The Vikings’ Depth Chart Looks Particularly Leaky and Creaky at 2 Spots
The Vikings’ depth chart is soon to get tossed into some turmoil. Such is the cost of doing business for a team that has many money moves to make.
Contained below is Minnesota’s currently-employed players. To be sure, the picture that gets painted is incomplete. Competition will be added at several positions — quarterback foremost among them — but the Vikings are currently sitting within the calm before the storm. Very soon, the Super Bowl will be decided and then it’s full steam ahead as the NFL in its entirety proceeds into the offseason.
Note that both of Ivan Pace Jr. and Jalen Redmond are under team control as an RFA and an ERFA. Their names are included but in italics.
The Vikings’ Depth Chart in Early February of 2026
Vikings Offense
| Position | Starter | Backup | Third-String |
| Quarterback | J.J. McCarthy | Max Brosmer | |
| Running Back | Aaron Jones | Jordan Mason | |
| Receiver | Justin Jefferson | Tai Felton | Jeshaun Jones + Joaquin Davis |
| Receiver | Jordan Addison | Myles Price | Dontae Fleming |
| Tight End | T.J. Hockenson | Josh Oliver | Ben Yurosek + Gavin Bartholomew + Bryson Nesbit |
| Left Tackle | Christian Darrisaw | Caleb Etienne | |
| Left Guard | Donovan Jackson | Joe Huber | Henry Byrd |
| Center | Ryan Kelly | Michael Jurgens | Zeke Correll |
| Right Guard | Will Fries | Blake Brandel | Vershon Lee |
| Right Tackle | Brian O’Neill | Walter Rouse |
Vikings Defense
| Position | Starter | Backup | Third-String |
| Edge Rusher | Jonathan Greenard | Dallas Turner | Chaz Chambliss |
| Defensive Tackle | Jalen Redmond | Levi Drake Rodriguez | Taki Taimani + Jaylon Hutchings |
| Defensive Tackle | Jonathan Allan | Javon Hargrave | Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins + Elijah Williams |
| Edge Rusher | Andrew Van Ginkel | Tyler Batty | |
| Linebacker | Blake Cashman | Ivan Pace Jr. | Jacob Roberts + Josh Ross |
| Safety | Josh Metellus | Jay Ward | Theo Jackson + Kahlef Hailassie |
| Corner | Byron Murphy Jr. | Dwight McGlothern | |
| Corner | Isaiah Rodgers | Zemaiah Vaughn |
Vikings Specialists
| Positions | Starter |
| Kicker | Will Reichard |
| Punter | N/A |
| Long Snapper | N/A |
A Pair of Positions Need Major Help: QB & LB
At the very top, there’s the issue that hangs over all issues: the Vikings’ need for quarterback help.
Quite possibly, Carson Wentz will be part of the solution. The issue with bringing him back is that he would be a tremendous QB3 but just an average QB2. Minnesota very likely wants someone else to really supercharge the competition.
The running back competition needs more depth, especially with the retirement news from C.J. Ham. So, too, does special teams need added help since punter Ryan Wright and long snapper Andrew DePaola need to get re-signed. They’re excellent players who like working in Minnesota, so look for both to stay.
The other spot that’s looking particularly achy is off-ball linebacker.
Veteran Blake Cashman is at the top of the position. He’s a very good athlete who thinks the game at a high level. Going into his third year with Brian Flores, Cashman does a nice job of communicating with his teammates to get them in the correct spot. Look for him to continue operating as the LB1.
What’s needed is someone to run alongside Blake Cashman. Pace offers a lot to like as a younger player who is ultra aggressive, but he’s coming off a season where he got demoted. A trade appears very possible.
Turning to the 2026 NFL Draft makes a lot of sense, but that’s a long way off. Minnesota should look to solidify the floor of the ‘backer crew with a free agency addition. Doing so would help to ensure that Minnesota doesn’t need to reach for a need.
Finally, consider that quarterback and linebacker aren’t the only positions that will need reinforcements. Help at corner and tight end could be needed. Defensive tackle, as well, given that an upcoming cut or two appears likely.
Much remains to be determined, but the Vikings’ depth chart already points toward certain positions in need of assistance. Expect an evolving, changing cluster of talent in the coming weeks and months.
