That level of spending didn’t shield the unit from scrutiny, and the Vikings are moving on from offensive line coach Chris Kuper as his contract expired. ESPN’s Kevin Seifert reported that Kuper won’t be retained and that Minnesota is actively seeking his replacement. 🔁🧑💼
The decision appears tied to the broader performance arc of Vikings linemen who left and found success elsewhere. Alec Lewis of The Athletic noted that interior pressure remained a major issue, even as the run game improved. He highlighted former Vikings— Garrett Bradbury with the Patriots, Ed Ingram with the Texans, Ezra Cleveland with the Jaguars, and Dalton Risner with the Bengals—as examples of ex-Vikings finding success elsewhere. 🧩🏈
Bradbury’s Patriots season was especially telling—he allowed a career-low 21 pressures with no sacks, per PFF—while Ingram posted a 74.2 overall grade in Houston after previously rating well below expectations in Minnesota. Cleveland tallied a strong 71.4 pass protection grade with the Jaguars, and Risner contributed with 17 pressures for the Bengals. These performances underscored the perceived gap between Minnesota’s development and the continued success of players who left town. 🧠📈
Christian Darrisaw’s absence loomed large in Minnesota’s O-line struggles, as a year of rehab from knee surgery left the left tackle sidelined frequently. The Vikings used 20 different line combinations, and Darrisaw played only about 50.3% of snaps. GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah said depth at tackle would be a priority in the offseason, aiming to have a roster capable of stepping in without a drop-off when the first man goes out. 🧰🧷
