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Our Staff Names the Biggest Vikings Concerns for 2026
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- Our Staff Names the Biggest Vikings Concerns for 2026
Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
The Minnesota Vikings will feature about eight new starters in 2026, from Kyler Murray at quarterback to possibly two rookie defensive tackles — and even a punter if one considers that position a starter. And with the summer here, we asked Vikings Territory writers to lift up their main concerns for the 2026 squad.
With a wide array of responses, the group wasn't shy about addressing the franchise's current weaknesses.
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VikingsTerritory's Roundtable Points to Some Raised Eyebrows
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell leaves the field following a divisional matchup against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium. O'Connell continued guiding Minnesota through a challenging stretch of the season while evaluating the club's playoff outlook. The scene occurred on Dec. 31, 2023, after the Vikings hosted Green Bay. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports.
1. The General Roster Depth
VT Writer: Henrique Gucciardi
The Vikings have a great starting lineup, one I truly believe can make a playoff run. However, one of the biggest downsides of bad drafts is a lack of depth. Particularly in the secondary, interior offensive line, and edge rushers, an injury can derail the entire season.
2. The Defensive Secondary
VT Writer: Adam New
At both cornerback and safety, the Vikings are lacking in quality. The team will hope Brian Flores and the defensive front can cover up some of the secondary's deficiencies; if they can't, then Minnesota will have a problem.
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3. The Safety Position
VT Writer: Ali Siddiqui
Whether Harrison Smith is back or not, that's a position of concern. Theo Jackson is okay , and Josh Metellus , while very versatile, isn't very good in coverage. Smith is a future Hall of Famer, no doubt, but he isn't the same player he once was. Jakobe Thomas is also unproven. The Vikings should definitely try to add a safety sometime before the season starts.
4. Health
VT Writer: Cole Smith
My biggest concern for the 2026 Vikings is their health. Injuries derailed not only J.J. McCarthy's 2025 season but also the offensive line. Kyler Murray has only played a full season once in the last four years. Get requisite health, and the Vikings could be poised to bounce back this year.
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5. The Rushing Offense
VT Writer: Dustin Baker
Kevin O'Connell has not created an efficient rushing offense, and he's entering his fifth season. Running the ball effectively is the missing link for O'Connell's offense — and the team as a whole. It's why drafting Jonah Coleman or Mike Washington might've been the meal ticket or anyone running back from 2025's deep class.
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones Sr. carries the football against the Detroit Lions during NFC North action at Ford Field. Jones remained a focal point of Minnesota's offense, using his vision and burst to generate yards on the ground. The run took place on Nov. 2, 2025, during a divisional road matchup. Mandatory Credit: Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.
Before too long, O'Connell must commit to the run — more than giving it lip service. It can be the almighty fix to the Vikings' problems, even when the quarterback performance sputters, as it did in 2025.
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Just run the damn ball at a balanced ratio. We will continue to say this; the request is easy. Take the soup out of the can, pour it into a bowl, put it in the microwave, and press the button. Not difficult.
6. The Whole QB Situation
VT Writer: Tony Schultz
All eyes will be on the quarterbacks in Minnesota, even after a decision has been made. There is already a rift forming in the fan base over JJ and Kyler. Shots are being fired over how each performs, picking on video game playing and being "9". Maturity is being questioned in every quote, as is dedication.
My main concern is not who wins the competition because I want the team to win. Whoever steps in behind center, I will cheer for them, but I will still be critical of their performance if it is bad. Murray isn't going to grow any taller, and McCarthy still has mental growth ahead of him. I don't want it to engulf the season to the point where fans miss out on how the team is doing.
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Along with that, if Murray is the starter, I don't want McCarthy traded. I'm hoping he can sit back, evaluate how he needs to grow, and show patience with himself and the team. O'Connell knows teams quit on young QBs too early, too often, and I want McCarthy to see that and know his opportunity may still be in Minnesota with the team around him.
t7. The OLBs
VT Writer: Ted Schwerzler
The EDGE rusher group leaves a lot to be desired. Moving on from Greenard made sense from a financial standpoint, but unless Dallas Turner is ready to rock and Andrew Van Ginkel is fully healthy, the entire defense will take a hit.
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t7. The OLBs
VT Writer: Steve Hoikkala
My biggest concerns are primarily the edge position, which I expect us to fill before training camp (FA's Jadaveon Clowney/ Leonard Floyd ?), and the depth at safety.
Minnesota Vikings outside linebacker Dallas Turner celebrates after a defensive play during a game against the Atlanta Falcons at U.S. Bank Stadium. Turner continued building momentum in Minnesota's defense while showcasing the athletic traits that made him a first-round draft choice. The moment occurred on Sept. 14, 2025, during first-half action. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.
If Harrison Smith does not re-sign, we have some serious questions to answer, and I believe we are taking a big risk in the back end of our defense. Brian Flores has to hope our young defensive tackles step up and provide enough pressure with a healthy AVG and Dallas Turner to mask that potential weakness.
t8. The Unproven Defensive Front
VT Writer: Janik Eckardt
The Vikings have only two pass-rushers with meaningful NFL experience under contract. Furthermore, after swapping Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen for a couple of rookies, the Vikings have to rely on a bunch of inexperienced players all over the place. Brian Flores has been a magician over the years, and he might once again be asked to pull a rabbit out of a hat.
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t8. The Defensive Front Seven
VT Writer: Kyle Joudry
The main concern for the roster is within the front seven. Dallas Turner needs to elevate, Eric Wilson needs to replicate, and Jake Golday can't have a redshirt season. So, too, is there much faith being put in Caleb Banks (still recovering from injury) and Domonique Orange. It could work, but there are many ways the front seven could struggle.
