Anthony Edwards trade rumors continue to circulate as the Minnesota Timberwolves face increasing uncertainty about their long-term direction. Although no trade request has been made and no deal is imminent, speculation regarding the franchise’s future with its young star is beginning to gain league-wide attention.

So, what’s the latest on Edwards’ future with the Timberwolves? This is not good news for Minnesota fans.

What are the Anthony Edwards trade rumors going on?

The Timberwolves fear Edwards could eventually request a trade from Minnesota, as reported by KSTP’s Dan Wolfson on Flegrant Howells. This fear is driven by Minnesota’s roster construction, with suspicions that Edwards knows he can’t truly make the NBA Finals with this current team.

As the Western Conference continues to improve with the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs, the Timberwolves may be forced to make a move. Ultimately, this may be the only way Edwards wants to stay in Minnesota long-term.

Timberwolves face questions about long-term direction

Minnesota has established itself as a contender, but tough roster decisions are coming soon. The Timberwolves have been linked to Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo and could be one of the favorites. If so, Minnesota will have to decide to either build long-term or go “all-in” to maximize their window with Edwards and Antekonpompo.

To keep Edwards in Minnesota, the organization may have to make a massive trade to give him an obvious running back partner. If the Timberwolves can’t land the Bucks star, they may have to shift their attention elsewhere. Either way, the organization will have to decide between maintaining the status quo and moving in a different direction.

Anthony Edwards’ role in Minnesota’s future remains unclear

Edwards is the focal point of the Timberwolves, and expectations are rising. After making two consecutive Western Conference Finals appearances, Minnesota will need to provide the 24-year-old star with a team capable of making the NBA Finals. The 2026 NBA Playoffs failed to live up to that standard after being eliminated by the Minnesota Spurs in the semi-finals.

Minnesota would commit to pursuing Edwards; However, it may not be the same for him. If the Timberwolves are unable to make the playoffs deep into the NBA Finals, Edwards may raise his hand. Edwards’ future in Minnesota remains unclear, and with this latest report, his words and actions will be closely watched.

As NBA rivals monitor the situation, speculation about the league grows

There are no indications that Minnesota and Edwards are on the verge of divorce, but the league will keep an eye on the situation. Many NBA teams such as the Miami Heat and New York Knicks are always involved in trade talks for disgruntled players. That won’t change for Edwards.

Miami is looking to make a big move after missing the 2026 NBA Playoffs, and Edwards would be one of its dream goals. Many NBA organizations would love to acquire the 24-year-old star, so there will be speculation whether the Timberwolves will make an impact this offseason. This may also lead to some business enquiries.

What could be next for the Timberwolves and Edwards

The most likely scenario is that Minnesota makes a move to keep Edwards with the organization long-term; However, this will have to come soon. The Timberwolves need to get themselves into the conversation of annual championship contender, and the current roster is not living up to those standards.

If Minnesota fails to put together a team around Edwards, he could request a trade in the coming years. In fact, it could come even sooner if Minnesota falls short due to a lack of moves. Right now, Edwards’ future in Minnesota is up for debate, but it could become a big story if the Timberwolves don’t act fast.

Read more: Blockbuster trade coming? Los Angeles Lakers target major 2026 offseason move

Austin Konensky is a writer at SportsNut, covering the NHL, MLB, NFL, NBA and more. His work can also…more about Austin Konensky

Auston Matthews and his future with the Toronto Maple Leafs are uncertain. After a difficult year in Toronto, the organization hired a new general manager and fired head coach Craig Berube. The Stanley Cup Playoffs are the hope for the Maple Leafs, and Matthews will have to step up to impress to stay afloat.

However, what about the possibility of Matthews being traded to the Minnesota Wild? The blockbuster business idea has gained some popularity on social media in recent weeks.

Why the Auston Matthews-to-Minnesota trade discussion is suddenly surfacing

Matthews wants to see what Toronto does during the 2026 NHL offseason before committing to another year. If the 28-year-old superstar isn’t happy with the Maple Leafs, he could request a trade to another organization. Wild figures to be one of the most attractive options for Matthews.

Minnesota is looking to acquire an elite center, and Matthews would be a perfect fit. Matthews played with Quinn Hughes, Matt Boldy and Brock Faber at the Winter Olympics, so he will be reunited with his teammates with the Wild. Minnesota is one of several teams that may be interested in Matthews, but why would he consider a blockbuster trade?

Why the Minnesota Wild would even consider a blockbuster move

The Wild just need to improve their roster. After acquiring Hughes, the organization made the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs before being eliminated by the Colorado Avalanche. Minnesota clearly needs an elite center, and Matthews would be a great pick-up.

Matthews already has chemistry with Hughes, Boldy and Faber, so it won’t be a long adjustment period. The Wild know that another trade for an elite player would put them on Colorado’s level. Whether it’s Matthews or a different NHL star, a trade appears to be on the horizon.

How Auston Matthews will change the Minnesota Wild’s offense

Matthews would solve Minnesota’s issues at the center position. The Maple Leafs star’s elite goalscoring will give the Wild one of the league’s best 1-2 punches, with Kirill Kaprizov under long-term contract. These two stars, combined with Hughes and Faber, will fix Minnesota’s power play and make it arguably the best unit in the NHL.

The Wild will be able to control the offensive pace with Matthews and Hughes. It also allows other centers to thrive in smaller roles, giving Minnesota more depth. A trade for Matthews would give the Wild an effective five-on-five attack that will be a threat every night.

What needs to happen to land Auston Matthews in the jungle?S

The Wild would absolutely need to trade for Matthews. If the 28-year-old superstar requests a trade, there will be multiple teams bidding for his services. The only way for the Wild to acquire Matthews on a waiver is for him to tell Toronto he wants “Minnesota, and only Minnesota”.

It could happen, but Minnesota can’t count on it. The organization would have to send elite prospects and multiple first-round draft picks to start the conversation. Jonas Brodin and Jesper Wallstad would be a good starting point, but depending on the market, the Maple Leafs could demand more.

Major obstacles coming in the way of Matthews business

The biggest hurdle is Matthews’ absolute no-movement clause. If the Toronto star requests a trade he will essentially be able to choose his next destination. Therefore, if there is another team that Matthews has as his preferred destination, Minnesota may be out of luck.

Matthews has a cap hit of $13.25 million, so the Wild will have to figure out how to work it within their payroll. This could limit the team around Matthews, Hughes and other stars. However, it all comes back to Matthews and his desires. If Minnesota isn’t his top landing spot, it could be difficult to make a deal.

What could happen next in the Auston Matthews trade rumors?

For now, Matthews is looking forward to seeing what Toronto can do to build a Stanley Cup playoff contender this offseason. If the Maple Leafs convince him of their long-term plan, it could put the trade rumors to rest, at least for a while. Another bad season could push Matthews to the breaking point where he wants to win a Stanley Cup outside of Toronto.

The next step will be to keep an eye on Toronto’s moves. Will this be enough to convince Matthews to return for a second season? If so, the idea could be pursued next offseason or revisited during the 2026–27 NHL season. Minnesota wants to establish an elite center, and if Matthews is available, it should make every effort to make it happen.

