Jan 4, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings fullback C.J. Ham (30), offensive deal with Brian O’Neill (75) and tight finish Ben Yurosek (85) rejoice after a landing in opposition to the Inexperienced Bay Packers in the course of the first quarter at U.S. Financial institution Stadium. Obligatory Credit score: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Photographs
The Minnesota Vikings weren’t overly busy this offseason signing new gamers — they spent the least quantity of {dollars} within the NFL — however the franchise does have some meaty contract extensions at hand out, or so goes the working principle.
In keeping with the Bleacher Report, proper deal with Brian O’Neill, the longest-tenured Viking if Harrison Smith doesn’t return, ought to be the highest extension precedence. The idea additionally jibes with fan sentiment.
O’Neill’s Reliability Makes the Extension Case Simple
Minnesota Vikings deal with Brian O’Neill celebrates with working again Cam Akers after a landing in opposition to the Chicago Bears at U.S. Financial institution Stadium. On Dec. 16, 2024, O’Neill helped anchor the offensive line as Minnesota gained momentum throughout a divisional matchup. The veteran proper deal with continued one other reliable season within the trenches. Obligatory Credit score: Brad Rempel-Imagn Photographs.
BR: O’Neill Is Vikings’ Prime Extension Candidate
BR’s Mo Moton outlined crucial extension across the bend for every NFL group final week, and O’Neill received the nod in Minnesota.
Moton wrote, “O’Neill has been a model of consistency within the Vikings’ offensive line. He earned a couple of Pro Bowl nods in 2021 and 2024. Last season, the eighth-year veteran allowed just two sacks while on the field for 446 pass-blocking snaps, per Pro Football Focus.”
“According to ESPN’s Kevin Seifert, Minnesota is expected to resume extension talks with O’Neill after hiring general manager Nolan Teasley.”
It’s value noting that extending O’Neill will not be a sizzling take — it is going to probably occur quickly.
The Manufacturing since 2018
O’Neill is an distinctive soccer participant, evidenced by each his statistics and the attention take a look at. Professional Soccer Focus information reveals O’Neill has performed 7,900 profession snaps — 4,840 in go safety and three,060 in run blocking. In 2025, he achieved a formidable total grade of 81.6, with 76.4 in pass-blocking and an impressive 84.5 in run-blocking, signifying top-tier deal with output.
O’Neill has additionally by no means obtained an total PFF grade beneath 63.0 in any season. He’s that rattling good.
Minnesota Vikings deal with Brian O’Neill celebrates following a victory over the New England Patriots at U.S. Financial institution Stadium. On Nov. 24, 2022, O’Neill helped Minnesota safe one other win throughout a profitable common season marketing campaign. The veteran lineman remained one of many franchise’s most constant and reliable gamers alongside the offensive entrance. Obligatory Credit score: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports activities.
Chosen 62nd total within the 2nd Spherical of the 2018 NFL Draft, O’Neill has since performed in 124 video games, beginning 120. His excellence earned him Professional Bowl picks in 2021 and 2024. For a group that traditionally struggled with offensive line stability, O’Neill has been a definitive resolution — a live-saver, one may argue.
A No-Brainer to Prolong
An extension for O’Neill ought to be a transparent and non-debatable precedence. He was instrumental in stabilizing the Vikings’ offensive line in the course of the difficult 2018-2021 interval, when the trenches usually felt like a weekly catastrophe.
At 30 years outdated, O’Neill will not be outdated for a top quality offensive deal with both. This isn’t a situation through which vital sources are being dedicated to a 35-year-old with declining efficiency. A 3-year extension, for instance, would align completely along with his age and projected efficiency window.
Whereas the Vikings drafted Caleb Tiernan within the third Spherical of the 2026 NFL Draft, that doesn’t mechanically designate Tiernan as O’Neill’s quick successor. Groups regularly draft proficient gamers for his or her worth. The Vikings’ evident appreciation for Tiernan can coexist with O’Neill remaining an important element of the group’s long-term technique. Consider Tiernan because the “best player available” on the Vikings’ draftboard on the time.
VikingsWire‘s Andrew Harbaugh famous final week, “The Minnesota Vikings have made it a point to make sure they are protecting whoever is under center with a strong offensive line. They have done a good job drafting their bookend tackles while showing off their front office skills, while building the interior in a variety of ways.”
“One of those pieces is entering his final year on his deal. Offensive tackle Brian O’Neill has been around the team while contract talks go on, some have started to give them replacements in mock drafts. O’Neill does not get enough credit for being one of the better offensive tackles in the NFL. The Vikings know what they have but with a new front office now in place, it will be interesting to see how this ends up going for all parties involved.”
What in regards to the Linebackers?
Whereas O’Neill’s extension ought to be the primary in line, a few Vikings’ linebackers want their cups crammed as effectively.
Minnesota Vikings linebacker Blake Cashman reacts after recovering a fumble in opposition to the Los Angeles Rams throughout an NFC wild-card sport at State Farm Stadium. On Jan. 13, 2025, Cashman delivered one in all Minnesota’s greatest defensive performs within the postseason matchup. The veteran linebacker continued his productive first season with the Vikings. Obligatory Credit score: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Photographs.
Andrew Van Ginkel is scheduled to hit free company in 2027, and since Minnesota traded Jonathan Greenard two months in the past, it might probably’t actually afford to lose extra EDGE depth until it has a plan to draft one other outdoors linebacker subsequent April. The Vikings added $23 million to Van Ginkel’s present contract in the course of the 2025 offseason. Maybe they’ll do it once more earlier than the beginning of the common season.
Off-ball linebacker Blake Cashman can also be on deck totally free company in 9 months. He just lately turned 30, however inside linebackers aren’t as costly as outdoors linebackers. Cashman can also be a deal with machine.
Total, O’Neill, Van Ginkel, and Cashman headline any would-be Vikings contract extension this summer season or earlier than 2027 free company. Will probably be a glimpse into the decision-making soul of latest common supervisor Nolan Teasley.
Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … Extra about Dustin Baker
