The Vikings Sent a Wish List to the North Pole (and it’s Lengthy)
Give credit to ESPN’s Jordan Reid, a draft analyst who has accurately diagnosed what the Vikings need.
In response to a question about roster needs, Reid offers his take on how to improve the Vikings: “Have to trade for or sign an experienced veteran QB that you can win games with. Desperately need to revamp the secondary and find early impact starters at both CB and S. Dynamic RB, space eating NT, and a young center.”
The Vikings: The Santa Wish List is Long
To be fair, much can be solved from internal growth.
The secondary isn’t excellent. But even while it’s less than stellar, the team isn’t allowing passing touchdowns, instead getting walloped on the ground with too much regularity. As a result, the diagnosis of needing a tremendous nose tackle is appropriate. Seeing a run-clogger lined up beside Jalen Redmond would do wonders for the team.
Now, that doesn’t mean there isn’t a need for a talent infusion within the secondary. Rather, the need is for one or two players rather than a fully rebuilt crew.
Byron Murphy Jr. is capable of playing like a low-end CB1. In reality, he’s likely better as a strong CB2. Isaiah Rodgers offers nice ability as a CB2, as well. Inserting a dynamic option into the top corner spot would mean Minnesota has an impressive top trio of coverage players.
The safety group is lackluster. All of Harrison Smith, Josh Metellus, and Theo Jackson have had more modest impacts in 2025 than they did in 2024. Bumping up Jay Ward has been a wise move (though one necessitated by injury).
Again, just a single domino falling would make a huge difference. Just about every team wants high-end corners and safeties, so it’s not as if Minnesota can simply pluck out their top choice without any hindrance. Banking on a bounce back from some key players — Murphy, Metellus, and Jackson — would nevertheless make things look considerably rosier. So, too, would just one addition at either of CB or S (ideally both, but that’s asking quite a lot).
The center position has a pile of options — Ryan Kelly, Michael Jurgens, and Blake Brandel — but all raise questions. Highlighting the need is reasonable. One solution may nevertheless be found from within that group.
The running back situation remains a source of fascination.
RB1 Aaron Jones and RB2 Jordan Mason are still under contract for 2026. Combined, they’re among the better tandems in the NFL, though neither are elite. Good, solid backs who don’t inspire a pile of fear into the opposition. The Vikings would benefit from the domino effect of elite talent — seeing a trend? — but the crew is passable, especially if Kevin O’Connell favorite Cam Akers gets brought back to town to be the RB3 and/or Zavier Scott takes a step forward.
Finally, there’s the most glaring need: quarterback.
Some names to consider: Kenny Pickett, Jameis Winston, Kyler Murray, and Mac Jones. All were former 1st-Round selections who didn’t workout within their initial spots. The most unattainable would appear to be Jones. Winston, meanwhile, could plausibly be a nice option insofar as he’s very experienced and can pass the ball deep. Upon considering Winston, think Nick Mullens — huge plays but lots of turnovers — but with much more talent.
There’s then Kirk Cousins. The veteran whom everyone loves to hate is supremely unlikely to remain in Atlanta. As a cheap QB2 (when has that guy ever been cheap?), Mr. Cousins makes a pile of sense. All comes down to price.
Seeing J.J. McCarthy somehow remain healthy is critical. He then needs to continue on his upward trajectory while fending off repeated stays in the infirmary. A young, ascending passer making a mere pittance can do wonders for a team.
The Vikings, in short, are a work in progress. Getting some of that help internally is vital. Soon, the draftees will need to start helping in a robust manner and the FA adds need to be savvy.
In other words, plenty of needs when the team looks under the tree for gifts that will help in 2026.
