Minnesota Vikings tight finish T.J. Hockenson (87) carries the ball after a reception whereas defended by Atlanta Falcons security Billy Bowman Jr. (33) throughout second-half motion on September 14, 2025, at U.S. Financial institution Stadium in Minneapolis. Hockenson’s potential to achieve yards after the catch remained central to Minnesota’s passing assault because the Vikings labored to ascertain offensive rhythm. Obligatory Credit score: Matt Krohn-Imagn Photos.
There have been many modifications to the Vikings’ roster this offseason, however right here, let’s quick ahead a 12 months and take a look at what could be in retailer for us.
Veteran Vikings Dealing with Excessive-Stakes 2026 Campaigns
The futures of head coach Kevin O’Connell and defensive coordinator Brian Flores may effectively come beneath scrutiny once more, relying on how the 2026 season goes. Nevertheless, right here I’m simply gamers, notably gamers who’ve had or may have this season, essential roles on the crew, and are on account of hit free company subsequent 12 months.
There’s a case to be made that these gamers ought to be allowed to go away when that occurs.
Brian O’Neill
We begin with the large identify and probably the most tough to switch ought to he transfer on: Brian O’Neill. The stalwart proper sort out has sured up the correct aspect of the Vikings’ offensive line for the previous eight seasons since being drafted within the second spherical of the 2018 draft by Minnesota.
I don’t count on O’Neill’s play to drop off a cliff abruptly, however he can be 32 subsequent September, and up to date exercise exhibits the Vikings have been parting methods with costly veterans and getting youthful on the roster.
Nov 24, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings offensive sort out Brian O’Neill (75) celebrates the win after the sport in opposition to the New England Patriots at U.S. Financial institution Stadium. Obligatory Credit score: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports activities.
With that in thoughts, do the Vikings provide O’Neill one other massive, multi-year contract? An extension to assist resolve the crew’s wage cap issues was an possibility early within the offseason, however that wasn’t taken. O’Neill may nonetheless get one earlier than this season begins, or they may wait and see how his ninth season with the crew pans out. If he has an distinctive 12 months, a brand new contract will be supplied; if he has a down or injury-hit season, the crew has an out.
Blake Brandel
Blake Brandel has performed all the things on the Vikings OL throughout his 5 seasons with the crew. He’s set to begin Yr 6 because the crew’s beginning heart, a place he had by no means performed earlier than filling in for Ryan Kelly final season. Many anticipated the Vikings to usher in a brand new beginning heart after Kelly confirmed his retirement, however that didn’t occur. Seventh-round rookie Gavin Gerhardt is the one new addition on the place.
Brandel could change into successful at heart, however I didn’t see a lot proof of that in his time enjoying there final season. If the transfer doesn’t work out, it may spell the top of Brandel’s time in Minnesota, with Ryan Van Demark signing in free company and Caleb Tiernan drafted within the third spherical, taking on his function as swing sort out/inside cowl.
Jay Ward
One of many tales of the Vikings’ offseason was the potential retirement of Harrison Smith and his alternative after over a decade because the Vikings’ finest security. We nonetheless await official affirmation, however because it stands, the job could possibly be Jay Ward’s. His growth has been gradual and regular, and within the final 12 months of his rookie contract, he could possibly be about to get his likelihood. He has to take it, or he’ll doubtless be out the door subsequent 12 months.
Ivan Tempo Jr.
The rise of the undrafted Ivan Tempo was one of many success tales of 2023 in Minnesota. It looks as if the linebacker peaked in his rookie season, and the problems that led to his going undrafted had been by no means totally resolved. Tempo is small for the place, and regardless of being explosive coming downhill, he misses too many tackles.
Minnesota Vikings linebacker Ivan Tempo Jr. (0) tracks the play and stays engaged defensively throughout a postseason matchup Jan 13, 2025, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, as Minnesota battles the Los Angeles Rams in an NFC Wild Card sport with Tempo energetic across the ball all through the high-stakes playoff setting. Obligatory Credit score: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Photos.
With a second-round decide spent on Jake Golday, Tempo may probably go from a former starter right down to fourth selection on the depth chart. He might want to earn a brand new contract for subsequent 12 months on the sphere, however except there are accidents to the gamers forward of him, he won’t get a lot of an opportunity.
Aaron Jones
It regarded just like the Vikings and Aaron Jones had been set to half methods this offseason, however the two sides agreed to a decreased deal that saved Jones in Minnesota. Will probably be one final run for Jones with the Vikings, not about to offer him a brand new contract for a season when he’ll flip 33.
In recent times, not many RBs have been in a position to keep related on a crew into their 30s, which is a superb credit score to Jones, however his time is working out.
T.J. Hockenson
It was an analogous state of affairs for TJ Hockenson, which factors to an exit for the crew’s main tight finish. Nevertheless, I’d recommend that it isn’t fully set in stone, and if Hockenson can return to his finest type from a few years in the past – earlier than his knee damage – then there ought to be curiosity in retaining his providers.
Minnesota Vikings tight finish T.J. Hockenson (87) loosens up on the sphere at U.S. Financial institution Stadium earlier than kickoff in opposition to the Indianapolis Colts, getting ready for motion in the course of the Nov. 3, 2024 common season matchup in Minneapolis. Hockenson went by way of pregame drills as followers filtered into the constructing. Obligatory Credit score: Brad Rempel-Imagn Photos.
In fact, Hockenson will now have the place of power that comes with being a pending free agent.
Proud UK Viking. Household Man. Get pleasure from writing about my crew. Away from soccer an advocate for autism acceptance.
