Vikings Must Readdress One Area of the Team in 2026
The Minnesota Vikings went big in free agency last year to bolster the interior defensive line, but fast-forward a year, and it’s still an area the team needs to address.
Interior Defensive Line Still Looms as a 2026 Priority
The Vikings desperately needed to add some pass rush to their IDL for the 2025 season. They did so by signing a couple of aging veterans on the back of injury hits and down seasons, in the form of Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen. Both players had their moments but also struggled, and ultimately signing both to big contracts doesn’t look like a great decision. Minnesota probably has to move on from at least one of them to make savings against the salary cap.
Former Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah also made the surprising move to trade away starting nose tackle Harrison Phillips before the 2025 season began. His absence left the Vikings’ run defense floundering at times last season.
The good news was that Jalen Redmond truly emerged as one of the Vikings’ best defensive players, showing ability in run defense and pass rushing. He should now be the pillar to build the rest of the team’s defensive line around.
The Future of the Vikings IDL
The Vikings have some decent depth players at IDL, including Levi Drake Rodriguez, Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, and Taki Taimani. Unless one of those shows incredible progression, they may stay as depth pieces, while the Vikings will have to look at replacing Hargrave and Allen — both at 30+, they were never long-term solutions.
The best way to find a long-term solution is through the draft, and I certainly wouldn’t rule out Minnesota using an early draft pick to address this area of the team. If Clemson’s Peter Woods slid down the board, he would be a great option.
Other interior defenders that are receiving first-round buzz include Caleb Banks and Kayden McDonald — the latter was sent to Minnesota in Pro Football Focus’ latest mock draft. Alternatively, new general manager Rob Brzezinski could use one of his three Day 2 draft picks to address the position.
The Vikings could also look to bring in another, preferably younger, veteran into the mix. Once again, looking to free agency, although there’s not a great deal of quality at a young age available. Levi Onwuzirike is perhaps the standout candidate. Or they could look to trade for Daron Payne, a player who could be available.
Whatever happens over the next few months, I would expect there to be some turnaround on the Vikings’ defensive line. Preferably, it will involve getting younger and more talented.
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