Are the Minnesota Vikings secretly kicking themselves over letting Ed Ingram go? It’s a question that’s starting to echo loudly in the halls of U.S. Bank Stadium. This season has been nothing short of a rollercoaster for the Vikings, and not the thrilling kind. With a disappointing 6-8 record, the team is far from where they hoped to be. But here’s the real kicker: their struggles begin in the trenches—the very area where they’ve poured the most money and resources. And this is the part most people miss: the offensive line, once a cornerstone of their strategy, has become a glaring weakness.
To make matters worse, starting left tackle Christian Darrisaw is now on injured reserve, leaving the Vikings’ starting offensive line to finish the 2025 season with just two games played together as a unit. It’s a stark reminder of how fragile team chemistry can be. But let’s rewind to the offseason, where the Vikings’ o-line overhaul began with a bold move: general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah traded 2022 second-round pick Ed Ingram to the Houston Texans for a 2026 sixth-rounder. At the time, it seemed like a calculated risk. Then, they signed 27-year-old Will Fries, a right guard with a solid reputation before a leg injury sidelined him in 2024. A month later, they drafted Donovan Jackson in the first round to solidify the left guard position. It all looked promising on paper.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Ed Ingram, once labeled a bust, has flourished in Houston. He quietly secured the starting right guard spot and has since emerged as one of the NFL’s top interior linemen, ranking 14th overall (73.3 PFF grade) and 5th in run blocking (82.4). Meanwhile, the Vikings’ guard duo of Fries and Jackson ranks 39th (61.7) and 45th (58.2), respectively. Dianna Russini of The Athletic can’t help but wonder: Do the Vikings regret letting Ingram go for such a modest return?
Ingram’s transformation in Houston is nothing short of remarkable. At just 26, he’s become the standout player on an offensive line that was expected to struggle. It’s a stark contrast to the Vikings’ situation, where Fries has fallen short of expectations and Jackson, despite showing flashes of potential, is still finding his footing. Yes, there’s hope for the 23-year-old Jackson, but the gap between Ingram’s performance and the Vikings’ current guards is hard to ignore.
On a brighter note, new center Ryan Kelly ranks third at his position (PFF), but his seven missed games due to concussions raise concerns about his long-term future. At 32, Kelly may face tough decisions this offseason, even with another year left on his contract. If changes are coming, offensive line coach Chris Kuper could be the first domino to fall.
But let’s circle back to the elephant in the room: Did the Vikings underestimate Ingram’s potential? Or was this simply a case of a player thriving in a new environment? It’s a debate that’s sure to spark differing opinions. What do you think? Did the Vikings make a mistake letting Ingram go, or is this just the nature of the NFL’s ever-shifting landscape? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments—this is one conversation that’s far from over.
