Bleacher Report Names Top Contract Priority for Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings were not overly busy this offseason signing new players — they spent the least amount of dollars in the NFL — but the franchise does have some meaty contract extensions to hand out, or so goes the working theory.

According to the Bleacher Report, right tackle Brian O’Neill, the longest-tenured Viking if Harrison Smith does not return, should be the top extension priority. The theory also jibes with fan sentiment.

O’Neill’s Reliability Makes the Extension Case Easy

Brian O’Neill reacts with Cam Akers after a Vikings touchdown against the Bears. — Minnesota Vikings tackle Brian O’Neill celebrates with running back Cam Akers after a touchdown against the Chicago Bears at U.S. Bank Stadium. On Dec. 16, 2024, O’Neill helped anchor the offensive line as Minnesota gained momentum during a divisional matchup. The veteran right tackle continued another dependable season in the trenches. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.

BR: O’Neill Is Vikings’ Top Extension Candidate

BR’s Mo Moton defined the most important extension around the bend for each NFL team last week, and O’Neill got the nod in Minnesota.

Moton wrote, “O’Neill has been a model of consistency within the Vikings’ offensive line. He earned a couple of Pro Bowl nods in 2021 and 2024. Last season, the eighth-year veteran allowed just two sacks while on the field for 446 pass-blocking snaps, per Pro Football Focus.”

“According to ESPN’s Kevin Seifert, Minnesota is expected to resume extension talks with O’Neill after hiring general manager Nolan Teasley.”

It’s worth noting that extending O’Neill is not a hot take — it will likely happen soon.

The Production since 2018

O’Neill is an exceptional football player, evidenced by both his statistics and the eye test. Pro Football Focus data reveals O’Neill has played 7,900 career snaps — 4,840 in pass protection and 3,060 in run blocking. In 2025, he achieved an impressive overall grade of 81.6, with 76.4 in pass-blocking and an outstanding 84.5 in run-blocking, signifying top-tier tackle output.

O’Neill has also never received an overall PFF grade below 63.0 in any season. He’s that damn good.

Brian O’Neill celebrates after the Vikings defeated the Patriots at U.S. Bank Stadium. — Minnesota Vikings tackle Brian O’Neill celebrates following a victory over the New England Patriots at U.S. Bank Stadium. On Nov. 24, 2022, O’Neill helped Minnesota secure another win during a successful regular season campaign. The veteran lineman remained one of the franchise’s most consistent and dependable players along the offensive front. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports.

Selected 62nd overall in the 2nd Round of the 2018 NFL Draft, O’Neill has since played in 124 games, starting 120. His excellence earned him Pro Bowl selections in 2021 and 2024. For a team that historically struggled with offensive line stability, O’Neill has been a definitive solution — a live-saver, one might argue.

A No-Brainer to Extend

An extension for O’Neill should be a clear and non-debatable priority. He was instrumental in stabilizing the Vikings’ offensive line during the challenging 2018-2021 period, when the trenches often felt like a weekly disaster.

At 30 years old, O’Neill is not old for a quality offensive tackle either. This is not a scenario in which significant resources are being committed to a 35-year-old with declining performance. A three-year extension, for example, would align perfectly with his age and projected performance window.

While the Vikings drafted Caleb Tiernan in the 3rd Round of the 2026 NFL Draft, that does not automatically designate Tiernan as O’Neill’s immediate successor. Teams frequently draft talented players for their value. The Vikings’ evident appreciation for Tiernan can coexist with O’Neill remaining a crucial component of the team’s long-term strategy. Think of Tiernan as the “best player available” on the Vikings’ draftboard at the time.

VikingsWire‘s Andrew Harbaugh noted last week, “The Minnesota Vikings have made it a point to make sure they are protecting whoever is under center with a strong offensive line. They have done a good job drafting their bookend tackles while showing off their front office skills, while building the interior in a variety of ways.”

“One of those pieces is entering his final year on his deal. Offensive tackle Brian O’Neill has been around the team while contract talks go on, some have started to give them replacements in mock drafts. O’Neill does not get enough credit for being one of the better offensive tackles in the NFL. The Vikings know what they have but with a new front office now in place, it will be interesting to see how this ends up going for all parties involved.”

What about the Linebackers?

While O’Neill’s extension should be the first in line, a couple of Vikings’ linebackers need their cups filled as well.

Blake Cashman reacts after recovering a fumble against the Rams in the NFC wild-card game. Brian O’Neill — Minnesota Vikings linebacker Blake Cashman reacts after recovering a fumble against the Los Angeles Rams during an NFC wild-card game at State Farm Stadium. On Jan. 13, 2025, Cashman delivered one of Minnesota’s biggest defensive plays in the postseason matchup. The veteran linebacker continued his productive first season with the Vikings. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.

Andrew Van Ginkel is scheduled to hit free agency in 2027, and because Minnesota traded Jonathan Greenard two months ago, it can’t really afford to lose more EDGE depth unless it has a plan to draft another outside linebacker next April. The Vikings added $23 million to Van Ginkel’s existing contract during the 2025 offseason. Perhaps they’ll do it again before the start of the regular season.

Off-ball linebacker Blake Cashman is also on deck for free agency in nine months. He recently turned 30, but inside linebackers aren’t as expensive as outside linebackers. Cashman is also a tackle machine.

Overall, O’Neill, Van Ginkel, and Cashman headline any would-be Vikings contract extension this summer or before 2027 free agency. It will be a glimpse into the decision-making soul of new general manager Nolan Teasley.