Vikings 2025 Offense: Key Positions and Roster Outlook

Quarterback Competition Set to Change

Kyler Murray is the favorite to earn the starting job and is expected to be named the QB1 early in training camp. He posted a 69.3% accurate‑throw rate last season, a figure that dwarfs the sub‑50% accuracy of former Vikings quarterbacks J.J. McCarthy and Carson Wentz. Murray’s previous lack of weapons limited his deep‑ball success, but he will now operate alongside Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, providing the playmaking needed for a productive season. A strong performance is vital for Murray, who enters a high‑profile contract year and may see his future earnings hinge on his ability to succeed in Minnesota.

J.J. McCarthy enters camp with a down‑arrow on the depth chart but brings offseason mechanical tweaks and a season of starting experience. His 51.7% accurate‑throw rate placed him 42nd of 43 qualified quarterbacks last year, and he remains focused on tightening his accuracy, ball placement, and touch. Beat‑writer accounts note smoother mechanics, though throws with touch still need work, and he must prove durable after missing a season and a half to injury. If McCarthy improves, he could remain in the conversation for the starting role in 2026.

Carson Wentz returns for a fourth Vikings season after an offseason of preparation and may emerge as the preferred backup if the competition tightens. Wentz is a low‑risk option who can serve as Kevin O’Connell’s insurance policy, especially if McCarthy’s progress stalls. While the 32‑year‑old is unlikely to transform his stock at this point, his experience could prove valuable in guiding younger quarterbacks and managing the offense. Wentz’s presence gives the franchise flexibility without committing additional resources.

Backfield Depth Chart Shows Reinforcements

Aaron Jones, in the final year of a restructured contract, is likely to see a reduced role and may miss games again due to the low PFF grades he posted last season. Jordan Mason emerged as the team’s most productive back, posting a 4.8 yards‑per‑carry average and an 83.8 PFF run grade, which highlights his ability to generate yards after contact. Demond Claiborne, a 5’10”, 190‑lb runner with a 4.37 40‑yard dash time, offers home‑run potential and brings a different speed element to the backfield. Max Bredeson is slated to take over the fullback duties and could provide a legitimate upgrade over C.J. Ham with his impressive college blocking tape and potential to see 300 offensive snaps.

The depth at running back is bolstered by practice‑squad candidates such as Zavier Scott, who posted solid PFF grades on limited snaps and could be called up if the starter is injured. Scott’s versatility as a runner and blocker gives the Vikings a short‑field weapon if Claiborne or Jones miss time. The competition at the bottom of the group will be decided by special‑teams contributions as much as by on‑field production.

The overall backfield looks ready for a step forward, with Mason poised to become a three‑down threat and Claiborne looking to prove he can develop into a consistent pass‑blocker. The addition of Bredeson at fullback adds another layer of physicality, and the Vikings’ flexibility at the position could keep injuries from disrupting the rushing attack.

Receiving Corps Poses Major Upside

Justin Jefferson, the centerpiece of the offense, posted a passer rating of just 58.3 when targeted last season, about half his career average and the third‑worst among receivers with at least 40 targets. With Kyler Murray slated to take the reigns, Jefferson should see more accurate passes and could approach his elite production levels. Jordan Addison, who posted 610 receiving yards and a 66.9 run‑blocking grade, is in a contract year and could become the first 1,000‑yard receiver for the Vikings in years. Jauan Jennings, signed as a under‑the‑radar free agent, offers a hybrid tight‑end/wide‑receiver skill set and can block effectively, complementing Jefferson and Addison.

Tai Felton has impressed in offseason programs, with beat writers commenting on visible improvement in his route runs and hands. Myles Price, another undrafted free agent, also drew positive reviews and could provide depth at the fifth receiver spot. Both Felton and Price would need to contribute on special teams to earn a roster spot, as the Vikings have traditionally carried five receivers through the season. Dillon Bell, who boasted the highest guaranteed salary among the Vikings’ UDFAs at $272k, could be a bubble candidate if special‑team value is strong.

