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These Vikings Extensions Could Arrive This Summer

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Blake Cashman and Isaiah Rodgers tackle Ryan Flournoy during a game against the Cowboys
Minnesota Vikings linebacker Blake Cashman and cornerback Isaiah Rodgers combine to tackle Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Ryan Flournoy during first-half action at AT&T Stadium, with Dec. 14, 2025, in Arlington capturing a strong defensive sequence as Minnesota limited yards after catch in a competitive road matchup. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

On paper, from a May 2026 viewpoint, the 2027 offseason is scheduled to feature a mass exodus of veteran talent for the Minnesota Vikings. The club didn’t spend much in 2026 free agency — probably because it knew that extending existing players would be a top priority. And as soon as now and during the summer, several players are in line for extensions.

Minnesota can still spend smart by keeping a few familiar names in place.

The Vikings won’t extend all of the following players in 2026, but each has a case to ask for more time and money.

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Internal Contract Decisions on Tap for Minnesota’s Summer

Listed in alphabetical order, you can tentatively expect extensions for these players:

Jordan Addison celebrates with Sam Darnold after a touchdown during a Vikings game at U.S. Bank Stadium. Vikings extensions
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison celebrates with quarterback Sam Darnold after a scoring play, with Dec 29, 2024 placed at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis as the duo shares energy following a third-quarter touchdown against the Packers, highlighting offensive chemistry during a key divisional matchup late in the season. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

Jordan Addison (WR)

The Vikings will probably slow-roll Addison’s extension to ensure he stays out of trouble. They are not required to extend him this summer, but for a player with zero off-the-field transgressions, now would be the time.

Minnesota exercised his fifth-year option last week. So long as he stays out of trouble, Addison will be around for the long haul.

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In fact, if the Vikings hopped on his extension now, they might save themselves over $10 million, since the NFL market resets every offseason.

Blake Brandel (C)

This man is probably head coach Kevin O’Connell’s starting center. Fans expected Minnesota to draft a center early in last month’s draft, but it waited until Round 7 to bring home Gavin Gerhardt of Cincinnati.

The Vikings love Brandel, and he deserves a new deal. His contract runs out after the 2026 season. The man can play every offensive line position, which is not normal.

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Blake Cashman (ILB)

With Cashman entering the final year of his contract, the Vikings face a crucial decision regarding his future.

Currently earning $7.5 million per season, Cashman’s compensation no longer accurately reflects his on-field production. A short-term extension, perhaps for two years at approximately $20 million, appears to be the most logical step, a deal interim boss Rob Brzezinski is likely to finalize before the season begins.

His stats in 2025 strongly support this. Cashman averaged an impressive 11.07 tackles per game. Over a full season, this pace would have accumulated 188 tackles, placing him eighth all-time in NFL history. Despite missing four games, which lowered his overall total and may have obscured his exceptional performance, his per-game impact was undeniable.

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Beyond the numbers, Cashman is an ideal fit for Brian Flores’s defense. The Eden Prairie native plays as if he were tailor-made for Flores, having truly found his rhythm and delivered significant plays.

Cashman’s future is also fascinating because the Vikings just drafted Cincinnati’s Jake Golday in Round 2 of the draft. In theory, Minnesota could let Cashman walk and promote Golday in 2027.

Jordan Mason (RB)

The Vikings signed Mason to an extension last offseason after landing him via trade with the San Francisco 49ers. That deal runs out at the end of the upcoming season.

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Brzezinski re-upped with Aaron Jones in March, as Jones accepted a small paycut to remain with the team. The deal ensured that Jones and Mason will probably share RB1 carries this year.

If Minnesota values Mason, he could be extended this summer, as his career’s prime should have a couple of years remaining. That would likely cost around $6 million or $7 million per year.

Brian O’Neill (RT)

The Vikings will soon need to re-evaluate O’Neill’s contract, and the reasons are evident. He remains the team’s most reliable offensive lineman, excelling in performance and durability for years. While he will turn 31 soon and age is now a part of the conversation, top offensive tackles typically maintain their performance longer than players at more volatile positions. O’Neill has given Minnesota no reason to believe he’s on the verge of a decline.

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Brian O’Neill reacts to the crowd after a Vikings game at U.S. Bank Stadium. Vikings extensions.
Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Brian O’Neill acknowledges the home crowd following a strong performance, with Dec 1, 2024 centered at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis as he reacts postgame against the Arizona Cardinals, showcasing leadership and connection with fans after contributing to the team’s effort in front of a home audience. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

However, the more pressing concern is timing. O’Neill is set to become a free agent in 2027, and the Vikings will undoubtedly want to avoid that period of uncertainty. An extension that includes guaranteed new money would be a shrewd move for all parties. If the Vikings aim to maintain offensive stability, O’Neill needs to remain a core part of the picture.

O’Neill is probably the most likely player on this list to grab a new deal.

Isaiah Rodgers (CB)

Rodgers delivered the game of a lifetime last September, personally slaughtering the Cincinnati Bengals at U.S. Bank Stadium. Along the way, he made a name for himself and played quite well for the whole season, though Rodgers is not the greatest tackler.

But he’s fast as hell, and he’s a playmaker.

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His extension might look like two years and $25 million or something in that ballpark.

Andrew Van Ginkel (OLB)

Van Ginkel is suddenly more vital to the Vikings than ever. The team traded Jonathan Greenard to the Philadelphia Eagles during the draft, nominating Van Ginkel and teammate Dallas Turner for starting OLB duty. Beyond the pair, that’s pretty much it for credible OLB depth on the Vikings’ roster.

