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Vikings Weigh Cutting Star Tackle O'Neill to Free Up Cap Space
Minnesota must make tough decisions to get under the salary cap, including potentially parting ways with one of their best offensive linemen.
Published on Mar. 5, 2026
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The Minnesota Vikings are facing a difficult decision regarding the future of their star right tackle Brian O'Neill. With a $23.1 million cap hit looming in the final year of his contract, the Vikings must weigh the option of cutting O'Neill to free up significant cap space, or instead work to extend his contract and keep him in Minnesota. The Vikings have already made several high-profile cuts to get their finances in order, and are considering trading away another key defensive player in Jonathan Greenard, signaling their willingness to be bold this offseason.
Why it matters
O'Neill has been a stalwart on the Vikings' offensive line for years, protecting the team's star quarterback and paving the way for a productive running game. Cutting him would be a surprising and controversial move, but could provide the Vikings with much-needed salary cap relief as they look to field a competitive roster in 2026. The decision highlights the difficult tradeoffs teams must make to manage the salary cap and remain competitive.
The details
In three separate incidents since July, police said Walker Reed Quinn, a 45-year-old San Francisco resident, has been damaging Waymo autonomous vehicles by removing and swinging his belt, placing a cone on the dome and sensors of the car, damaging the tires and driver's side mirror, and stomping on the windshield. Quinn has a history of vandalism and was out on bail for prior cases related to Waymo vehicles when the latest incidents occurred.
- On July 4, Quinn allegedly dove onto the hood of a Waymo vehicle and covered sensors.
- On July 29, Quinn allegedly damaged a Waymo's tires and driver's side mirror.
- On August 11, Quinn allegedly stomped on a windshield while someone was inside.
The players
Brian O'Neill
The Vikings' starting right tackle who has been a mainstay on the offensive line since being drafted in the 2nd round in 2018. He is considered one of the NFL's best blockers and a key part of the team's success.
Minnesota Vikings
The professional American football team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota that competes in the National Football League (NFL).
What’s next
The Vikings will need to decide in the coming weeks whether to extend O'Neill's contract or part ways with the star tackle in order to free up significant salary cap space.
The takeaway
The Vikings' dilemma over Brian O'Neill's future highlights the difficult tradeoffs teams must make to manage the salary cap while remaining competitive. Cutting a talented player like O'Neill would be controversial, but could provide the financial flexibility Minnesota needs to field a winning roster in 2026.