READ MORE: Auston Matthews traded to Los Angeles Kings? 5 possible business sites

Austin Konensky is a writer at SportsNut, covering the NHL, MLB, NFL, NBA and more. His work can also…more about Austin Konensky

Despite firing their full-time general manager and working with interim GM Rob Brzezinski, the Minnesota Vikings managed to make several bargain free agency signings.

Nothing could be more impressive than adding potential starting quarterback Kyler Murray for just $1.3 million. Still, the recent signing of Jaun Jennings could be a suitable replacement for Jalen Naylor who would help boost the rushing attack and give another reliable weapon to a QB not named Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison or TJ Hockenson.

Nevertheless, one of the first moves the Vikings made was to sign nickelback James Pierre to a two-year, $8.5 million contract. Clearly, this was a cornerback that the Vikings and defensive coordinator Brian Flores preferred.

recently, athleticRobert Maze called Pierre’s signing “sensible”.

Pierre’s role in Minnesota is clearly defined. Byron Murphy Jr. and Isaiah Rodgers are the starting cornerbacks in Minnesota, but Pierre will play a key role in covering the slot as the Vikings’ third corner.

Additionally, without the addition of Pierre, the Vikings would likely have prioritized drafting a cornerback much earlier, potentially taking prospects like Caleb Banks, Jake Gould, or Domonique Orange out of the picture, but each is likely to have a unique role in coach Flores’ defense as a rookie.

RELATED: Minnesota Vikings loosely linked to unique football prospect

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Even though they are still searching for their full-time general manager, the Minnesota Vikings believe they have a strong foundation and support system. Head coach Kevin O’Connell and defensive coordinator Brian Flores are some of the best offensive and defensive minds in the NFL today. Together, the Vikings have become a place where many young prospects feel they can get the proper development they need to reach their full potential.

Look at former No. 1 overall pick Kyler Murray as an example. He never lived up to his draft slot in seven seasons with the Arizona Cardinals. Once he became a free agent, he chose O’Connell’s Vikings, although the presence of Justin Jefferson probably didn’t hurt.

Murray was only signed to a one-year contract. He could become the Vikings’ franchise quarterback, stealing that opportunity from 2024 first-round pick JJ McCarthy. If so, it means McCarthy’s days are numbered. Thus, the Vikings may soon be looking for another developmental QB to learn behind the 29-year-old Murray.

Right now, the sports community is monitoring the case of Texas Tech and former Indiana QB Brandon Sorsby, who is under NCAA investigation for sports gambling, yet is currently fighting for the opportunity to play in 2026.

However, there is also a possibility that Soursby declares for the NFL supplemental draft, which has not had a player selected since 2019. Another complication, Sorsby must submit his intent to enter the supplemental draft by June 30.

Still, Soursby’s potential availability to NFL teams later this summer presents an interesting curveball, where teams would part with a 2027 draft pick for the right to add him to their team immediately. Viewed as someone who had a Day 2 grade but could rise to a first-round prospect, Soursby has a strong arm and above-average mobility.

recently, athleticJeff Howe takes a look at which teams might be willing to part with a 2027 draft pick for Soursby. In doing so, Howe looked to the Vikings, who have an extra third-round pick in 2027 from Philadelphia after the Jonathan Greenard trade, as Soursby’s destination.

At first glance, the Vikings’ connection to Sorsby would seem strange. Still, with Murray only playing on a one-year contract and McCarthy undrafted, it’s likely the Vikings will enter next season still The search for answers to the future at the most important position in football.

Plus, there’s always the possibility that if/when Murray wins the Vikings’ starting QB competition, McCarthy, a former 10th overall pick, will request a trade. The Vikings can push firmly on that concept right now, knowing that Murray is only signed for the remainder of the season.

Still, as the Vikings get deeper into their competition, it may soon become clear that Murray is the best candidate on the field. This could lead to an early decision on McCarthy’s future in Minnesota, potentially making the Vikings more interested in finding another developmental QB over 2025 undrafted signee Max Broesmer.

This is where Sorsby can be seen as the perfect solution. A QB who has less pressure on his shoulders to perform immediately is given more time to develop than a ball of clay who is just 22 years old.

RELATED: 2026 NFL QB rankings after Aaron Rodgers rejoins the Steelers

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The Minnesota Wild need to improve after the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs. After blowing a 3–0 lead in Game 5, the Colorado Avalanche swept Minnesota in five games. This was a disappointing conclusion; However, the Wild should be back on the trade market this summer. In fact, Minnesota has been linked to a surprise NHL superstar.

The Athletic’s Michael Russo and Joe Smith listed Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews as a player Minnesota should trade this summer. Matthews, who was captain of the United States at the Winter Olympics, could be on the move this offseason.

So, what does Minnesota need to see to make Matthews a realistic trade target?

Auston Matthews should request a trade with the Minnesota Wild as a destination

New Toronto general manager John Chayka will have to prove to Matthews that he can build a roster capable of returning to the Stanley Cup playoffs. Like Quinn Hughes, Matthews is also scheduled to become a free agent in two seasons prior to the 2025-26 NHL season. Therefore, the 28-year-old center has a significant advantage.

If the Maple Leafs do not convince Matthews that they can be a competitive team, he can request a trade this summer or during the 2026–27 NHL season. In this scenario, Minnesota would be one of the destinations Matthews is willing to play for moving forward.

Matthews has a no-activity clause in his contract, so he must clear a trade out of Toronto. The NHL superstar has ties to Minnesota, as Hughes, Matt Boldy and Brock Faber all played with them on the Olympic team and during the Four Nations. It would not be surprising if organization was one of their main priorities.

It’s unclear where Minnesota would have the assets to acquire Matthews after trading for Hughes in December 2025. The best scenario for the Wild would be for Matthews to request “Minnesota and only Minnesota” to play with his Olympic teammates. Either way, a trade could be a real possibility this summer.

If Matthews wants out of Toronto, the Wild should call whenever that happens.

READ MORE: NHL insider makes bold prediction on Quinn Hughes extension with Minnesota Wild

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Every year, several NFL players become household names. While top draft picks always have a threat, sometimes an even greater impact can be made by undrafted players or other athletes who were previously overlooked. The Minnesota Vikings have done a good job of identifying hidden gems, which shows they are willing to give anyone a chance, whether they are selected at a high level or not selected at all.

Below, we evaluate a quartet of Vikings players who could enjoy breakout seasons in 2026.

RELATED: 5 Minnesota Vikings edge rusher targets after trading Jonathan Greenard

miles price

Last year the Vikings needed a new kick returner and turned to undrafted rookie Miles Price. He excelled and ranked third in the NFL with 1,479 kick return yards. But he also fumbled twice and failed to return home, his longest return was 61 yards. As Price enters his second season, don’t be surprised if he has even more success, including his first return touchdown in the NFL.

jalen redmond

Jalen Redmond is a player the Vikings had in mind while exploring the XFL. Now, he is the starting defensive lineman for Brian Flores. One could say that last season was Redmond’s breakout year as he recorded six sacks. Still, we guess there’s even more meat on the bone for Redmond. We could see a Pro Bowl season from a third-year player.

