The Minnesota Vikings came into 2025 with big plans - especially in the trenches. But as the season winds down, they’re sitting at 6-8, and the offensive line, a unit they poured resources into, has become one of their biggest disappointments. Injuries, misfires in personnel moves, and inconsistency have all played a role in a front five that never quite found its rhythm.
Now, with left tackle Christian Darrisaw officially on injured reserve, the Vikings will finish the season having had their preferred starting offensive line on the field together for just two games. That’s not just bad luck - it’s a continuity killer for any offense.
A Costly Offseason Overhaul
The Vikings didn’t come into 2025 ignoring their offensive line - far from it. They made it a priority.
It started in March, when GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah made a bold move, trading away former second-round pick Ed Ingram to the Houston Texans for a 2026 sixth-rounder. At the time, it looked like a clean break from a player who hadn’t quite lived up to expectations in Minnesota.
Then came the additions. They signed Will Fries, a 27-year-old right guard who was coming off a solid run with the Colts before a leg injury ended his 2024 campaign.
A month later, the Vikings doubled down on the interior, drafting Donovan Jackson in the first round to shore up the left guard spot. On paper, it looked like a promising rebuild.
But as the season played out, those moves haven’t delivered the impact Minnesota needed.
Ed Ingram’s Redemption Arc in Houston
While the Vikings have struggled to find consistency up front, Ed Ingram has quietly put together a breakout season in Houston. He won the Texans’ starting right guard job out of training camp and hasn’t looked back. According to Pro Football Focus, Ingram currently ranks as the 14th-best guard in the NFL with a 73.3 overall grade - and he’s been even better in the run game, where his 82.4 grade ranks fifth.
That’s not just a solid year. That’s top-tier production at a position the Vikings are still trying to figure out.
Meanwhile, the new Minnesota duo of Fries and Jackson hasn’t lived up to expectations. Fries grades out at 61.7 (39th among guards), while Jackson sits at 58.2 (45th). For a team that invested heavily in its interior line, those numbers sting - especially when the player they let go is thriving elsewhere.
Fries Falters, Jackson Still Developing
There’s still reason to believe in Donovan Jackson. He’s just 23 years old and has only 11 games of NFL experience.
He’s shown flashes - particularly in his debut - and there’s a foundation to build on. But right now, he’s learning on the job, and the growing pains have been evident.
Fries, on the other hand, has struggled to meet the expectations that came with his signing. Injuries and inconsistency have defined his season, and he hasn’t been able to provide the stability the Vikings were counting on at right guard.
Ryan Kelly a Lone Bright Spot - When Available
One of the few bright spots for Minnesota’s offensive line has been center Ryan Kelly. When he’s been on the field, he’s played at an elite level, ranking third at his position per PFF.
The problem? He’s missed seven games this season due to concussions.
At 32, and with his health in question, Kelly may have some difficult decisions to make this offseason, even though he’s still under contract.
What Comes Next for the Vikings’ O-Line?
With the season slipping away and the offensive line underperforming, changes could be on the horizon in Minnesota. Offensive line coach Chris Kuper may find himself at the center of those conversations. The Vikings bet big on revamping their front five in 2025 - but so far, the results haven’t matched the investment.
The good news? There’s youth and potential in players like Jackson.
The bad news? That potential hasn’t translated into consistent protection or a reliable run game.
And with Darrisaw out, Kelly’s future uncertain, and Fries underwhelming, the Vikings head into the offseason with more questions than answers up front.
For a team that hoped to build from the inside out, the offensive line rebuild has turned into a cautionary tale - and it might not be over yet.