Minnesota Vikings offensive deal with Brian O’Neill waits with teammates Levi Drake Rodriguez and Blake Cashman close to the tunnel at Lambeau Area earlier than dealing with Inexperienced Bay. On Nov. 23, 2025, the group prepares to take the sphere as Minnesota completes its ultimate pregame routine forward of the NFC North street matchup that afternoon. Obligatory Credit score: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Pictures.
The Minnesota Vikings have roughly $13 million in cap area, two weeks earlier than coaching camp, and a brand new normal supervisor chomping on the bit to make an affect. Earlier than lengthy, that man, Nolan Teasley, will make his subsequent roster transfer, and we’ve requested our writers to foretell it.
Query to our writers: “What is your prediction for the Vikings’ next roster move. It can be a trade, extension, free-agent signing — whatever you want.”
Listed below are their responses.
OLB Assist Leads the Workers Forecasts
Minnesota Vikings security Harrison Smith traces up in opposition to the Los Angeles Rams throughout an NFC Wild Card matchup at State Farm Stadium. On Jan. 13, 2025, Smith settles into place as Minnesota’s protection prepares for an additional postseason snap in Glendale, with the veteran directing visitors and studying the formation earlier than the play begins. Obligatory Credit score: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Pictures.
1. Harrison Smith Returns
Predictor: Wes Johnson
Smith has been considering retirement for a couple of offseasons, however I anticipate the security will return for yet one more yr. Minnesota values his communication, and Brian Flores depends on him to prepare the secondary pre-snap.
Ought to Smith return for his fifteenth season, it might doubtless be on a team-friendly take care of a decreased snap depend. That may permit a youthful security like Jay Ward to see elevated taking part in time, whereas Smith might deal with essential spots in video games.
The Vikings received’t count on him to carry out as he did 5 years in the past. As a substitute, they want essentially the most clever model of Smith for one ultimate pursuit of a Tremendous Bowl.
2. OL Liam Eichenberg Signed
Predictor: Dustin Baker
Eichenberg didn’t play final yr as a consequence of accidents, and his profession could also be in jeopardy because of this. However for the needs of this train, let’s assume he’s given a clear invoice of well being.
Needing depth at guard and flexibility from a man who can play middle, the Vikings make sense for Eichenberg due to his connection to new assistant head coach Frank Smith. The pair crossed paths in Miami from 2022 to 2024.
On an inexpensive prove-it deal, Eichenberg indicators to battle for backup guard roster spot.
3. Nothing Significant
Predictor: Tony Schultz
At first look, I believe most would look internally and attempt to buffer the wage cap. That may imply extending Brian O’Neill, who’s on the high of the listing. But when that was going to occur, why hasn’t it? New GM Nolan Teasley might have a plan to let his contract run out on the finish of the yr and go from there, moderately than pushing the 31-year-old proper deal with’s pay down the street.
They could additionally really feel Caleb Tiernan can be prepared by subsequent yr, making him expendable. In the long run, aside from the traditional comings and goings of coaching camp our bodies you’ve barely or by no means heard of, I believe they do nothing of main consequence to the staff. Teasley will finally put his mark on the staff in an enormous approach, however I don’t assume we’ll see it till the 2027 offseason.
t4. Brian O’Neill Prolonged
Predictor: Adam New
O’Neill will flip 31 in September and is within the final yr of his contract. The Vikings completely ought to lengthen his keep in Minnesota with a brand new contract, and it ought to come sooner moderately than later. O’Neill has turn out to be a Mr. Reliable on the correct aspect of the offensive line and may have the ability to maintain his requirements up by one other three- or four-year contract.
t4. Brian O’Neill Prolonged
Predictor: Josh Frey
Minnesota Vikings offensive deal with Brian O’Neill reacts with followers at U.S. Financial institution Stadium after a late-season victory over Arizona, soaking within the residence crowd’s response. On Dec. 1, 2024, O’Neill celebrates close to the stands as Minnesota finishes the matchup and acknowledges supporters following one other dramatic win inside the house venue in Minneapolis. Obligatory Credit score: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Pictures.
Regardless of some flaws through the years, the Vikings have solved one of many extra essential positions on the roster: offensive deal with. Brian O’Neill is one half of that, and he has a minimum of a couple of extra years of high quality soccer left in him. They need to maintain this tandem in place.
t4. Brian O’Neill Prolonged
Predictor: Sean Borman
This one isn’t overly sophisticated. The Vikings will re-sign O’Neill for an additional few years as a result of why would they let their longest-tenured participant stroll away? O’Neill can also be excellent and constant.
5. Signing Joey Bosa
Predictor: Ted Schwerzler
The EDGE rusher group nonetheless wants assist after the Jonathan Greenard commerce, and Joey Bosa is a free agent. Minnesota can discover a match there and really feel assured about their EDGEs going into the season.
6. Jadeveon Clowney Signed
Predictor: Cole Smith
My prediction for the Vikings’ subsequent roster transfer is to signal Jadeveon Clowney. His prior historical past with Nolan Teasley helps, and he’ll have the ability to present pass-rushing juice off the bench.
t7. OLB Signing
Predictor: Steve Hoikkala
Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Kyle Van Noy walks off the sphere at Levi’s Stadium after a street matchup with San Francisco, taking within the scene because the night time concludes. On Nov. 13, 2022, Van Noy heads towards the sideline following the sport whereas Los Angeles closes out one other troublesome contest in opposition to the 49ers. Obligatory Credit score: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports activities.
Ever because the Jonathan Greenard commerce, there was concern about depth at EDGE behind Andrew Van Ginkel and Dallas Turner. With the staff not addressing the place within the draft, it’s my opinion that they are going to look to signal somebody this offseason.
Names on the market as choices might be Jadeveon Clowney, who’s my most well-liked signing, Haason Reddick, who has lately been rumored as a chance for the Vikings, or Kyle Van Noy.
t8. OLB Signing
Predictor: Ali Siddiqui
Jadeveon Clowney could be the best choice, however others are nonetheless on the market. Both Joey Bosa, Leonard Floyd, Kyle Van Noy, or Haason Reddick would work too.
Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … Extra about Dustin Baker
