The Minnesota Vikings weren't overly active in free agency, but despite a limited budget, they were able to address some needs on their team.
They brought back veterans like Aaron Jones and Eric Wilson, filling needs at linebacker and running back. The Vikings got the swing tackle they needed in Ryan Van Demark and got some help for the secondary in James Pierre. They were also able to bolster their quarterback room with the additions of Kyler Murray and Carson Wentz.
Knocking out those needs was a good move by the interim front office, but plenty of holes remain on this roster. Here are the three biggest needs the Minnesota Vikings have as the 2026 NFL Draft approaches.
Following free agency, what are the biggest needs for the Minnesota Vikings heading into the 2026 NFL season?
3. Safety
The Minnesota Vikings' safety depth chart is very concerning. While there's still hope that Harrison Smith could saddle up for one final ride, the remaining options on the depth chart are riddled with question marks. Josh Metellus will return healthy, but should go back to his Swiss Army Knife type of role that he flourishes in. That leaves Theo Jackson and Jay Ward as the two starters at the true safety positions, and that is a problem.
Ward lacks experience, and while he took a step forward in 2025 by finally seeing some defensive snaps, he isn't ready to be a starter. He can provide adequate depth and see spot duty while continuing to develop, and that is fine. Theo Jackson, on the other hand, was a disappointment in 2025. He looked ready to take on a bigger role after playing well in spot duty a season prior.
Unfortunately, that wasn't the case as Jackson struggled in coverage and had issues with his tackling. The team can upgrade here and could use one of their first two draft picks to do so. Oregon's Dillon Thieneman is a popular pick with his unreal range, ball-hawking ability, and willingness to lay a big hit. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren is another option in the first round who possesses great size and instincts, and could be a true enforcer on the back end. Safety is a big-time need for the Vikings and one they'll likely address early in the 2026 NFL Draft.
2. Center
The Vikings have a glaring need at the center position and one that has yet to be addressed in free agency. Ryan Kelly retired at the end of last year, and right now, Michael Jurgens is the only true center on the team. There were rumblings that the team was interested in Luke Fortner before he signed with the Carolina Panthers, but other than that, they've been pretty quiet regarding the position.
The Vikings do have Blake Brandel sitting in their back pocket, and he did prove last year that he can be the starter at that spot if the team wants him to. That is the million-dollar question, though. Do the Vikings want to put Brandel at center, or do they value him more as a utility piece who can come in in a pinch and play any position on the line asked of him? The recent signing of Ryan Van Demark has led many to believe that Brandel will be the new center, but Van Demark doesn't play inside, leaving the interior depth very much in question.
There are a plethora of intriguing center prospects in this year's draft who could develop into starters in the league. The Vikings have two third-round picks this year, and that could be a great spot to nab the one who they best believe fits their system. Unless they name Blake Brandel the starting center in the next couple of weeks, center remains one of the top needs on this team, and one they'll no doubt address in the draft.
1. Defensive Line
Defensive line is clearly the Vikings' biggest need after the first couple of weeks of free agency. They cut both Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave, creating a huge need in the middle of the line. They also haven't signed anyone to replace them, leaving a glaring hole as the 2026 NFL Draft creeps closer and closer. Despite the cuts and the lack of signings, the Vikings aren't bare at the defensive line cupboard. They have an emerging star in Jalen Redmond and two young players with potential who are chomping at the bit for more playing time.
Levi Drake Rodriguez took a huge jump in year two, racking up 43 tackles, eight tackles for a loss, and a couple of sacks. The Vikings could be relying on him to fill one of these spots, assuming he takes another jump in year three.
Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins is another exciting young player who showed flashes as a rookie. He had a sack and two tackles for a loss in year one. While both of these players are intriguing, they can't be seen as the answers.
The Vikings could still sign a veteran at some point, and there have been some rumblings about Christian Wilkins being a name to watch. They are also heavily projected to take a defensive tackle early in the draft, with Peter Woods, Caleb Banks, and Kayden McDonald all being options with the 18th overall pick.
With what the Vikings have done in free agency and the positions they've chosen to upgrade, there's no bigger need on the team currently than defensive tackle, and it's one where a signing could be imminent, and a couple of draft picks could be invested in.