Vikings Floated as Suitor for Projected $31 Million Trench Upgrade

The Minnesota Vikings could be in the market for upgrades at multiple positions along their offensive line, and Chicago Bears left guard Teven Jenkins makes sense as a potential fit.

Selected No. 39 overall in the 2021 draft, the 26-year-old offensive lineman has to be proven versatile and physical.

Both traits could appeal to the Vikings.

“Chicago Bears guard Teven Jenkins is hitting the market at a good time, both in his career and in the NFL landscape. Interior linemen are becoming more of a priority for teams, and the 26-year-old has become a serviceable one in Chicago,” Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox wrote on February 17.

“Drafted as a tackle in 2021, Jenkins has settled in at guard and has been a high-level starter when healthy. Pro Football Focus ranked him 15th overall among guards in 2024.”

Jenkins is coming off a four-year, $8.4 million contract signed as a rookie. Over The Cap projects the Vikings will have $58 million to spend this off-season. Much of that could go toward retaining Sam Darnold or paying another high-end starter at quarterback.

Jenkins spoke candidly about hitting free agency during his season-ending media availability in January.

The Vikings have seen him twice a year since he entered the NFL, so they are familiar with him.

Spotrac projects Jenkins’ market value at $10.3 million annually, providing a three-year, $31 million pact as an example of what he may command.