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Minnesota Vikings Add New Tackle to Offensive Line
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- Minnesota Vikings Add New Tackle to Offensive Line
Eamon Horwedel-Imagn Images Eamon Horwedel-Imagn Images
This offseason has been about building the trenches for the Minnesota Vikings . Kwesi Adofo-Mensah had plenty of cap space available after opting against bringing Sam Darnold back on a gaudy deal . That choice allowed the Vikings to go after talent on the offensive and defensive lines .
Minnesota quickly addressed interior deficiencies on both sides of the ball. They added secondary talent as well , and while they went gangbusters out of the gate, there is depth work for them still to accomplish.
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Christian Darrisaw suffered a season-ending knee injury against the Detroit Lions in Week 7 . He will be back, but that doesn't mean Minnesota was content with the tackle spots as they were currently constructed.
Justin Skule takes on backup tackle spot for Minnesota Vikings
Kevin O'Connell had an absolute boatload of free agents hitting the open market from his 2024 roster. Among them was backup tackle David Quessenberry . No one wanted the former sixth round pick to work in a starting role, but his depth had to be replaced. Enter Justin Skule.
The #Vikings have agreed to terms with T Justin Skule, per source.
— Alec Lewis (@alec_lewis) March 13, 2025
Like Quessenberry, Skule is a former sixth round pick . The 28-year-old has spent the past three seasons in Tampa Bay after originally being selected by the San Francisco 49ers . He drew 12 starts in his first two seasons before becoming more of a rotational player in his second stop.
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Last year with the Buccaneers , Skule started five games and played in all 17. He logged 32% of the offensive snaps in a backup role and contributed another 88 snaps on special teams.
The hope for Minnesota is that the tandem of Brian O'Neill and the recently extended Christian Darrisaw will render Skule useless. The reality is that he will see time to help one or both players eventually.
Minnesota Vikings offensive line overhaul continues
The guard position was a focal point for Minnesota. The Vikings addressed that spot by signing veteran Will Fries . They have now also traded Ed Ingram and will move on from center Garrett Bradbury . Ryan Kelly is taking over as the starting center, and the two talented bookends remain.
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It's likely the Blake Brandel holds down his left guard spot from last season, unless they like a rookie more. 2024 draft pick Walter Rouse could factor in somewhere, and Justin Skule provides the entire unit another depth option.
Related: Vikings Trade One Former Starting O-Lineman, Plan to Release Another
The Minnesota Vikings clearly understand that everything starts up front and are finally making moves to address that reality. Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave join as interior defensive linemen to show a commitment on that side of the ball as well.
Kevin O'Connell is ready to unleash the J.J. McCarthy show, and the additional help up front should help to put him in a position where he can be successful.
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