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The Uncomfortable Truth: Vikings Must Finally Pull the Trigger on Their Pro Bowl Legend

Posted on June 22, 2025 - 4:00 pm by

As the Minnesota Vikings gear up for training camp, their roster exudes confidence with few uncertainties. Yet, a critical decision looms over the franchise: what to do with two-time Pro Bowl right tackle Brian O’Neill, a cornerstone of their offensive line whose contract situation demands immediate attention.

Drafted in the second round (No. 62 overall) in 2018, O’Neill has been a fixture at right tackle since Week 6 of his rookie season. His reliability is unmatched, starting at least 14 games every year since, earning him a reputation as one of the NFL’s elite at his position. According to Pro Football Focus, O’Neill allowed just two sacks across 664 pass-blocking snaps last season, cementing his second Pro Bowl nod. Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton called him “one of the league’s best right tackles” on June 21, underscoring his value as he enters Year 4 of a five-year, $92.5 million deal signed in 2021.

However, the uncomfortable truth is that O’Neill’s contract has no guaranteed money left, making him a prime candidate for an extension. Over The Cap reports the Vikings have $18.4 million in cap space as of June 22, 2025, and extending O’Neill could free up nearly $13 million more. Moton labeled O’Neill’s extension as the Vikings’ “most important contract decision” heading into the 2025 season, a sentiment echoed by fans and analysts alike. The clock is ticking, and Minnesota must act decisively to secure their linchpin.

O’Neill: A Rare Constant in a Revamped Line

O’Neill’s consistency is a rarity on an offensive line undergoing significant change. Alongside left tackle Christian Darrisaw, who is recovering from a Week 8 ACL tear, O’Neill is one of only two potential returning starters. The Vikings invested heavily in their trenches this offseason, ranking second in total cap dollars and guaranteed money spent in free agency, per Over The Cap. Newcomers Ryan Kelly (center) and Will Fries (right guard), both former Indianapolis Colts, bolster the interior, while left guard Blake Brandel faces stiff competition from 2025 first-round pick Donovan Jackson.

Jackson, the No. 24 overall selection from national champion Ohio State, brings versatility and promise. An anonymous NFL coordinator told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler on June 17, “He’s going to be a solid 10-year starter. Not sure he’s elite, but he will make a few Pro Bowls and be a really good player for a long time.” Jackson’s ability to climb to the second level and anchor against interior linemen makes him a long-term fit at guard, fortifying a line bookended by O’Neill and Darrisaw.

The Stakes Are High for 2025

The Vikings’ offensive line must coalesce quickly to protect second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who steps into the QB1 role as a first-year starter. Last season, Minnesota tied for the sixth-most sacks allowed and ranked fifth-fewest in yards before contact per rushing attempt, exposing weaknesses that cannot persist. Head coach Kevin O’Connell has hinted at leaning more on the run game, which ranked 19th in yards despite the 14th-most attempts. A stronger ground attack could give O’Neill and his linemates a rhythm, easing pressure on McCarthy as he develops.

O’Neill’s role is pivotal. His second-highest run and pass blocking grades among Vikings linemen, per Pro Football Focus, highlight his dual-threat prowess. A restructured deal, as proposed in the team’s roster blueprint alongside extensions for Josh Metellus and Josh Oliver, would signal Minnesota’s commitment to building around their Pro Bowl legend.

Time to Act

The Vikings stand at a crossroads. Extending Brian O’Neill is not just a financial move—it’s a statement of intent. With a revamped offensive line, a rookie quarterback, and a fanbase hungry for success, Minnesota cannot afford to let their anchor slip away. The uncomfortable truth is clear: it’s time to pull the trigger and lock in O’Neill for the long haul, ensuring the Vikings’ line remains a force for years to come.