Minnesota Vikings followers react from the stands throughout a tense NFC Wild Card matchup towards the New York Giants at U.S. Financial institution Stadium. The playoff environment produced excessive vitality all through the afternoon as supporters rode each pivotal second and momentum swing. The scene was captured on Jan. 15, 2023, throughout Minnesota’s postseason showdown. Necessary Credit score: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports activities.
The Minnesota Vikings will characteristic about eight new starters in 2026, from Kyler Murray at quarterback to probably two rookie defensive tackles — and even a punter if one considers that place a starter. And with the summer season right here, we requested VikingsTerritory writers to elevate up their primary considerations for the 2026 squad.
With a wide selection of responses, the group wasn’t shy about addressing the franchise’s present weaknesses.
VikingsTerritory’s Roundtable Factors to Some Raised Eyebrows
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell leaves the sphere following a divisional matchup towards the Inexperienced Bay Packers at U.S. Financial institution Stadium. O’Connell continued guiding Minnesota via a difficult stretch of the season whereas evaluating the membership’s playoff outlook. The scene occurred on Dec. 31, 2023, after the Vikings hosted Inexperienced Bay. Necessary Credit score: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports activities.
1. The Basic Roster Depth
VT Author: Henrique Gucciardi
The Vikings have a terrific beginning lineup, one I actually imagine could make a playoff run. Nevertheless, one of many largest downsides of unhealthy drafts is a scarcity of depth. Notably within the secondary, inside offensive line, and edge rushers, an harm can derail your complete season.
2. The Defensive Secondary
VT Author: Adam New
At each cornerback and security, the Vikings are missing in high quality. The workforce will hope Brian Flores and the defensive entrance can cowl up a number of the secondary’s deficiencies; if they’ll’t, then Minnesota can have an issue.
3. The Security Place
VT Author: Ali Siddiqui
Whether or not Harrison Smith is again or not, that’s a place of concern. Theo Jackson is okay, and Josh Metellus, whereas very versatile, isn’t superb in protection. Smith is a future Corridor of Famer, little doubt, however he isn’t the identical participant he as soon as was. Jakobe Thomas can also be unproven. The Vikings ought to positively attempt to add a security someday earlier than the season begins.
4. Well being
VT Author: Cole Smith
My largest concern for the 2026 Vikings is their well being. Accidents derailed not solely J.J. McCarthy’s 2025 season but in addition the offensive line. Kyler Murray has solely performed a full season as soon as within the final 4 years. Get requisite well being, and the Vikings might be poised to bounce again this yr.
5. The Speeding Offense
VT Author: Dustin Baker
Kevin O’Connell has not created an environment friendly dashing offense, and he’s getting into his fifth season. Working the ball successfully is the lacking hyperlink for O’Connell’s offense — and the workforce as a complete. It’s why drafting Jonah Coleman or Mike Washington may’ve been the meal ticket or anybody operating again from 2025’s deep class.
Minnesota Vikings operating again Aaron Jones Sr. carries the soccer towards the Detroit Lions throughout NFC North motion at Ford Discipline. Jones remained a focus of Minnesota’s offense, utilizing his imaginative and prescient and burst to generate yards on the bottom. The run befell on Nov. 2, 2025, throughout a divisional highway matchup. Necessary Credit score: Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK through Imagn Photos.
Earlier than too lengthy, O’Connell should decide to the run — greater than giving it lip service. It may be the almighty repair to the Vikings’ issues, even when the quarterback efficiency sputters, because it did in 2025.
Simply run the rattling ball at a balanced ratio. We are going to proceed to say this; the request is straightforward. Take the soup out of the can, pour it right into a bowl, put it within the microwave, and press the button. Not tough.
6. The Entire QB State of affairs
VT Author: Tony Schultz
All eyes might be on the quarterbacks in Minnesota, even after a choice has been made. There’s already a rift forming within the fan base over JJ and Kyler. Pictures are being fired over how every performs, selecting on online game enjoying and being “9”. Maturity is being questioned in each quote, as is dedication.
My primary concern just isn’t who wins the competitors as a result of I need the workforce to win. Whoever steps in behind middle, I’ll cheer for them, however I’ll nonetheless be essential of their efficiency whether it is unhealthy. Murray isn’t going to develop any taller, and McCarthy nonetheless has psychological development forward of him. I don’t need it to engulf the season to the purpose the place followers miss out on how the workforce is doing.
Together with that, if Murray is the starter, I don’t need McCarthy traded. I’m hoping he can sit again, consider how he must develop, and present endurance with himself and the workforce. O’Connell is aware of groups give up on younger QBs too early, too typically, and I need McCarthy to see that and know his alternative should still be in Minnesota with the workforce round him.
t7. The OLBs
VT Author: Ted Schwerzler
The EDGE rusher group leaves so much to be desired. Transferring on from Greenard made sense from a monetary standpoint, however until Dallas Turner is able to rock and Andrew Van Ginkel is absolutely wholesome, your complete protection will take successful.
t7. The OLBs
VT Author: Steve Hoikkala
My largest considerations are primarily the sting place, which I count on us to fill earlier than coaching camp (FA’s Jadaveon Clowney/Leonard Floyd?), and the depth at security.
Minnesota Vikings outdoors linebacker Dallas Turner celebrates after a defensive play throughout a sport towards the Atlanta Falcons at U.S. Financial institution Stadium. Turner continued constructing momentum in Minnesota’s protection whereas showcasing the athletic traits that made him a first-round draft alternative. The second occurred on Sept. 14, 2025, throughout first-half motion. Necessary Credit score: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Photos.
If Harrison Smith doesn’t re-sign, we’ve some severe inquiries to reply, and I imagine we’re taking a giant danger within the again finish of our protection. Brian Flores has to hope our younger defensive tackles step up and supply sufficient strain with a wholesome AVG and Dallas Turner to masks that potential weak point.
t8. The Unproven Defensive Entrance
VT Author: Janik Eckardt
The Vikings have solely two pass-rushers with significant NFL expertise below contract. Moreover, after swapping Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen for a few rookies, the Vikings should depend on a bunch of inexperienced gamers in every single place. Brian Flores has been a magician through the years, and he may as soon as once more be requested to drag a rabbit out of a hat.
t8. The Defensive Entrance Seven
VT Author: Kyle Joudry
The primary concern for the roster is throughout the entrance seven. Dallas Turner must elevate, Eric Wilson wants to copy, and Jake Golday can’t have a redshirt season. So, too, is there a lot religion being put in Caleb Banks (nonetheless recovering from harm) and Domonique Orange. It may work, however there are various methods the entrance seven may wrestle.
Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … Extra about Dustin Baker
