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The Minnesota Vikings are facing a significant salary cap crunch, with a $46 million overage and total liabilities of $358 million. Key players like Brian ONeill, Jonathan Greenard, and T.J. Hockenson have large cap hits but no guaranteed money in 2026. The team must make tough decisions, including potential restructures, cuts, or trades, to trim the fat without weakening the roster.

The Minnesota Vikings concluded their 2025 season on a triumphant note, securing a five-game winning streak and a Christmas Day victory over the Detroit Lions, which secured a season sweep. Despite both teams finishing 9-8, the Vikings secured third place in the NFC North, ahead of the Lions, due to a tiebreaker. This third-place finish sets a challenging path for 2026, with a schedule filled with third-place matchups from other divisions, including the San Francisco 49ers, Washington Commanders, and Indianapolis Colts, alongside their usual NFC North rivals. The Vikings have nine home games and eight away games, with home games against the Bears, Lions, Packers, Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, Washington Commanders, and Indianapolis Colts, and away games against the Bears, Lions, Packers, New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New England Patriots, New York Jets, and San Francisco 49ers. The Vikings late-season momentum could propel them far if they build on it, but the schedule presents a real challenge.

Minnesota Vikings Will Fries and other teammates rally behind QB J.J. McCarthy, praising his leadership and potential, despite his up-and-down rookie season.

The Minnesota Vikings face a crucial decision as defensive coordinator Brian Flores contract expires. If he leaves, Daronte Jones and Mike Siravo are strong internal candidates to maintain his scheme. External options include Jonathan Gannon, Raheem Morris, and Brandon Staley. The choice will significantly impact the teams future.

NFL Draft 2026: Minnesota Vikings Key Needs and Potential Picks The Minnesota Vikings are gearing up for the 2026 NFL Draft, focusing on filling crucial gaps in their roster. Their pass defense, while impressive, lacks a standout cornerback. Safety is another priority with Harrison Smiths potential retirement. Running backs Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason, while serviceable, arent game-changers. Tight end support for rookie QB J.J. McCarthy is also thin. The draft offers opportunities to address these needs. The secondary could benefit from a top corner in the first round or rookies who can step in immediately. Safety prospects like Caleb Downs, Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Jalon Kilgore, Keon Sabb, or Michael Taaffee could fit well. Running backs like Nicholas Singleton, Jadarian Price, Demond Claiborne, or Jonah Coleman could provide quality depth in later rounds. Tight end is a need, with T.J. Hockensons production declining and Josh Oliver not a starter. The class is weak after Kenyon Sadiq, but day-two picks like Max Klare, Eli Stowers, or Oscar Delp could contribute. Center is a potential void, with few prospects having experience at the position. Connor Lew, if healthy, could be a day-two steal and long-term solution. Free agency and trades could impact these plans, but the draft provides a clear path for the Vikings to build around J.J. McCarthy and contend for playoffs.

In the latest mock draft, Trevor Sikkema predicts the Minnesota Vikings will select Tennessee cornerback Colton Hood in the 2026 NFL Draft. Hoods aggressive playstyle and ability to excel in off-coverage make him an ideal fit for the Vikings defense, which has struggled this season. Adding Hood to the roster would provide much-needed depth at cornerback and potentially transform the teams defensive performance.

Brian Flores, once controversial head coach, now thriving as Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator, has a chance at another head coaching gig with the Atlanta Falcons. His connection with Matt Ryan, whos joining the Falcons front office, could pave the way for a fresh opportunity.

Kirk Cousins contract restructure with the Falcons opens up trade opportunities, potentially leading to a Minnesota Vikings reunion. The team, seeking insurance behind rookie J.J. McCarthy, could secure Cousins cheaply or let him hit free agency, sparking offseason buzz.

The Minnesota Vikings coaching staff faces significant changes this offseason, with defensive backs coach and passing game coordinator Daronte Jones interviewing for defensive coordinator roles with the New York Jets and Dallas Cowboys. The Vikings defense, led by Jones, had a strong season despite injuries and relying on a small group of cornerbacks. Jones, a rising star with a background in the NFL and college, is seen as a prime candidate for a head coaching role if Flores leaves. The Vikings could lose key coaches but also promote from within, setting the stage for more developments in the coming weeks.