RELATED: Minnesota Vikings rookie may have revealed hint about All-Pro status

jay ward

There are still some questions as to whether Harrison Smith can return for a 15th season in a Vikings uniform. Whether he does or not, chances are, we’ll hear a lot from 2023 fourth-round pick Jay Ward. After playing 63 defensive snaps in his first two seasons, Ward took the field for 248 snaps in his third year. Coach Flores was lining up Ward all over the place over the final three weeks of last season, so there’s reason to believe he also has big plans for the player who will soon turn 26 in 2026.

dallas turner

An obvious choice after the Jonathan Greenard trade thrust the 17th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft into a starting role, Turner recorded eight sacks in 2025, but he will see an increased snap count in his third season. The question is whether he’ll be able to stick as a run stuffer, but by solidifying the defensive interior with Domonique Orange and Caleb Banks, Turner and his rushmate Andrew Van Ginkel should be able to pin their ears back and chase QBs out of the pocket. A Pro Bowl or even All-Pro season isn’t out of the question for the freaky 23-year-old who clocked a 4.46-second 40 yard dash coming from Alabama.

RELATED: 2026 NFL QB rankings: From the NFL’s worst starting QBs to the best

Dedicated NFL copywriter/editor. My work has been found on SportsNut, Sports Illustrated, Sporting News, MSN, Yahoo, and Minnesota Sports… More about Andrew Buller-Russ

After months of Minnesota Vikings trade rumors, the front office agreed to send out Jonathan Greenard over draft weekend. While 2024 first-round pick Dallas Turner is set to replace Greenard’s spot in the starting lineup, where he will play opposite Andrew Van Ginkel, the Vikings’ forward depth is undoubtedly thin.

Prior to this, the Vikings had a strong three-man rotation. Behind Turner and Van Ginkel, they have a trio of former undrafted free agents in Bo Richter, Tyler Batty and Chase Chambliss, all unproven players with less than three years of experience. Thus, Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores is likely aiming to sign another pass-rusher before the season starts.

Below, we look at five edge rushers the Vikings could still sign, as they recently did with Jaun Jennings.

RELATED: 2026 NFL QB rankings: Where does Kyler Murray land?

leonard floyd

Floyd recorded 19 pressures last year, which was actually the fewest in his eight-year career. He only had 3.5 sacks, the second fewest of his career. So, why would the Vikings want him? While the 33-year-old Floyd is coming off a rough season, even those numbers would be respectable as a rotational edge rusher, especially if Coach Flores thinks there’s a chance Floyd can return to top form in 2024 after recording 8.5 sacks. Plus, Kevin O’Connell and Floyd overlapped for two seasons on the Rams, so he already knows what the veteran will add to the locker room.

AJ Ebenezer

Still only 27 years old, AJ Epenesa may still have some untapped potential hidden in his bones. He has never recorded more than 6.5 sacks in a season, but he has recorded at least 6 sacks in three of his six playing seasons. This is a respectable track record, considering he has only once started more than two games in a season. The Vikings’ coaching staff may feel like they can get the most out of the 6-foot-6-inch, 260-pound defender.

by miller

The 37-year-old future Hall of Famer has reached his prime, yet Von Miller is still extremely productive. Last season, he managed to record nine sacks despite starting only three games. Plus, he’s already won the Super Bowl once with Coach O’Connell; Who’s to say they don’t want to pair up and aim for another Lombardi Trophy?

Jadeveon Clowney

The No. 1 overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft is somehow still only 33 years old, and he’s become a bit of a journeyman, but still a productive guy. Last year, he recorded 8.5 sacks as a member of the Cowboys, despite only making six starts and appearing in 13 games. Clowney also has a very high floor and a high ceiling, having recorded over 20 pressures in each of the last three seasons.

joey bossa

Last year, Dallas Turner and Jonathan Greenard tied for the Vikings lead with 24 pressures. This is the same pressure that Joey Bosa generated. Bosa is a five-time Pro Bowler who won’t turn 31 until July. Although he hasn’t had a double-digit sack season since 2021, the Vikings don’t need him to be a superstar; They just need someone who can generate pressure on demand, and Bosa certainly fits the bill.

RELATED: Minnesota Vikings rookie may have revealed hint about All-Pro status

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The Minnesota Vikings brought in significant competition for quarterback JJ McCarthy this offseason, with Kyler Murray seen as the likely starter. This raises questions about McCarthy’s future in Minnesota.

ESPN’s Dan Graziano explained that it “doesn’t make a lot of sense” for the Vikings to trade their former first-round pick just two years after moving up for them in the NFL Draft. For now, they’re hoping the competition will bring out the best in McCarthy.

“People I’ve talked to who are close to the situation insist that the Vikings haven’t given up on McCarthy – part of their hope is to bring in Murray, who gives some kind of shock to McCarthy’s system and gets him refocused on what they think he got away from last year. It’s probably a long shot, but again, it doesn’t seem like they would benefit much from trading him at this point.”

Dan Graziano on whether Minnesota Vikings will trade QB JJ McCarthy

RELATED: Insider highlights Minnesota Vikings QB competition

Recent reporting has made it clear that the Vikings have no early leader in the quarterback competition. While Murray has a vastly improved resume, Minnesota wants to give McCarthy a legitimate chance to win the starting job.

McCarthy has two things. First, Kevin is already familiar with O’Connell’s system and has chemistry with the Vikings’ receiving corps. Additionally, Minnesota also has a greater investment in him and would prefer an outcome where he becomes the long-term starting quarterback.

RELATED: Vikings rookie may reveal hint about All-Pro

Things get more interesting if McCarthy loses the starting quarterback competition. Minnesota also re-signed veteran signal-caller Carson Wentz this offseason.

Wentz performed much better than McCarthy last season, completing 65.1 percent of his passes with a 6-5 TD-INT line, an 85.8 passer rating, and he averaged 7.2 yards per attempt. For comparison, McCarthy completed only 57.6 percent of his passes with an 11-12 TD-INT ratio, a 72.6 QB rating, and he averaged 6.7 yards per attempt.

As Graziano also noted, the Vikings have already paid 70 percent of McCarthy’s rookie contract and their original draft-capital investment in that is never being recouped in a trade.

If McCarthy struggles this summer and in the preseason, Minnesota will likely move Murray as the starter and Wentz as the backup quarterback. In that case, as the third-line passer on the Vikings’ depth chart, McCarthy and his agent could push for a trade to pursue a fresh start with another franchise.

Matt Johnson is the senior NFL and college football editor for Sportsknot. His work including the weekly NFL and college… More about Matt Johnson

The 2026 Minnesota Vikings will have a different experience when they take the field for the first time. Although they were not one of the many teams that made head coaching or coordinator changes, the team’s roster would be very different.

Last year, they were starting second-year quarterback with zero NFL playing experience in JJ McCarthy. This year, that job is expected to go to former No. 1 overall pick Kyler Murray.

But more than the offense, the defense will be very different. It begins in the trenches, where Jonathan Allen and Jevon Hargrave have gone. Now, the Vikings will break out a pair of rookie defensive tackles in Caleb Banks and Domonique Orange along with Jalen Redmond.

Still, the biggest change overall may be in the secondary following the release of 14-year pro Harrison Smith from the roster. The one-time All-Pro and six-time Pro Bowl safety has been said to be considering retirement for several seasons now, and at age 37, it may be time to walk away.

However, recent comments from Vikings rookie third-round safety Jacoby Thomas suggest that Smith has been around the facility recently. Thomas may also be hinting that Smith will return to the playing field for the Vikings in 2026.

