The Minnesota Vikings knew they would undergo major changes after a season in which they finished 9-8 and missed the playoffs. On offense, their quarterback situation was a disaster as starter J.J. McCarthy experienced sharp growing pains. He was either hurt or consistently overthrowing receivers. Because of that, veteran quarterback Kyler Murray was brought in to light some fire in the quarterback competition.

And with both of the team’s star offensive tackles suffering serious injuries, the line had difficulty protecting young Mr. McCarthy. They also failed to open up sufficient holes for running backs Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason. Even the best receiver in the game, Justin Jefferson, saw his production drop due to the associated issues with his teammates. With that, part 1 of this series will try to predict which offensive players will break camp with the team this fall.

Vikings Offense

Quarterback

Kyler Murray, J.J. McCarthy, Carson Wentz

You can believe what you want, but this is Kyler Murray’s job to lose. The Vikings may make protestations to the contrary, but facts are facts. Murray was not brought into the fold to play second fiddle, even at his bargain-basement salary. And nothing that occurred in pre-camp workouts altered that fact. Overall, his throws were sharp and on the money, and he looked like he was starting to assimilate head coach Kevin O’Connell’s complicated playbook.

What does this mean for McCarthy? Hard to tell at this point. The reception he has given Murray has been icy, and his comments haven’t helped. He still possesses a lot of untapped talent, but questions remain about his maturity and attitude. His place on the roster should be safe for now. Part of his future with the Vikings will be determined by Murray’s play this season and the team’s ability to re-sign him if they wish.

I was surprised that Carson Wentz re-upped with the team after the beating he took last season. All the same, he gives Minnesota a solid number three quarterback. I don’t know if Max Brosmer has what it takes physically to be a starting NFL quarterback, but he’s super smart and valuable on the sidelines and in the quarterback’s room. His place is almost assured on the practice squad.

Running/Full Back

Aaron Jones, Jordan Mason, Desmond Claiborne, Max Bredeson

After a couple of years of speculation, I believe the Vikings’ running backs’ division of carries settles into a 50/50 scenario with Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason. Jones is still a wonderful all-around back, but injuries and age mean the team needs to cut back on his workload. Mason had a hard time finding traction last year but still gained 758 yards on the ground and added six scores. O’Connell hopes that improved line play will open up some more holes for the hard-charging ex-49er.

Claiborne takes the third running back spot due to the speed he brings to the team. He has the ability to be a big-play asset off the bench as he is also a prolific pass receiver. However, for him to receive additional playing time, he will need to hang onto the ball, as fumbles were an issue in his college career.

He also must improve on his pass blocking in the pass-happy Vikings offense. Brederson picks up where longtime Viking C.J. Ham left off after his retirement. The fullback position is an important cog in Minnesota’s pass protection alignment.

Wide Receiver

Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, Jauan Jennings, Tai Felton, Myles Price, Dillion Bell

This might be the strongest unit on the Vikings team. Jefferson hopes to put last season behind him, as he and McCarthy never developed a cohesive rapport. Despite this, JJ tallied 84 catches and 1,048 receiving yards for the campaign. Here’s betting that he returns to his status as one of the NFL’s elites.

The Vikings extended Jordan Addison’s contract for another season when he signed for $18 million for the 2027 season. Off-the-field issues have damaged his standing with the team, but he and Jefferson are still one of the best receiving tandems in the league.

The Vikings hit the jackpot when they acquired Jennings. Not only is he an effective possession receiver, but he is also one of the best blocking wideouts in the NFL. Felton showed improvement over the summer, and the coaching staff is eager for him to take that next step. Price may get more opportunities to show his abilities as a receiver this season, but at the very least, he is a potent punt and kick returner. And don’t sleep on Mr. Bell. The UDFA turned heads at summer practices with his big-play ability.

Tight End

T.J. Hockenson, Josh Oliver, Ben Yurosek

The same group as last season, with more questions surrounding their play. From all appearances, T.J. Hockenson has been affected by a string of injuries he has suffered in the past few years. The inconsistent quarterback play only added to his frustrations. Still an effective short-yardage receiver, he seems to have lost his big-play ability. After a salary restructure, this will be a make-or-break season for the Vikings’ former Pro-Bowl tight end.

Josh Oliver remains one of the best blocking tight ends in football, and he has the uncanny knack of pulling off a clutch receiving reception, as evidenced by his four touchdown receptions. The third tight end position for the Vikings again comes down to UDFA Yurosek and 2025’s sixth-round pick Gavin Bartholomew. Yurosek got the call last season when Barthplomew was ruled out for the year due to a back injury. It will be close, but give the edge to Yurosek due to his experience.

Offensive Line

Christian Darrisaw (LT), Donovan Jackson (Left Guard), Blake Brandel (Center), Will Fries (Right Guard), Brian O’Neill (Right Tackle), Ryan Denmark (T), Caleb Turner (T), Joe Huber (G), and Gavin Gerhardt (C)

Much rests on the health of the Vikings’ starting tackles, Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill. Darrisaw never looked right after his return from knee surgery, and O’Neill has been plagued with nagging injuries the past two seasons.

Jackson’s play picked up considerably in the second half of last season, and playing alongside a healthy Darrisaw should help move his game to the next level. Fries, after coming over from the Indianapolis Colts, saw his Pro Football Focus (PFF) numbers drop to the middle of the pack in 2025, so more will be expected from him.

Center is Brandel’s job to lose, and after a successful debut last season, the Vikings hope they have finally solidified the position. Denmark and Turner represent an upgrade from last year’s swing tackles, and Huber fared well as a rookie in 2025 in limited action. The backup center position will come down to last year’s backup, Mike Jurgens, and 2026’s seventh-round draft pick, Gavin Gerhardt. It will be a close call, but give the edge to the draftee Gerhardt.

Part 2

In my next article, I’ll predict who the Vikings’ defensive personnel and specialists will be.