It’s been a problem for so long, but it was supposed to get fixed in 2025. With two good tackles already in place, the Minnesota Vikings spent big on the interior of the offensive line last offseason, aiming to make the trenches a strength for the team.
Ryan Kelly, The Draft, and the Last Missing OL Piece
It didn’t go as planned, and the first consequence was a reshuffling of the coaching staff. Chris Kuper is out, and Keith Carter was promoted to be assisted by the incoming Derek Warehime. Minnesota hopes this has a positive impact.
Christian Darrisaw wasn’t ready to start the 2025 season, never looked right when he returned, and finished the season back on injured reserve. Left tackle is the premium position on the OL, with that player expected to take on the opposition’s premier pass-rusher while protecting his quarterback’s blindside. As much as the Vikings need better play from the QB position in 2026, they also need better OL play – starting with Darrisaw back at his best.
Darrisaw suffered a catastrophic injury, tearing both his ACL and MCL in his knee. The Vikings will hope shutting him down early will help him get right for the new season. The injury woes didn’t stop there with Brian O’Neill perhaps showing his age — turning 31 this year — and picking up some niggling injuries. O’Neill should have plenty left in the tank.
Donovan Jackson followed up an impressive debut by injuring his wrist. The Vikings’ 2025 first-round rookie gutted it out but eventually needed a procedure that cost him a couple of games. Dealing with that injury in his rookie year wasn’t ideal, but he got through the season and showed enough promise that the Vikings will feel comfortable starting him at left guard again in 2026.
Money Not So Well Spent in Free Agency
Minnesota spent big in acquiring a pair of teammates from the Indianapolis Colts. Ryan Kelly to play center on a two-year, $18 million contract. The Vikings followed Kelly’s acquisition by also signing his Colts offensive line teammate Will Fries to a five-year, $88 million contract to play right guard.
Kelly came with a history of concussions, and after suffering his third concussion of the season – despite wearing a Guardian Cap after returning from his second concussion – he was placed on season-ending injured reserve. With Kelly turning 33 before the season starts, you can’t help but wonder what his future in the game looks like. Even if he does want to play on, the Vikings can’t be looking to commit any further than the one year remaining on his contract.
Fries had a mini breakout season in 2025 before suffering a fractures right tibia in Week 5. Giving Fries such a big contract on the back of a limited sample size of good play and on the back of such a bad injury was a risk. The good news was that Fries was healthy to start the season and never missed a game. It would be premature to say the risk has paid off, though. Fries’ performance was adequate rather than excellent. At over $17 million a year, you want more excellence. With a year in Minnesota under his belt, the hope will be that Fries kicks on in Year 2.
Searching for a New Center
With four of the five positions on the OL locked in for the 2026 season, the position of doubt is center. A vital position in the smooth operation of an offense, the last thing the Vikings need is another season where they start three different guys there. There are three options: firstly, they can roll with the same group, see how Kelly goes, and turn to Blake Brandel or Michael Jurgens if they have to. I don’t like this option.
The second is to give Kelly a chance, but draft his replacement. If Kelly can play this year, the Vikings have time to ease the rookie in; if not, they have to roll with the youngster. Some of the top center options in this year’s draft are Connor Lew, Sam Hecht, Jake Slaughter, Parker Brailsford, and Logan Jones.
Option three is to go big again in free agency. There’s a lot of work to do with the Vikings’ current salary cap position, but we know that it can be solved if you really want a player. The standout option would be Tyler Linderbaum, a four-year starter for the Baltimore Ravens who will be one of the most sought-after free agents this offseason. There are other options, such as James Daniels, Ethan Pocic, Cade Mays, and Conner McGovern.
So much depends on Kelly’s health, but I’m not happy just sticking with option one. Minnesota needs to bring in someone else. Then the only thing stopping the Vikings from having a strong OL is health.
Proud UK Viking. Family Man. Enjoy writing about my team. Away from football an advocate for autism acceptance.
