A Vikings Offense

With only two outside signings, the Minnesota Vikings haven’t been active in free agency. One of those signings was quarterback Kyler Murray. Signing a former #1 pick quarterback with unique and elite talents is a significant addition. Despite a stated competition with incumbent J.J. McCarthy, Murray is penciled in as the Vikings starting quarterback in 2026. Picturing Kyler Murray in the Vikings offense has been fun. Here’s a look at the potential offense. 

Vikings Offense

WR	Justin Jefferson
LT	Christian Darrisaw
LG	Donovan Jackson
C	Blake Brandel
RG	Will Fries
RT	Brian O’Neill
TE	T.J. Hockenson
WR	Jordan Addison
QB	Kyler Murray
RB	Aaron Jones
TE	Josh Oliver

The Vikings have rostered a fullback since 1961. With C.J. Ham retiring, it’ll be interesting to see if that continues. Until that question is answered, I’m listing second tight end Josh Oliver in place of a fullback. With or without a fullback, the Vikings often play with two tight ends. As for three-receiver sets, the Vikings lost #3 Jalen Nailor to the Las Vegas Raiders in free agency. 2025 third-round pick Tai Felton is the next receiver up. 

On paper, this Vikings offense looks exciting and explosive. None of that will happen if the offensive line injuries and inconsistencies of last season creep into this season. If the five starters play together for, hopefully, the entire season, this offense is going to shred defenses. For now, Blake Brandel is a placeholder at the center position. I’m expecting the Vikings to find their center of the present and the future on Day 2 of the draft. Brandel can potentially back up all five positions. It isn’t glamorous but that could be his greatest value too the team. 

Other than center, the Vikings offensive starters already feel settled. That doesn’t mean there aren’t needs. I can see a receiver being added in free agency. Otherwise, supplemental additions will be found in the draft. The offensive draft needs:

Running Back

Tight End

Wide Receiver

Offensive Line depth - potentially an eventual heir to Brian O’Neill at right tackle

Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason form a nice 1-2 combination at running back. Jones is 31. I expect the Vikings to search for their next running back on Day 2 of the draft. They have three Day 2 picks. I’m already penciling in center and running back for two of those three picks. I sure hope the draft falls their way. The Vikings tight end situation is near identical to their running back situation. T.J. Hockenson and Josh Oliver are a nice 1-2. The coming season is probably Hockenson’s last in Minnesota. Their next tight end could be found on Day 3 of the draft. 

I still have faith in J.J. McCarthy. Despite that faith, I’m really looking forward to seeing Kyler Murray lead this offense in 2026. Then, the Vikings will have a decision to make this time next year.