Vikings sign right tackle Brian O’Neill to 4-year extension

EAGAN, Minn. — The Minnesota Vikings have signed two-time Pro Bowl right tackle Brian O’Neill to a four-year extension. This marks the first major roster move for the team under new general manager Nolan Teasley.

O’Neill, who will turn 31 in September, was entering the final year of his previous contract. Minnesota first engaged in these extension discussions in Indianapolis at the NFL combine. This deal keeps one of the team’s leaders in the fold through the 2030 season.

The Vikings selected O’Neill in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft. The five-time team captain has started 120 games over eight seasons and has played at least 14 games each season. O’Neill partially tore his Achilles in January 2023, then returned in 2024 to start all 17 games.

Head coach Kevin O’Connell has spoken glowingly about O’Neill’s influence in the locker room in recent years, too. He vouched for Kirk Cousins, rallied around Sam Darnold and embraced the young J.J. McCarthy. O’Neill’s steadiness gives the Vikings conviction for an offensive line that must take a step forward, regardless of who is playing quarterback in 2026.

Minnesota used 17 different combinations of offensive linemen during the 2025 season for at least 10 snaps. O’Neill missed three games with injuries to both knees. This season, the Vikings hope they can pair O’Neill’s steady presence with a consistently available Christian Darrisaw at left tackle. That type of health, paired with altered coaching after the hiring of Keith Carter, sets up for one of the best offensive lines since O’Connell took over in 2022.