O'Neill extension, step to Vikings' line being long-term powerhouse
What Brian O'Neill's Extensions Means for Future of Vikings' Offensive Line
Breaking down the long-term outlook for the Vikings' offensive line after Brian O'Neill gets locked down with a major contract exension.
The Minnesota Vikings hired a new general manager after the 2026 NFL Draft, and the team has been busy trying to make adjustments to make this year's team more competitive than the squad that took the field last year.
One of the biggest issues for the Vikings from last season was the offense. Although the defense kept the team in many games, which helped them finish with a winning record, the team could have been a contender with an average offense to put points on the board.
While many fans will point a finger at the quarterback play, that wasn't the only issue. Injuries and ineffectiveness at multiple positions kept the purple and gold from putting enough points on the board to make the postseason.
Brian O'Neill extension another step to Vikings' line being long-term powerhouse
Protection for the quarterback and creating holes for running backs need to be a priority for the Minnesota Vikings in 2026 and beyond. That starts with assembling a competent offensive line and locking down the best parts to make sure there is stability for many years to come.
Locking down starting right tackle Brian O'Neill with a contract extension was a huge step toward getting continuity and ensuring that the Vikings have the potential to improve upon their up-and-down offense from last season.
While O'Neill is a great player who deserved that extension, the offensive line is a unit where they need talent at every spot. Thankfully, the purple and gold seem to be on the right track for creating a strong offensive line for the future.
Here are the situations for the projected starters on the offensive line:
Left tackle: Christian Darrisaw - One of the top offensive tackles in the NFL, the Vikings have Darrisaw signed through the 2029 NFL season. His four-year deal worth $104 million makes him the 13th-highest-paid player at his position in the NFL in 2026, which should be considered a bargain if he can stay healthy.
Left guard: Donovan Jackson - Jackson was the Vikings' first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, and once he stepped into the lineup, he looked like he could solidify that position for a long time. Since he is entering the second year of his rookie deal, he will be an inexpensive asset for Minnesota and is under contract through the 2028 season.
Center: Blake Brandel - Formerly a swing tackle, Brandel was forced into the Vikings' starting lineup at center when Ryan Kelly missed time with a concussion. He was good in that role, and it should earn him a starting job in 2026. He is set to become a free agent after this season if he is not extended, but first the purple and gold need to figure out if he is their long-term answer at the position.
Right guard: Will Fries - Last offseason, Fries signed a five-year deal with Minnesota worth $87.72 million. Like Darrisaw, he is under contract through the 2029 season and should be considered a strong asset for the interior of the line.
Right tackle: Brian O'Neill - The new contract extension for O'Neill locks him in through the 2030 NFL season. Although it's a hefty investment in the 30-year-old blocker, it takes care of a major team need with a player who has proven to be able to play at a high level.
The tackles and guards for the Minnesota Vikings are locked down through the 2028 season, with only the center as the question mark on the unit. Considering how important the offensive line will be for the team going forward, this investment should pay dividends for the purple and gold.
LIVE WELL ~ LOVE MUCH ~ LAUGH OFTEN
Well, their intentions have certainly been honorable lately re: OL...
Hurry-up Vikings, we ain't getting any younger!
Based on the entire body of work, it looks to me like Fries may be the weak link. He did not earn the hefty payday he signed in FA last year, based on his performance on the field. JMHO.
Please God, just one Lombardi before I die.
Montana Tom wrote:
Based on the entire body of work, it looks to me like Fries may be the weak link. He did not earn the hefty payday he signed in FA last year, based on his performance on the field. JMHO.
Given Fries tape , that he was recovering from injury , and the price tag , something was off about that signing.
JMO Unlikely Fried is a Viking in 2027 unless he plays lights out
Personal bias aside, Me thinks Teasley extends BB before Week #1.
Mattyman wrote:
Given Fries tape , that he was recovering from injury , and the price tag , something was off about that signing.
JMO Unlikely Fried is a Viking in 2027 unless he plays lights out
Personal bias aside, Me thinks Teasley extends BB before Week #1.
He's already making low-end starter money after we gave him a new 3-year deal two years ago. I think I'd want to see how he plays at center against real competition before committing to him long term. Having a 6-6 center and a 5-10 QB is not exactly how you'd write it up.
"Among Viking fans, optimism is an act of defiance." MaroonBells
“Hell is empty and all the devils are here”
Shakespeare
MaroonBells wrote:
Having a 6-6 center and a 5-10 QB is not exactly how you'd write it up.
I'd say having a 5'10" QB is probably problematic on its own, no matter the size of the center. No matter the talent level, they'll be some issues.
“Hell is empty and all the devils are here”
Shakespeare
Montana Tom wrote:
Based on the entire body of work, it looks to me like Fries may be the weak link. He did not earn the hefty payday he signed in FA last year, based on his performance on the field. JMHO.
This x 100. Did Indy dump 2 duds on us? Fries HAS to step up. If he can just be a top 50% Guard we should be good with the rest of the line we have. He breaks into the top 30% and we're going to have a legit OL.
Sadly not a peep about him from TC sooo....
Just 2 hard money years, makes complete sense and what I envisioned would be good for the Vikings. Nice to have it done.
Edit Post (mod action — author will see a notice)
Warn Poster
Suspend User (3 days)
The user will be suspended for 3 days and will receive an email with the reason and information about how to appeal.