As the Minnesota Vikings turn their attention to the offseason, two different necessities come to mind. They need to find a quarterback who can push JJ McCarthy up the depth chart. They also need to clear nearly $50 million in salary cap space.
They haven’t done the former yet, but it sounds like Kyler Murray is the answer they want. We’ll have a clearer idea of that next week when free agency does open up. Minnesota has restructured a lot and made cuts to get under the salary cap and decide on an additional move for them.
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Minnesota center suddenly has real problems
On Friday afternoon, Ryan Kelly decided his career was ready to end. After suffering multiple concussions this season and even more throughout his career, it was time to call it a day.
Of course, Kelly’s departure leaves the Vikings without their starting center. Pro Football Focus named him one of the best players in the league last year. That’s why Minnesota signed him to a two-year contract last offseason. Kelly only played in eight games last season, though, and Kevin O’Connell has been forced to test his depth.
JJ McCarthy and Ryan Kelly warm up at U.S. Bank Stadium as Minnesota prepares for Houston during an early preseason practice on Aug. 9, 2025 in Minneapolis. The quarterback and center pairings take turns running stretches and snaps while coaches monitor timing and communication to get a clear picture of chemistry developing before the team’s first exhibition game of the summer. Mandatory photo credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.
Michael Jurgens was initially slated to serve as the backup center but was eventually replaced by Blake Brandel. He regained it and played there, but now the Vikings have a pair of uncertain talents they need to decide whether to trust.
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The truth is, Kelly is an irreplaceable talent on this roster. Kelly, a four-time Pro Bowl selection, was arguably the best part of the Vikings’ offensive line last season. However, when he suffered his first concussion, it all needed to end. With a long-term brain injury, it’s hard to think he should go back there.
January 13, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Michael Jurgens (65) during the NFC Wild Card game against the Los Angeles Rams at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory photo credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.
Unfortunately, he did. Kelly then suffered another concussion. That all but cemented his future, and the Vikings placed him on injured reserve to finish out the year. Of course, Kelly needed to talk to his family and those in his inner circle, but it was always the right move for his wife and kids.
Kelly is only 32 years old and should prioritize his quality of life. He’s been in the NFL for over a decade, and it’s been a simple matter of not getting himself into further problems.
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The Minnesota Vikings now need to add another center to the rotation. Either Jurgens or Brandel could start, but neither would really be a desirable outcome. Kelly’s retirement saves quite a bit of money under the salary cap, and the team could certainly use some of that to find his replacement.