The Minnesota Vikings exceeded nearly everyone’s expectations in the 2024 NFL season, finishing with a 14-3 record and making the playoffs—a feat few fans and analysts saw coming.
However, despite the team’s success, not every player lived up to the hype. Some were given new roles, while others were expected to take the next step in their development but fell short.
Vikings Players Who Didn’t Meet Expectations in 2024
Ed Ingram, Guard
Heading into 2024, Ed Ingram was expected to build on his improvement from his rookie to sophomore year and become a reliable starting right guard. Instead, he was benched in favor of Dalton Risner and even found himself inactive on game days. Now, his future with the Vikings is uncertain.
Stephon Gilmore, Cornerback
Stephon Gilmore, a former NFL Defensive Player of the Year, joined the Vikings as a free agent, but the player they got wasn’t the same dominant force from 2019. Though he started 15 games, Gilmore’s performance showed signs of regression compared to his time in Dallas. With only one interception and nine pass defenses, it seems age may have caught up to the 34-year-old cornerback.
Ty Chandler, Running Back
While Aaron Jones remained the lead back, the Vikings needed a capable second option in the backfield. Ty Chandler failed to provide that support, leading to the trade for Cam Akers. Chandler tied his career-low with just 3.3 yards per carry and failed to score a touchdown either on the ground or through the air, a sharp decline from his 2023 performance.
Dallas Turner, Edge Rusher
Rookie expectations are always high, especially for a first-round pick like Dallas Turner. While there was early talk about him being a candidate for Defensive Rookie of the Year, the reality didn’t match the hype. Turner was part of a crowded edge-rush rotation and finished the season with just three sacks. His limited playing time was one of the biggest disappointments for a player expected to contribute more immediately.
Blake Brandel, Guard
Blake Brandel took over as the starting left guard in 2024, but his performance didn’t meet expectations. The offensive line struggled to protect the quarterback and open up running lanes. While Brandel has shown flashes of solid blocking, his six false start penalties and inability to hold his ground consistently make it unclear whether he will be a long-term solution on the line.
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