The Minnesota Vikings are staring down one of their most important offseasons in recent memory. After closing out the 2025 campaign on a five-game winning streak, there’s real momentum in Minneapolis - but if this team wants to turn that late-season spark into a full-blown playoff push in 2026, there’s serious work to be done on both sides of the ball.
Let’s start with the offense. J.J.
McCarthy showed flashes, but the Vikings need to bring in a backup quarterback who can do more than just hold a clipboard - someone who can push McCarthy in camp and be ready to step in if needed. That kind of depth is non-negotiable for a team with postseason aspirations.
Up front, the offensive line is headed for a shake-up. Ryan Kelly is expected to be a cap casualty, and given the number of concussions he’s battled, retirement wouldn’t be a surprise.
That leaves a gaping hole at center. Add in the need for a young offensive tackle to bolster the edges, and it’s clear the Vikings have to invest in the trenches.
And while tight end and running back aren’t emergency-level concerns, some fresh legs and versatility at those spots would go a long way toward giving McCarthy - or whoever’s under center - a full arsenal.
Defensively, the front seven needs reinforcements. Minnesota is looking for a big-bodied defensive lineman who can clog up the run game and still bring heat on passing downs - a rare blend, but a necessary one in today’s NFL.
If Eric Wilson walks in free agency, pairing a new inside linebacker with Blake Cashman becomes a priority. And with Harrison Smith almost certainly heading into retirement, the safety room will need an upgrade, even with defensive coordinator Brian Flores returning to steer the ship.
But all of that pales in comparison to the Vikings’ most glaring need: cornerback.
Right now, the depth chart at corner is alarmingly thin - and that’s putting it kindly. Byron Murphy and Isaiah Rodgers are penciled in as the starters, but beyond that, the drop-off is steep.
Dwight McGlothern has barely seen the field, and Zemaiah Vaughn, despite a solid preseason, didn’t log a single defensive snap during the regular season. That’s not a depth chart - that’s a depth concern.
And even the starters come with question marks. Murphy, who signed a sizable deal with the Vikings last March, posted 61 tackles and two picks in 2025.
But his coverage numbers tell a more complicated story. He allowed 39 receptions - ranking 41st among 114 qualifying corners - and finished the season with a PFF grade of just 58.5.
That’s not the kind of return you want from your top-paid corner, even if he did benefit from a strong pass rush that made life easier in coverage.
Then there’s Rodgers, whose 2025 season was a roller coaster. He had a highlight-reel performance in Week 3 against the Bengals, scoring twice - once on an interception, once on a forced fumble he returned himself.
But outside of that game, Rodgers struggled. He routinely lost receivers in coverage and showed little interest in tackling, often getting dragged for extra yards when he did make contact.
He’s better suited for the slot, which only amplifies the need for help on the outside.
The good news? The 2026 NFL Draft is shaping up to be rich in cornerback talent.
With the 18th overall pick, the Vikings could have their pick of high-upside defenders like Mansoor Delane, Jermod McCoy, or Avieon Terrell. And the depth doesn’t stop there - this class offers quality options well into Day 3.
General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah would be wise to double down at the position, using multiple draft picks and potentially bringing in a mid-tier free agent to stabilize the group. Rolling into the season with Murphy and Rodgers as the only experienced corners - and little to no proven depth behind them - simply isn’t sustainable.
If the Vikings want to capitalize on the momentum they built late last season, they’ll need to shore up the back end of their defense. Because right now, the cornerback room isn’t just thin - it’s a liability. And in a league that punishes teams without reliable coverage, that’s a risk Minnesota can’t afford to take.