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Brad Rempel
The month of May has become when I put forward my top 5 Vikings players as we enter a new season. Split into two lists, one for the offense and one for the defense, I am going to start with the offense.
Minnesota’s Offensive Core Still Has Plenty to Prove
One of the hopes with these lists is that someone new will be entering, either a big new signing or a player who was here last season whose performance forced their way in. That’s not the case this year, as it’s the same five guys from my 2025 list.
Any hopes of the emergence of JJ McCarthy quickly disappeared. The Vikings’ big free agency signing, Will Fries, didn’t play at the level hoped for, given such a big investment in his first year in Minnesota, and I’m not ready to put Kyler Murray in here on the back of a season that saw him only play five games.
5. T.J. Hockenson (TE)
Hockenson is down one place from last year. The tight end hasn’t been able to recapture his 2023 form since returning from a bad knee injury at the backend of that season. However, he did look better in 2025 despite the Vikings QB woes from last season, which led to just 438 receiving yards — his lowest tally since his rookie season in 2019 – but he did have three touchdown catches — up from zero in 2024.
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Nov 24, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports.
It looked like Hockenson might become a cap casualty, but an agreement was reached to save the Vikings some money this year and let Hockenson hit free agency next year. The Vikings TE is still a good player and at 28 has time on his side to get back in the conversation as one of the league’s best – where he was pre-injury – and with hopefully more consistent QB play and the motivation of a new contract to work for, he should be hungry to make a statement this season.
4. Jordan Addison (WR)
Addison’s numbers suffered in 2025, partly due to the Vikings’ QB issues and partly due to a three-game suspension to start the season. All of Addison’s problems have been off the field, which led to doubt over whether Minnesota would exercise his fifth-year option — they did. Addison has tallied 175 receptions for 2,396 yards with 22 touchdowns across three seasons.
He’s also rushed for 103 yards with two TDs. He has also proven he is up to WR1 duties when Justin Jefferson has missed games. Hopefully, Addison can avoid any off-field distractions going into the 2026 season and have a big year, with finally reaching the 1000 receiving yards mark a sensible goal.
3. Christian Darrisaw (LT)
The 2025 season was not a good one for Vikings left tackle Darrisaw. On the brink of being regarded as one of the best tackles in the league in 2024, a knee injury halted his progress, and there was a hangover from that injury throughout the 2025 season. Darrisaw wasn’t ready to play until Week 3 due to still recovering from his torn ACL and MCL in his left knee.
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Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Christian Darrisaw (71) takes part in a team practice at The Grove in Watford, United Kingdom, on Oct 4, 2024. The overseas workout came as Minnesota prepared for its international matchup, with Darrisaw sharpening his readiness alongside teammates in the unique setting. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.
Once he returned, Darrisaw still didn’t look right and struggled to find the high level of play we are used to seeing from him. His season was shut down early due to lingering knee problems following the Vikings’ Week 14 game. The hope is that the extra rest will help him come back fully healthy in 2026 and return to his best.
2. Brian O’Neill (RT)
For eight seasons now, O’Neill has been Mr. Dependable on the right side of the Vikings’ offensive line. Now 30, O’Neill comes into the 2026 season on the back of a strong year where he scored an 81.6 overall grade from Pro Football Focus. His PFF pass-blocking grade of 76.4 ranked 22nd among 89 qualified offensive tackles, while his run-blocking grade of 84.5 ranked 9th at the position.
O’Neill has always been solid in both areas, which is what has made him so reliable for Minnesota over the years. He allowed 21 total pressures in pass protection, including 2 sacks and 1 hit allowed by opposing pass rushers. I expect nothing short of another very solid year in 2026.
1. Justin Jefferson (WR)
He’s number one every year since arriving in Minnesota, and it’s going to take a special player to come along and knock him off the top spot. Jefferson is a superstar and one of the league’s best. He wasn’t completely immune to the Vikings’ QB problem in 2025, but he still managed to put up a 1,000-yard receiving season.
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Dec 22, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) catches a pass for a touchdown while defended by Seattle Seahawks cornerback Tre Brown (22) during the first half at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images.
Jefferson’s tally of just two touchdowns last season was disappointing, and the Vikings WR will be hungry to get back in All-Pro and Pro Bowl contention in 2026. With competent QB play, there is no reason he shouldn’t do so.
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