“We’ve had a little contact recently,” Thomas said. “We chatted a little bit…(I’m) ready to meet him in person again and connect with him, and learn as much as I can from him.”

Earlier, Coach O’Connell said, “It’s good for Jacoby to be breaking news on his first day here.”

So, what was KOC pointing towards? Is Smith getting ready to play a 15th season in the NFL now that the Vikings have a former Pro Bowl QB again? Or was the breaking news simply that Smith is already guiding the Vikings’ rookie defense, and he might consider a coaching role in Minnesota?

RELATED: Minnesota Vikings ‘Believe They Got a Steal’ with NFL Free Agency Signings

Dedicated NFL copywriter/editor. My work has been found on SportsNut, Sports Illustrated, Sporting News, MSN, Yahoo, and Minnesota Sports… More about Andrew Buller-Russ

The Minnesota Vikings had a busy offseason, looking to replace one general manager. They also shed several major salaries, but the Vikings believe they have found low-cost replacements for all of them.

While Jaune Jennings was more on the spendy side of things, even his $8 million base salary comes in at a bargain price, considering he recorded 975 yards and six touchdowns in 2024. Still just 28 years old, Jennings is expected to take over for last year’s WR3 Jalen Naylor. While Jennings isn’t as fast as “Speedy”, he will be a better run blocker, and he is far more adept as a receiver.

Yet, even more than signing Jennings, the Vikings believe they made a steal by adding Kyler Murray at a bargain price of just $1.3 million, according to ESPN’s NFL insider Jeremy Fowler. Although he has yet to play any actual games for Minnesota, the coaching staff is “thrilled” with Murray so far.

The Vikings continue to paint a picture where Murray will compete with JJ McCarthy for the starting QB job in 2026. Still, on the outside, most expected the job to be lost to Murray, meaning McCarthy would have to come back significantly improved from his rookie year.

Still, Murray has proven to be far more so in live games, which will give him the edge until McCarthy proves otherwise. This can never happen. If that happens, Minnesota will have a nice problem with two competent starters instead of no one at all.

RELATED: 2026 NFL QB rankings: From the NFL’s worst starting QBs to the best

Dedicated NFL copywriter/editor. My work has been found on SportsNut, Sports Illustrated, Sporting News, MSN, Yahoo, and Minnesota Sports… More about Andrew Buller-Russ

With an emphasis on cutting costs and clearing the salary cap sheet, the Minnesota Vikings have been forced to make tough decisions this offseason. After selecting nine players in the 2026 NFL Draft and signing another 19 undrafted free agents, the Vikings’ front office will have their work cut out for them by reducing the roster from 91 players (one addition due to punter Brett Thorson being an International Pathway Player) to 53 this fall.

With so many joining the roster, many Vikings will find themselves fighting for a chance to join the team. Below are four players who will undoubtedly enter training camp on the roster bubble, but a strong performance could solidify their position with the team.

RELATED: Minnesota Vikings predicted to sign free agent to address ‘major roster hole’

Walter Rouse, offensive tackle

He’s not a big-name player, but when the Vikings took a chance on Oklahoma’s Walter Rouse in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, there was a faint belief that the 6-foot-5 lineman could develop into an offensive tackle in the future. Of course, the Vikings have filled those positions with Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neal, but the latter of them is entering the final year of his contract.

The Vikings apparently didn’t feel like they had enough talent, so they selected Caleb Tiernan in the third round and signed Ryan Van DeMark in free agency. Now, Rouse is no better than fifth on the offensive tackle depth chart. After playing eight games over the past two seasons, he will likely be looking for another team soon.

RELATED: NFL scout believes Minnesota Vikings found difference-making ‘weapon’ on Day 3 of NFL Draft

Taki Diamond, defensive tackle

A year ago, the Vikings were in desperate need of capable bodies along the defensive line, so they responded in free agency by signing Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave. Both have since been released in cap-cutting moves, but they have both been replaced by first-round pick Caleb Banks and third-round pick Domonique Orange. While Allen and Hargrave were viewed as short-term stopgaps, Banks and Orange are the future, meaning a former undrafted player like Taki Taimani could be viewed as expendable after appearing in seven games as a rookie, but only two in his sophomore season.

RELATED: 4 Minnesota Vikings WR targets after the 2026 NFL Draft

Dwight McGlothern, cornerback

Last year, after the Vikings made final roster cuts, Brian Flores had only four cornerbacks on the roster. Dwight McGlothern, an undrafted signee from the 2024 NFL Draft class, was one of them. After making five appearances as a rookie, McGlothern saw playing time in 10 games in 2025, but he still only saw 31 snaps on defense and 20 snaps on special teams. Now that the Vikings have found a more reliable nickel corner in James Pierre while retaining Byron Murphy and Isaiah Rodgers, McGlothern has returned as the CB4. Still, he faces stiffer competition this time around after the Vikings selected Charles Demings in the fifth round while retaining 6-foot-3 running back Zemaiah Vaughn. Additionally, the Vikings added three undrafted rookie cornerbacks, providing even more competition for McGlothern’s roster spot.

RELATED: Minnesota Vikings had one of the NFL’s ‘worst’ draft classes

Johnny Hekker, bookmaker

The Vikings saw their punter of the past four seasons, Ryan Wright, surprisingly sign a four-year, $14 million contract with the New Orleans Saints in free agency. Moving beyond that was not an easy task for a team looking to cut costs. They responded by signing Johnny Hekker, one of the greatest punters of this generation, who had won a Super Bowl with Kevin O’Connell in LA.

However, there’s a reason the 36-year-old hasn’t been named a Pro Bowl selection or All-Pro since 2017. His skills continued to fade, and the Vikings prioritized the signing of undrafted rookie punter Brett Thorson after he won the Ray Guy Award in college. Don’t be surprised if Thorson looks to be a better long-term fit, but he’ll have to prove to be an effective holder on field goals and extra points first.

RELATED: 2026 NFL Power Rankings: Evaluating the worst, best teams after the NFL Draft

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Interim Minnesota Vikings general manager Rob Brzezinski spent four of the team’s top five selections in the 2026 NFL Draft on defensive prospects. This comes after the Vikings had the seventh-best defense in points allowed last season.

Their heavy defensive emphasis, spending five of the team’s nine picks on guards, suggests that Minnesota is satisfied with its offense. Although the team has since indicated that it was not their intention to make the top half of the draft so defensive-focused, the results are what they are. While the injection of talent was also much needed, especially after the departures of Harrison Smith, Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave, the Vikings also have a significant need to focus on offense after losing receiver Jalen Naylor.

recently, athleticVikings insider Alec Lewis went so far as to call the team’s WR3 position a “major roster hole.”

The Vikings top the offense with one of the NFL’s best receiver tandems in Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. Still, the rest of the team’s receivers have combined for three receptions, all of which belong to Tai Felton, who is set to enter his sophomore season. That’s why Lewis predicts the Vikings will address the receiver position by signing a veteran who will compete with Felton for WR3 duties in Minnesota.

RELATED: Team insider debunks latest Minnesota Vikings rumors

As mentioned, the Vikings recently brought in former San Francisco 49ers receiver Jaune Jennings for a workout and a two-day visit. But he left the team facilities without a contract. The 28-year-old’s signature remains in the game.