The receiving trio of Jefferson, Addison, and Jennings is considered one of the league’s best and most well‑rounded, providing a mix of deep threats, intermediate possession, and reliable blocking. Addison’s run‑blocking grade ranked fifth on the team, and Jennings’ ability to block at the line gives the offense additional flexibility. The extra depth behind the starters will allow the Vikings to keep fresh bodies for both the passing game and special teams throughout a long season.

Line Play Defines the Ground Game

Christian Darrisaw appears set to return to full health after missing half of last season, and early reports indicate he is practicing without his knee brace and seems back to his pre‑injury form. Donovan Jackson, after a solid rookie season, is expected to build on his development as he adds strength in an NFL weight program and improves his technique. Blake Brandel, who played every position but right guard, saw his second‑level performance improve when he started at center in his final four games, giving up an average of just one pressure per contest. Will Fries, whose 2025 blocking grades resemble his average career work rather than his outlier 2024 season, will need strong play to keep his $21.5 million contract intact. Brian O’Neill posted an 81.6 overall PFF grade last year and remains the starter, though durability concerns linger after three missed games.

Ryan Van Demark, acquired as a swing tackle, started four games and performed well against average edge rushers, though he faced tougher competition at left tackle against Cincinnati and New Orleans. Caleb Tiernan, a third‑round pick, is a lock to make the roster and could transition to guard, providing depth across the interior line. Joe Huber, who earned a spot as a UDFA and saw limited action as a special‑teamer, showed encouraging tape in a start at left guard and is likely to be stronger after another year in the NFL program.

The interior line competition includes Michael Jurgens, Henry Byrd, and Gavin Gerhardt, the latter a seventh‑round center who brings NFL popping ability and a strong rapport with offensive coaches. Byrd, who spent three seasons on the practice squad, offers a high RAS and versatility across tackle, guard, and center. Gerhardt’s college experience as a multi‑year starter at Cincinnati suggests a higher ceiling than Jurgens, who struggles against twists and second‑level blocks. The Vikings will rely on depth and health across ten offensive linemen, as injuries have become a key factor in recent seasons.

Tight Ends Adjust to New Roles

T.J. Hockenson, entering the final year of his contract, is unlikely to be extended and has seen his receiving role limited after a debilitating knee injury earlier in his career. His 58.3 passer rating when targeted last season reflects a decrease in target quality, and he may see a reduced snap count in favor of more versatile receiving options. Josh Oliver, who signed a three‑year extension worth $7.75 million per year, is the Vikings’ premier blocking tight end and has demonstrated the ability to contribute as a receiver when present. Oliver’s run‑blocking grade ranks among the best for tight ends in the league, making him a valued component of Frank Smith’s offense.

Ben Yurosek, after a rookie season with 116 offensive snaps, is expected to see more opportunities if Hockenson’s usage shrinks. Yurosek’s special‑team play and continued development could secure him a roster spot ahead of late‑round prospects like Gavin Bartholomew and Bryson Nesbit. The Vikings may also consider using Jauan Jennings in some tight‑end‑like alignments, further compressing the target share for the older veterans.

Overall, the tight‑end group is built around stability at the second spot with Oliver, while the top spot remains a question mark. The offense will likely lean on Oliver’s blocking and Hockenson’s presence in the red zone, with Yurosek providing depth and potential as a receiving threat. Special‑team performance will be a key differentiator for the trio competing for the third roster spot.

What It Means for 2025

The Vikings’ offensive outlook hinges on the quarterback battle, with Murray’s accuracy and arm talent poised to elevate the entire unit. A healthy offensive line, anchored by a returning Darrisaw and the developing Brandel, should give Murray the time needed to execute the play‑book effectively. Depth at running back and the league‑leading wide‑receiver trio give the offense multiple weapons, while the tight end room offers a reliable blocker and a potential receiving threat. Contract considerations for Jones, Mason, and Oliver will shape the roster’s long‑term composition. Special‑team contributions from players like Bredeson and Bell will be essential for round‑the‑clock success. As training camp approaches, the offense is set for a potential leap after several years of incremental improvement.