​The Minnesota Vikings sit on roughly $13 million in cap space with training camp looming two weeks away, and a new general manager hungry to make an impact. Soon, Nolan Teasley will step forward with his next roster move, and we’ve asked our writers to weigh in with predictions. Our question to the group: What is your forecast for the Vikings’ next roster move? It could be a trade, an extension, a free-agent signing—whatever you think is coming. Here are their forecasts.
Predictor: Wes Johnson
Harrison Smith has considered retirement for several offseasons, but I expect he’ll return for one more season. The Vikings prize his leadership and communication, and coach Brian Flores relies on him to steer the secondary before the snap. If Smith is back for a 15th year, it will likely be on a team-friendly deal with a reduced snap count. That arrangement would allow a younger safety like Jay Ward to increase his playing time while Smith handles critical moments in games. The Vikings shouldn’t expect peak Smith from five years ago; they need the smartest version of him for one final push toward a Super Bowl.
Predictor: Dustin Baker
Eichenberg’s absence last year due to injuries puts his career in a precarious position. For the purpose of this exercise, let’s assume he’s healthy. The Vikings need depth at guard and a versatile lineman who can also step in at center. Eichenberg fits that bill, especially given his connection to new assistant head coach Frank Smith, with whom he shared a Florida connection from 2022 to 2024. On a cheap prove-it deal, Eichenberg signs to compete for a backup guard role.
Predictor: Tony Schultz
At first glance, it seems natural to address the salary cap internally, perhaps by extending Brian O’Neill, who sits at the top of the list. But if that were going to happen, why hasn’t it? New GM Nolan Teasley may prefer letting O’Neill’s contract run its course and reassessing next year, rather than pushing his pay further down the road. They might also view Caleb Tiernan as ready to contribute next season, making him expendable. Beyond the usual camp churn, I don’t anticipate any major moves. Teasley will eventually leave a mark on the roster, but I don’t expect a big imprint until the 2027 offseason.
Predictor: Adam New
O’Neill is entering his 31st year in September and is in the final year of his contract, which makes extension conversations a likely focus. However, Teasley’s approach might differ from prior regimes. He could decide to retain O’Neill for one more year while evaluating future options, then reorganize the line with an eye toward youth development. In short, expect a measured, strategic move rather than a blockbuster. The new GM’s impact may be more about long-term structure than immediate, seismic changes.
The writers’ takes reflect a mix of veteran preservation, injury-related depth, and patient, long-view planning. With Teasley’s arrival and the current cap situation, Minnesota seems poised to lean into continuity and youth rather than immediate, high-profile alterations—at least in the near term.