Other potential Vikings free agent receiver targets could include Odell Beckham Jr., who previously won a Super Bowl with head coach Kevin O’Connell on the Los Angeles Rams. DeAndre Hopkins has also expressed interest in reuniting with Kyler Murray in Minnesota. The Vikings could also turn to the trade market to address what appears to be a major weakness in an offense that otherwise looks set.

RELATED: 4 Minnesota Vikings WR targets after the 2026 NFL Draft

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There have been some big developments in and around the Minnesota Vikings since the 2025 NFL season ended. Last year, the Vikings spent $350 million more money on their roster than any other team. It was a complete failure, as the Vikings, who had won 14 games in 2024, only won nine games and did not reach the playoffs in 2025.

This year, the Vikings have committed to a much smaller budget. For 2026, the Vikings’ budget is only $226 million, the second lowest amount of spending in the NFL.

Charlie Walters, a local insider, thanked the Vikings for giving them about $124 million less than the previous year. Pioneer PressWondered if the owners, Ziggy and Mark Wilf, were considering selling the team in the near future.

However, according to Ben Gosling Star TribuneThere is “zero truth” to the idea that the Wilfs are assessing the market for a potential Vikings sale.

In other words, the Vikings are cutting costs, not because they are desperate and have no money, but because they feel it is necessary to tighten spending limits after going overboard in 2025. Still, that doesn’t mean the Vikings don’t intend to be competitive in 2026, where they’ll be introducing another new starting quarterback in Kyler Murray.

The Vikings have cut salary significantly from last season, most notably moving on from a pair of former Pro Bowl defensive tackles. Still, they seem to have found capable replacements in the draft, adding first-round selection Caleb Banks and third-round selection Domonique Orange along with former UFL standout Jalen Redmond.

Additionally, depending on how Murray performs in 2026, the Vikings may need some additional space on their future cap sheet if they have any hope of re-signing him to an extension for 2027 and beyond. Thus, the Vikings may have felt like they had no choice but to lose some fat.

RELATED: NFL scout believes Minnesota Vikings found difference-making ‘weapon’ on Day 3 of NFL Draft

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While there was a lot of criticism from the outside, especially after ‘reaching’ with the 18th overall pick for defensive tackle Caleb Banks, the Minnesota Vikings are happy with the results of their 2026 NFL Draft class. However, that doesn’t mean that the nine selections they made met all of their needs.

One noticeable absence was the fact that the Vikings did not select any wide receivers. It came as a surprise when the team let last year’s WR3, Jalen Naylor, sign with the Las Vegas Raiders. His potential replacement, last year’s third-round pick Tai Felton, had only 25 yards as a rookie.

Still, the Vikings freed up some extra cap space with the Jonathan Greenard trade, and now they’re trying to use some of it to address arguably one of their biggest needs.

According to ESPN’s NFL insider Adam Schefter, the Vikings are hosting free agent receiver Jaun Jennings for a visit from Tuesday through Wednesday. By setting up two-day meetings, it’s clear the Vikings are applying a full-court press, trying to get Jennings signed to a contract before he leaves the team facilities on Wednesday.

Jennings recorded a career-high 77 receptions for 965 yards with six touchdowns in 2024. Hoping to build on those strong numbers, the 28-year-old receiver’s numbers took off in 2025, where he recorded 55 receptions for 643 yards and a career-high nine touchdowns.

However, when he reached free agency, Jennings did not find the market he would have liked. Perhaps his asking price was a bit high.

Now that teams have addressed their most pressing needs through free agency and the draft, Jennings’ options have dried up, and they will certainly have to lower his asking price.

The 6-foot-3, 212-pound receiver should have an easy transition learning Kevin O’Connell’s offense, as he has just spent five seasons mastering Kyle Shanahan’s system. He will also add a unique element to the team’s receiver room, adding even more size to the table.

If he signs, Jennings will immediately become the team’s new No. 3 receiver, falling behind Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, and he will give Kyler Murray another reliable pass-catcher to target in the red zone.

RELATED: Minnesota Vikings had one of the NFL’s ‘worst’ draft classes

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Heading into the 2026 NFL Draft, most analysts predicted that the Minnesota Vikings would select Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman with the 18th overall selection in the first round. Of course, the Vikings did not perform as expected, instead selecting Florida defensive tackle Caleb Banks in the first round.

The Vikings did not address the safety position until the third round, and they selected nine players overall, the most since 2022. Nevertheless, many analysts felt that Minnesota’s first selection was a reach, given that Banks had multiple foot surgeries and was limited to only three games last season.

Banks was projected as a second-round selection, but the Vikings feel he has the talent to be worthy of a first-round selection. If healthy, they may be right.

Still others, prefer athleticDan Brugler feels like the Vikings had one of the worst draft classes in the NFL this year, finishing 29th out of 32 teams.

• DT Caleb Banks – 18th overall
• LB Jake Golde – 51st overall
• DT Domonique Orange – 82nd overall
• OT Caleb Tiernan – 97th overall
• S. Jacobe Thomas – 98th overall
• FB/TE Max Bredesen – 159th overall
• CB Charles Demings – 163rd overall
• RB Demand Claiborne – 198th overall
• IOL Gavin Gerhart – 235th overall

However, it was not all bad. Brugler said that Cincinnati linebacker Jake Golde was his “favorite choice”, believing he had a chance to make an immediate impact in the Vikings’ Brian Flores-led defense.

Brugler said fifth-round cornerback Charles Demings could “surprise” during his NFL career, adding that the prospect “leaves everything he has on the field.” Overall, Brugler felt Demings was a “worthy bet” for the fifth round.

Although he’s certainly a fan of Gould and Demings, Brugler clearly didn’t think much of the Vikings’ draft class as a whole.

RELATED: 4 Minnesota Vikings WR targets after the 2026 NFL Draft

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Entering the 2026 NFL Draft, many argued that the Minnesota Vikings needed to select a wide receiver who could compete for the WR3 role behind Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. Last year’s third receiver, Jalen Naylor, signed with the Las Vegas Raiders in free agency.

The Vikings drafted receiver Tai Felton in the third round last year, but as a rookie he recorded only three receptions for 25 yards. This is not enough to suggest he will replace Neller in 2026. While the coaching staff may have stronger internal belief in Felton than others, after not selecting any receivers with their nine selections, Minnesota’s need has only increased.

Still, the Vikings’ deregulation of the position, along with opening up more than $10 million in cap space with the Jonathan Greenard trade, has led to speculation that Minnesota could add a veteran receiver in the next few weeks. Here are some players they could target.

