With the lull of the NFL offseason in full swing before training camp kicks off, the amount of news or even newsworthy topics is dwindling for the Minnesota Vikings. However, there is one particular move the team could make to get it done with.
Starting right tackle Brian O'Neill has two years left on his current $92.5 million contract he signed back in 2021, however there is one reason why the Vikings need to extend him right now, before the deal becomes a problem.
If you look at the remaining two years on O'Neill's contract, you will notice one glaring piece of information. He has zero guaranteed money remaining for both 2025 and 2026. After the performance he had in 2024, though, O'Neill is justifiably deserving of guaranteed cash.
The Minnesota Vikings need to extend Brian O'Neill before his contract becomes an issue
Last year, O'Neill was one of the highest-graded tackles by Pro Football Focus, earning an overall grade of 80.8. In over 1,000 snaps played, he allowed just two sacks. Now, even though there are a pair of years remaining on his deal, O'Neill could very well ask for a new contract in regards to guaranteed money being added.
There are also a few other tackles around the league who could end up getting paid this offseason, still, which would impact O'Neill's situation. Take the Las Vegas Raiders' Kolton Miller, for example, who is just a year younger than O'Neill and also has no guaranteed money left on his deal.
Miller actually went so far as to skip voluntary workouts earlier in the offseason in order to send a message about his desire for a new contract. O'Neill hasn't gone that far, just yet, but don't put it past the veteran. He's paying attention.
Another name which could come into play, here, is Taylor Moton of the Carolina Panthers; also of similar age and in the market for an extension.
The Vikings would do themselves a favor by working out an extension now rather than waiting for other veterans to get paid. Getting ahead of the game would likely save them a few extra bucks and also avoid any future distractions.