Dallas Turner
NFL player. Position: EDGE. Team: Minnesota Vikings.
Quick Facts
- Position: EDGE (pass rusher)
- Team: Minnesota Vikings
- Draft: 17th overall, 2024
- Age: 23 (entering 2026 season)
2026 Outlook
Turner enters his third season with 11 sacks through two years. Overshadowed early by Jared Verse (drafted 2 picks later), who accumulated 12 sacks and more consistent pressure generation in his first two seasons. Turner showed improvement in 2025 with 8 sacks, nearly matching Verse's 7.5 from that season, and posted a similar pass-rush win rate (15.0%) to Verse (15.5%). At 23 with his trajectory improving, Turner has an opportunity to establish himself as a franchise cornerstone if he makes another leap in 2026. Analysts debated whether his 2025 success benefited from veteran Jonathan Greenard opening paths, but his age and improvement trend suggest upside (per Blockbuster NFL trade just changed the Dallas Turner conversation).
Greenard trade impact (June 10): The Vikings' decision to trade Jonathan Greenard to Philadelphia places major responsibility on Turner heading into 2026. Turner must prove he can win one-on-one pass-rush opportunities consistently and establish himself as the clear edge rusher anchor for the Vikings' pass rush. Defensive coordinator Brian Flores will evaluate whether Turner and Van Ginkel form a capable duo or if the Vikings need to add a veteran edge rusher in free agency. The scheme can only go so far—Turner needs to demonstrate elite individual pass-rush ability to validate the Vikings' decision to move Greenard. (per All Signs Point to One Spot for Vikings Summer Free Agency)
Tyler Batty ACL injury accelerates Turner's role (Aug 31): Vikings edge rusher Tyler Batty suffered a torn ACL in the preseason finale and was placed on injured reserve, creating immediate depth concerns. Backup edge rusher Bo Richter is now the primary reserve, making Turner even more indispensable heading into Week 1. Turner is now Minnesota's clear No. 1 edge rusher with no experienced backup available, raising his snap count projection and fantasy relevance if the Vikings don't address depth via waivers or a trade. (per Vikings pass rusher placed on injured reserve with ACL injury)
Viking secondary strategy (April): Brian Flores' defense is built on the philosophy that strong trench play and pass rush matter more than investing heavily in individual cornerbacks. The Vikings mirror Kansas City's approach of developing and rotating cornerbacks at the position rather than paying premium salaries. Turner's pass rush is foundational to that scheme's success (per The Vikings May Be Ahead Of the Curve At Cornerback).
Role / Depth Chart
Starter (EDGE1), pass rusher. Vikings' defensive depth chart released in August shows Turner as the clear starting pass rusher opposite Andrew Van Ginkel, with Tyler Batty and Bo Richter backing him up. (per Vikings Release 1st Unofficial Depth Chart of 2026 Season).
August 20 joint practice standout: Turner delivered an impressive two-day showing at Vikings-Ravens joint practices. Per A to Z Sports observer: Turner was "explosive in a multitude of ways" with improved body composition and diverse skill set. He recorded multiple pressures and couple sacks over two days, while setting a strong edge against Ronnie Stanley. His performance validates elite upside projection and positions him for explosive 2026 season following Greenard trade (per Vikings Joint Practice Vs. Ravens Recap: Minnesota has one incredible position group, and one UDFA continues to thrive).
Week 1 breakout (Sept 17): Turner recorded a career-high 7 QB hits against Green Bay—the most by any pass rusher in an NFL game since Chris Jones had 8 for Kansas City in Week 15 of the 2018 season. The performance validates Brian Flores' defensive scheme and Turner's ability to deliver elite individual production independent of veteran support. This establishes Turner as a clear EDGE1 fantasy asset and a potential breakout candidate in IDP formats if the volume sustains (per Ben Johnson, Brian Flores match wits as Bears host Vikings).
Week 2-3 continued development: Through two games, Turner has recorded 11 QB hits and 3 sacks, including a walk-off sack that capped Brian Flores' defensive masterpiece in Week 2. His consistent improvement validates the Vikings' decision to trade Jonathan Greenard and establish Turner as a cornerstone pass rusher. (per NFL Power Rankings - Week 3: A reason for optimism for every team - theScore))
Week 4 status: Leads NFL in pressures (Oct 1, 2026): Turner has generated 25 pressures through the first three weeks, leading the entire NFL in pressure count and accumulating 3.5 sacks. FOX Sports analyst Eric Williams included Turner as an honorable mention for 2026 Defensive Player of the Year in his early awards predictions. At 23 years old with elite efficiency and production, Turner is on pace for a potential All-Pro season and represents an elite IDP asset for 2026. (per Lunchbreak: Vikings Blitz Rate & Pounds of Pressure Leading NFL)
Week 3 IDP jump — DL15 to DL7 (Sept 27): Turner jumped from DL15 to DL7 in Week 3 IDP fantasy rankings after a dominant performance at Chicago: 5 tackles, 2 sacks, 4 QB hits, and a career-high 11 pressures (previously never exceeded 5 in a single game). His second sack came on the final snap of Minnesota's 9-3 win. Now tied for 3rd in NFL with 3 sacks heading into Week 4. (per Week 3 IDP rankings with Dallas Turner rising)
Recent News
- 2026-09-27 — Week 3 IDP fantasy football rankings at DL, LB, DB with Dallas Turner rising (Week 3 IDP fantasy football rankings at DL, LB, DB with Dallas Turner rising)
- 2026-09-06 — 2026 Fantasy Football IDP Breakouts: Dallas Turner & Three Other Players Ready to Make... (2026 Fantasy Football IDP Breakouts: Dallas Turner & Three Other Players Ready to Make...)
- 2026-08-20 — Vikings Joint Practice Vs. Ravens Recap: Minnesota has one incredible position group, and one UDFA continues to thrive (Vikings Joint Practice Vs. Ravens Recap: Minnesota has one incredible position group, and one UDFA continues to thrive)
- 2026-06-18 — Final NFL offseason moves for 32 teams: Trades, signings, more (Final NFL offseason moves for 32 teams: Trades, signings, more)
- 2026-06-22 — Sack Crisis and New Faces: Navigating Vikings’ Changes (Sack Crisis and New Faces: Navigating Vikings’ Changes)
- 2026-06-17 — Minnesota Vikings News and Links: What Will We Talk About Until Training Camp? (Minnesota Vikings News and Links: What Will We Talk About Until Training Camp?)
- 2026-05-29 — The Vikings Have 7 Offseason Position Battles to Watch (The Vikings Have 7 Offseason Position Battles to Watch)
- 2026-05-02 — 6 Vikings Camp Battles to Watch This Summer (6 Vikings Camp Battles to Watch This Summer)
- 2026-04-27 — Here It Is: The Vikings New Depth Chart for 2026 (Here It Is: The Vikings New Depth Chart for 2026)
- 2026-05-01 — 2026 NFL Rookie of the Year predictions: Ranking candidates (2026 NFL Rookie of the Year predictions: Ranking candidates)
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