RELATED: 2026 NFL Draft Day 2: Winners, losers from Rounds 2 and 3

odell beckham jr

He has already won a Super Bowl playing in the offense that Kevin O’Connell was a part of with the Rams. While OBJ’s best days are far behind him, there has been renewed interest in him in continuing his NFL career since he lined up for a flag football game this offseason. Still just 32 years old, perhaps Beckham will find his spark reuniting with KOC while catching passes from Kyler Murray, and we can guarantee he’ll never have to face a double-team with Justin Jefferson again.

deandre hopkins

Hopkins has already spent three seasons with the Cardinals catching passes from Murray. He has already expressed interest in reuniting with K1 on Vikings. Now that the draft is over, the Vikings can return to the 3x All-Pro knowing his price will be low, given that no one else is knocking on his door. Still, Hopkins turns 34 in June, and hasn’t thrown for 600 yards since 2024. How much does Hopkins have left in the tank?

brandon ayuk

Still under contract in San Francisco, the 49ers appear unwilling to receive anything valuable in return for the former second-team All-Pro. Teams had long expected the 49ers to release the receiver after he missed the entire 2025 season due to a knee injury, but the Vikings may have to offer a 2027 Day 3 draft pick in exchange for the 28-year-old receiver.

john jennings

Somehow still a free agent after recording a respectable 643-yard, 9 TD season, Jennings will be in high demand on the open market. After all, it took him just one year to fall 25 yards short of a 1,000-yard season. After spending five seasons playing for Kyle Shanahan in San Francisco, Jennings would also be a great fit for Minnesota’s offense, especially since he is capable of playing all three receiver spots, which is a must for anyone signing to back up Jefferson and Jordan Addison.

RELATED: Highlights from Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft, including the Eagles and the 2027 draft class

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Ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft, there have been a lot of Minnesota Vikings trade rumors. Some involve trading up from the 17th overall pick in the first round to acquire top-tier talent.

Others include a trade down to add the nine draft selections the Vikings already have. The idea is that there is not much difference between a player who is selected in the middle of the first round and a player who is selected on the second day.

Meanwhile, other Vikings rumors suggest they are thinking about selling one of their best players. Now, a new report suggests the Vikings are ready to pull the trigger.

According to the Guardian’s Ollie Connolly, the Vikings and Eagles have already agreed to a trade that sends Pro Bowl edge rusher Jonathan Greenard to Philadelphia in exchange for a second-day draft pick.

“You’re saying the (Eagles) are nabbing Jonathan Greenard, huh? Is that breaking news or is it out there?”

“I think it’s there, right?”

“I don’t think so, Ollie.”

“Well, uh-oh… I think the need for an edge will be solved on Day 2 or 3 of the draft, via trade…”

Of course, we won’t know whether this is actually true until the second day or possibly the third day, as Connolly suggests. Still, we have a hard time believing the Vikings would trade Greenard for a fourth-round pick or even less. In other words, if this trade is going to go down, expect it to happen on Friday.

Greenard has been vocal internally about wanting a new contract or an increase in his 2026 salary. Still, the Vikings were hesitant to do so as he only played in 10 games and recorded three sacks. Sitting with a $22 million cap hit for 2026, it’s possible the Vikings are willing to make a deal.

RELATED: 2026 Minnesota Vikings mock draft: Seven-round projection, 18 to 244

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After signing Kyler Murray, the Minnesota Vikings are widely expected to force 2024 first-round pick JJ McCarthy into a backup role. Of course, the current plan is to work Murray into competing with the 23-year-old quarterback for a starting role, but plans could change quickly.

The Vikings also have Carson Wentz and 2025 undrafted signee Max Brosmer in the QB room, giving Minnesota a total of four options on the depth chart. That’s enough to start the season; Chances are they will eliminate Broesmer and try to add him to their practice squad. But then, things can change.

Recently, Yahoo’s NFL insider Charles Robinson advised the Vikings to trade McCarthy during or shortly after the 2026 NFL Draft, believing this is the time when the third-year QB’s value will be at its peak.

If the Vikings do find a trade partner for McCarthy, we would imagine they would bring in another developmental prospect to fill the void. Unless they’re really high on Brosmer’s pro prospects. Or perhaps there is a deal to work out with Indianapolis, swapping Richardson for McCarthy and perhaps exchanging some draft compensation that would give both young QBs a fresh start.

For now, the Vikings have publicly offered McCarthy nothing but support. Still, they have moved aggressively to fill out their depth chart, bringing in legitimate competition to push them further down the pecking order. At some point, he may ask, which may also grease the wheels for the business.

RELATED: Minnesota Vikings linked to trade for Pro Bowl cornerback

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Last offseason, the Minnesota Vikings lost starting safety Cam Bynum to the Indianapolis Colts in free agency. The former fourth-round pick spent another excellent season with the Colts, recording a career-high four interceptions.

This offseason, the Vikings released franchise icon Harrison Smith. The potential future Hall of Famer turned 37 in February, and he’s considering retirement after starting the last 14 seasons. The Vikings did not add any safety in free agency, nor did they draft one last year.

Needless to say, safety is one of the team’s top needs even if Smith decides to return for a 15th season, as his playing future is certainly limited. However, the Vikings are likely to address this position in the 2026 NFL Draft, where they have nine selections, including the 18th overall choice in the first round.

Recently, ESPN’s NFL Draft analyst Matt Miller sat down with local KSTP Vikings insider Darren ‘Doogie’ Wolfson. In doing so, Miller expressed his belief that the Vikings will address their “significant need” at safety in either Round 1 or Round 2 in the 2026 NFL Draft, where the Vikings have the 49th overall selection.

“I think Minnesota has a serious need at the safety spot, it seems like it will be addressed if not in Round 1, then very early in Round 2.”

It’s good to be back to work after a solid family vacation. Today we caught up with ESPN NFL Draft analyst Matt Miller. our share #Vikings Link to the focused chat and all 11 minutes below:https://t.co/GsIIoJhqqL pic.twitter.com/39IvbuxB24

– Darren Wolfson (@DWolfsonKSTP) 9 April 2026

The way Miller described it – “very early in Round 2” it almost makes one wonder if the Vikings are potentially aiming to trade up from the 49th overall pick, or possibly trade down from No. 18 to get the protection they want. Either way, expect an injection of youth into defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ secondary come draft weekend.

RELATED: Minnesota Vikings defensive prospect engages in ‘statement workout’

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Facing significant salary cap constraints, the Minnesota Vikings had no choice but to cut costs this offseason. In doing so, they moved on from their general manager of the previous four seasons. Still, interim GM Rob Brzezinski wasted no time in doing what needed to be done, even if it meant moving on from star players.

For the Vikings, this meant parting ways with two former Pro Bowl defensive tackles with the release of both Jonathan Allen and Jevon Hargrave. Naturally, his departure leaves a big hole in Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ interior line.

While the Vikings still have former UFL standout Jalen Redmond, whom they view as a rising star, they need more depth and another starter to pair with him. Nevertheless, the Vikings remained busy identifying possible solutions to provide reinforcements in the defensive trenches.

According to NFL insider Tony Pauline of Essential Sports, the Vikings, along with six other teams, were set to attend the workout of Iowa State defensive tackle Domonique Orange. While ‘Big Citrus’ was not able to participate in the NFL Scouting Combine due to a quad issue, the Iowa State Pro Day provided a great opportunity to prove to scouts what an explosive athlete he is, and the Orange passed the test with flying colors.

Pauline reports that Orange recorded a 10-yard split of 1.68 seconds, which he called “typical for any defensive tackle, but for a player coming off a quad injury, that’s a statement.”

The Vikings have nine selections in the 2026 NFL Draft, including three selections on the second day, where the Orange could come into play. However, they may face tough competition.

In addition to the Vikings, the 49ers, Bears, Bills, Falcons, Lions and Packers were also at the event in the Orange’s workout. Additionally, the Saints and Texans had their defensive line coaches running drills for workouts. The Bears, Bills, Panthers, Texans and Vikings also plan to land the Orange one of their official top 30 visits.

