This offseason was a bit different. From the start, it felt like a roster reset. That was an easy assumption after the firing of general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. The Vikings navigated the offseason without a full-time general manager as salary cap wizard was named interim GM. Especially after the focused offseason of 2025, this offseason felt more intentional. Perhaps it was simply because the team was so strapped by the salary cap. From free agency to the draft, it felt like the moves were made with the whole roster in mind. Whether intentional or not the Vikings depth was improved.
It’s easy to start with the depth at quarterback and the offensive line. The Vikings 2025 season was torpedoed by injuries at quarterback and throughout the offensive front. For the second time in Kevin O’Connell’s four years as the head coach, injuries forced the Vikings to play three quarterbacks. In 2023 (Jaren Hall) and 2025 (Max Brosmer), a late-round or undrafted rookie was forced to play when they weren’t remotely ready for the NFL. It was brutal to watch. After the unfortunate 2025 season finally ended, O’Connell stressed the importance of improving the quarterback room, the entire quarterback room. That led to the bargain signing of Kyler Murray and the retention of Carson Wentz. Most talking heads seemed to forget O’Connell’s words and assumed that Murray was signed to start ahead of J.J. McCarthy. All of those talking heads seemed surprised, at least skeptical, by a quarterback competition. O’Connell clearly wants no part of another season wrecked by quarterback injuries. I believe that any of the Vikings three quarterbacks could lead the team to the playoffs, and beyond. Hopefully, that won’t be necessary and only one has to do it.
The offensive line. The two guard additions in 2025 join bookend tackles Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill to form a solid, perhaps much better, offensive line. Center is the question mark. Blake Brandel has been a valuable swing offensive linemen since he was selected in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Injuries forced him to take the first center snaps of his football life last season. He’s penciled in as the starter this season. I’m an optimistic sort. Brandel might not be the team’s long-term answer at center but I do expect him to play at an above average level. The key offensive line addition this offseason have been restricted free agent tackle Ryan Van Demark and the selection of tackle Caleb Tiernan in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft. I can’t remember the last time the Vikings selected in an offensive lineman on Day 1 or Day 2 when that player wasn’t immediately needed. Van Demark and Tiernan give the team the most talented tackle depth I can remember. The hope, of course, is that they won’t be needed this season.
With the release of Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave, the Vikings defensive line was immediately suspect. I was intrigued by the group that remained because each was underrated and under-appreciated.
Jalen Redmond
Levi Drake Rodriguez
Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins
Elijah Williams
Taki Taimani
As a 2025 fifth-round pick, Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins was the most heralded. Levi Drake Rodriguez was a 2024 seventh-round pick. The others weren’t drafted. Even with Allen and Hargrave on the field, Jalen Redmond was the Vikings defensive line star last season. He made an impact in his first year as a starter and is an emerging talent. I was so intrigued by the potential of this rag-tag group that I wasn’t completely sold on defensive line being a significant need in the draft. What did the Vikings do? They attacked the position in the draft. Caleb Banks was selected in the first round and Domonique Orange in the third round. As the draft unfolded, I was shocked. After, I was thrilled. The Vikings defensive line is a young group. It’s also a group that could be a real force. I can’t wait to see a potential starting trio of Redmond, Banks, and Orange. More than anything, the depth on the defensive line was improved. The group gives Brian Flores options he hasn’t had in his three years as the Vikings defensive coordinator. The rotation will be fun.
The improved depth at quarterback, offensive line, and defensive line are the highlights. The Vikings also improved the depth at receiver with the signing of Juaun Jennings. Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison were one of the best receiving duos in the league. The Vikings now have the league’s best trio. The signing of James Pierre and drafting of Chuck Demmings greatly improves the cornerback room. The drafting of Demond Claiborne gives the Vikings a new running back dimension with his speed and quickness. It also creates an interesting competition with Zavier Scott for RB3. It might even force the Vikings to possibly keep four backs.
While the Vikings have improved the depth at most positions, there are some positions with suspect depth. That starts with the outside linebackers. Andrew Van Ginkel and Dallas Turner are strong starters. The draft day trade of Jonathan Greenard was a hit to the depth. Turner is ready to replace Greenard as a starter. There’s now a bit of a void on the bench. On the current roster, some combination of second-round pick Jake Golday, off-the-ball linebacker Eric Wilson, and lineman Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins might fill that void. Otherwise, it’s a trio of undrafted players competing for roster spots and playing time. Tight end depth is another concern. T.J. Hockenson and Josh Oliver are a terrific duo. Second-year players Gavin Bartholomew and Ben Yurosek need to step up.
Other than the quarterback, the Vikings roster additions were somewhat under-the-radar. A quarterback addition is always over-the-radar. Taken individually, the additions didn’t ring a lot of bells. Taken as a whole, they improved the overall depth of the roster.
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