These Vikings Players Have the Most to Lose This Season

Dustin Baker |

May 11, 2025

Jan 13, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Dallas Turner (15) against the Los Angeles Rams during an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.

The Minnesota Vikings are about 11 weeks away from training camp, the forum that will begin to sort out roster battles and formulate a 53-man roster.

Like every season, many Vikings players have pivotal campaigns afoot.

The regular season begins six weeks after that, and the Vikings are expected to win around eight or nine games, according to Vegas.

And when the team arrives at the regular season, these players have the most to lose, per Vikings fans.

Question to the panel: Who has it all on the line — the “put up or shut up” guy in 2025? We can probably exclude J.J. McCarthy because he gets rookie grace, but everyone else is fair game.

1. Jalen Nailor (WR)

The Fan with the Take:
Tadd | @ST7Cubs

Sep 22, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota wide receiver Jalen Nailor (83) catches a pass for a touchdown against the Houston Texans safety Jimmie Ward (20) in the third quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

Heading into his final season under contract, and with new competition on the roster, Nailor either proves he’s truly a WR3 or risks getting lost in the shuffle. It’s a good question. Not many Vikings players fall in this category, in my opinion. It’s either a) we know they’re good, b) they’re getting paid next year no matter what, or C) no real expectations.

2. Mekhi Blackmon (CB)

The Fan with the Take:
Steve Berglund | @VIkesin18

Nov 5, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Van Jefferson (15) tries to make a catch over Minnesota cornerbacks Mekhi Blackmon (5) and Byron Murphy Jr. (7) on the final play of the game during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports.

Other guys like Nailor probably face a little more urgency because it’s his final year. But Blackmon showed spurts in his rookie year and then lost all of last year to injury. He should be healthy, and he will get a lot of playing time right now penciled in at CB3. If he comes through with a good year, he’s looking at an extension this time next year. If he doesn’t, the Vikings almost surely spend a high pick on a CB in the next draft.

3. Brian O’Neill (RT)

The Fan with the Take:
Ivan, Czar of Bohunks | @Up4Discussion_7

Sep 14, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Minnesota offensive tackle Brian O’Neill (75) against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports.

It’s not a sexy answer, but the answer undoubtedly is Brian O’Neill. 2026 will be the last year of his contract, and for a 30-year-old RT, he may only have one big payday left. I have total faith in him, though; he’s a staple of this Vikings team.

t4. Dallas Turner (OLB)

The Fan with the Take:
Eric Horstman | @EHorstman23

Nov 17, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Dallas Turner (15) against the Tennessee Titans during the first half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images.

This may sound crazy since Andrew Van Ginkel and Jonathan Greenard are still ahead of him, but I will say Dallas Turner. He must show he can get on the field and stay there regardless of who is ahead of him. Hoping he can take a big leap this offseason.

t4. Dallas Turner (OLB)

The Fan with the Take:
Chris | @Skol227

Jan 13, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Minnesota linebacker Dallas Turner (15) against the Los Angeles Rams during an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.

He gets more playing time this year and has to show why we traded up for him.

t5. Jordan Addison (WR)

The Fan with the Take:
Skol Tom | @SKOLfromWI

Oct 29, 2023; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Minnesota wide receiver Jordan Addison (3) celebrates with fans after scoring a touchdown in the third quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports.

I’ll argue that Jordan Addison has the most to lose this season. While his on-field production has been absolutely stellar, he’s gotten into trouble off the field two off-seasons in a row. With a suspension looming and the potential for a new contract/extension coming soon, he needs to keep his nose clean while keeping up the production. Jordan Addison has the most to lose this season.

t5. Jordan Addison (WR)

The Fan with the Take:
Bruce Johnson | @sachikojohnson

vikings — Nov 5, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Minnesota wide receiver Jordan Addison (3) shown on the field prior to the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports.

I would say Addison. If he gets suspended for three games and perhaps misses a few more games due to a nagging injury, which might also affect his performance, he will not be setting himself up for the huge second contract.

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