Minnesota Vikings Depth Chart: Multiple holes still exist after first two waves of free agency
The Vikings need to fill multiple positions.
We are through multiple free-agency waves over 15 days, and the Minnesota Vikings don’t look much different.
They have lost a few players, with Jalen Nailor leaving as an unrestricted free agent and defensive tackles Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen being cut to save salary cap space. They also added quarterback Kyler Murray and cornerback James Pierre as their biggest moves.
They are likely to add another player or three in free agency throughout the next few weeks leading up to the NFL Draft. Heading into the stretch run, here is how the depth chart currently sits.
Offense
| Position | First String | Second String | Third String | Fourth String |
| LWR | Justin Jefferson | Jeshaun Jones | Joaquin Davis | |
| RWR | Tai Felton | Dontae Fleming | ||
| SWR | Jordan Addison | Myles Price | ||
| LT | Christian Darrisaw | Ryan Van Demark | ||
| LG | Donovan Jackson | Henry Byrd | ||
| C | Blake Brandel/Michael Jurgens | Vershon Lee | ||
| RG | Will Fries | Joe Huber | Michael Niese | |
| RT | Brian O’Neill | Walter Rouse | Caleb Etienne | |
| TE | T.J. Hockenson | Josh Oliver | Ben Yurosek/Gavin Bartholomew | Bryson Nesbit |
| QB | Kyler Murray | Carson Wentz | J.J. McCarthy | Max Brosmer |
| RB | Aaron Jones | Jordan Mason | Zavier Scott |
There isn’t a ton of mystery with the offensive depth chart. The biggest of them will be at the quarterback position. Right now, Murray is projected to be the starter, and I believe Carson Wentz will be the backup. That puts J.J. McCarthy as the third quarterback, which is certainly not the outcome anyone would have hoped for after two seasons.
One position to watch for is wide receiver three. Tai Felton is currently slated to be that guy, but he isn’t exactly going to inspire confidence after a minimal first season. The third-round pick needs to have a K.J. Osborn-type offseason in order to take the next step.
Defense
| Position | First String | Second String | Third String |
| DE | Jalen Redmond | Jaylon Hutchings | |
| NT | Levi Drake Rodriguez | Taki Taimani | |
| DE | Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins | Elijah Williams | |
| OLB | Jonathan Greenard | Dallas Turner | Tyler Batty |
| WLB | Eric Wilson | Ivan Pace Jr. | |
| MLB | Blake Cashman | Josh Ross | Jacob Roberts |
| OLB | Andrew Van Ginkel | Bo Richter | Chaz Chambliss |
| LCB | Byron Murphy Jr. | Dwight McGlogthern | |
| SS | Josh Metellus | Tavierre Thomas | |
| FS | Jay Ward/Theo Jackson | ||
| RCB | Isaiah Rodgers | Zemaiah Vaughn | |
| NB | James Pierre | Kahlef Haillassie |
Overall, the defense has the majority of starters figured out. They could add two defensive tackles over the course of the offseason, as having both Levi Drake Rodriguez and Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins isn’t exactly going to inspire a lot of confidence.
The other really interesting area is safety. We don’t know whether or not Harrison Smith will return for 2026. It’s become normal for the Vikings over the course of the last few years for him to wait it out and make a decision at the last second.
Minnesota Vikings News
Vikings 7-Round NFL Mock Draft: Trade down in first round gives Brian Flores multiple weapons on defense
A trade down is likely for the Vikings to add more depth to the roster.
Minnesota Vikings News
Latest NFL news shows how lucky the Minnesota Vikings are with Justin Jefferson
It’s getting crazy at this point.
