One 12 months stays on Brian O’Neill‘s current deal. The longtime Vikings right tackle is in search of a brand new commitment, something which has impacted his offseason participation up to now.
As detailed by ESPN’s Kevin Seifert, O’Neill was merely an “observer” during OTAs this spring. All practices up to now have in fact been voluntary, but an absence from mandatory minicamp would yield roughly $108K in fines. Per Seifert, O’Neill is predicted to attend this week’s minicamp and take part in no less than a limited capability.
In 2021, team and player agreed to a five-year, $92.5MM extension. 2026 represents the ultimate 12 months of that pact, and O’Neill is scheduled to gather $19.5MM through the upcoming season. That figure features a nonguaranteed base salary of $18.9MM. The ninth-year veteran is heading in the right direction to hold a cap charge of $23.12MM as things stand.
Since taking up starting duties during his rookie campaign, O’Neill has been a mainstay at the precise tackle spot. He earned a Pro Bowl nod in 2021 and again in 2024, helping his lengthy extension age well. This past season saw the Pitt alum limited to 14 games after he suffered an MCL sprain, but he has remained durable throughout his profession with double-digit appearances yearly up to now.
Seifert notes there may be a powerful desire within the Vikings’ organization to maintain O’Neill within the fold beyond 2026. The approaching 12 months will mark his age-31 season, so a shorter commitment this time around would come as little surprise. Minnesota didn’t work out an extension or contract adjustment during Rob Brzezinski‘s stint as interim general manager. A full-time GM is now within the fold, nevertheless, because of the recent hire of Nolan Teasley.
With the Vikings’ latest organizational structure now in place, talks on an arrangement with O’Neill may pick up within the near future. Within the absence of progress on that front, his contract status may remain a talking point through the lead-up to training camp.