Dec 7, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings broad receiver Justin Jefferson (18) reacts after the sport at U.S. Financial institution Stadium. Necessary Credit score: Brad Rempel-Imagn Photographs
The month of Might has change into after I put ahead my high 5 Vikings gamers as we enter a brand new season. Break up into two lists, one for the offense and one for the protection, I’m going to begin with the offense.
Minnesota’s Offensive Core Nonetheless Has Loads to Show
One of many hopes with these lists is that somebody new can be coming into, both a giant new signing or a participant who was right here final season whose efficiency pressured their manner in. That’s not the case this yr, because it’s the identical 5 guys from my 2025 checklist.
Any hopes of the emergence of JJ McCarthy shortly disappeared. The Vikings’ massive free company signing, Will Fries, didn’t play on the stage hoped for, given such a giant funding in his first yr in Minnesota, and I’m not able to put Kyler Murray in right here on the again of a season that noticed him solely play 5 video games.
5. T.J. Hockenson (TE)
Hockenson is down one place from final yr. The tight finish hasn’t been in a position to recapture his 2023 kind since getting back from a nasty knee harm on the backend of that season. Nonetheless, he did look higher in 2025 regardless of the Vikings QB woes from final season, which led to simply 438 receiving yards — his lowest tally since his rookie season in 2019 – however he did have three landing catches — up from zero in 2024.
Nov 24, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings tight finish T.J. Hockenson. Necessary Credit score: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports activities.
It appeared like Hockenson would possibly change into a cap casualty, however an settlement was reached to save lots of the Vikings some cash this yr and let Hockenson hit free company subsequent yr. The Vikings TE continues to be a great participant and at 28 has time on his aspect to get again within the dialog as one of many league’s finest – the place he was pre-injury – and with hopefully extra constant QB play and the motivation of a brand new contract to work for, he needs to be hungry to make an announcement this season.
4. Jordan Addison (WR)
Addison’s numbers suffered in 2025, partly because of the Vikings’ QB points and partly as a consequence of a three-game suspension to begin the season. All of Addison’s issues have been off the sphere, which led to doubt over whether or not Minnesota would train his fifth-year possibility — they did. Addison has tallied 175 receptions for two,396 yards with 22 touchdowns throughout three seasons.
He’s additionally rushed for 103 yards with two TDs. He has additionally confirmed he’s as much as WR1 duties when Justin Jefferson has missed video games. Hopefully, Addison can keep away from any off-field distractions going into the 2026 season and have a giant yr, with lastly reaching the 1000 receiving yards mark a wise purpose.
3. Christian Darrisaw (LT)
The 2025 season was not a great one for Vikings left sort out Darrisaw. On the point of being thought to be the most effective tackles within the league in 2024, a knee harm halted his progress, and there was a hangover from that harm all through the 2025 season. Darrisaw wasn’t able to play till Week 3 as a consequence of nonetheless recovering from his torn ACL and MCL in his left knee.
Minnesota Vikings offensive sort out Christian Darrisaw (71) takes half in a crew apply at The Grove in Watford, United Kingdom, on Oct 4, 2024. The abroad exercise got here as Minnesota ready for its worldwide matchup, with Darrisaw sharpening his readiness alongside teammates within the distinctive setting. Necessary Credit score: Kirby Lee-Imagn Photographs.
As soon as he returned, Darrisaw nonetheless didn’t look proper and struggled to seek out the excessive stage of play we’re used to seeing from him. His season was shut down early as a consequence of lingering knee issues following the Vikings’ Week 14 sport. The hope is that the additional relaxation will assist him come again totally wholesome in 2026 and return to his finest.
2. Brian O’Neill (RT)
For eight seasons now, O’Neill has been Mr. Reliable on the correct aspect of the Vikings’ offensive line. Now 30, O’Neill comes into the 2026 season on the again of a powerful yr the place he scored an 81.6 general grade from Professional Soccer Focus. His PFF pass-blocking grade of 76.4 ranked twenty second amongst 89 certified offensive tackles, whereas his run-blocking grade of 84.5 ranked ninth on the place.
O’Neill has all the time been stable in each areas, which is what has made him so dependable for Minnesota over time. He allowed 21 whole pressures in cross safety, together with 2 sacks and 1 hit allowed by opposing cross rushers. I count on nothing wanting one other very stable yr in 2026.
1. Justin Jefferson (WR)
He’s primary yearly since arriving in Minnesota, and it’s going to take a particular participant to come back alongside and knock him off the highest spot. Jefferson is a famous person and one of many league’s finest. He wasn’t fully resistant to the Vikings’ QB downside in 2025, however he nonetheless managed to place up a 1,000-yard receiving season.
Dec 22, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; Minnesota Vikings broad receiver Justin Jefferson (18) catches a cross for a landing whereas defended by Seattle Seahawks cornerback Tre Brown (22) through the first half at Lumen Area. Necessary Credit score: Steven Bisig-Imagn Photographs.
Jefferson’s tally of simply two touchdowns final season was disappointing, and the Vikings WR can be hungry to get again in All-Professional and Professional Bowl rivalry in 2026. With competent QB play, there is no such thing as a purpose he shouldn’t achieve this.
Proud UK Viking. Household Man. Take pleasure in writing about my crew. Away from soccer an advocate for autism acceptance.
