1986 Minnesota Vikings season

The 1986 season was the Minnesota Vikings' 26th season in the National Football League, and their first with former offensive coordinator Jerry Burns as head coach, following the departure of Bud Grant at the end of the previous season.

The Vikings finished with a 9–7 record and missed the playoffs for the fourth season in a row.

1986 Draft

 * undefined San Diego traded a 1st round selection (14th overall) and 2nd round selection (44th overall) to the Vikings for their 1st round selection (8th overall) and 3rd round selection (66th overall).
 * undefined Minnesota traded one of their 2nd round selections (40th overall) and LB Robin Sendlein to Miami for WR Anthony Carter.
 * undefined Minnesota traded two 2nd round selections (44th and 53rd overall) to the Giants for OT Gary Zimmerman.
 * undefined The Raiders traded their 1985 6th round selection (164th overall) and 1986 2nd round selection (53rd overall) to Minnesota for LB Brad Van Pelt.

Awards and records

 * On August 2, Fran Tarkenton was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. He was the first player inducted who was primarily a Minnesota Viking during his career.
 * Tommy Kramer, the NFL passer rating leader, was named NFL Comeback Player of the Year by Pro Football Weekly.