Minnesota Vikings 2026 Offseason Outlook

If you think Jets fans were pained to see Sam Darnold hoist the Lombardi Trophy as a Super Bowl champion this year, imagine how fans of the Minnesota Vikings must feel. When 2024 first-round draft pick J.J. McCarthy suffered a season-ending knee injury before his rookie campaign ever began, Darnold led the Vikings to a 14-win season. But head coach Kevin O’Connell still thought McCarthy was the long-term prize, so he let Darnold go to the Seattle Seahawks. And while Darnold produced another 14-win season and a Super Bowl in Seattle, McCarthy’s first season as the starter in Minnesota was a disaster.

The Vikings still had enough talent to finish 9-8, though that was a five-game dropoff from 2024. O’Connell has implied that the team might bring in another quarterback to at least compete with McCarthy for the starting job. Who they bring in will be the key question of the offseason — and it’s a decision they must make with a new general manager in place, as last year’s GM, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah was fired as the apparent fall guy for last year’s struggles.

One bright spot for the Vikings: Since Brian Flores’ quest for a head coaching job was not successful, he opted to return as Minnesota’s defensive coordinator, a job he’s aced the last three seasons.

2025 recap

McCarthy led a fourth-quarter comeback win over the Chicago Bears in his NFL debut, but things went downhill from there. Injuries limited him to just 10 starts, in which he completed 57.6% of his passes for 1,632 yards, 11 TD passes and 12 interceptions. The offense was held to 17 points or less seven times. The questionable quarterback situation certainly had its impact on superstar receiver Justin Jefferson, whose 1,048 yards and two touchdowns were csreer lows for Jefferson in those categories.

Flores’ defense, meanwhile, ranked third in the NFL in yards allowed and seventh in points allowed. Linebackers Dallas Turner and Andrew Ven Ginkel provided the pressure, combining for 15 sacks. Isaiah Rodgers proved to be a big-play cornerback, scoring touchdowns on a pick-six and a fumble return. Veteran safety Harrison Smith continued to be a key leader on defense, though Smith is likely retiring and will need to be replaced.

Key free agents

LB Eric Wilson
CB Jeff Okudah
QB Carson Wentz
WR Jalen Nailor
LB Ivan Pace

Vikings salary cap space

($40,156,353)

2026 draft needs

With the 18th pick in the first round, the Vikings might have a few good safeties to choose from as possible replacements for Smith. In his latest mock, Luke Easterling has Minnesota taking Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren at that spot. In later rounds, Minnesota may look for a running back, as Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason didn’t stand out last season (and neither is getting any younger).

2026 opponents

Home:Chicago, Detroit, Green Bay, Atlanta, Buffalo, Carolina, Indianapolis, Miami, Washington

Away:Chicago, Detroit, Green Bay, New England, New Orleans, N.Y. Jets, San Francisco, Tampa Bay