Minnesota Vikings operating again Aaron Jones Sr. (33) carries the ball at SoFi Stadium, with Oct. 23, 2025 putting the first-half motion in Inglewood, California, towards the Los Angeles Chargers. Jones presses ahead by way of the Chargers’ protection as Minnesota leans on its veteran backfield presence throughout a street matchup beneath the lights. Obligatory Credit score: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Photos.
The Minnesota Vikings higher make an enormous splash in 2026 as a result of about half of their beginning offensive lineup is scheduled to hit the free-agent market in 2027. After all, Minnesota has the choice to re-sign some or all the following gamers; it’s simply unlikely that each single one would return.
Listed in alphabetical order, right here’s the listing.
Vikings’ 2027 Offense Might Look Dramatically Totally different
Minnesota Vikings guard Blake Brandel (64) blocks for quarterback Sam Darnold (14) towards the Los Angeles Rams throughout an NFC wild card recreation at State Farm Stadium on Jan 13, 2025. Brandel labored inside as Minnesota tried to shore up its protection in a tense playoff setting towards a disruptive Los Angeles entrance. Obligatory Credit score: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Photos.
1. Blake Brandel (C)
Brandel is on deck to start out at middle this 12 months, and he’s been hooked up to the Vikings since 2020, consider it or not. He’s principally performed each place on the offensive line within the final six seasons, with an almighty audition at middle upcoming.
The Vikings might lock him down this summer season within the off-chance he excels at middle, saving some dough, simply in case. For instance, if Brandel performs at a High 15 clip amongst all NFL facilities, signing him now for 2 extra years at $6 million per season can be a steal of a deal by 2027.
2. T.J. Hockenson (TE)
Hockenson hasn’t fairly posted his 2022 or 2023 numbers since tearing his ACL late within the 2023 marketing campaign, however he has an opportunity to erupt in 2026 with Kyler Murray within the huddle. Murray helped to form Trey McBride right into a High 2 tight finish down in Arizona. He is aware of tips on how to get the ball to tight ends.
You must count on an uptick from Hockenson, however we will see if that’s sufficient for an extension subsequent offseason. Some thought the Vikings would possibly draft Oregon tight finish Kenyon Sadiq, however the New York Jets beat them to it.
SI.com‘s Joe Nelson wrote earlier this offseason, “Finding a tight end may be more likely in free agency than the draft, but with T.J. Hockenson entering his final season under contract, there’s a high chance that Minnesota is at least interested in tight ends in the 2027 draft.”
“Among the best tight ends at this point in the draft process, we’re looking at Jamari Johnson (Oregon), Trey’Dez Green (LSU), Terrance Carter Jr. (Texas Tech), and DJ Vonnahme (Iowa).”
3. Jauan Jennings (WR)
Jennings signed with the Vikings on a base wage of $8 million that climbs to $13 million if he balls out. He’s in all probability utilizing Minnesota as a stepping stone to a big contract — someplace — in 2027. Kevin O’Connell ought to capitalize on the Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, Jennings combo as a result of it’s doubtless a one-hit surprise.
4. Aaron Jones (RB)
Jones won’t get an extension this offseason; he already accepted a paycut in March. In all probability, as a result of he’ll flip 32 this season, this can be his closing 12 months in purple. It’s as much as him to take advantage of it and keep wholesome.
Minnesota Vikings operating again Aaron Jones (33) breaks free for a 31-yard landing as Detroit Lions security Kerby Joseph (31) chases at U.S. Financial institution Stadium on Oct 20, 2024. Jones gave Minnesota an early spark in Minneapolis, turning a first-quarter crease right into a scoring burst towards a divisional opponent at residence. Obligatory Credit score: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Photos.
Our Brevan Bane famous final month, “The 31-year-old back understands the gravity of the situation in Minnesota, and he also understands that he won’t have many more opportunities to go out and win a Super Bowl ring. Aaron Jones, and every other player on the roster, would benefit the greatest amount from doing everything he can to be there for each QB when needed.”
“Jones brings priceless experience and mentorship, even if he plays an entire different position. Apparently, his relationship with J.J. McCarthy is strong enough that he doesn’t mind asking for a ride from the airport.”
5. Jordan Mason (RB)
Mason, however, is just 27 and will fairly fetch an extension. He’ll in all probability out-touch Jones inside the Vikings’ offense resulting from his sturdiness and effectivity. He accrued 4.8 yards per carry in 2025 to Jones’s 4.2.
Minnesota may add an additional 12 months or two onto his contract earlier than the common season begins.
6. Kyler Murray (QB)
Murray has one ginormous probability to a) strut his stuff in Minnesota and land a monster contract extension throughout the 2027 offseason with the Vikings b) underperform and hit free company as a journeyman-to-be passer.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray surveys Minnesota’s protection throughout a Week 13 spotlight clip from the Vikings’ matchup with Arizona at U.S. Financial institution Stadium on Dec 1, 2024. Murray operated the Cardinals offense whereas Brian Flores’ group aligned earlier than the snap, establishing one other sequence from the NFL’s official regular-season highlights package deal that afternoon. Obligatory Credit score: YouTube.
As a result of the Vikings let Sam Darnold stroll — the remainder is historical past — there may be zero probability that they’ll permit Murray to depart if he performs nice with the Vikings in 2026. It’s a do-or-die 12 months for Murray to show if he’s a franchise quarterback or a man who bounces round searching for steady employment.
7. Brian O’Neill (RT)
Except Harrison Smith returns, O’Neill is out of the blue the longest-tenured Viking on the present roster. Accordingly, the choice to increase him shouldn’t be that difficult. He’s reliable, good, and a lifer.
It’s additionally not simple to search out foundational offensive tackles. O’Neill will flip 31 in September. He may have a full half-decade left.
The Vikings will in all probability prolong his contract by three years or so, with round $25 million per season heading his approach. Eliminating O’Neill subsequent offseason could be actually weird.
Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … Extra about Dustin Baker
