety unit is also in flux. Future Hall of Famer Harrison Smith is likely to retire. Theo Jackson had difficulty replacing departed veteran Cam Bynum. And monsterback Josh Metellus is a solid performer, but suffered a late-season injury. Jay Ward will also return, but look to the draft for the Vikings to acquire another full-time player at this position.
Summary
The quarterback, Flores, and cap conversations will dominate the postseason headlines. But don’t lose sight of the developments in these other areas. They will be a large part of the Minnesota Vikings’ quest to rejoin the NFL elite.
