Rumor suggests the Vikings will be “pretty aggressive” in pursuing free-agent guards to strengthen their offensive line.
The Minnesota Vikings are consistently in the spotlight during the NFL offseason, and with a number of areas on their roster that could use improvement, rumors about their approach to free agency are always a hot topic. One such rumor has recently emerged, suggesting that the Vikings will be “pretty aggressive” in the free-agent guard market. This revelation is noteworthy because the Vikings’ offensive line has long been a subject of concern for the franchise, and strengthening this unit could be a major step forward for their offense in the 2025 season.
To understand the context of this rumor, it’s important to first take a closer look at the Vikings’ current offensive line situation, their needs, and the general landscape of free-agent guards in the NFL. Additionally, examining the team’s overall strategy in terms of roster building and how they might approach free agency provides valuable insight into the potential significance of this rumor.
The Vikings’ Offensive Line Struggles
The Minnesota Vikings have been searching for consistency along their offensive line for years. While there have been some bright spots, the overall performance of the unit has left much to be desired. For much of the past decade, the Vikings have struggled to find the right mix of talent, and they have been prone to issues with pass protection and run blocking. This has had a direct impact on their offensive production, particularly with quarterback Kirk Cousins and running back Dalvin Cook, who both need solid protection to maximize their effectiveness.
The interior of the offensive line, in particular, has been a persistent weakness. While tackles like Brian O’Neill have been solid on the outside, the guard spots have been inconsistent. Guards play a crucial role in both run blocking and pass protection, as they are tasked with creating running lanes for the running back while also providing the necessary pocket for the quarterback to operate. The Vikings have rotated through a number of players at these positions, but they have yet to find a reliable and dominant duo.
As of the 2024 season, the Vikings’ starting guards were Ezra Cleveland and Ed Ingram. Cleveland, who was drafted in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, showed promise early in his career but has been somewhat inconsistent. His ability to protect the quarterback and open up lanes in the run game has not been at the elite level the Vikings need to compete with the NFL’s best. Meanwhile, Ingram, a rookie in 2022, struggled with both penalties and missed assignments during his early seasons in the league. His development has been slow, and although there are flashes of potential, there have been enough concerns to make the Vikings consider an upgrade at the position.
Given these ongoing issues, it’s not surprising that the Vikings would be looking to strengthen their interior offensive line in the upcoming free agency period. The rumor of them being “pretty aggressive” in this market suggests that they are prepared to make a significant move to address the guard position, rather than just relying on internal development or marginal upgrades.
Free-Agent Guards on the Market
The 2025 NFL free-agent market for guards looks promising, with a number of talented players potentially hitting the open market. While the final list of available players will depend on how teams handle their own free agents and the salary cap situation, there are several key names who could be of interest to the Vikings.
One of the top players potentially available in free agency is Ben Powers, the starting left guard for the Baltimore Ravens. Powers is an experienced, versatile lineman who has been a reliable starter for the Ravens over the past several seasons. His ability to anchor the offensive line and his strong run-blocking skills would make him a perfect fit for a Vikings team looking to improve their interior play. Powers is not only effective in pass protection but also has the tenacity to help create holes in the running game, something the Vikings desperately need.
Another player to keep an eye on is Jonah Jackson, the Detroit Lions’ left guard. Jackson has emerged as one of the top interior linemen in the NFL over the past few seasons, and his ability to dominate in both the passing and running game makes him a highly sought-after free agent. As a division rival, the Vikings would have the advantage of knowing exactly what Jackson brings to the table. His physicality and experience could give the Vikings the stability they’ve been searching for in the guard position.
Mike Onwenu, the New England Patriots’ guard, is another potential target. Onwenu is a mauler in the run game and has been a consistent presence on the Patriots’ offensive line since being drafted. He is also capable in pass protection, though his forte lies in creating space for the running back. Onwenu’s skill set could provide the Vikings with an immediate upgrade over Ingram, particularly in the run game, which has been a staple of the team’s offense under head coach Kevin O’Connell.
Additionally, players like Isaiah Wynn (formerly of the Miami Dolphins) and Connor McGovern (currently with the Buffalo Bills) could also be available. Both players have been starters for several seasons and bring experience to the table. While neither is an elite star, both are solid, reliable guards who could provide the Vikings with depth and stability if they are looking for more affordable options.
Vikings’ Approach to Free Agency and Cap Space
The Vikings’ front office, led by general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, has been focused on creating a balanced roster while managing the salary cap effectively. Minnesota has made a number of key moves in recent years, including restructuring contracts and letting go of high-priced veterans, to position themselves for success in free agency and the draft. While they don’t have an unlimited amount of cap space, they do have flexibility to make a splash in free agency if they choose.
In particular, the Vikings have a few avenues they could pursue to free up additional cap room. Veterans such as wide receiver Adam Thielen and defensive lineman Danielle Hunter could be potential trade candidates if the Vikings decide to part ways with them. Additionally, restructuring contracts with key players like Cousins or O’Neill could create more breathing room under the cap, allowing the Vikings to target premium free agents.
A strategy that has worked for the Vikings in recent years is their focus on a few key, high-priority positions in free agency rather than attempting to overhaul the entire roster. This has allowed them to target specific needs, like the offensive line, while still being able to compete in the long term. The aggressiveness in the guard market is likely a reflection of this strategy: the Vikings understand that in order to maximize the potential of their offense, they must ensure the offensive line is a strength rather than a liability.
How This Could Impact the Vikings in 2025
If the Vikings are indeed as aggressive as the rumor suggests, the impact of securing a top-tier free-agent guard could be profound. For one, an upgrade at guard would significantly improve the protection around Cousins, who is often under pressure, especially in key moments. Better protection would allow Cousins to make quicker decisions, giving him more time to scan the field and connect with his receivers. This is particularly important with the dynamic receiving corps that includes star wide receiver Justin Jefferson, who can take advantage of any extra time given to Cousins.
Additionally, bolstering the guard position could have a direct impact on the running game. Dalvin Cook, one of the league’s most dynamic backs, has often been forced to create on his own due to poor blocking. A more effective interior offensive line would allow Cook to hit holes more quickly and could lead to more explosive runs, which would open up the entire offense.
Overall, a strengthened offensive line would give the Vikings the balance they need to compete at a higher level. With a solid offensive line in place, they would not only improve in key areas like pass protection and run blocking but also be in a stronger position to take advantage of the team’s offensive weapons. This could translate into more victories and a deeper playoff run, which is the ultimate goal for the franchise.
