Vikings Players Set for Bigger Roles in 2025
Just over 20 players from the Minnesota Vikings’ 2024 roster won’t be back for the upcoming season, including notable contributors like Sam Darnold, Camryn Bynum, and Stephon Gilmore.
Numerous players on the Vikings’ depth chart are poised to step into larger roles in 2025. From youngsters to veteran backups, these men could make major splashes.
Minnesota welcomed about 40 newcomers from free agency and the draft, so the roster shakeup was quite noteworthy this offseason.
Meanwhile, because of the roster shift, a handful of players are virtually guaranteed to assume more significant roles in 2025. These are those players listed alphabetically.
1. Mekhi Blackmon (CB)
Blackmon might’ve been on track last season to win a CB2 job if he played his cards right. Instead, he tore his ACL early at 2024 training camp, ending his second season in the NFL.
“Thankfully,” that injury occurred so early at training camp that he’s back for the 2025 season. Fans don’t need to wait around and monitor Blackmon’s ACL recovery; he’s good to go.
Barring a rapid depth chart climb from Dwight McGlothern or Jeff Okudah, Blackmon is virtually guaranteed to earn a healthy snap count this season. As a rookie, he played 43% of the time.
At Least 5 Vikings Players Will Have Bigger Roles in 2025
Dallas Turner and Theo Jackson lead the way for Vikings’ bloomers.
2. Theo Jackson (S)
Probably the closest thing to a lock on this list, the Vikings parted ways with Camryn Bynum in March, paving the way for Jackson’s takeover in 2025.
Minnesota has marinated Jackson in a slow cooker since picking him up in 2022 after the Tennessee Titans cut Jackson loose. Now is his time to blossom, and his teammate claims he’ll do precisely that.
He’s already a starter on the current depth chart. The man could play over 1,000 defensive snaps in 2025.
3. Bo Richter (OLB)
These three outside linebackers will grab most pass-rushing snaps in Brian Flores’ defense:
- Jonathan Greenard
- Andrew Van Ginkel
- Dallas Turner
But what about after those three? Well, that’s where Richter enters the chat. Richter saw action on 267 special teams plays as a rookie, with appearances on the field for 29 defensive snaps.
Because Minnesota did not re-sign Patrick Jones or Jihad Ward, it looks like the Richter show is on the way at OLB4.
4. Dallas Turner (OLB)
Another clear no-brainer for this list’s criteria, the Vikings’ roster is screaming for Turner’s breakout.
Turner played wonderfully in spots last year, granted about 30% of defensive snaps as a rookie, and stuck behind Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel on a stacked defensive depth chart. Now, though, with Patrick Jones II gone via free agency (Carolina Panthers) and Jihard Ward unsigned, it’s time for Turner to play 50% of snaps or more.
Barring injury, Turner is guaranteed to be featured more prominently as a sophomore.
A to Z Sports‘ Tyler Forness recently hinted at Turner’s emergence, “In a similar vein to Jalen Nailor, Turner looks like a different athlete. He’s bulked up significantly over the last few months, and it’s exactly what he needed to do. When he was drafted, Turner was just 21 years old and needed time to grow and develop. One of the things that he needed to do was bulk up, as Turner was relatively skinny at 247 lbs.”
“Now, he looks closer to 255-260, and that is perfect for his style of play. His explosive pass-rushing style will still be there, and now he theoretically has the strength to be much more impactful on the interior. Where Turner can really make an impact is in three edge rusher sets. Pair his ability to rush the passer with how he drops into coverage, and Turner is primed to have his breakout year.”
5. Jay Ward (S)
The Vikings drafted Jay Ward two years ago from Round 4, right on the cusp where a player might spring up and make an impact or just work as a special teams player.
The aforementioned Jackson will earn the starting safety role, a void left by Camryn Bynum’s departure, but don’t forget about Ward, who is one safety injury away from seeing the playing field.
He might turn some heads if inserted into the lineup. He’s the next man up.
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