Minnesota Vikings could solve major issue on offense with recently released player and it could come at a discount
It would be a very Minnesota Vikings move to sign a player coming off back-to-back major injuries.
Over the course of the season, the Minnesota Vikings dealt with a lot of offensive line issues. One third of their offensive line snaps were taken by backups, something that would be massive for any team. It was a huge factor in the Vikings’ failures this past season, and it could end up being a factor in 2026 if they don’t act quickly.
The one position everyone is fixated on is center. Ryan Kelly isn’t certain to return after suffering three concussions, and moving on from him would save the Vikings nearly $9 million on the salary cap.
Minnesota Vikings can address center position with recently released veteran
The Miami Dolphins were not shy about making moves on Monday, and they did so with multiple releases, including wide receiver Tyreek Hill. The one player that should interest the Vikings is center James Daniels. He signed a three-year, $24 million contract with the Dolphins last March, and they have already released him.
It shouldn’t be much of a surprise. New general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan is looking to make the team in his own image, and Daniels played just three snaps for the Dolphins in 2025. He tore his pectoral muscle in the season-opener and was placed on injured reserve. That came after playing just 201 snaps for the Pittsburgh Steelers the prior year, where he tore his Achilles tendon.
Adding Daniels would be an upside play, as he’s a starting-caliber player when healthy. Where the risk comes in for the Vikings is the back-to-back injury-plagued seasons. That’s a tough one to parse out, but it could also come at a reasonable cost.
The Vikings may be able to get him at a discounted price due to the injuries, and they can offer a heavy-incentive laden contract with per game roster bonuses that would only hit the salary cap if he were active on gameday. Only one game would hit the salary cap upon signing because it would be “likely to be earned” since he played in just one game in 2025.
He wouldn’t be guaranteed a starting job, but it does give the Vikings another capable player in the room, something they certainly could use in 2026. If it doesn’t work out as a starter, you can cut him with little penalty, or he could be a valuable backup at three positions. He’s well worth the risk.
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