Options Remain for the Vikings’ 3 Biggest Roster Holes

Peter Casey-Imagn Images

With the first week of free agency behind us, there are three main holes left on the Vikings roster: center, safety, and defensive tackle. So what are the options left for the Vikings at these three positions?

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Three Position Groups Still Stand between Vikings and a Complete Roster

Minnesota signed Kyler Murray and James Pierre to address the Vikings’ roster needs at QB and CB. They also reached an agreement with Aaron Jones and T.J. Hockenson to avoid creating needs at RB and TE.

The Vikings need to add further depth at WR and LB, depending on whether they keep Ivan Pace and what they expect of Tai Felton in Year 2. However, the need at those two positions isn’t as great as the three previously stated.

The Vikings need to find a starter at center, safety, and defensive tackle for the new season. There are four ways to do it. Find someone from what is left in the free agency market, make a trade for a player, promote somebody from the roster, or draft a player.

Center

The moment Ryan Kelly landed on IR for the third time with a concussion last season, I expected the Vikings to need a new center in 2026 – news of Kelly’s retirement arrived last week. It leaves Minnesota searching for a new center one year after signing Kelly in free agency, and with Michael Jurgens and Blake Brandel as the center options on the roster.

Dec 8, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Cleveland Browns guard Joel Bitonio (75) talks with center Ethan Pocic (55) at the line of scrimmage against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Both got playing time last season and did okay without pushing their name forward enough to be seen as the team’s answer at the position.

A lot of the top options in free agency — Tyler Linderbaum, Cade Mays, Luke Fortner, Tyler Biadasz — have signed for other teams. At this point, veteran center Ethan Pocic looks like the best option available to the Vikings.

If they turn to the draft, there is no center prospect pushing for a first-round selection, but there are some options for the Vikings with their Day 2 pick, including Connor Lew, Jake Slaughter, and Logan Jones. I’ve started towards the draft as the best option, with the FA options dwindling.

Safety

The Vikings need to replace Harrison Smith, even though he hasn’t officially retired yet. The Vikings look weak at safety after releasing Cam Bynum last season and the impending departure of Smith. Josh Metellus had a dip in performance last season, and Theo Jackson has been a solid veteran depth piece over the last four seasons, but the Vikings desperately need a boost at the position.

Minnesota spent a fourth-round pick on Jay Ward, who has developed into a solid player over three seasons, but is he ready for a big leap to become the regular starter?

Oct 25, 2025; Pullman, Washington, USA; Washington State Cougars quarterback Zevi Eckhaus (4) is tackled by Toledo Rockets safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (7) in the second half at Gesa Field at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-Imagn Images

There is no one left in free agency that fills me with any excitement, and the mock drafts are narrowing in on safety as the Vikings’ first-round pick in this year’s draft. Dillon Thieneman would seem like the perfect pick; however, an exceptional combine performance means there’s a chance he won’t make it to the Vikings at 18.

The other option is Emmanuel McNeil-Warren. I don’t think he is as good a fit for the Vikings, drawing comparisons to Metellus, and the Vikings don’t need two Metellus’. Thieneman at 18 for the Vikings would be great news for Minnesota; without him, it’s hard to see how safety won’t be a problem this season.

Defensive Tackle

The rise of Jalen Redmond has given the Vikings a starter in the middle of their defensive line. He should be in line for a lengthy contract extension soon, but the situation outside of Redmond is unclear.

Just a year removed from signing both to big-money contracts, Minnesota opted to release Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave after disappointing seasons. It leaves a young trio of Levi Drake-Rodriguez, Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, and Elijah Williams making up the depth chart.

Nov 16, 2024; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators defensive lineman Caleb Banks (88) celebrates with the ball after a fumble recovery against the LSU Tigers during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images

Adding to that group with a rookie would require an exceptional draft prospect. I thought Caleb Banks was that guy, but yet another foot injury leaves the doubts lingering. The brain trust in Minnesota will have to weigh up the risk/reward of drafting Banks.

The group needs experience anyway, so at least one FA addition should be made. Names still in the frame include DJ Reader, Calais Campbell, and DaQuan Jones.

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