The Vikings’ Most Overpaid Players in 2026

July 8, 2026 - 20:57

Vikings Face Cap Headaches: The Most Overpaid Players Heading into 2026

Every NFL team has players who don't quite match the value of their contracts, and based on the current depth chart projections, the Minnesota Vikings are staring down some serious cap concerns for the 2026 season. While the front office has done well to stay competitive, a few hefty deals are starting to look like anchors.

At the top of the list is cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. After a solid but not spectacular 2024, his contract escalates significantly. Murphy is a capable starter, but paying him like a top-ten cornerback creates a mismatch between his production and his cap hit. With a young secondary needing development, that money could be better spent elsewhere.

Another name causing concern is tight end T.J. Hockenson. While he was a safety blanket for the offense, his massive extension kicks in fully by 2026. Coming off a major knee injury, there are real questions about his explosiveness. Paying a tight end top-tier money when the offense might shift toward a more vertical passing game feels like a luxury the Vikings cannot afford.

Finally, edge rusher Andrew Van Ginkel is a candidate for the overpaid label. He overperformed in 2024, but his contract assumes he will maintain that unsustainable sack rate. If he regresses to his career averages, the Vikings will be paying premium money for a rotational player. These three contracts could force the team to make tough cuts or restructures just to stay under the salary cap.