PFF Names the Vikings’ 2026 Breakout Player
It’s exactly who you think it is. Pro Football Focus has identified a breakout player for each NFL team in 2026, and according to Dalton Wasserman, the Minnesota Vikings’ breakout candidate is Dallas Turner.
Turner’s flashes set the table, and Minnesota’s EDGE usage gives him a clear lane to break out in 2026.
Turner came on strong around the middle of the season in 2025, his second campaign in the pros, and never really looked back.
Turner’s Second-Year Path Has a Clear Statistical Payoff
Minnesota is really due for a true draft success story.
Vikings’ Breakout per PFF? Turner.
Wasserman found one 2026 breakout possibility for each NFL team this week, and on Turner, he argued, “Turner may have finally found his footing during the second half of this season. From Weeks 10 through 18, the former first-round pick racked up 24 pressures and seven sacks while ranking 16th among qualified edge rushers in PFF pass-rush grade (76.5).”
“Turner also seemed to find further comfort in run defense, which could make him a more viable three-down player in 2026.”
Forecasting Turner as a breakout is a welcome sight for Vikings fans, as the franchise paid a small fortune to get him in the 2024 NFL Draft.
The 2025 Statistical Returns
As a rookie in 2024, Turner logged 3 sacks, 5 QB hits, an interception, and 3 tackles for loss while playing 28% of defensive snaps. He experienced enhanced playing time in Year No. 2, especially when Jonathan Greenard got hurt, and saw action on 66% of all snaps.
Statistically, he improved — everywhere. Turner logged 8 sacks, 15 QB hits, 11 tackles for loss, and 4 forced fumbles. He turned into a “problem” for opposing quarterbacks and proved to the masses why the Vikings drafted him in Round 1.
Pro Football Focus assigned Turner a 66.4 overall grade, up a few points from 2024 when he checked in at 63.9. It’s also worth noting that Turner stuffed running backs with ease; some EDGE rushers are one-trick ponies in rushing quarterbacks. That’s not Turner.
Our Kyle Joudry recently noted on Turner and players who must step up, “Turner had a mini breakout, albeit one that was somewhat muted. The No. 17 selection from 2024 led the Vikings with 8 sacks. More broadly, there were 66 tackles, 15 quarterback hits, 11 tackles for loss, 3 passes defended, and 4 forced fumbles.”
“He offered these numbers within seventeen games, starting ten. Mr. Turner took a nice step forward but will need to continue elevating. The trade cost was massive, meaning the production and impact need to be, as well. Anything less than being a full-time terror for the opposing quarterback will mean the Turner trade gets looked at with some regret.”
Until the middle of 2025, some impatient fans even called Turner a “bust.”
Joudry added, “The Vikings are desperate for young players to step up. Seeing substantial internal growth from the few young fellas who have carved out a meaningful role would go a long way in making the 2026 season more successful than the 2025 season.”
“That reality will be particularly prominent if the source of that internal growth takes place at positions as vital as QB, EDGE, and K.”
Same Role in 2026?
The unique part is that Turner’s role may not change much in 2026. Why? Well, the aforementioned Greenard and teammate Andrew Van Ginkel remain under contract next year, and it’s not like either man is benchable. Ask yourself: Would you bench Greenard or Van Ginkel? Probably not. Both are stellar football players.
So, yes, the Vikings have a champagne problem with Turner. The club has too many damn outside linebackers.
There’s a small chance that Greenard could be traded this offseason, perhaps if Minnesota pursues a high-profile quarterback like Joe Burrow, Lamar Jackson, or Kyler Murray. If so, Turner would slide into a starting OLB role in 2026. That would be his cue to feast.
Other Vikings’ Breakouts
Turner isn’t the only Viking with breakout stakes in 2026. These players could be hit with the same label — at least the possibility of it — by the time August and September roll around:
— Tai Felton (WR)
— Donovan Jackson (LG)
— J.J. McCarthy (QB)
Too, some fans could envision a more pronounced role for players like Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins (DT) and Jay Ward (S).
McCarthy is obviously the most critical breakout candidate next season. The kicker there, though, is whether he makes it to September as the unabashed QB1. He may not, depending on Minnesota’s quarterback strategy in March and April.
Turner will turn 23 next week.
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