Bleacher Report Connects Vikings to Lions Free Agent
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell said this week at the NFL’s league meetings that his team will likely roll with Blake Brandel at center in 2026, while possibly drafting a rookie in three weeks, but according to Bleacher Report, O’Connell should take the plunge with free-agent Graham Glasgow of the Detroit Lions.
Glasgow gives the rumor mill a credible veteran option if the Vikings realize Brandel isn’t quite cut out for the starting job.
The recommendation is unlikely to come to fruition, but if something injury-wise rattled Brandel, stranger things have happened.
Glasgow Enters the Vikings Rumor Mill
Would you prefer Glasgow over Brandel?
Bleacher Report: Vikings Should Sign Glasgow
BR’s Gary Davenport sized up each NFL team this week, defining one free agent who made the most sense. For the Vikings, Glasgow got the call.
He wrote, “There’s no shortage of drama under center in the Twin Cities this year, where the acquisition of Kyler Murray sets up a summer-long battle with J.J. McCarthy for the right to be Minnesota’s starting quarterback in 2026.”
“But after veteran Ryan Kelly retired, the spot in front of the quarterback is a question mark as well—the team’s top center as things stand now (Blake Brandel) hasn’t played 400 snaps at center over a five-year career. Graham Glasgow played almost 900 snaps at center for the Detroit Lions last year alone.”
Glasgow has played 14 games against the Vikings in his career, so if the name sounds familiar, you’ve got the right guy.
Davenport added, “In a decade-long career spent in Detroit and Denver, Glasgow has played extensively at all three positions on the interior of the offensive line. At 33, Glasgow’s best football is probably behind him.”
“But he was a capable starter last year in Detroit, giving up just a single sack and committing two penalties across 873 snaps per Pro Football Focus.”
Glasgow’s Resume
Glasgow was a 3rd-Round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, spending his rookie contract in Detroit, bouncing to the Denver Broncos in free agency for three years, and returning to Detroit from 2023 to 2025. He’s 6’6″ and 315 pounds, with durability as one of his usual calling cards.
All told, he’s played 147 games in the NFL, while starting 136 — or about 93%
Here’s his Pro Football Focus resume since 2016:
- 2025: 56.8
- 2024: 57.2
- 2023: 74.9
- 2022: 59.3
- 2021: 65.1
- 2020: 68.5
- 2019: 74.1
- 2018: 71.1
- 2017: 70.6
- 2016: 53.7
Glasgow began his career as a better pass protector than run blocker, but those characteristics have shifted recently. His next contract will probably pay him around $5 million or $6 million per season, likely a one-year deal.
Brandel, Jurgens, and the Draft
The Vikings revealed Brandel as the frontrunner to start at center in Week 1 of 2026 this week, with O’Connell telling reporters at league meetings that it’s basically his job to lose. The skipper also hinted that his team could draft a center next month, as the upcoming rookie class has about half a dozen promising options starting somewhere in Round 2 or 3 and going through the end of Round 6.
Meanwhile, Minnesota drafted Michael Jurgens late in the 2024 NFL Draft. He saw playing time last year when Ryan Kelly got hurt, and it wouldn’t be unheard of for Jurgens to compete for the starting job at training camp.
Minnesota could also buck the Glasgow idea, walk back the Brandel love affair, and sign a free agent like Ethan Pocic, who remains on the open market.
Other FA Needs
Per O’Connell’s comments, it doesn’t seem like the Vikings will rush to the free-agent wire to sign Glasgow or any new center. Still, the roster may need some maintenance, now or after the draft, and two areas stand out.
The Vikings let Jalen Nailor, the WR3 from 2024 and 2025, leave in free agency to the Las Vegas Raiders. If they don’t have plans for second-year wideout Tai Felton at that spot, Minnesota would need a free agent like DeAndre Hopkins, Tyreek Hill, Deebo Samuel, or Stefon Diggs for the WR3 job. Interim general manager Rob Brzezinski could also draft another wide receiver.
Additionally, Minnesota said goodbye to two defensive tackles earlier this month: Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave. If it doesn’t use early-round draft capital on players like Peter Woods, Kayden McDonald, Caleb Banks, or Lee Hunter, the Vikings may explore a free-agent DT like DJ Reader or Christian Wilkins.
The Vikings have just over $4 million in cap space heading into April.
Glasgow will turn 34 this summer and should have no problem finding work before Week 1.
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