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4 Roster Moves We Expect the Vikings to Make This Summer
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- 4 Roster Moves We Expect the Vikings to Make This Summer
Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
The Minnesota Vikings ' first regular season game is about 10 weeks away — yes, we're that close — and the club will inevitably make some roster moves before go-time. So, we're here to predict those, especially during the quiet time of the NFL calendar when the World Cup , NBA free agency, and Wimbledon have taken center stage.
Ranked in no particular order, these are the moves we reasonably expect to see from the purple team and new general manager Nolan Teasley .
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Brian O'Neill's Extension Should Be the First Move on the Board
Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Brian O'Neill (75) warms up at U.S. Bank Stadium, with Jan. 4, 2026, placing the pregame scene in Minneapolis before a matchup against the Green Bay Packers. O'Neill moves through his routine as Minnesota's offensive line prepares for another NFC North test inside its home venue that afternoon. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images.
1. Brian O'Neill's Contract Extended
O'Neill's contract situation is straightforward. As he is set to become a free agent in 2027, the Vikings should proactively address his future to maintain continuity on their offensive line. Extending O'Neill, a crucial component of the trenches, is a rational step. Offering new guaranteed money just makes sense.
While O'Neill will turn 31 soon and concerns about aging players are common, he has shown no marked decline in performance. Offensive tackles, particularly those as consistent as O'Neill, often age more gracefully than players in positions that endure greater abuse.
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O'Neill has been the Vikings' most reliable offensive lineman since 2018, known for his durability and steadiness. The Vikings face a clear choice: extend O'Neill or let him walk next March.
Prediction: Vikings extend O'Neill on a three-year, $66 million deal.
2. OLB Leonard Floyd Signed
With Jonathan Greenard 's departure, the Vikings have a clear need for an additional outside linebacker. They just do. What happens if Andrew Van Ginkel or Dallas Turner get hurt? Start the season with Turner and Bo Richter as the main EDGE rushers?
The trade of Greenard and a 7th-round pick to the Eagles for a 2026 3rd-Rounder and a 2027 3rd-Rounder, while a decent return, altered their pass-rushing depth. With Greenard, their pass rush was formidable; without him, the primary burden falls on Van Ginkel and Turner , with considerably less-experienced backups.
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That's where Floyd could prove invaluable. Floyd's familiarity with Kevin O'Connell ( 2021 Los Angeles Rams Super Bowl season) could put this deal over the top. Bringing him in would add a veteran who can play a high volume of snaps, which would be crucial if injuries accumulate.
The move is not about a blockbuster signing, but rather a strategic acquisition to prevent the EDGE room from becoming dangerously thin by midseason.
SI.com 's Will Ragatz noted on Floyd as an option for the Vikings in May, "Floyd was the 9th overall pick by the Bears out of Georgia back in 2016. He's never been a Pro Bowler but has had a strong ten-year career in the NFL. After four years in Chicago , he had the three best years of his career with the Rams from 2020-22."
He's now in his mid-30s, but Floyd has never had a season with fewer than 36 QB pressures. Floyd overlapped with Kevin O'Connell in LA for two seasons and would be a big addition for the Vikings if they can get him on something like a one-year, $8 million deal.
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Prediction: Vikings extend Floyd to a one-year, $6 million deal.
3. Blake Brandel 's Deal Extended by 2 Years
Brandel's trajectory as O'Connell's starting center in 2026 is notable, especially given his standing just a few years ago. Despite opportunities to draft a center this offseason, the Vikings waited until Round 7 to select Gavin Gerhardt from Cincinnati . It seems Brandel is "the guy" at center in 2026.
Minnesota Vikings guard Blake Brandel (64) works against the Los Angeles Rams at State Farm Stadium, with Jan. 13, 2025 marking the NFC Wild Card setting in Glendale, Arizona. Brandel battles in the trenches as Minnesota's offensive line faces a high-pressure postseason assignment against a physical Rams front that night. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.
His contract also expires after the 2026 season, and the team's apparent trust in him is evident. His ability to play multiple positions on the offensive line is damn near sacred, considering the OL injuries that emerged all over the place last year.
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The Vikings prioritize versatile players like Brandel. He's been with the franchise since 2020 and might as well stick around for a couple of years.
Prediction: Vikings extend Brandel on a two-year, $12 million deal.
4. Vikings Sign OG Daniel Brunskill or Liam Eichenberg
Unless the Vikings convert third-year tackle Walter Rouse to guard — that's a real possibility — the guard depth is a bit skinny. Minnesota would basically rely on Joe Huber , an undrafted free agent from 2025, as the main go-to if something happened injury-wise to Donovan Jackson or Will Fries .
Tennessee Titans offensive tackle Daniel Brunskill (60) heads to the field at Nissan Stadium, with Dec. 3, 2023, placing the pregame scene in Nashville before a matchup against the Indianapolis Colts. Brunskill walks out ahead of kickoff as Tennessee's offensive line prepares for an AFC South game at home. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK.
Meanwhile, O'Connell now has Frank Smith on his coaching staff, who previously served as the Miami Dolphins ' offensive coordinator for four seasons and is now Minnesota's new assistant head coach. Needing guard help, Smith could call on a lineman from his Miami days. Brunskill and Eichenberg are free agents.
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Brunskill played 176 offensive snaps last year, with a 60.6 Pro Football Focus grade to show for it. Eichenberg didn't play at all last year due to injury, and his career could be in jeopardy.
Prediction: Vikings sign Brunskill to a one-year, veteran minimum deal.
