Vikings Assigned Offseason Homework by PFF

Dec 16, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; The line of scrimmage between the Minnesota Vikings and the Chicago Bears during the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

The Minnesota Vikings are coming off one of the most exciting regular seasons in recent memory, especially because the expectations couldn’t have been much lower when the squad prepared for the campaign in training camp.

Vikings Assigned Offseason Homework by PFF

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Dec 8, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) celebrates running back Aaron Jones’ (33) touchdown run with head coach Kevin O’Connell during the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

But the team fought back, collecting 14 wins along the way. Kevin O’Connell and his crew fumbled the Week 18 chance to clinch the conference’s top seed, but even being in that position was a pleasant surprise.

The foundation for that four-month stretch of joy was laid in the offseason when general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah acquired numerous big-time contributors in free agency. Sam Darnold, Andrew Van Ginkel, and Jonathan Greenard went to the Pro Bowl. Running back Aaron Jones and Blake Cashman perhaps should have been.

To repeat that kind of season, the GM once again has to find some reinforcements.

Pro Football Focus’ Zoltán Buday slapped the tag “moderate” on the Vikings when it comes to playoff chances in 2025.

Other than the Eagles, who got a “high” tag, the entire NFC playoff field received a “moderate” projection, even the number one seed Lions, who won 15 games in the past campaign.

Aug 10, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) under center against the Las Vegas Raiders in the third quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

Buday added that the future of the organization will hinge on J.J. McCarthy and that the offensive line should be the priority for the club in the upcoming months: “Minnesota’s 2025 season will largely hinge on how quickly and effectively J.J. McCarthy adapts to life as an NFL quarterback in his first year as the Vikings’ starter. To help him succeed, Minnesota must shore up the interior of its offensive line, as poor protection could derail the offense—especially with an inexperienced quarterback under center.”

Indeed, the offensive line has been a struggle in the Twin Cities for almost a decade. The edges are set with Brian O’Neill and Christian Darrisaw. Hopefully, the latter will have a smooth recovery from his nasty knee injury suffered in Week 8 against the Los Angeles Rams. The two form one of the elite OT duos in the league.

Oct 24, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) drops back to pass against the Los Angeles Rams during the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

The real problem awaits Adofo-Mensah in the middle. All three interior linemen could use an upgrade.

“The Vikings’ interior trio allowed pressure on 18.8% of pass plays in the regular season, the second-highest rate in the NFL in 2024,” Buday continued. “While McCarthy has the benefit of playing with one of the league’s best receiving trios in Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson, he’ll need enough time in the pocket to get the ball into their hands consistently.”

Starting right guard Dalton Risner is scheduled to become a free agent for the third consecutive year. The guy he stole the RG spot from, Ed Ingram, has produced three seasons of subpar guard play, and he might be on the chopping block.

Nov 10, 2024; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Minnesota Vikings guard Blake Brandel (64) before the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images

Left guard Blake Brandel was a solid reserve, but his first year as a full-time starter was quite underwhelming. He is about to enter year two of a three-year deal, but he could be used as a versatile backup with guard and tackle experience.

Center Garrett Bradbury has never been celebrated for his pass protection. He is a decent run blocker, though. At the end of the day, the Vikings need to find at least one, perhaps even two, upgrades.

The good news is that they have acknowledged the problem. After the disappointing playoff loss, head coach Kevin O’Connell suggested the interior offensive line would be a point of emphasis:

“There’s no question we’ve got to find a way to be able to give a quarterback, especially with players like Justin (Jefferson), Jordan (Addison), T.J. (Hockenson), we’ve got to find a way to solidify just the interior of the pocket. There can be a thousand excuses made, whether it’s losing [Christian Darrisaw], or even midway through the game losing [Brian O’Neill] tonight, but for me, it’s the foundation of the interior of the pocket that we’re going to have to take a long look at.”

Jan 26, 2025; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs guard Trey Smith (65) against the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Championship game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Fans have requested the team to take a look at Chiefs right guard Trey Smith if they let him hit the open market. His asking price will be significant—Guys like Teven Jenkins, Kevin Zeitler, and Will Fries are cheaper options but would still give the pass protection unit a boost.

Free agency begins on March 12th.


Janik Eckardt is a football fan who likes numbers and stats. The Vikings became his favorite team despite their quarterback at the time, Christian Ponder. He is a walking soccer encyclopedia, loves watching sitcoms, and prefers Classic rock over other genres. Follow him on Twitter if you like the Vikings: @JanikEckardt