Vikings Re-Sign Offensive Linemen Blake Brandel, David Quessenberry

These are two important backups on Minnesota's OL.

Author:
Will Ragatz
Publish date:
Mar 11, 2024 1:21 PM EDT

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The Vikings have re-signed backup offensive linemen Blake Brandel and David Quessenberry, according to multiple reports (ESPN's Kevin Seifert was on it first).

These are no-brainer moves to retain valuable depth on the O-line. Brandel and Quessenberry both started multiple games last season due to injuries; they're reliable players who can be called upon at multiple positions as needed.

Brandel, a sixth-round pick out of Oregon State in 2020, was a restricted free agent. He didn't see the field at all as a rookie but has appeared in 39 games over the past three seasons, seeing time on special teams while also playing just over 500 offensive snaps. Brandel saw time at left tackle in 2022 and at right guard this past season. Moving forward, he'll likely continue to be the Vikings' primary backup at both guard spots.

Update: It's a three-year deal worth up to $11.25 million for Brandel, according to The 33rd Team's Ari Meirov.

Quessenberry, who the Vikings acquired late last offseason after he was released by the Bills, is a solid veteran swing tackle. The 33-year-old started four games for Minnesota last year, seeing time at both tackle spots. He's made 32 career starts (including playoffs), highlighted by a 2021 season where he started all 18 games at right tackle for the Titans.

Originally a sixth-round pick by the Texans in 2013, Quessenberry overcame a cancer diagnosis that derailed his football career for a while. He made his NFL debut with Houston in 2017, spent a few years with Tennessee, and then started three games for Buffalo in 2022. Now he'll enter his second season with Minnesota after signing a one-year, $2 million deal (per Darren Wolfson).

The Vikings still need to figure out their starting left guard position, where Dalton Risner is a free agent. The other four spots are likely set, barring a surprise release of center Garrett Bradbury.