Getty
The Vikings have ruled out four offensive linemen for their clash with the Browns
The Minnesota Vikings have had a mostly-quiet free agency period. Of course, other than the signing of Kyler Murray that was the talk of the NFL world.
The signings of CB James Pierre and T Ryan Van Demark are solid depth acquisitions, but nothing major. All signs indicate that Minnesota is content with their low-key offseason to this point, as they aim to build through the draft.
One position of need that remains for the Vikings is center. The only two players on the Vikings’ ESPN depth chart listed at center are Blake Brandel and Michael Jurgens.
Jurgens was a late-round selection in 2024, and Brandel has been a Viking since 2021. Brandel has played all over the line, most notably at left guard and tackle.
Now, Brandel may be in for a little bit of an assignment change.
Vikings HC Kevin O’Connell Reveals a Potential Center Plan
GettyEAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – DECEMBER 21: Head coach Kevin O’Connell of the Minnesota Vikings takes the field before the start of the NFL 2025 game between Minnesota Vikings and New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on December 21, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Vikings HC Kevin O’Connell spoke with Paul Allen over the phone on Monday from the NFL’s annual league meetings. The two discussed the plan for the center position in 2026.
“I think we want to have a competitive situation there. With Blake, specifically, what I can remember talking to you about him last year, just his willingness to step in there without a lot of time on task, and play the center position, and how he handled it, it was really impressive.
I wasn’t surprised by that, just knowing how Blake had really culminated playing all five spots across the offensive line.”
O’Connell sounded very open to the possibility of Brandel being the team’s starting center if he earns that. He also had a positive thing to say about Michael Jurgens, while also hinting at the draft holding a potential solution.
“Michael Jurgens has continued to grow and ascend as a young player. And then I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention some of the depth there at that position in the draft.
We feel really good about the guys we have in that position right now, with the opportunity potentially maybe to add a player as well in the draft, where we see a talented group of guys who could be available.”
It’s sounding like the center position is in a similar spot to the QB position; the best player wins.
Minnesota Officially Picks Up Jordan Addison’s 5th Year Option
GettyMINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – DECEMBER 07: Jordan Addison #3 of the Minnesota Vikings warms up prior to a game against the Washington Commandersat U.S. Bank Stadium on December 07, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
The Minnesota Vikings have officially made the decision to exercise the fifth-year option on Addison’s rookie contract. This means that he will remain under Minnesota’s control until the 2028 offseason.
ESPN‘s Kevin Seifert had the initial report.
“The Vikings will pick up WR Jordan Addison’s fifth-year option, per interim GM Rob Brzezinski. Not a tough decision, regardless of Addison’s off-field issues.”
Though Addison is yet to have a 1,000-yard season and had some drop issues in 2025, this makes too much sense for the Vikings.
In what feels like a “win-now” year for Kevin O’Connell, Jordan Addison surely is that type of player. He forms one of the best young wide receiver duos in the game along with Justin Jefferson, and provides further stability for whoever is the Vikings’ starting QB in 2026.
Here is Rob Brzezinksi’s official quote on picking up Addison’s option via the Vikings’ official website.
“He’s a really important player for us, an impact player. We’re definitely exercising the option. For sure. The deadline for that is after the draft.”
Brevan Bane Brevan Bane is a sports scribe covering the NFL for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Minnesota Vikings and Cincinnati Bengals. Brevan began his writing career by making a platform on Twitter and leveraging his presence into writing and content creation opportunities for outlets like PurplePTSD, Vikings Territory, The Noise, Hockey Wilderness, and the VikesNow YouTube channel. You can follow him on X @brevmanbane. More about Brevan Bane
More Heavy on Vikings
Loading more stories