Brian O'neill

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

Brian O'Neill's five-year, $92.5M extension ($18.5M AAV) with the Vikings earns a brutal F CVI grade, representing one of the most questionable investments at the tackle position this cycle. While O'Neill has been a solid starter who's provided durability over his career, paying him elite left tackle money when he profiles more as an above-average right tackle creates a massive value mismatch. The $22.6M in guaranteed money limits Minnesota's flexibility if his play declines, and at 29 years old, he's entering the back half of his prime when most offensive linemen begin their descent. The Vikings essentially bid against themselves here, as O'Neill had limited leverage with one year remaining on his deal and no obvious suitors willing to approach this price point. This contract handcuffs Minnesota's salary cap for years while dramatically overpaying for production that should cost closer to $12-14M annually, making it a textbook example of how not to manage the offensive line market.

Performance Analysis

Brian O'Neill earns an F for the Vikings at offensive tackle, a grade that reflects a player who has been completely sidelined by injury rather than poor play. O'Neill was once one of the better right tackles in football, but his health has completely derailed his career trajectory. Minnesota invested significant resources in him based on his earlier performance, and the return on that investment has been nonexistent due to unavailability. The Vikings need their franchise tackle on the field, and O'Neill simply has not been there. It is a frustrating situation for everyone involved, because the talent was undeniable when he was healthy.