The Minnesota Vikings’ 2025 Offseason: A Super Bowl Window Wide Open

The Minnesota Vikings have positioned themselves for a strong 2025 season with an outstanding free agency period. General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has masterfully crafted a roster that puts the team in contention for a deep playoff run, potentially setting the stage for a Super Bowl appearance over the next three to four years.

One of the Vikings’ biggest priorities entering the offseason was bolstering the defensive tackle position. With the additions of Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave, they have significantly upgraded their interior defensive line. Additionally, they re-signed cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. and added depth with Isaiah Rodgers, reinforcing their secondary.

Revamping the Offensive Line: A Game-Changer

Another crucial area the Vikings addressed was the interior offensive line, a long-standing weakness for the team. The acquisitions of Ryan Kelly and Will Fries have brought newfound optimism to the franchise and its fanbase. For the first time in years, Minnesota boasts a formidable offensive interior, a strength they arguably haven’t had since Steve Hutchinson donned the purple and gold.

Over the past decade, the Vikings have experimented with various strategies to improve the interior offensive line, including first-round picks, mid-round selections, and bargain free-agent signings. However, none have provided the stability required to dominate in the trenches. The signings of Kelly and Fries suggest that the team has finally found a sustainable solution to this lingering problem.

These additions also provide insight into the Vikings’ potential draft strategy. One of the key motivations behind beefing up the interior offensive line is improving the running game, an area that has struggled in recent seasons. With Kelly and Fries bringing physicality and experience, Minnesota may be preparing for a fundamental shift in their offensive approach.

A Potential Shift in the Running Game

Under head coach Kevin O’Connell, the Vikings have primarily relied on zone-blocking concepts. According to Pro Football Focus, Minnesota executed 226 zone-concept runs in 2024, accounting for 60.27% of their total rushing plays. Meanwhile, Kelly and Fries’ former team, the Indianapolis Colts, leaned heavily on gap-blocking schemes, running 231 gap plays (52.03%) last season.

Interestingly, O’Connell’s mentor, Sean McVay, has adapted his approach in recent years with the Los Angeles Rams. In 2022, the Rams executed 186 zone runs (54.23%), but that number increased to 267 (63.42%) in 2023 before dropping to 197 (50.26%) in 2024. The Rams’ shift toward gap-based running concepts could influence O’Connell’s strategy in Minnesota.

With the added size and strength on the interior, the Vikings may adopt a similar shift, prioritizing power-running schemes. This potential change could also impact their approach to the upcoming NFL Draft, particularly in selecting a running back who fits the revised scheme.

Who Will Be the Vikings’ Next Feature Back?

Many analysts have linked the Vikings to Iowa’s Kaleb Johnson, who fits well within their traditional zone-rushing scheme. However, if Minnesota commits to a more gap-oriented approach, they may pivot toward a different type of running back.

One name to watch is North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton. While he has faced criticism for his vision as a runner, those concerns could be mitigated in a gap-based system, where predetermined running lanes reduce the need for elite vision. If the Vikings select a power back like Hampton, it would signal a definitive shift in their offensive philosophy.

Will the Vikings fully embrace this change? The answer may come in the next six weeks as the NFL Draft approaches. Who they select at running back could provide a clear indication of how they plan to structure their ground attack in 2025.

A New Era for the Vikings?

With significant upgrades across the board, the Vikings have emerged from free agency as a legitimate contender. The additions of Allen, Hargrave, Kelly, and Fries have addressed critical weaknesses, giving Minnesota a well-rounded roster that can compete with the NFL’s best.

As the draft looms, all eyes will be on how the Vikings continue to build for their future. If they execute their remaining moves wisely, this could mark the beginning of a new era of dominance in Minnesota—and perhaps, the long-awaited return to Super Bowl glory.