These Were the Biggest Losers of Vikings Offseason

The Minnesota Vikings had some vivid “winners” this offseason, including center Blake Brandel, who is on tap to start at center after the club added no starting-caliber alternative, and wide receiver Justin Jefferson, who now has Kyler Murray to throw him the pigskin on Sundays.

But what about the losers? The Vikings, through their actions, caused some of those, too. Counted down to the biggest loser of the 2026 offseason, here’s the pecking order.

Vikings’ New Depth Chart Squeezes Several Young Players

Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Walter Rouse warms up during training camp practice in Eagan. Vikings offseason losers — Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Walter Rouse (78) goes through warmups during training camp practice on Aug. 2, 2024, in Eagan, Minnesota. The rookie lineman worked through summer drills while trying to build momentum, earn trust from the coaching staff, and carve out a depth role on Minnesota’s offensive line this summer. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.

5. Walter Rouse | OT

Rouse’s path to making the team is actually straightforward.

If the Vikings view him as a guard, he has a much clearer shot at securing a roster spot. If they still see him as a tackle, however, his prospects become challenging. Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill are entrenched starters. Ryan Van Demark was acquired for veteran depth in March, and Caleb Tiernan joined the team in Round 3 of April’s draft. None of these players suggests a need for a “fourth tackle.”

That places Rouse in a difficult position.

He likely wasn’t pleased with Minnesota’s offseason moves unless a position switch is imminent. A move to guard could offer him more opportunities, but remaining at tackle could lead to a numbers game in August that he might not win amid roster cuts.

Adding Van Demark and Tiernan wasn’t ideal for Rouse — unless he’s a guard now.

4. Levi Drake Rodriguez | DT

After Minnesota drafted Caleb Banks in Round 1, there was just no way it would pick another defensive tackle in the first three rounds, right? Wrong.

The Vikings chose “Big Citrus” Domoninque Orange from Iowa State, a run-stuffing nose tackle who profiles to play sooner rather than later. Without the Orange selection, all signs pointed to Rodriguez’s uptick in playing time because Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave were dropped in March.

Instead, Rodriguez is back right where he was in 2025 — hoping to snag defensive snaps in a DT room that has three others (Jalen Redmond, Caleb Banks, and Domonique Orange) in front of him.

3. Tai Felton | WR

Felton’s situation has changed rapidly.

For a time, he appeared to be one of the quiet beneficiaries of the offseason. Minnesota did not draft a wide receiver in April, seemingly clearing a path for him to advance on the depth chart. But Rob Brzezinski’s acquisition of Jauan Jennings suddenly provided the Vikings with their strongest WR3 option on paper since Jake Reed.

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Tai Felton secures a catch against New York Giants cornerback Deonte Banks. Vikings offseason losers — Vikings wide receiver Tai Felton secures a contested catch as Giants cornerback Deonte Banks closes in on Dec. 21, 2025, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford. The young wideout showed route timing and reliable hands while Minnesota evaluated its receiver depth against starting-caliber defensive backs in live regular-season action that afternoon. Mandatory Credit: Yannick Peterhans-Imagn Images.

And that wasn’t the only development.

Dillon Bell has been impressive at minicamp. Myles Price is a strong candidate to stay due to his return game abilities. And, of course, Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison are not going anywhere. Considering all these factors, Felton may have to earn a job in August rather than simply inheriting it.

There’s another complication: the general manager who drafted him in Round 3 last year was canned in January. Ergo, it’s conceivable that Minnesota could retain Jefferson, Addison, Jennings, Price, and Bell, potentially ending the Felton era after just one season. While this outcome seems drastic, it’s not impossible.

Felton’s future now rests entirely on his performance. He must stand off the page to prove he’s not another failed Kwesi Adofo-Mensah draft pick.

2. Max Brosmer | QB

This one is pretty elementary: the Vikings signed Murray as the QB1 solution in March and re-upped with Carson Wentz. Those moves drove Brosmer to the QB4 spot, which means he’ll either become a practice-squader or be cut in late August.

Without the Wentz re-signing, Brosmer could’ve been the QB3 for the 2026 Vikings. Not happening now.

1. J.J. McCarthy | QB

McCarthy’s 2026 season presents two starkly different possibilities.

By December or January, he could solidify his position as Minnesota’s long-term starting quarterback, fulfilling the Vikings’ original belief in him. On the other hand, he might find himself facing a trade by 2027, left to ponder how quickly his fortunes turned.

The stakes are exceptionally high — through the roof for the young passer. Unlike last year, when the Vikings essentially handed McCarthy the QB1 role without any competition whatsoever, this season promises an intense battle. Murray’s arrival in Minnesota signals his clear intention to play, not to sit behind a 23-year-old quarterback.

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy throws a pass against the Las Vegas Raiders during preseason action. Vikings offseason losers — Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) delivers a pass during second-quarter preseason action against the Las Vegas Raiders on Aug. 10, 2024, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. The rookie passer showed poise and clean mechanics while giving fans an early glimpse of his long-term upside in Kevin O’Connell’s offense that afternoon. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.

McCarthy faces a true test. He could emerge as the hero of 2026 or become trade fodder in 2027. The coming months will begin to reveal which path his career will take.

The Vikings could’ve brushed aside the idea of signing Murray and rolled with McCarthy. Instead, they signed Murray and fired the guy who drafted McCarthy. Unless he prevails as the QB1 to start the regular season against all odds, the offseason was utterly terrible for McCarthy.