3 Vikings Who Could Leave Next Year if the 2026 Season Fizzles

3 Vikings Who Could Leave Next Year if the 2026 Season Fizzles Sep 8, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) celebrates head coach Kevin O'Connell after his touchdown reception during the first half against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images. If the Vikings fizzle in the upcoming season, then change will be afoot. 3 Vikings stand out above the rest. Most notably, there's going to be the quarterback position to consider. Does anyone within the quartet — Kyler Murray, J.J. McCarthy, Carson Wentz, and Max Brosmer — get kept around in the event of underperformance? Others from within the organization seem like candidates to take off if there isn't true success in the upcoming season. 3 Vikings Set to Depart if 2026 Flops No. 1 — WR Justin Jefferson Nov 3, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) catches the onside kick against the Indianapolis Colts in the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images Not very often, folks, does a receiver who is so tremendous show so much patience. There's no sense of exaggeration when saying that Justin Jefferson is a historic talent. What he has done in his opening six seasons has been phenomenal — the yards most prominently — especially since the passers have been so varied. Presumably, there's going to be an expiration date on his patience. Jefferson is moving into his seventh NFL season and has yet to win a playoff game. The pair of good passers in his career, Kirk Cousins and Sam Darnold, have been allowed to walk. There's a pile of pressure on the Vikings to get things figured out in 2026. A brutal truth: Jefferson probably should ask out if Minnesota can't elevate to his level. No. 2 — HC Kevin O'Connell Dec 14, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell before a game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images. Truth be told, Kevin O'Connell is sitting on the hot seat. The Wilfs, like Jefferson, are patient, but they'll want actual results at some point. O'Connell can commonly be found doing what a company man does: saying the correct things. He's good in front of the microphone as he praises the fans and compliments the ownership. So, too, does he make a consistent effort to praise his guys as he maintains an upbeat, positive personality. The cold reality: he's 0-2 in the playoffs. Kevin O'Connell is a good football coach. The Vikings will fire him in a year or two if he can't show that he's a great football coach who can win in the playoffs. No. 3 — A Pile of Veteran Mainstays Dec 21, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Minnesota Vikings outside linebacker Andrew van Ginkel (43) reacts with linebacker Eric Wilson (55) and linebacker Blake Cashman (51) after a sack against the New York Giants during the second half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images – Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect Edge rusher Andrew Van Ginkel is a football cyborg. He's moving into the final year of his contract. Extending him after a failed season would be odd given that he's an older player. Consider some others working in a contract year: LB Blake Cashman CB Isaiah Rodgers WR Jauan Jennings QB Kyler Murray RB Aaron Jones TE T.J. Hockenson C Blake Brandel LB Ivan Pace Jr. RB Jordan Mason Other players would be plausible cut candidates, such as S Theo Jackson, S Josh Metellus, CB James Pierre, and various others. In short, the final player isn't a player at all. Rather, the final player is a collection of guys in their prime or a touch later in their careers who could get moved out in favor of a rebuild. Also Read on Vikings Territory:The Vikings Snagged a Pair of Bruisers K. Joudry By Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Email: k.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.