During the 2026 offseason, the Minnesota Vikings notably lost six main players: Jonathan Greenard (OLB), Jalen Nailor (WR), Jonathan Allen (DT), Javon Hargrave (DT), Ryan Wright (P) — and possibly Harrison Smith (S). That’s not an unprecedented level of turnover, but the roster changed significantly nevertheless.

Here’s a look at the potential new starters on defense, a percentage that could push 40% by the time Week 1 rolls around.

Minnesota’s Defensive Turnover Opens Several Starting Jobs

Out: Jonathan Allen (DT)
In: Caleb Banks (DT)

The Vikings don’t need Banks to become an All-Pro this summer; they just need him to be healthy.

If Banks is moving well by early August and participating without restrictions, Minnesota can feel confident that its medical evaluation was accurate and that a Week 1 debut is on track. However, if his recovery extends into training camp, questions will arise. Fans will wonder why the Vikings invested premium draft picks in a player with known injury concerns before the draft.

This sets the stage for one of the most compelling rookie storylines of the summer. Before the NFL Combine, Banks had a legitimate reputation as a 1st-Round talent. However, a broken bone in his foot altered that trajectory. Teams still valued his size, traits, and potential, but the injury caused him to drop in the draft.

Now, the Vikings are awaiting the outcome. OTAs, minicamp, and training camp will provide early indications of whether Minnesota secured a steal or took on more risk than necessary. The talent is undeniable; if his foot holds up, Banks has the potential to become one of the league’s top defensive linemen.

Regardless, Minnesota picked him to anchor the interior of the defensive line for the next 5-10 years. That may start as early as September.

Out: Javon Hargrave (DT)
In: Domonique Orange (DT)

Orange has one of the clearest paths to immediate playing time on the roster.

April began with Levi Drake Rodriguez projected as the likely nose tackle for 2026. However, after drafting Orange, the Vikings changed course. Unless something unexpected occurs this summer — which is not anticipated — Orange should have every opportunity to step in right away.

The circumstances also favor Orange. Unlike Banks, whose summer will revolve around health concerns, Orange’s evaluation will center on his football skills. Fans can expect quick answers, with little waiting involved. Orange is not hurt.

Nose tackle is a position that typically translates well from college to the NFL. The responsibilities are generally more straightforward than those of disruptive pass-rushing defensive tackles. Teams often need a big player who can anchor the middle and draw double teams. It resembles the safety position in that the success rate is generally higher. For the Vikings, Orange appears to be a relatively low-risk investment with ample upside.

So long as he can handle keeping Rodriguez at bay, Orange will be the guy at nose tackle in Week 1.

Out: Jonathan Greenard (OLB)
In: Dallas Turner (OLB)

The excuses are gone. For the first time in his career, Turner is entering a season with a starting job waiting for him. He won’t need an injury to another player, a rotational shuffle, or a special Brian Flores package to earn meaningful snaps.

The trade of Jonathan Greenard rocked the outside linebacker room and accelerated Turner’s timeline. Minnesota sent Greenard to Philadelphia in exchange for two 3rd-Round picks, creating an opportunity that now belongs to Turner. He showed flashes during Greenard’s absences over the past two seasons, but those opportunities never came consistently.

Now, they will.

The Vikings made a power move to select Turner in the 2024 NFL Draft. By the end of 2026, they will finally determine if that bold decision was worthwhile.

This was probably the plan all along when Kwesi Adofo-Mensah traded for and drafted Turner — get a couple of good years from Greenard and then turn to Turner for a few years on an affordable rookie contract. The time is now for Turner.

Out: Harrison Smith (S) — Maybe
In: Jay Ward (S) — Maybe

Ward has a genuine chance to make the 2026 season a career-defining one.

With Smith somewhat retired, there are safety snaps available, and Minnesota did not invest heavily in a proven replacement. The Vikings opted to pass on prospects like Dillon Thieneman and Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, leaving Ward, Theo Jackson, and rookie Jakobe Thomas vying for the role.

Ward has already hinted at his potential late last season. He quietly took on some of Jackson’s responsibilities and added a more aggressive edge to the secondary when Flores needed playmakers. His 250 defensive snaps yielded a 70.4 PFF grade, providing a solid footing for a larger role.

Timing is crucial. Ward is entering the final year of his contract and must demonstrate that he can be more than just a rotational player. The opportunity is there; now he just needs to seize it.