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Minnesota Vikings right tackle Brian O’Neill needs a new contract — and that’s just all there is to it. The longtime offensive lineman signed an extension in 2021, and that deal is finally winding down.
According to ESPN’s Kevin Seifert, O’Neill did light work at organized team activities but is on tap to participate in mandatory minicamp this week.
Vikings OL Stability Starts with O’Neill
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Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Brian O’Neill celebrates with fans after a victory over the Arizona Cardinals at U.S. Bank Stadium. O’Neill has become one of the franchise’s most dependable players, anchoring the right side of the offensive line for years. Captured on Dec. 1, 2024, the moment reflects his connection with Minnesota’s fan base. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.
The Latest on O’Neill
Kevin Seifert was straightforward Tuesday, tweeting about O’Neill, “The Vikings open mandatory minicamp today, and the word is that RT Brian O’Neill will be in uniform and participating in at least some of it. O’Neill has been an observer during OTAs while he waits on the Vikings to address his contract, which expires after this season.”
A to Z Sports‘ Tyler Forness added, “As far as right tackles only go, O’Neill is arguably No. 3 behind Penei Sewell (who is likely moving to LT) and Lane Johnson. Tytus Howard now has an average annual value of $22.5 million, which means that O’Neill should theoretically slot between them.”
Pay the Man
This doesn’t have to be complicated, nor is it a bold take to recommend extending O’Neill. O’Neill helped anchor the Vikings’ trenches during a rather dark era for the offensive line — 2018 to 2021 — and served as a shining star amid troublesome OL solutions.
He’s also 30 years old. It’s not that the Vikings have to contemplate handing a fat stack of cash to a 35-year-old who could show up to any season and begin an age-related decline. In fact, extending O’Neill for three or four more years should be just what the doctor ordered from an age standpoint.
Of course, Minnesota drafted Caleb Tiernan in Round 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft, but that doesn’t have to signal a direct replacement for O’Neill. Some teams simply pick the best player available on the board, and for Minnesota, that was evidently Tiernan.
O’Neill Resume thru Eight Seasons
O’Neill stands out as one of the Vikings’ most successful long-term draft picks of the last decade. Selected 62nd overall in the 2nd Round of the 2018 NFL Draft, he has developed into a reliable right tackle. Over eight seasons, he has played 124 games, starting 120, and earned two Pro Bowl selections for his strong play on the edge.
His performance metrics support his reputation. According to Pro Football Focus, O’Neill has accumulated 7,900 career snaps, comprising 4,840 in pass protection and 3,060 as a run blocker. His 2025 grade is an impressive 81.6 overall, with 76.4 for pass-blocking and 84.5 for run-blocking, demonstrating top-tier production.
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Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Brian O’Neill, a Salesianum School alumnus, competes during a road game at Lincoln Financial Field. O’Neill developed into one of the NFL’s steadier right tackles after entering the league as a second-round draft pick. Photographed during NFL action, the image highlights his technique and athleticism in pass protection. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Habraken-The News Journal.
Notably, O’Neill has never received an overall PFF grade below 63.0 in any season, and in all years, he has performed at a level exceeding that of an average starter. Coupled with his Pro Bowl selections in 2021 and 2024, it is evident that O’Neill has proven to be a stud. Plain and simple.
Other Contract Extensions
O’Neill isn’t the only Viking tapping his palm for more dough. These players can reasonably request an extension this summer or next offseason:
- Jordan Addison (WR)
- Blake Brandel (C)
- Blake Cashman (ILB)
- Jordan Mason (RB)
- Isaiah Rodgers (CB)
- Andrew Van Ginkel (OLB)
- Jay Ward (S)
O’Neill certainly deserves to be the first in line, but soon, others like Cashman, Addison, and Van Ginkel especially have a case for fresh money.
While it doesn’t seem too suspenseful whether Minnesota will actually lock in the deal, expect O’Neill’s contract to fetch something in the neighborhood of three years and $75 million.
SI.com‘s Will Ragatz recently opined, “The question is what kind of deal makes sense for both the Vikings and O’Neill, in terms of length and average value. Anything above $26 million per year would be top-five tackle money, which is probably a touch too rich.”
“But O’Neill is due a raise from his previous $18.5 million AAV and will likely become one of the league’s highest-paid right tackles. Could $24-25 million per year over three or four years be the sweet spot? Let’s say three years and $72 million, with a good chunk of guaranteed money and some extra incentives if he plays all 17 games and/or earns Pro Bowl or All-Pro honors.”
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Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Brian O’Neill battles Green Bay Packers linebacker Rashan Gary during an NFC North matchup at U.S. Bank Stadium. The contest featured one of the division’s premier pass-rushing challenges for Minnesota’s veteran lineman. Captured on Sep. 11, 2022, the image showcases the physical nature of trench play. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports.
The Vikings could also lower O’Neill’s 2026 cap hit when extending his stay, perhaps freeing up short-term cap space for another position of need — like outside linebacker. Jadeveon Clowney, Joey Boss, and Leonard Floyd could make sense after the Jonathan Greenard trade in April.
Ragatz added, “That feels rather fair for both sides. It’ll be interesting to see what happens, especially considering the Vikings may have big contracts coming for Murray and Jordan Addison next offseason, if all goes right.”
“Does Teasley wait until training camp to get a look at Tiernan before deciding? Will O’Neill and his camp draw a hard line or acquiesce a bit to make sure he has long-term security before this season begins?”
O’Neill will turn 31 two days after the Vikings’ first game of 2026.
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