Dallas Turner is due for a true breakout campaign in 2026, but according to KSTP’s Darren Wolfson , that theory may be just a best-laid plan. Wolfson pumped the brakes last week on the automatic idea that Turner’s stardom will climb new heights in 2026.
Turner has believers in Minnesota, even if skepticism still exists elsewhere.
As always, Turner is “stuck” on a depth chart with Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel , two men who reached the Pro Bowl in 2024.
This isn’t the greatest Turner forecast.
Wolfson on Turner
Most Vikings have just assumed that Turner will become closer to a Pro Bowler in 2026 because he finished 2025 on a high note. Wolfson questioned that opinion.
He said on SKOR North airwaves, ‘I don’t think the Vikings are ready for Dallas Turner — even though you look at the last half of last year, I know there’s a sense that Dallas Turner is ready to ascend even more — but I’m not sure, internally, they are ready for Dallas Turner to play 55 to 62-ish snaps in a game. And who else do they have? Now, I suppose if you trade Greenard, okay, Dallas ascends up, he’ll play that much more.”
“You can go sign a street free agent — there’s still some guys available — or use a draft pick on somebody that can rush the quarterback from the edge. But I just don’t think they’re ready for Dallas to have like a significantly bigger role. I’m getting into semantics, right? Because is he going to have a bigger role in 26? Yes. I’m not suggesting otherwise, but a much bigger role? I’m not sure they’re ready for that.”
This might explain why Greenard has not been traded ; if the Vikings are not in absolute love with Turner, trading Greenard to the highest bidder is not wise.
The Turner Stats in 2025
During his 2024 rookie season, Turner played a limited role, participating in 28% of defensive snaps. Even with this limited playtime, he displayed considerable potential, recording 3 sacks, 5 quarterback hits, an interception, and 3 tackles for loss. In Year 2, Turner’s playing time increased significantly , with his defensive snaps jumping to 66%, particularly during Greenard’s absence.
He capitalized on this opportunity, amassing 8 sacks, 15 quarterback hits, 11 tackles for loss, and 4 forced fumbles, consistently disrupting opposing quarterbacks and influencing games. This improved performance garnered attention and quieted early-season criticisms as Turner found his rhythm late in the year, delivering impactful plays throughout November, December, and January.
Overall, Turner finished his second campaign with a 65.5 Pro Football Focus grade, with a 70.2 pass-rush mark.
Our Janik Eckardt on Turner’s 2025 production : “Turner was flying off the edge in Greenard’s position. The physical tools have always been there, but it’s fun to watch them turn into production. He also provided solid help in the running game, something not all young edge defenders can do.”
“If that comfort level continues to grow, Turner could take on an even larger share of pass-rush snaps in 2026, particularly in obvious passing situations where his burst and closing speed are most disruptive. Improved hand usage and counter moves would only raise his ceiling further, turning pressure flashes into more consistent sack production across a full season.”
The Same Role All Over Again
Turner’s role in 2026 may stay the same, believe it or not. With Greenard and Van Ginkel already under contract and expected to be significant contributors, Turner may struggle to gain a starter’s share of playing time, despite his strong 2025 finish.
It creates a logjam at a valuable position for Minnesota. While Turner has proven he deserves more opportunities, the team already boasts several reliable edge rushers, leading to intense competition for snaps each week. It’s also worth noting that this is a good problem for a hungry team that missed the postseason last year — too many competent EDGE defenders.
There’s a moderate chance that Greenard could still be traded this offseason, which would thrust Turner to the front of the line and run counter to Wolfson’s comments.
Put-Up-or-Shut-Up Time
No matter what — with or without Greenard on the roster — Turner faces a ticking clock. He’s still unusually young — at 23, he’s the fourth youngest player on the Vikings roster right now — but Minnesota spent big via trade to get Turner in the 2024 NFL Draft . In essence, the Vikings traded two 2nd-Rounders, a 3rd-Rounder, a 4th-Rounder, a 5th-Rounder, and a 6th-Rounder to get him.
That is a massive haul for any single player, especially a rookie who had not played a snap in the NFL. If you hear folks demanding big things from Turner, the request is justified.
The Vikings still have three years of team control left on Turner’s rookie contract.
