Minnesota Vikings Offseason Breakdown: Big Questions, Bigger Decisions
The Minnesota Vikings are staring down one of the trickiest offseasons in the NFL. With a projected cap deficit north of $45 million and eight draft picks-including the 18th overall-they’ve got some serious roster gymnastics ahead. And while there are plenty of holes to patch, this offseason starts and ends with one position: quarterback.
Let’s dive into the top priorities for Minnesota and what could define their 2026 campaign.
1. Quarterback: The McCarthy Conundrum
This time last year, the Vikings were all-in on J.J. McCarthy.
A top-10 draft pick with a championship pedigree, McCarthy was supposed to be the long-term answer under center. Instead, his rookie season never got off the ground.
A preseason meniscus injury sidelined him early, and when he did get on the field, it was a rollercoaster-three separate injuries and inconsistent play left him looking more like a developmental project than a franchise cornerstone.
When healthy, McCarthy struggled to climb out of the bottom tier of starting quarterbacks. That’s not what you want from a top-10 pick, especially in a league where patience for quarterback development is razor-thin.
Now, the Vikings find themselves at a crossroads. They’re not ready to give up on McCarthy, but they also can’t afford to go into another season without a viable Plan B.
Whether it’s a veteran free agent, a mid-round rookie, or a surprise trade, Minnesota needs another legitimate option in the quarterback room. Someone who can push McCarthy-or replace him outright if needed.
The ideal scenario? McCarthy takes a leap in Year 2 and becomes the guy they thought they were drafting.
But the margin for error is gone. The Vikings can’t leave themselves exposed like they did last season.
2. Defensive Tackle: Run Defense Needs Reinforcements
Brian Flores has turned this Vikings defense into a tough, aggressive unit. But even with all the progress, there’s a soft spot up the middle.
Minnesota finished 21st in rushing yards allowed, giving up over 2,000 yards on the ground. That’s not going to cut it-especially in a division with teams that want to pound the rock.
The defensive tackle group, despite some big-name investments, didn’t live up to expectations. Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave were brought in to anchor the interior, but the returns didn’t match the price tags. Hargrave’s contract is more flexible moving forward, and the Vikings could explore ways to reset the position.
If Flores wants to keep this defense trending upward, shoring up the middle of the line is a must. Whether through the draft or free agency, Minnesota needs a presence inside who can eat blocks and disrupt the run game.
3. Safety: Preparing for Life After Harrison Smith
Harrison Smith has been the heartbeat of the Vikings' secondary for over a decade. But after 14 seasons-and a 37th birthday-the end might finally be here. Minnesota treated the final home game of 2025 like a send-off, and if that’s the case, replacing Smith won’t just be about filling a spot on the depth chart-it’s about replacing leadership, communication, and football IQ.
Josh Metellus has become a key piece, often lining up in the slot and handling some of the defensive calls. Theo Jackson and Jay Ward are also in the mix, but neither has shown they’re ready to step into Smith’s shoes full-time.
Flores leans heavily on three-safety looks, often using them in place of a traditional nickel corner. That makes this position even more critical in Minnesota’s scheme. Expect the Vikings to prioritize adding another safety-someone who can contribute immediately and grow into a bigger role.
Other Positions to Watch
- Edge Rusher: Dallas Turner made a big leap in Year 2, showing why he was a first-round pick. But with Andrew Van Ginkel in a contract year and Jonathan Greenard facing a potential out in his deal after 2026, depth and future planning are key here.
- Wide Receiver: Minnesota has talent, but it’s never too early to reload at premium positions. Jalen Nailor is a pending free agent, and Jordan Addison is entering the final year of his rookie deal. Even with a strong WR1 in place, don’t be surprised if the Vikings dip into this year’s deep receiver class.
The Big Question: Can Kevin O’Connell Reignite the QB Room?
Kevin O’Connell came into 2025 riding high. The reigning Coach of the Year had built a reputation for quarterback development, getting strong play out of everyone from Kirk Cousins to Joshua Dobbs to a resurgent Sam Darnold. That 14-3 season in 2024 looked like a breakthrough.
But the wheels came off in 2025.
Darnold’s magic faded. McCarthy couldn’t stay healthy or find a rhythm.
Carson Wentz and Max Brosmer didn’t move the needle. And suddenly, the Vikings had the worst quarterback production of O’Connell’s tenure.
Now, the pressure is on. O’Connell’s track record suggests he can turn things around, but the NFL doesn’t wait around for coaches to figure it out. If he’s going to keep this team competitive-and keep his reputation intact-he needs to find answers at quarterback fast.
McCarthy is still under contract for two more seasons, and odds are he’ll get another shot. O’Connell once said that organizations fail young quarterbacks more often than quarterbacks fail organizations. That philosophy is about to be put to the test.
Final Thoughts
The Vikings aren’t in rebuild mode, but they’re not exactly in “win-now” territory either. They’re in that murky middle where a few smart moves-or a few missteps-can swing the direction of the franchise for years to come.
Quarterback is the headline, but this offseason is about more than just one player. It’s about retooling the trenches, reinforcing the secondary, and making sure the roster is built to withstand the inevitable ups and downs of an NFL season.
Minnesota has the draft capital. They’ve got a proven coaching staff.
Now it’s about execution. The NFC North isn’t waiting around-and neither should the Vikings.