The Minnesota Vikings had some vivid “winners” this offseason, including center Blake Brandel, who is on tap to start at center after the club added no starting-caliber alternative, and wide receiver Justin Jefferson, who now has Kyler Murray to throw him the pigskin on Sundays.
But what about the losers? The Vikings, through their actions, caused some of those, too. Counted down to the biggest loser of the 2026 offseason, here’s the pecking order.
Rouse’s path to making the team is actually straightforward.
If the Vikings view him as a guard, he has a much clearer shot at securing a roster spot. If they still see him as a tackle, however, his prospects become challenging. Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill are entrenched starters. Ryan Van Demark was acquired for veteran depth in March, and Caleb Tiernan joined the team in Round 3 of April’s draft. None of these players suggests a need for a “fourth tackle.”
That places Rouse in a difficult position.
But what about the losers? The Vikings, through their actions, caused some of those, too. Counted down to the biggest loser of the 2026 offseason, here’s the pecking order.
Rouse’s path to making the team is actually straightforward.
If the Vikings view him as a guard, he has a much clearer shot at securing a roster spot. If they still see him as a tackle, however, his prospects become challenging. Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill are entrenched starters. Ryan Van Demark was acquired for veteran depth in March, and Caleb Tiernan joined the team in Round 3 of April’s draft. None of these players suggests a need for a “fourth tackle.”
That places Rouse in a difficult position.
3 months ago
