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Vikings Evidently Employ One of the Most Underrated Players in the NFL
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- Vikings Evidently Employ One of the Most Underrated Players in the NFL
Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
The hype train for Dallas Turner this summer isn't necessarily out of control, but it exists nevertheless. A lane is finally clear for Turner to be featured as a full-time starter, and according to Bleacher Report , that works out great because he's one of the most underrated players in the NFL.
Alex Kay published the list this week, exploring the league's five most underrated commodities, and Turner got a tap on the shoulder.
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Greenard's Exit Turns Turner's Hype into a Real Job
Minnesota Vikings linebacker Dallas Turner (15) settles into position during an NFC Wild Card matchup at State Farm Stadium, with Jan. 13, 2025 marking the postseason scene in Glendale, Arizona, against the Los Angeles Rams. Turner watches the play develop and prepares to react in a tense playoff setting. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.
Turner = One of NFL's Most Underrated, per BR
Most Vikings fans would call Turner under- utilized , but BR rolled with underrated.
Kay explained , "Turner struggled to grasp the defensive coordinator Brian Flores ' system as a rookie and was relegated to a meager 28 percent snap share. After mustering 20 tackles and three sacks across 16 games, he narrowly avoided the dreaded draft bust label but certainly didn't do enough to warrant the costs of acquiring him."
"That changed in 2025 when the 23-year-old finally figured things out and dialed in. He received a big bump in playing time (logging a 66 percent snap share on the year) while appearing in all 17 games and starting 10. He finished the campaign with 66 tackles, eight sacks and four forced fumbles—a sizable jump in production for the youngster, one that went relatively unnoticed due to the bulk of his sack production occurring in the back half of Minnesota's dismal campaign."
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The Vikings traded a king's ransom to get Turner during the 2024 NFL Draft. They need him to be good.
Kay added, "Turner racked up 6.5 of his sacks between Weeks 11-18, including two in the season finale. He's now primed to build on that impressive finish by stepping into a more prominent role following the departure of Jonathan Greenard — the Pro Bowl edge-rusher who played 74 percent of Minnesota's defensive snaps last year."
"If Turner seizes that opportunity and continues his current trajectory, he'll have few issues shedding the underrated tag and becoming a renowned Pro Bowler."
He's Free …
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Alas, Turner is free to be deployed in the Vikings' defense with no Pro Bowl defender in front of him on the depth chart. It took two years. Minnesota no longer has to wonder when Turner will play full-time; that question has effectively answered itself. Turner demonstrated enough late in the 2025 season to earn a larger role, and with Greenard's departure, his path to increased playing time is now uncontested.
Had Greenard signed an extension, Turner likely would have remained behind both Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel for another year. While that would have presented a beneficial problem for the Vikings, it would have been detrimental for a former 1st-Round pick striving to become a game-changer.
Now, Turner will receive the opportunity everyone has anticipated. Minnesota can build its outside linebacker room around him and Van Ginkel, then acquire a solid OLB3 to ensure a smooth rotation. That might involve bringing in a veteran like Jadeveon Clowney or Leonard Floyd , particularly if the Vikings aim to manage Turner's workload initially.
Stats to Date Agree with Kay's Assessment
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In his second year, Turner finally began to embody the potential Minnesota saw when trading up for him.
Minnesota Vikings linebacker Dallas Turner (15) works in space against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium, with Nov. 17, 2024, capturing the first-half action in Nashville, Tennessee. Turner shows the range and urgency that shaped his rookie year as Minnesota leans on his speed against Tennessee's physical offense. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images.
When Greenard sustained an injury, Turner stepped into a more prominent role, and his snap count surged to 66%. From that point, his production increased, concluding the season with 8 sacks and 15 quarterback hits. He also added 11 tackles for loss and 4 forced fumbles — a stat line indicative of a burgeoning pass rusher.
It was the version Vikings fans eagerly awaited.
His rookie year in 2024 was more challenging to assess, as he played only 28% of defensive snaps. Nevertheless, Turner showed flashes despite limited work, recording 3 sacks and 5 quarterback hits, along with 3 tackles for loss and 1 interception, giving Minnesota enough encouragement to remain patient.
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By November of his second season, most of the hesitation surrounding Turner had dissipated. He appeared more comfortable in Brian Flores's defense, which made sense because not every rookie is game-ready. After all, Turner was 21 in 2024.
He concluded the year with a 65.5 Pro Football Focus grade, including a 70.2 pass-rushing score. He's on the right track
One More Year before Extension Chatter, Believe It or Not
Just like quarterback J.J. McCarthy , Turner has a lot riding on the 2026 campaign because he can reasonably begin talking with the Vikings' front office about an extension next offseason. In fact, Minnesota has until May 2027 to decide whether to exercise Turner's fifth-year rookie option , a decision that is up in the air right now but probably trending in his favor.
Dallas Cowboys running back Malik Davis (43) carries the ball against Minnesota Vikings linebacker Dallas Turner (15) at AT&T Stadium, with Dec. 14, 2025 placing the second-half action in Arlington, Texas. Turner closes from the defensive side as Minnesota tries to limit Dallas' rushing attack on the road. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images.
It's not quite a "make or break" season, but if Turner logs double-digit sacks and fully solidifies himself as a long-term starter, he can instruct his agent to engage new general manager Nolan Teasley for an extension that may pay him $25 million per season.
It feels like the Vikings drafted Turner yesterday, but in reality, fans are about seven months away from pondering his extension value. Time flies.
Turner will turn 24 next February.
