In 16 appearances with the Minnesota Vikings last season, including nine starts, Justin Skule allowed seven sacks and gave up a total of 29 pressures, according to data from PFF. Whenever Skule was on the field for the Vikings in 2025, it likely wasn't going to be an enjoyable matchup for Minnesota's starting quarterback that day.
Thankfully, Skule won't be returning to the Vikings for the 2026 campaign, as he agreed to a contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday.
It's a return to a familiar place for Skule, as he spent the 2022, 2023, and 2024 seasons with the Bucs before signing with Minnesota last year.
2026 offensive line taking shape for Minnesota Vikings
Skule's departure on Monday was the latest in several changes that have taken place with the Vikings' offensive line this offseason.
During the last few weeks, Minnesota has said goodbye to All-Pro center Ryan Kelly, who retired, and signed former Buffalo Bills offensive lineman Ryan Van Demark.
The Vikings also have a new offensive line coach this year in Keith Carter, after the team decided not to renew the expired contract of Chris Kuper, who coached Minnesota's offensive line for the last four seasons.
Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell is hoping these changes, combined with the continuity of Christian Darrisaw, Donovan Jackson, Will Fries, and Brian O'Neill all returning, will lead to a better performance from the team's offensive line next season.
Minnesota's 60 allowed sacks were the second-most in the NFL last year, and their allowed pressure rate of 25.7 percent also ranked 29th in the league.
Obviously, the Vikings playing quarterback musical chairs and multiple offensive linemen dealing with injuries led to these numbers last season, but these marks have to improve if they want to be successful in 2026.
Minnesota's addition of Kyler Murray should help as well, since he has a career sack rate of 6.22 percent, well below the 11.03 percent sack rate that all three Vikings quarterbacks combined for last season.