The Vikings’ Top 3 Extension Candidates
The Vikings’ top 3 extension candidates contain some degree of blandness. After all, much has been written about the need to put more years onto that Brian O’Neill contract.
But, to be sure, the conversation doesn’t end with the rugged RT1.
Making some moves in the summer months has the capacity to free up more cap space. GM Nolan Teasley has been working through various decisions within the front office. The makeover now leads to an adjusted leadership cluster who may then need to make a call on some players. Check out who should be included within the extension chatter.
The Vikings’ Top 3 Extension Candidates
Extension Candidate No. 1 — RT Brian O’Neill
The 30-year-old right tackle hasn’t slowed down. In fact, he’s still among the game’s best players at his position, proving tremendously resilient over the years.
O’Neill carries a $23,115,657 cap charge into the season, per Over the Cap. Quite possibly, the move will be to see the athletic large lad burn off that final year while then moving forward with a cheaper option (Caleb Tiernan? Ryan Van Demark?). Best guess on this end of things is that an extension does get done but after some time to grind down the price tag. The Vikings have some leverage.
Potential Cap Savings in 2026: $14,160,000
Extension Candidate No. 2 — EDGE Andrew Van Ginkel
Similar to O’Neill, Van Ginkel is a veteran (30) who hasn’t slowed down. He’s more important than ever.
Moving on from Jonathan Greenard did make some sense. Dallas Turner now gets his major chance. What’s worth remembering, though, is that losing Van Ginkel a year after Greenard would possibly create a pass rusher crisis. Best to keep the super-athletic Van Ginkel around for at least a couple more seasons.
Potential Cap Savings in 2026: $11,352,000
Extension Candidate No. 3 — RB Jordan Mason
At 27, Jordan Mason has a lot of ball left in him. He has had a modest workload to this point in his career, possibly leading to him being fresher than a lot of runners at his age. Minnesota may be wise to ensure he sticks around in the Twin Cities for a little while.
Aaron Jones could plausibly be going into his final year as a Viking. There’s then Demond Claiborne, who boasts truly elite speed. In theory, Mason is a great complement for whoever sticks around since he’s such a rugged guy (who doesn’t get the credit he deserves for his athleticism).
Potential Cap Savings in 2026: $2,892,000
Honorable Mentions: CB Isaiah Rodgers, OL/C Blake Brandel, and S Jay Ward.
