The Minnesota Vikings are at a crossroads, with salary cap challenges looming and key players like Josh Metellus commanding attention for a well-deserved raise. But whispers around the team suggest General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah might have a bold, unexpected move up his sleeve: extending the contract of the towering team captain and right tackle, Brian O’Neill. At 6’7” and 310 pounds, O’Neill is a behemoth whose blend of size, athleticism, and relentless work ethic makes him a cornerstone of the Vikings’ offensive line. Could an extension for this unsung hero be the key to unlocking cap space and securing Minnesota’s future?

Why Brian O’Neill Deserves the Spotlight

O’Neill, a 2018 second-round pick (No. 62 overall), has quietly become one of the NFL’s premier right tackles. His game is aging like fine wine, with his performance in 2024 showcasing a player who’s not just holding steady but elevating his craft. Despite competing in a league stacked with elite right tackles like Lane Johnson and Penei Sewell, O’Neill’s consistency and high-level play demand attention.

NFL game tickets

The stats back up the hype. Pro Football Focus (PFF) ranked O’Neill 16th among NFL tackles in 2024 with a stellar 79.3 grade—very good, if not elite. Meanwhile, ESPN’s pass block win rate placed him third in the NFL, a testament to his ability to stonewall defenders. According to Next Gen Stats, quarterback Sam Darnold’s 3.08-second time to throw—third-highest in the league—means O’Neill is holding the line longer than most of his peers. Watch him on the field, and the eye test confirms it: O’Neill’s ruggedness, technique, and athleticism make him a linchpin for Minnesota’s offense.

The Case for an Extension

So why extend O’Neill now? The answer lies in both performance and pragmatism. With two years left on his current deal, O’Neill’s cap hits are set to balloon—$26,019,114 in 2025 and $23,203,892 in 2026. Letting the contract run its course is an option, but it risks straining the Vikings’ already tight salary cap. An extension, however, could free up significant room—potentially $13 million in 2025 or $14.16 million if done next offseason. That’s cap space Minnesota could roll over to 2026, providing flexibility to retain other stars or bolster the roster.

NFL game tickets

Beyond the numbers, an extension locks in a player whose trajectory suggests he’ll remain elite. At 30 years old (as of September 15, 2025), O’Neill is in the prime of his career, with 110 games of NFL experience—all in a Vikings uniform. His durability, leadership, and ability to compete at a high level make him a safe bet for future success. In the NFL’s “what have you done for me lately?” landscape, O’Neill’s recent excellence is a strong predictor of what’s to come.

The Risks and Rewards

Extending O’Neill isn’t without its trade-offs. Committing to a veteran tackle means sacrificing some future financial flexibility for immediate cap relief. But if the Vikings believe they’re on the cusp of contention—and with a competitive roster, they have reason to—Adof-Mensah might see this as a worthwhile gamble. Keeping O’Neill ensures stability at a critical position, protecting quarterback Sam Darnold and paving the way for Minnesota’s ground game.

The alternative—parting ways with O’Neill to recoup $19.5 million in cap space—is tempting but risky. Losing a stalwart like O’Neill could disrupt the offensive line’s chemistry and weaken a unit that’s been a strength for the team. Fans might balk at the idea of letting go of a homegrown talent who’s bled purple and gold his entire career.

NFL game tickets

A Legacy in Purple and Gold

Drafted in 2018, O’Neill has never played a snap for another team, and an extension could ensure he retires a Viking. His journey from a second-round pick to a team captain reflects his growth as a player and leader. At 6’7”, he’s tied for the tallest player on the roster, but it’s his intangibles—work ethic, grit, and quiet excellence—that make him indispensable.

As Adofo-Mensah navigates the salary cap minefield, extending Brian O’Neill could be the masterstroke that keeps Minnesota competitive while securing a fan favorite for years to come. It’s a move that might shock fans accustomed to hearing about flashier names, but for those who know the value of a rock-solid right tackle, it’s a plan that makes perfect sense.