Minnesota added $23 million to his contract about one year ago. It could do the same this summer, connecting Van Ginkel to the club through the end of 2027.

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He’ll turn 31 this summer; age is now a factor in his long-term outlook.

Jay Ward (S)

Ward excelled when given opportunities last season, injecting grit, physicality, and much-needed youth into the secondary. Drafted in 2023, Ward is now entering the final year of his rookie contract, making this an opportune moment to explore a modest extension before his market value escalates.

Anthony Barr celebrates a fumble recovery with Jay Ward and Pat Jones II during a Vikings game. Vikings extensions.
Minnesota Vikings linebacker Anthony Barr celebrates a defensive takeaway alongside teammates, with Nov 27, 2023 set at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis as he reacts with Jay Ward and Pat Jones II after a fourth-quarter fumble recovery against the Bears, capturing a momentum-shifting moment during a divisional contest. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports.

His usage late last season is also significant. Flores’s apparent trust in Ward, even favoring him over Theo Jackson at times, spoke volumes. Turning 26 this summer, Ward embodies the type of younger defensive talent Minnesota should prioritize retaining.

Especially with Harrison Smith’s future in jeopardy, now is the time to lock down Ward.

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Man United latest: Bruno Fernandes shows true colours as Gary Lineker left baffled

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Manchester United skipper Bruno Fernandes has sent a clear message about the club’s targets

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has set out his aspirations for the club. The team have clinched a Champions League place and currently occupy third spot in the Premier League.

United’s climb up the table has occurred during Michael Carrick’s time in the dugout. The 44-year-old has won 10 of his 14 matches at the helm, building a compelling argument to be handed the role on a permanent basis.

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A significant change the manager is lauded for is reinstating Kobbie Mainoo in midfield after the academy product was sidelined under previous boss Ruben Amorim. The 21-year-old scored the decisive goal against Liverpool at the weekend.

Get MEN Premium now for just £1 HERE – or get involved in our United WhatsApp group by clicking HERE. You can also join our United Facebook page by clicking HERE and don’t miss out on our brilliant selection of newsletters HERE.

Yet the England international’s resurgence comes as no surprise to former Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker. Here is a look at some of the biggest stories surrounding the club.

Bruno Fernandes names ‘compulsory’ target

Bruno Fernandes has been pivotal in transforming the side’s fortunes, recording 12 assists across 14 matches under Carrick. However, the 31-year-old has maintained that qualifying for the Champions League is the minimum expected of United as the captain sets his sights on a future title challenge.

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“We have to be the main character every time and not think, ‘Let’s try to do our best and see what’s coming,’” Fernandes told Gary Neville for Sky Sports. “We have to be the main character in the game and then we will see.

“Sometimes you’re going to struggle, sometimes you won’t, but you have to try to be the main character in the game because you play for a big club and play for a huge place.

“Not where we are at the moment, we want to be in the top four all of the time, that has to be compulsory, but it’s the first place that we want.”

Gary Lineker left baffled

Gary Lineker has admitted his disbelief at Ruben Amorim’s judgment following Kobbie Mainoo’s impressive performance against Liverpool. The midfielder got the decisive goal, leaving Lineker baffled as to why Mainoo failed to earn a single league start under Amorim during the first half of the campaign.

“Kobbie Mainoo, I thought [he] was the star of this game,” Lineker said on The Rest is Football podcast. “I am absolutely bewildered by the fact that he didn’t get a look-in under the previous incumbent. It’s incredible.

“I mean, what? What? I don’t get it at all. And even whatever system you play or anything like that, how can you not see how good that kid is?”

Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package

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Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.

Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.

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What makes Ping’s hybrids so good? I met with their engineers to find out

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Nelly Korda explains the secret behind her smooth tempo

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The NBA’s playoff blocks record has added confusion because of Wilt Chamberlain, Bill Russell

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The NBA’s playoff blocks record has added confusion because of Wilt Chamberlain, Bill Russell originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Victor Wembanyama set the official single-game NBA playoffs blocks record on Monday night for the San Antonio Spurs.

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But if you look in certain sources, you’ll see that two guys actually rival Wemby in this regard: Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell.

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Check out this table:

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Oba Femi squashes 330-lb star in his first open challenge on WWE RAW

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Oba Femi announced last week that, due to not having an opportunity for a championship, he would be the prize and kickstart an open challenge. The first open challenge was answered by a 330-lb star, who he squashed.

This week on RAW, it was the inaugural Oba Femi open challenge in Omaha, Nebraska. As with every crowd since his debut, The Ruler got a huge reception, indicating just how big a star he has become. In fact, during a period where WWE isn’t considered at its best creatively, Femi is one of the highlights of the entire company. The fact that he retired Brock Lesnar gives him an unmatched level of aura. So to topple that would be a huge deal, and even for established superstars who have been on the roster for years, it would be a massive opportunity, albeit a risky one.

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Oba Femi’s open challenge was first answered by Akira Tozawa. When the Japanese star stepped into the ring, he was full of regret, and Otis, the 330-lb gentle giant, decided to step in instead. The match only lasted for a few minutes, and Femi would end up squashing Otis in his open challenge.

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It was a commendable effort from Otis to step up to the plate, but there is nobody in WWE, not even Roman Reigns, who has as much momentum as Femi does on RAW. It’s interesting to see that WWE has no storyline in place for him, or atleast they’re waiting for Backlash, so the directions are a lot clearer.

It’s a similar situation to what Gunther faced heading into WrestleMania 42. He was too big a star to leave out, and that’s how he ended up in a match against Seth Rollins despite having no history or relationship whatsoever with anyone in The Vision.