The biggest remaining question at each position
The Vikings made a couple moves on the offensive line on Thursday. What does the depth chart look like now?
By Matthew Coller
With the first wave of free agency in the books, the Minnesota Vikings roster has changed quite a bit. Let’s take a deep dive into the depth chart and the biggest question for each position…
Note: The depth chart does not include practice squad players and players signed to compete for spots in camp. It’s players who would be locks for the 53-man roster.
Quarterback
JJ McCarthy, Brett Rypien
What’s happened so far: Sam Darnold signed with the Seahawks, Daniel Jones left for Indy, Nick Mullens signed with the Jaguars
Biggest question: Who’s the backup?
As per usual, the list of backup quarterbacks available isn’t going to get anybody too excited about the QB2 decision. After players like Marcus Mariota, Gardner Minshew, Mac Jones, Mason Rudolph and Taylor Heinicke came off the board, the best available free agents heading into Friday include Cooper Rush, Carson Wentz, Easton Stick, Joe Flacco, Drew Lock and Jameis Winston.
The goal should be to find someone who largely benefits McCarthy with their experience in the QB room and could keep the Vikings in a playoff race if needed.
Running back
Aaron Jones, Ty Chandler, CJ Ham
What’s happened so far: Jones re-signed on a two-year deal
Biggest question: Will they draft a RB?
The running back prices in free agency were not as high as expected, which might leave some opportunity for the Vikings to add another one (JK Dobbins?) on the cheap or they could ask Cam Akers to return again. But there isn’t another free agent runner who is going to offer the potential upside of a prospect in the draft. Whether it’s in the first or third round, there is so much talent in the draft that they could find a partner for Jones without spending major draft capital.
Wide receiver
Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, Jalen Nailor
What’s happened so far: Trent Sherfield signed with the Broncos
Biggest question: Who will fill out the depth chart?
There isn’t much to complain about with the Vikings top three receivers but there is room for one more player if they want to invest in another veteran. Because Jefferson, Addison and Nailor have similar skillsets as downfield receivers, there could be room for improvement with an underneath option. Maybe that comes in the form of a veteran like Cooper Kupp or Keenan Allen or someone with upside like Elijah Moore. The Athletic reported the Vikings are interested in Kupp.
Addison also might end up getting suspended for his DUI charge last offseason. That could increase the need for a reliable veteran in the mix.
A wild idea floated by CBS Sports draft analyst Chris Trapasso on the Purple Insider podcast was the Vikings considering a wide receiver. Not only going for a Three Deep situation but also looking down the road at what a potential Addison extension might cost. It’s probably an extreme long shot but good receivers are hard to find outside the draft.
Tight end
TJ Hockenson, Josh Oliver
What’s happened so far: Johnny Mundt signed with the Jaguars
Biggest question: Who’s TE3?
After losing Mundt to the Jaguars and having Nick Muse poached by the Eagles, the TE3 spot is open. There are a lot of players on the market who could fit the role, including former Viking Tyler Conklin, ex-Colts Kylen Granson, Mo-Allie Cox, Washington blocker John Bates, old friend MyCole Pruitt and a number of other role-player types.
Interior offensive line
Ryan Kelly, Will Fries, Blake Brandel, Michael Jurgens
What’s happened so far: Signed Ryan Kelly and Will Fries
Biggest question: Are they planning on sticking with Brandel? Who’s playing left guard?
On Thursday the Vikings were able to find a trade partner for Ed Ingram, sending him to the Houston Texans for a 2026 sixth-round pick. It was also reported that they will either trade or release Garrett Bradbury.
That leaves a shortage of bodies on the interior O-line. The Vikings might move 2024 draft pick Walter Rouse from tackle to guard after he impressed in training camp but with the investment in Kelly and Fries they don’t appear poised to hold an open competition for the left guard spot. It seems much more likely that they will either draft someone or pick up a remaining veteran or both.
Brandel showed potential last year and could be in the mix to battle for a job but it does look like they are dead set on an overhaul.
The draft has several top-notch guard prospects who could be available at the back end of the first round, highlighted by NDSU’s Grey Zabel and Alabama’s Tyler Booker. The free agent market still features Mekhi Becton, Teven Jenkins, Brandon Scherff, Will Hernandez, Dalton Risner and a handful of others with playing experience.
Tackle
Christian Darrisaw, Brian O’Neill, Walter Rouse, Justin Skule
What’s happened so far: Signed Justin Skule
Biggest question: Nothing
The Vikings shored up the depth at tackle by signing Justin Skule (pronounced like “school” if you were wondering) on Thursday. Skule is 28 and played a handful of snaps for the Bucs with decent results last season. He should be a reliable option if either Darrisaw’s recovery from an ACL tear is slowed or if they need him in spot work. David Quessenberry gave them some valuable snaps amidst injuries last year but also showed his age when he got into games.
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