The Minnesota Vikings' offensive line saw seismic changes last offseason, with the biggest coming as Blake Brandel took over the center position. So far, that massive risk has paid off for the Vikings.
Brandel entered the season with big shoes to fill, after Ryan Kelly retired after the 2025 campaign due to injuries that plagued the end of his career. The Vikings at least had some experience with Brandel at center, but it wasn't always smooth.
Many expected the center position to be a weak point of the offense. It turns out that Brandel might be one of their best and most consistent players, especially over the last four games.
Blake Brandel is on a tear over the last month with the Minnesota Vikings
Despite the Vikings suffering their first loss of the season in Week 8 against the Detroit Lions, Brandel arguably had one of his best games of the year. In 33 pass-blocking snaps, he allowed no pressures, hurries, or sacks.
Pro Football Focus gave him an overall grade of 76.8 for that performance. It is the third time in the last four games that Brandel has earned a grade over 70.
In that four-game stretch, he has allowed just four pressures and one sack. Those are the numbers of a guy who is handling his own at center after an up-and-down start to 2026.
In his seven starts this season, Brandel has allowed seven pressures, two quarterback hurries, and one sack in 254 pass-blocking snaps. He has been called for two penalties this year.
PFF gave him an overall grade of 65.4, ranking 14th out of 35 eligible centers. He has a pass-blocking grade of 71.3 (ranked 11th) and a run-blocking grade of 64.6 (ranked 15th).
Vikings might not have a center problem anymore
It was a massive risk for the Vikings to hand the keys to the offensive line to Brandel at center. He was thrown in as an emergency center with Kelly hurt and multiple others injured last year. No one knew whether it was the right move for Minnesota.
The pressure was truly on Brandel this season, as he had a one-shot chance to keep his job for good, since he is in the final year of his contract. After seven games, the Vikings may have found their solution for the season.
At this rate, Minnesota may need to talk about keeping Brandel on the roster for the 2027 season. The good news is that he should be affordable, which will be big since the salary cap has been a concern for the Vikings over the last year. Minnesota could still look to the NFL Draft for a longer-term solution at center, but Brandel could still be back in 2027.
This is at least a good problem for the Vikings, as Brandel is making things a bit easier for the team and helping maintain stability on the offensive line. The interesting part now is whether he can sustain this success over the remaining 10 regular-season games and secure his future in Minnesota.
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