One year remains on Brian O’Neill‘s current deal. The longtime Vikings right tackle is seeking a new commitment, something which has impacted his offseason participation to date.
As detailed by ESPN’s Kevin Seifert, O’Neill was merely an “observer” during OTAs this spring. All practices to date have of course been voluntary, but an absence from mandatory minicamp would yield roughly $108K in fines. Per Seifert, O’Neill is expected to attend this week’s minicamp and participate in at least a limited capacity.
In 2021, team and player agreed to a five-year, $92.5MM extension. 2026 represents the final year of that pact, and O’Neill is scheduled to collect $19.5MM during the upcoming season. That figure includes a nonguaranteed base salary of $18.9MM. The ninth-year veteran is on course to carry a cap charge of $23.12MM as things stand.
Since taking over starting duties during his rookie campaign, O’Neill has been a mainstay at the right 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 career with double-digit appearances every year to date.
Seifert notes there is a strong desire in the Vikings’ organization to keep O’Neill in the fold beyond 2026. The coming year will mark his age-31 season, so a shorter commitment this time around would come as little surprise. Minnesota did not work out an extension or contract adjustment during Rob Brzezinski‘s stint as interim general manager. A full-time GM is now in the fold, however, thanks to the recent hire of Nolan Teasley.
With the Vikings’ new organizational structure now in place, talks on an arrangement with O’Neill may pick up in the near future. In the absence of progress on that front, his contract status may remain a talking point during the lead-up to training camp.