RELATED: Minnesota Vikings almost guaranteed to target specific position in 2026 NFL Draft

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A new report explains why the running back problem for the Minnesota Vikings could spell disaster for Kyler Murray in 2026.

After a tremendous sophomore season, the Vikings could not deny that they needed a secondary option behind young quarterback JJ McCarthy. However, when the Arizona Cardinals decided to waive two-time Pro Bowler Kyler Murray, Minnesota was given the option to take a player who could do more than just compete with McCarthy for the starting job.

Since the signing, there has been much discussion among NFL pundits that Murray could return to his Pro Bowl form under head coach Kevin O’Connell and lead the Vikings to the Super Bowl the following season. However, a new report from The Athletic’s Jacob Robinson dashes those grand expectations.

In Thursday’s newsletter, the football analyst reported that, in general, the Vikings’ offensive line has performed poorly over the past few seasons, and their interior has been a particular weakness. That’s bad news for Murray, the shortest QB in the league.

“Internal pressure wreaks havoc on an undersized quarterback like the 5-foot-10 Murray,” Robinson writes. “Small passers need extra space to see their linemen and good throwing lanes to get the ball out. That’s why the Panthers invested heavily in the interior for Bryce Young, as the Saints did with Drew Brees.”

The Minnesota Vikings’ offensive line could be much better in 2026

Internal concerns with the smaller QB are a good reason to believe Murray could have a bad first season in Minnesota. Especially when he has struggled with injuries over the last few years and hasn’t looked like a Pro Bowler for quite some time.

However, Robinson did not just bring bad news and offered legitimate hope. First, he reported that “the injuries are gone.” [the offensive line] There were 26 different combinations last season.” Additionally, they have a new coach in Keith Carter, and notable talent on the O-line.

Robinson wrote, “Left tackle Christian Darrisaw and guard Donovan Jackson were selected in the first round. On the right side are high-paid guard Will Friesz and tackle Brian O’Neill.” He also said that Murray’s ability to extend the play due to his athleticism is something that Vikings QBs have been lacking recently.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

Much of the Minnesota Vikings’ offseason has been about either finding someone who can compete and/or replace JJ McCarthy, moving on from general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, or cutting costs after being $40 million over the spending cap. It’s time for something new.

According to NFL insider Tony Pauline of Essential Sports, the Vikings met with South Carolina’s Rahsul Faison at his recent Pro Day. But the Vikings’ interests went further than this. He took a hands-on approach by holding RB position drills for the 26-year-old prospect.

Faison reportedly had a “fantastic” workout, where he “caught the ball very well.” After the workout was completed, the Vikings took the 5-foot-11, 208-pounder back for lunch.

Faison ran the unofficial 40 yard dash between 4.49 and 4.50 seconds, while the short shuttle clocked in at 4.1 seconds. He also recorded a vertical jump of 37.5 inches.

Poulin believes Faison could be drafted on Day 3 or “somewhere starting in Round 5.” The Vikings have nine selections in the 2026 NFL Draft, including the 23rd overall selection (No. 163) in the fifth round.

While the Vikings found a way to bring back veteran Aaron Jones on a reduced salary, the 31-year-old missed five games due to injury. Even when healthy, Jones was not as productive in 2025 as he was in 2024 (although several members of the Vikings’ offense saw their production decline). Minnesota also has Jordan Mason handling the heavy workload in the backfield.

One of the Vikings’ depth forwards from last season, Ty Chandler, signed a contract with the Saints this offseason. Drafting someone like Faison would give Xavier Scott, the Vikings’ current third-string player, someone to compete.

RELATED: Minnesota Vikings share ‘mutual interest’ with former No. 2 pick

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Jack Hughes did enough to re-establish himself as a New Jersey Devils loyalist by performing in the Olympics. Then he scored the golden goal. And amid his wild success last month, when he returned, he expressed his devotion to the Devils, which certainly put everyone’s minds at ease considering the Quinn Hughes debacle earlier this year.

Now, Michael Russo explains how the Minnesota Wild GM is preparing for his next big change. Could it be Auston Matthews? More on that below, but if that’s the case, Devils fans no longer have to worry about Jack being ready to play alongside Quinn for Minnesota, if that happens.

Additionally, Hughes set a new record in New Jersey.

Elsewhere, there’s Evgeni Malkin’s contract update, Artemi Panarin’s Broadway return, and the Hockey World Cup’s three host cities.

Devil’s Trade Rumors and News

New Jersey Hockey Now: Amid a thrilling overtime win thanks to some heroics from Paul Cotter, Jack Hughes set a new Devils franchise record en route to a 4–3 victory over the Bruins.

In case you missed it, here’s the thrilling overtime goal by Kotter.

Here’s Paul Cotter’s hilarious insight into his shootout winner and his thought process going into the one-on-one with Joonas Korpisalo.

📺 devil’s rink report: Is Tom Fitzgerald on the hot seat, or did his comments at the 2026 NHL trade deadline feel like he’s really going nowhere? Pasha Eshghi joins me for the latest Devils Rink Report to discuss what the GM needs to do to take the heat off himself if he does indeed return next season.

Full episode here 👇🏼 Watch the full Devils Rink report here:

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NHL Trade Talk, News and National Hockey Now

athletic ($): It’s amazing to me that the United States has won Olympic gold medals in all three of men’s, women’s, and Paralympic sledge hockey, and yet, the World Cup of Hockey will be held exclusively outside the US. In 2028, the NHL announced yesterday that the host cities will be Calgary, Edmonton and Prague.

More confirmed ($): Perhaps Devils fans will feel relieved if this happens. Could Minnesota Wild GM Bill Geering pursue Auston Matthews this summer? It appears Guerin is preparing for his next superstar swing, and something has to give in Toronto. Of course, that would put Jack Hughes out of the Wild’s reach, and Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald has no desire to move their franchise face in any way. More from Michael Russo.

pittsburgh hockey now: Evgeni Malkin doesn’t seem concerned at all about a potential next contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins. here’s why.

Forever Blueshirts: In his return to Madison Square Garden to face the New York Rangers, Artemi Panarin provided an assist in the Los Angeles Kings’ 4–1 win.

James is the fully certified New Jersey Devils beat reporter for New Jersey Hockey Now on SportsNote and … More about James Nicholls

A new report from the Minnesota Vikings NFL Draft has further fueled the idea that the team could move on from 2024 first-round pick JJ McCarthy this offseason.

After a stellar performance during his sophomore season at Minnesota, speculation ran rampant shortly after the 2025 campaign that McCarthy was no longer certain to be the team’s starter next season.

Early speculation was that the team would bring in a veteran to compete with McCarthy for the QB1 spot. However, that changed when the Vikings made a splash in free agency this week by signing former Arizona Cardinals two-time Pro Bowler Kyler Murray. Although the team has not officially named him as their new QB1, only a serious injury could derail that position.

The move has sparked discussion about McCarthy’s future in Minnesota, and whether trading him to a QB-needy team would be a possibility. According to The Athletic’s Alec Lewis, the possibility “cannot be ruled out.”

“Two factors matter in the overall calculation: How upset are McCarthy and his camp with the signing of Murray? And what will other teams offer?”. Lewis wrote.

Could the Haynes Kings be the Vikings’ replacement for JJ McCarthy?

