https://vikesnow.com/rankings/2026/will-reichard-vikings-most-important-2026/

The 40 Most Important Vikings of 2026: No. 15 — Will Reichard

VikesNow‘s countdown of the most important players of 2026 has reached No. 15, and the All-Pro kicker’s name has been called. Although kickers aren’t usually considered among the NFL’s best players, it would’ve felt criminal to leave Reichard below No. 15 considering his impact on the franchise since arriving in 2024.

Here’s why Reichard is that important.

Why the Kicker Belongs in the Top 15

Reichard’s Role in 2026

Reichard’s role is about as straightforward as it gets for the Vikings; he has no competition. He’s the main guy – – the only one — to kick field goals and extra points. And he just happens to do it at an All-Pro clip.

As a kicker, his accuracy enhances the team’s scoring potential. Last season, he demonstrated the utmost reliability, converting 33 of 35 field goal attempts and all extra points. Notably, he made an astounding 11 field goals from over 50 yards, tying for the most in the NFL, and set a new Vikings team record with a 62-yard kick. The powerful leg fundamentally alters Minnesota’s fourth-down strategy, particularly around midfield.

Head coach Kevin O’Connell can flat-out expect points even when drives stall at a reasonable spot on the field. Reichard has transcended the specialist role and become an offensive weapon. Get near the opponent’s 40-yard line, and that should be close enough.

O’Connell said of Reichard late last season, “My confidence in him is supreme; it couldn’t be higher – – when your kicker can go out there, and you can pretty much lock it in that you’re going to get three points.”

“He’s earned that – – to have the expectation of not only myself, but Matt, and everybody on our football team, that he’s going to go out there and do his job. He’s been phenomenal.”

What Success Looks Like

More of the same – – no regression. That’s Reichard’s mission in 2026. Once upon a time, former Vikings kicker Blair Walsh was fantastic, too, until the wheels fell off in the 2015 postseason.

Reichard concluded his 2025 season with 19 consecutive made field goals, leading Minnesota’s coaching staff to consider a three-point attempt nearly automatic when he is within range. If he maintains his position among the NFL’s elite kickers and develops chemistry with new holder Johnny Hekker or Brett Thorson, the Vikings will have successfully addressed a critical need that arguably plagued them for the better part of three decades.

In fact, some fans might consider this ranking too low because Reichard has soothed so many kicker-related anxieties.

What Could Make This Ranking Look Too Low – – or Too High

The No. 15 ranking for a kicker could seem conservative if Minnesota plays many one-score games where the kicker’s influence is intense. A kicker with 60-plus-yard range heavily affects field position and overall game results. Reichard, at times, can win tight Vikings games with his foot.

Conversely, this ranking might appear generous because even an elite kicker’s influence depends on opportunities created by the rest of the squad. If Minnesota converts drives into touchdowns at an impressive rate, the kicker might have fewer high-stakes attempts.

The countdown is 65% complete. Here’s how 15 through 40 shook out:

40 | Myles Price (WR)
39 | Tai Felton (WR)
38 | Demond Claiborne (RB)
37 | Caleb Tiernan (OT)
36 | Bo Richter (OLB)
35 | Theo Jackson (S)
34 | Ivan Pace Jr. (LB)
33 | Levi Drake Rodriguez (DT)
32 | Ryan Van Demark (OT)
31 | Charles Demmings (CB)
30 | Jakobe Thomas (S)
29 | Josh Oliver (TE)
28 | Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins (DL)
27 | Jake Golday (LB)
26 | Domonique Orange (DT)
25 | James Pierre (CB)
24 | Eric Wilson (LB)
23 | Jay Ward (S)
22 | Jauan Jennings (WR)
21 | Aaron Jones (RB)
20 | J.J. McCarthy (QB)
19 | Isaiah Rodgers (CB)
18 | Josh Metellus (S)
17 | Blake Brandel (C)
16 | Will Fries (RG)
15 | Will Reichard (K)