The Vikings Still Have a Few Massive Concerns
The 9-8 Vikings made some moves this offseason, but some concerns remain entering the summer ahead of the 2026 campaign.
Here are four things that require an answer.
Does Kevin O’Connell Finally Rely on the Running Game?
Kevin O’Connell has coached the Vikings for four seasons. Two of his squads (2022, 2024) massively outperformed their preseason hype, while the teams in 2023 and 2025 made no noise in the playoff race.
One reason for that is the inconsistent quarterback play in the disappointing years and the consistent play in the satisfactory campaigns. A Kirk Cousins injury led to a QB carousel in 2023 and last year’s QB problems, between J.J. McCarthy’s inexperience, flawed mechanics, and injuries, prevented the group from competing in January.
It remains to be seen if the mix of Kyler Murray and McCarthy is more of the 2022/2024 or 2023/2025 mold. Either way, the operation needs to protect itself from living or dying based on a single position. That can only be done by dialing up a rushing attack that can carry an offense even if the passing game can’t move the ball for one reason or another.
So far, O’Connell hasn’t relied on it nearly enough. The Vikings were relatively efficient last year at running the ball, but they completely failed to do it more often. This year, Jordan Mason and Aaron Jones return and rookie Demond Claiborne is a wildcard. It’s time to hand them the rock to take pressure off the passers and make the offense more QB-proof.
Will a New OLB3 Arrive?
In the draft, the Vikings traded starting rusher Jonathan Greenard to the Philadelphia Eagles, without reloading the position. Andrew Van Ginkel is one starter on the edge and Dallas Turner is expected to be the second, after a strong sophomore year in which he showed all the flashes.
But that’s it, there’s no other established rusher on the roster and even the candidates don’t infuse any hope. Brian Flores has been a magician, but even he needs players to work with. At this point, the backups are Bo Richter, Chaz Chambliss and Tyler Batty, who are all special-teamers rather than real alternates on defense.
Deploying a defensive tackle like Jalen Redmond or a linebacker like Eric Wilson or Jake Golday could be an occasional option, but adding another rusher with NFL experience should be a priority.
Can a Safety Stand Up?
At safety, Harrison Smith is still contemplating retirement. Even if he’s back once again, he can’t be expected to play every snap at 37. It’s time for the depth to make the next step. That includes the entire position group next to Joshua Metellus, who’s starting anyway.
A trio of players forms the pool of candidates. Last year, Theo Jackson was trusted with the starting job following Cam Bynum’s departure in free agency, but his play left a lot to be desired. Later in the season, Jay Ward, a 2023 draftee, entered the lineup in his place.
Those two will be joined by rookie third-rounder Jakobe Thomas. The pick out of Florida is a hard-hitter and has been praised for his football IQ and communication skills. Whether he can be a starter in his first year remains to be seen.
One or even two of those three have to take advantage of a massive opportunity.
Two Big Players, Two Injury Concerns
Wm. Glasheen USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
Finally, we have a couple of players with injury concerns. Offensive tackle Christian Darrisaw was limited all of last year, spending the year in and out of the lineup. His torn ACL from 2024 still gave him problems.
Darrisaw is a franchise player and crucial for the offensive line, but the Vikings need him healthy, not hobbled. Does a full offseason ease the concern, or will he remain limited and the knee turn into a long-term issue?
In the draft, the Vikings added another injury annoyance. Sure, Caleb Banks is expected to be back in time for training camp, but crazier things have happened than that a 327-pounder took longer than expected to heal from a second foot surgery.
The questions are, does he, indeed, return in time for camp and how quickly can he get comfortable at the NFL level?
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Sports Reference helped with this article.