The Hottest Questions Facing the Vikings This Offseason
The Minnesota Vikings’ offseason will pick up more steam next week, with the NFL Combine getting underway, while the club has already re-signed defensive coordinator Brian Flores to an extension and unexpectedly fired general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. The following is a list of unanswered burning questions.
From quarterback clarity to roster building, here are the key questions Minnesota must answer as the NFL Combine approaches and decisions pile up.
It’s perfectly normal to have unanswered questions in February. Still, onlookers are chomping at the bit to learn more about the 2026 squad.
Where the Vikings’ Offseason Pressure Points Begin in 2026
A full list of burning questions, ranked from hot to hottest at No. 1.
5. Is Jordan Addison’s 5th-Year Option a No-Brainer?
Law enforcement in these United States has arrested Addison thrice since the Vikings drafted him in 2023. Like it or not, the guy is a headache. Addison is also a productive and electric headache, whose skill set on a football field is undeniable when his quarterback is worth a damn.
Addison is probably the Vikings’ best draft pick since Christian Darrisaw — five years ago. Would they really let their one big draft success story walk? A clue will be provided before May 1st, when Minnesota’s revised management team must either opt in to Addison’s fifth-year rookie option or decline it. Addison will probably be locked in for Year No. 5, but folks will believe it when they see it.
4. How Much Will the Vikings Spend in Free Agency on a Small Budget?
Last year at this time, Minnesota had about $70 million to spend on alluring free agents. Right now, they’re underwater by about $40 million. That’s a $110 million turnaround — and not in a good way.
No one disputes that interim general manager Rob Brzezinski will clear cap space to become compliant before the new league year. That’s what he does, and he does it masterfully.
But after cap space is unearthed, will the Vikings target bargain-bin free agents, or truly be in play for game-changers like Baltimore Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum, who could be a Hall of Famer in training?
3. Who’s the New RB, if Any?
Here’s the statistical skinny to know:
Vikings Rushing DVOA,
NFL Ranking,
in the Kevin O’Connell Era:
2022: 27th
2023: 27th
2024: 20th
2025: 17th
Minnesota must formulate a running back plan that emphasizes utility and efficiency. That probably isn’t Aaron Jones at RB1, who will turn 32 during the 2026 regular season.
So, will Brzezinski and O’Connell target a free agent like Travis Etienne or Breece Hall? Or will they draft a big-name running back for the first time since Dalvin Cook — nine years ago?
The Vikings must go all-in in their quest to find a true bellcow RB1. It may be O’Connell’s only chance to marshal a Top 10 offense for the first time.
2. Who Will the Vikings Draft at Pick No. 18?
Without a true general manager, Minnesota’s Round 1 draft strategy is utterly unpredictable. Will it choose a cornerback, which is probably the most grave long-term need? Or will the Vikings get funky and pick a tight end, like Oregon’s Kenyon Sadiq, who might be the best player available at No. 18?
Regardless, the Vikings’ draft pick will probably be a man from this long list:
- Caleb Banks (DT, Florida)
- Brandon Cisse (CB, South Carolina)
- KC Concepcion (WR, Texas A&M)
- Mansoor Delane (CB, LSU)
- Colton Hood (CB, Tennessee)
- CJ Allen (LB, Georgia)
- Makai Lemon (WR, USC)
- Kayden McDonald (DT, Ohio State)
- Jermod McCoy (CB, Tennessee)
- Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (S, Toledo)
- Kenyon Sadiq (TE, Oregon)
- Sonny Styles (LB, Ohio State)
- Aveion Terrell (CB, Clemson)
- Dillon Thieneman (Oregon)
- Jordyn Tyson (WR, Arizona State)
- Peter Woods (DT, Clemson)
Who’s it gonna be?
1. An Extra QB Is on the Way. What’s His Name?
O’Connell, point-blank, said at the onset of the offseason that his objective is to build a deep quarterback room. That does not mean re-signing Carson Wentz and calling it good.
The Vikings will find another competent quarterback from free agency or via trade; it’s just a matter of who.
The list of options is huge:
- Aaron Rodgers
- Anthony Richardson (trade)
- Carson Wentz
- Case Keenum
- Daniel Jones
- Davis Mills (trade)
- Derek Carr (trade)
- Drew Lock (trade)
- Gardner Minshew
- Geno Smith (trade)
- Jake Browning
- Jalen Milroe (trade)
- Jameis Winston (trade)
- Jimmy Garoppolo
- Joe Flacco
- Kenny Pickett
- Kirk Cousins
- Kyler Murray (trade)
- Mac Jones (trade)
- Malik Willis
- Marcus Mariota
- Mitchell Trubisky
- Russell Wilson
- Spencer Rattler (trade)
- Teddy Bridgewater
- Tua Tagovailoa (trade)
- Tyrod Taylor
- Will Levis (trade)
- Zach Wilson
The guy can either compete with J.J. McCarthy or serve as a strong backup. Choose your fighter.
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