Jan 4, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings offensive deal with Brian O’Neill (75) warms up previous to the sport in opposition to the Inexperienced Bay Packers at U.S. Financial institution Stadium. Obligatory Credit score: Matt Blewett-Imagn Photos.
Minnesota Vikings proper deal with Brian O’Neill wants a brand new contract — and that’s simply all there may be to it. The longtime offensive lineman signed an extension in 2021, and that deal is lastly winding down.
Based on ESPN’s Kevin Seifert, O’Neill did gentle work at organized group actions however is on faucet to take part in obligatory minicamp this week.
Vikings OL Stability Begins with O’Neill
Minnesota Vikings offensive deal with Brian O’Neill celebrates with followers after a victory over the Arizona Cardinals at U.S. Financial institution Stadium. O’Neill has change into one of many franchise’s most reliable gamers, anchoring the proper aspect of the offensive line for years. Captured on Dec. 1, 2024, the second displays his reference to Minnesota’s fan base. Obligatory Credit score: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Photos.
The Newest on O’Neill
Kevin Seifert was simple Tuesday, tweeting about O’Neill, “The Vikings open mandatory minicamp today, and the word is that RT Brian O’Neill will be in uniform and participating in at least some of it. O’Neill has been an observer during OTAs while he waits on the Vikings to address his contract, which expires after this season.”
A to Z Sports activities‘ Tyler Forness added, “As far as right tackles only go, O’Neill is arguably No. 3 behind Penei Sewell (who is likely moving to LT) and Lane Johnson. Tytus Howard now has an average annual value of $22.5 million, which means that O’Neill should theoretically slot between them.”
Pay the Man
This doesn’t need to be difficult, neither is it a daring take to suggest extending O’Neill. O’Neill helped anchor the Vikings’ trenches throughout a moderately darkish period for the offensive line — 2018 to 2021 — and served as a shining star amid troublesome OL options.
He’s additionally 30 years outdated. It’s not that the Vikings need to ponder handing a fats stack of money to a 35-year-old who might present as much as any season and start an age-related decline. In actual fact, extending O’Neill for 3 or 4 extra years must be simply what the physician ordered from an age standpoint.
In fact, Minnesota drafted Caleb Tiernan in Spherical 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft, however that doesn’t need to sign a direct alternative for O’Neill. Some groups merely decide one of the best participant out there on the board, and for Minnesota, that was evidently Tiernan.
O’Neill Resume via Eight Seasons
O’Neill stands out as one of many Vikings’ most profitable long-term draft picks of the final decade. Chosen 62nd total within the 2nd Spherical of the 2018 NFL Draft, he has developed right into a dependable proper deal with. Over eight seasons, he has performed 124 video games, beginning 120, and earned two Professional Bowl choices for his robust play on the sting.
His efficiency metrics assist his repute. Based on Professional Soccer Focus, O’Neill has collected 7,900 profession snaps, comprising 4,840 in cross safety and three,060 as a run blocker. His 2025 grade is a powerful 81.6 total, with 76.4 for pass-blocking and 84.5 for run-blocking, demonstrating top-tier manufacturing.
Minnesota Vikings offensive deal with Brian O’Neill, a Salesianum Faculty alumnus, competes throughout a highway recreation at Lincoln Monetary Discipline. O’Neill developed into one of many NFL’s steadier proper tackles after coming into the league as a second-round draft decide. Photographed throughout NFL motion, the picture highlights his method and athleticism in cross safety. Obligatory Credit score: Jerry Habraken-The Information Journal.
Notably, O’Neill has by no means acquired an total PFF grade under 63.0 in any season, and in all years, he has carried out at a degree exceeding that of a mean starter. Coupled together with his Professional Bowl choices in 2021 and 2024, it’s evident that O’Neill has confirmed to be a stud. Plain and easy.
Different Contract Extensions
O’Neill isn’t the one Viking tapping his palm for extra dough. These gamers can moderately request an extension this summer time or subsequent offseason:
Jordan Addison (WR)
Blake Brandel (C)
Blake Cashman (ILB)
Jordan Mason (RB)
Isaiah Rodgers (CB)
Andrew Van Ginkel (OLB)
Jay Ward (S)
O’Neill actually deserves to be the primary in line, however quickly, others like Cashman, Addison, and Van Ginkel particularly have a case for recent cash.
Whereas it doesn’t appear too suspenseful whether or not Minnesota will really lock within the deal, count on O’Neill’s contract to fetch one thing within the neighborhood of three years and $75 million.
SI.com‘s Will Ragatz not too long ago opined, “The question is what kind of deal makes sense for both the Vikings and O’Neill, in terms of length and average value. Anything above $26 million per year would be top-five tackle money, which is probably a touch too rich.”
“But O’Neill is due a raise from his previous $18.5 million AAV and will likely become one of the league’s highest-paid right tackles. Could $24-25 million per year over three or four years be the sweet spot? Let’s say three years and $72 million, with a good chunk of guaranteed money and some extra incentives if he plays all 17 games and/or earns Pro Bowl or All-Pro honors.”
Minnesota Vikings offensive deal with Brian O’Neill battles Inexperienced Bay Packers linebacker Rashan Gary throughout an NFC North matchup at U.S. Financial institution Stadium. The competition featured one of many division’s premier pass-rushing challenges for Minnesota’s veteran lineman. Captured on Sep. 11, 2022, the picture showcases the bodily nature of trench play. Obligatory Credit score: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports activities.
The Vikings might additionally decrease O’Neill’s 2026 cap hit when extending his keep, maybe liberating up short-term cap area for an additional place of want — like outdoors linebacker. Jadeveon Clowney, Joey Boss, and Leonard Floyd might make sense after the Jonathan Greenard commerce in April.
Ragatz added, “That feels rather fair for both sides. It’ll be interesting to see what happens, especially considering the Vikings may have big contracts coming for Murray and Jordan Addison next offseason, if all goes right.”
“Does Teasley wait until training camp to get a look at Tiernan before deciding? Will O’Neill and his camp draw a hard line or acquiesce a bit to make sure he has long-term security before this season begins?”
O’Neill will flip 31 two days after the Vikings’ first recreation of 2026.
Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … Extra about Dustin Baker
