Dallas Turner Gets Encouraging Outlook for 2026
The Minnesota Vikings’ defense reached an elite level in 2025, fueled by several breakout performances from both veterans and young contributors. One of the most intriguing risers was Dallas Turner — and a PFF analyst believes his true breakout may still be ahead in 2026.
Dalton Wasserman of Pro Football Focus named one breakout player for each of the 32 teams and Turner was his choice for the purple squad.
He wrote, “Turner may have finally found his footing during the second half of this season. From Weeks 10 through 18, the former first-round pick racked up 24 pressures and seven sacks while ranking 16th among qualified edge rushers in PFF pass-rush grade (76.5). Turner also seemed to find further comfort in run defense, which could make him a more viable three-down player in 2026.”
Turner didn’t come into the league as an immediate force. Granted, he was 21 years old when the Vikings called him in April of 2024. Furthermore, the club employed Andrew Van Ginkel and Jonathan Greenard, so it was hard for him to enter the lineup. Even backup Patrick Jones was no slouch.
A raw skill set and stiff competition limited his impact as a rookie, but the flashes were there. With a larger role in his second season, Turner started slowly before exploding in the second half of the year, as Wasserman noted.
Earlier in the season, Turner stepped into the starting unit in place of Van Ginkel, who was slowed down by a neck injury and missed several games. Van Ginkel’s role is unique, with frequent coverage responsibilities, while Greenard operates primarily as a designated pass rusher. Turner appeared more comfortable in Greenard’s role, where he was able to consistently attack off the edge and maximize his burst.
In his second season as a pro, Turner appeared in all 17 games, making 10 starts. He logged 8 sacks, 66 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, and perhaps the best aspect of his numbers, a whopping 4 forced fumbles.
Turner was flying off the edge in Greenard’s position. The physical tools have always been there, but it’s fun to watch them turn into production. He also provided solid help in the running game, something not all young edge defenders can do.
If that comfort level continues to grow, Turner could take on an even larger share of pass-rush snaps in 2026, particularly in obvious passing situations where his burst and closing speed are most disruptive. Improved hand usage and counter moves would only raise his ceiling further, turning pressure flashes into more consistent sack production across a full season.
In the upcoming season, Turner will once again compete for snaps with his two 2024 Pro Bowl teammates. The good news is that outside linebackers can rotate, and probably should rotate more to keep them fresh. Van Ginkel will turn 31 in the summer and Greenard 29 in May. Barring a significant surprise, Turner should continue to play a major role in the rotation. He already led the trio in defensive snaps in 2025, with injuries providing him some help.
Turner has the physical tools and trajectory to become a foundational piece for the Vikings, making the breakout projection a realistic next step rather than a stretch.
He’ll turn 23 next month, underscoring how much developmental runway remains.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Sports Reference helped with this article.