The Minnesota Vikings’ injury woes this season have been nothing short of a rollercoaster—good, bad, weird, and everything in between. But nowhere has the chaos hit harder than on the offensive line, where their projected starting five haven’t shared a single snap together. In fact, only right guard Will Fries has managed to suit up for every game, while the rest have been sidelined by nagging ailments, some for multiple weeks.
The latest blow? Center Ryan Kelly landing on injured reserve after suffering back-to-back concussions. That means any dreams of fielding that full starting quintet are on ice for the foreseeable future. Heading into Week 9, Next Gen Stats (shoutout to Alec Lewis of The Athletic) reveals a staggering stat: the Vikings have cycled through a league-high 12 different offensive line combinations, each logging at least 12 snaps. Not one of those groups has even cracked 20% of the team’s total offensive plays. It’s a recipe for inconsistency that’s left fans—and quarterback Sam Darnold—scrambling.
Sitting at 3-4 as the trade deadline looms next Tuesday, the Vikings find themselves in a tricky spot: potential buyers or sellers? Sunday’s showdown with the Detroit Lions could swing the needle, but honestly, they might dabble in both depending on how the chips fall. Either way, one thing’s crystal clear—their O-line depth is a glaring vulnerability that needs addressing pronto.
Enter Josh Liskiewitz from Pro Football Focus, who in his deep dive on all 32 teams pegged the Vikings firmly as buyers. His spotlight? Bolstering that battered interior line. And the name he floated? None other than Las Vegas Raiders’ standout Jackson Powers-Johnson—a move that could be the sneaky genius fix Minnesota desperately needs.
Powers-Johnson, snagged by the Raiders in the second round (44th overall) of the 2024 draft, burst onto the scene with serious versatility. As a rookie, he toggled between center and left guard, but all signs pointed to him anchoring the middle this year. After all, he claimed the Rimington Trophy as college football’s top center during his Oregon days. Yet, the Raiders threw a curveball: they shifted guard Jordan Meredith to center in camp, slid Dylan Parham from right to left guard, and parked Powers-Johnson at right guard.
A early-season concussion sidelined him briefly, and since then, he’s been locked in a head-scratching battle with veteran Alex Cappa for the starting gig. Cappa’s two starts? Let’s just say they were underwhelming, living down to expectations. Powers-Johnson, on the other hand, has shone brighter, with any recent hiccups easily blamed on facing elite defensive tackles like Jeffery Simmons and Chris Jones. The kid’s got the goods—it’s just not clicking in Vegas.
Whispers suggest the Raiders might be open to dealing him. Powers-Johnson himself has voiced frustration about his role, hinting at confusion over the setup. A fresh start could be just what he needs, especially since he’s made it known (in chats with ex-head coach Antonio Pierce) that center is his sweet spot.
For the Vikings, this trade screams opportunity. Ryan Kelly’s locked in through 2026, but those repeated concussions raise real questions about retirement. Minnesota could even cut ties post-season, wiping his $12.1 million cap hit clean off the books if their 2026 finances demand it. Snagging Powers-Johnson would inject an instant upgrade over current placeholders like Blake Brandel and Michael Jurgens at center. Plus, with two years left on his rookie deal after this season, he’d provide long-term stability amid Kelly’s uncertain future.
Buyer or seller, the Vikings shouldn’t sleep on this. A quick call to Vegas to gauge the asking price is a no-brainer—and if rival bids roll in, Minnesota should pounce without hesitation. This isn’t just a patch; it’s a savvy, forward-thinking strike that could solidify their line for years. Holy smokes, what a steal it could be.