4 Vikings players who could get big-time money in the future
By Dean Jones
Brian O’Neill – OT
Brian O’Neill is heading to the final year of his rookie deal with the Vikings in 2021. If the organization were smart, they would tie him down at the earliest possible opportunity.
The former Pittsburgh Panther has been a revelation at right tackle over the last two seasons to officially confirm his standing as one of the NFL’s best young edge protectors. There might be plenty of concerns regarding Minnesota’s interior blocking. But they at least have a bookend presence on the edge that should only get better in the coming years.
O’Neill has given up three sacks and seven penalties during 858 offensive snaps in 2020. This has resulted in a respectable 75.8 grade from Pro Football Focus and it’s evident he has significantly outplayed the $1 million in base salary he is set to earn next year.
He doesn’t look the type to make a fuss regarding a new deal, which the Vikings might not be in a position to provide until 2022 due to their financial predicament. O’Neill will undoubtedly have a close eye on the potential deal coming Taylor Moton’s way with the Carolina Panthers next spring since he is one of the best in the business at the same position.
This will be a good benchmark for O’Neill to aspire to when it’s time for him to get a deserving pay raise sooner rather than later.