3 Vikings Are on Extension Watch

Nov 23, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Brian O'Neill (75) and teammates Levi Drake Rodriguez (50) and Blake Cashman (51) await to take the field prior to a game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

The Minnesota Vikings have had a quiet offseason, prioritizing keeping in-house free agents and filling roster holes with low-cost hires rather than big splashes.

The Vikings might still spend some money over the next few months, as several key veterans are on expiring deals. Here are three realistic extension candidates.

Brian O’Neill

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Sep 21, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Brian O’Neill (75) reacts towards the fans following the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

Offensive lineman Brian O’Neill has handled right tackle duties since 2018 and has arguably been the most consistent player on the squad during his tenure. He’s a Harrison Smith retirement away from being the longest-tenured Viking.

O’Neill signed his five-year extension ahead of the 2021 season and he had one year remaining on his deal back then. The upcoming season will be the last one under contract with the club that selected him in the second round of the 2018 draft.

The blocker will count $23,111,657 against the salary cap in 2026 and an extension could significantly lower that number, allowing the front office to pursue some free agents. He checks every character box a career-Viking should and at 30, he should have a few years left in the tank.

Andrew Van Ginkel

Dec 25, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Andrew van Ginkel (43) celebrates recovering a fumble against the Detroit Lions in the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

Andrew Van Ginkel has been a wonderful story in the Brian Flores defense. A rotational player in Miami has become one of the best outside linebackers in the league. Gink was named to his first Pro Bowl after the 2024 season and he was just as ferocious in 2025 when available, though a neck injury cost him some game time.

In 29 games with the Vikings, Van Ginkel has recorded 18.5 sacks, 133 tackles and a couple of interception return touchdowns. Flores uses him in a hybrid role, making it impossible for opposing signal-callers to know whether he’s ending up in coverage or as a rusher.

A key piece on defense, Van Ginkel initially signed a two-year deal for only $20 million and received a one-year extension last offseason, paying him $23 million. Adding another year could make sense.

Blake Cashman

Jan 4, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Green Bay Packers running back Emanuel Wilson (23) runs the ball against Minnesota Vikings linebacker Blake Cashman (51) during the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

Van Ginkel and Blake Cashman are possibly the two engines that keep the defense going. Whenever they missed time over the last couple of seasons, the unit was not the same.

Cashman agreed to a three-year, $22.5 million contract as part of the legendary 2024 free agency class that featured Van Ginkel, Jonathan Greenard, Aaron Jones, and Sam Darnold. In his two seasons as the man in the middle, the Minnesota native recorded a whopping 256 tackles despite playing in only 27 games. He also registered 6.5 sacks.

Over the last couple of seasons, Cashman was irreplaceable and making sure he stays beyond 2026 should be a priority. He’ll turn 30 next month and has an extensive injury history, but his play on the field is just too valuable.

Editor’s Note: Information from PFFOver The Cap, and Sports Reference helped with this article.

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