VikingsTerritory Staff Predicts the Vikings’ Next Roster Move
The Minnesota Vikings have roughly $13 million in cap space, two weeks before training camp, and a new general manager chomping at the bit to make an impact. Before long, that man, Nolan Teasley, will make his next roster move, and we’ve asked our writers to predict it.
Question to our writers: “What is your prediction for the Vikings’ next roster move. It can be a trade, extension, free-agent signing — whatever you want.”
Here are their responses.
OLB Help Leads the Staff Forecasts
1. Harrison Smith Returns
Predictor: Wes Johnson
Smith has been contemplating retirement for a few offseasons, but I anticipate the safety will return for one more year. Minnesota values his communication, and Brian Flores relies on him to organize the secondary pre-snap.
Should Smith return for his 15th season, it would likely be on a team-friendly deal with a reduced snap count. That would allow a younger safety like Jay Ward to see increased playing time, while Smith could focus on crucial spots in games.
The Vikings won’t expect him to perform as he did five years ago. Instead, they need the most intelligent version of Smith for one final pursuit of a Super Bowl.
2. OL Liam Eichenberg Signed
Predictor: Dustin Baker
Eichenberg didn’t play last year due to injuries, and his career may be in jeopardy as a result. But for the purposes of this exercise, let’s assume he’s given a clean bill of health.
Needing depth at guard and versatility from a guy who can play center, the Vikings make sense for Eichenberg because of his connection to new assistant head coach Frank Smith. The pair crossed paths in Miami from 2022 to 2024.
On a cheap prove-it deal, Eichenberg signs to battle for backup guard roster spot.
3. Nothing Meaningful
Predictor: Tony Schultz
At first glance, I think most would look internally and try to buffer the salary cap. That would mean extending Brian O’Neill, who is at the top of the list. But if that was going to happen, why hasn’t it? New GM Nolan Teasley may have a plan to let his contract run out at the end of the year and go from there, rather than pushing the 31-year-old right tackle’s pay down the road.
They may also feel Caleb Tiernan will be ready by next year, making him expendable. In the end, other than the normal comings and goings of training camp bodies you’ve barely or never heard of, I think they do nothing of major consequence to the team. Teasley will eventually put his mark on the team in a big way, but I don’t think we’ll see it until the 2027 offseason.
t4. Brian O’Neill Extended
Predictor: Adam New
O’Neill will turn 31 in September and is in the last year of his contract. The Vikings absolutely should extend his stay in Minnesota with a new contract, and it should come sooner rather than later. O’Neill has become a Mr. Dependable on the right side of the offensive line and should be able to keep his standards up through another three- or four-year contract.
t4. Brian O’Neill Extended
Predictor: Josh Frey
Despite some flaws over the years, the Vikings have solved one of the more crucial positions on the roster: offensive tackle. Brian O’Neill is one half of that, and he has at least a few more years of quality football left in him. They should keep this tandem in place.
t4. Brian O’Neill Extended
Predictor: Sean Borman
This one isn’t overly complicated. The Vikings will re-sign O’Neill for another few years because why would they let their longest-tenured player walk away? O’Neill is also outstanding and consistent.
5. Signing Joey Bosa
Predictor: Ted Schwerzler
The EDGE rusher group still needs help after the Jonathan Greenard trade, and Joey Bosa is a free agent. Minnesota can find a match there and feel confident about their EDGEs going into the season.
6. Jadeveon Clowney Signed
Predictor: Cole Smith
My prediction for the Vikings’ next roster move is to sign Jadeveon Clowney. His prior history with Nolan Teasley helps, and he will be able to provide pass-rushing juice off the bench.
t7. OLB Signing
Predictor: Steve Hoikkala
Ever since the Jonathan Greenard trade, there has been concern about depth at EDGE behind Andrew Van Ginkel and Dallas Turner. With the team not addressing the position in the draft, it is my opinion that they will look to sign someone this offseason.
Names out there as options could be Jadeveon Clowney, who is my preferred signing, Haason Reddick, who has recently been rumored as a possibility for the Vikings, or Kyle Van Noy.
t8. OLB Signing
Predictor: Ali Siddiqui
Jadeveon Clowney would be the best option, but others are still out there. Either Joey Bosa, Leonard Floyd, Kyle Van Noy, or Haason Reddick would work too.
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