6 biggest Vikings needs after the first wave of free agency in 2024

Vikings need No. 1

Offensive line

The Minnesota Vikings haven't completely ignored the offensive line this offseason, but their moves so far are unlikely to raise any optimism that the 2024 offensive line will perform any better than the previous year's unit.

Right guard Dalton Risner became a free agent at the end of last season and the player he replaced midseason, Ezra Cleveland, was traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars. This combination of moves created an opening at right guard for the upcoming season.

Minnesota re-signed Blake Brandel and David Quessenberry in an attempt to keep some depth and stability on the offensive line. They also inked veteran blocker Dan Feeney to a one-year deal in free agency.

Feeney was a third-round pick of the Chargers in 2017 and bounced around in the offense and asked to play guard and center during his 65 starts in 112 games with three different teams. He most recently was a member of a struggling Chicago Bears offensive line last season.

It's hard to know who the Vikings have penciled in as the starter at left guard, which means it could be Feeney, Brandel, or another player. No matter which of those options they choose, it seems like a downgrade from Dalton Risner.

Minnesota packaged their second-round draft pick in a trade with the Houston Texans and do not own the rights to their third-round pick since it was part of the trade that brought tight end T.J. Hockenson to the Vikings.

With no Day 2 pick possessed by the Minnesota Vikings, the team may have to wait until Day 3 or trade up to get some help on the offensive line. They could also attempt to re-sign Dalton Risner or add a different established player to start at right guard. No matter which option the team takes, expect more talent to be added to the offensive line before the start of the season.