Well, this week, Minnesota was looking for a potential prospect to replace McCarthy next season. According to Tony Pauline of Essential Sports, team officials were in Georgia this week to scout Georgia Tech QB Haynes King. Additionally, they were one of four teams that had quarterback altercations this week.

Pauline wrote, “King is lauded by scouts for his leadership and toughness.”

The three-year starter had, arguably, his best season in college football. He threw for 2,951 yards and 14 touchdowns to six interceptions while completing 69.8% of his passes. However, he was one of the best dual-threat QBs in the country last season as he rushed 185 times for less than 1,000 yards on the ground and 15 TDs in 2025.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

Some of the questions about the Minnesota Vikings’ quarterback situation are now over. Still, new questions will arise now, as a potential QB competition looms in the Twin Cities.

According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Vikings have signed Kyler Murray to a one-year contract. He’s signing a minimum of $1.3 million for a veteran player, which is an incredible deal in a situation where the salaries of the highest-paid players approach $60 million.

School. pic.twitter.com/pluMd4wp0k

– Kyler Murray (@K1) 12 March 2026

According to Murray’s agent Eric Burkhardt, a no-tag clause will be included in Murray’s Vikings contract. This prevents the Vikings from making a transition or placing the franchise tag on him next offseason.

Of course, if all goes well, the Vikings and Murray could work on an extension before hitting the open market again. If not, Murray gets one season to prove his worth and maximize his value on the open market next year.

That means the two-time Pro Bowl quarterback enters the season as a motivated guy who wants to show that the Cardinals made a big mistake by moving on from their franchise QB. Murray has completed 67.1% of his passes for 20,460 yards, 121 touchdowns and 60 interceptions.

Still, Murray adds another element that the Vikings’ offense hasn’t seen since a short stint with Josh Dobbs following Kirk Cousins’ injury in 2023. An uber-athlete who was even a top-ten pick in the MLB draft, Murray had 819 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns in 2020. Overall, he racked up 3,193 yards and 32 touchdowns on the ground, adding a unique aspect to Coach Minnesota’s scoring attack.

Murray is entering an excellent situation playing for Kevin O’Connell, who also helped Sam Darnold maximize his potential. Plus, it never hurts to have Justin Jefferson, who is also joined by Jordan Addison and TJ Hockenson. Another option could be to move up to the middle rounds of the draft after losing Jalen Naylor to the Raiders in free agency.

Next, the focus will be on whether the 28-year-old Murray finds himself in competition with JJ McCarthy, the 10th overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft. Still, the Vikings may not be ready to give up McCarthy, 23, but signing a proven seven-year veteran who has started all 87 games sends a strong signal that could send the 23-year-old to the bench.

RELATED: Philadelphia Eagles ‘in contact’ about trading Pro Bowl pass-rusher

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The Minnesota Vikings had no choice but to make a tough decision in the offseason, where they were $40 million over the 2026 salary cap. Several Pro Bowl veterans have been released from the team, including a pair of defensive tackles, Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave, signed in free agency last offseason. But the migration does not end here.

On Wednesday, the Vikings surprisingly also released Harrison Smith from the team. The potential future Hall of Fame safety is expected to either retire after 14 NFL seasons or re-sign in Minnesota at an even lower rate.

He is being processed as a cap casualty after June 1, saving approximately $1.3 million in cap space (exactly needed to sign Kyler Murray), but the Vikings “would welcome his return” according to Matthew Coler. Right now, he won’t take up a roster spot, but his absence leaves a massive void at the safety position next to Josh Metellus in Minnesota.

The Vikings always feared a possible retirement by Smith this offseason, and this could be a precursor to an eventual announcement. For now, the 37-year-old gets some time to decide whether he wants to boost his Hall of Fame resume or begin the next phase in his life, one that will hopefully involve fewer setbacks and injuries.

RELATED: Minnesota Vikings free agency: Ranking the 10 best QBs available

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The Minnesota Vikings have some clear objectives this offseason. The first thing to do is clear up cap space. Right now, they’re $40 million over the 2026 spending limit. While cutting or trading Aaron Jones and/or Javon Hargrave could provide some cap relief, more work needs to be done.

One area the Vikings have almost too much depth is the pass-rusher position. Now they may be willing to thin the herd to improve their salary cap sheet, even if it means trading one of their best players.

According to ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter, the Vikings are “open” to trading edge rusher Jonathan Greenard. However, Schefter reports that the Vikings “would like to keep Greenard.” However, the salary cap issue has prompted some trade discussion. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler says teams he has talked to are operating under the belief that the Vikings want a second-day draft pick for Greenard.

Even with the emergence of Dallas Turner as well as the presence of second-team All-Pro Andrew Van Ginkel, it’s surprising if the Vikings would even listen to trade offers on Greenard. She was essentially a replacement for Danielle Hunter’s departure in free agency two seasons ago. But this was before Van Ginkel became a Pro Bowler, and before they selected Turner in the first round.

Greenard performed strongly in Minnesota, producing 12 sacks and earning a trip to the Pro Bowl after signing a four-year, $76 million contract. He is still under contract for two more seasons and has a cap hit of $22.1 million in 2026.

The 28-year-old battled a shoulder injury and was limited to 10 starts and 12 appearances, recording three sacks in the process. If the Vikings are considering a Greenard trade, it would naturally create an even bigger role for Turner, but it would leave the Vikings a little weaker on the edge.

RELATED: $75 million ‘price monitoring’ for Minnesota Vikings 2x Pro Bowl quarterback

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The Minnesota Wild are looking for an upgrade at center by the NHL trade deadline. After trading for defenseman Quinn Hughes, the Wild hope to complete their roster to make a big push at the Stanley Cup. Now, Minnesota is being linked to a big trade of the Olympic gold medalist to Team USA.

Minnesota is still in pursuit of New York Rangers center Vincent Trocheck, reports Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet on TNT. Trocheck, who was part of the Olympic gold medal team for the United States at the 2026 Winter Olympics, is the main focus of New York’s trade deadline plans.

The 32-year-old center has 12 goals and 38 points in 45 games with New York this season. Despite New York’s struggles, Trocheck is still performing at an elite level, especially on the power play. Trocheck is a top-six option for a Stanley Cup-caliber team, and Minnesota would be a perfect fit.

Hughes, along with Kirill Kaprizov, Matt Boldy and Brock Faber, have the Wild poised for big performances in the Western Conference. The Minnesota trade for Trocheck would officially solidify their place among Stanley Cup contending teams. Currently, the Wild are in third place in the Central Division with 80 points.

Trocheck is under contract for the 2028–29 NHL season with a $5.625 million cap hit. The 32-year-old center is still performing at a high level, and his cap hit is good for teams to acquire. Minnesota has been searching for an elite center since December, and Trocheck would check the box.

READ MORE: 5 trade targets for the Detroit Red Wings at the 2026 NHL trade deadline

Austin Konensky is a sports writer at SportsNut, covering the NHL, MLB, NFL, NBA and college football. His work…More about Austin Konensky

The Minnesota Vikings are trying to open up some cap space after entering the offseason about $44 million over the 2026 spending cap. Moving on from a pair of Pro Bowl players could be in play.

Once the Vikings are cap compliant again, they are expected to pair/compete with JJ McCarthy or possibly look for another quarterback to replace him. He has been linked to a large number of quarterbacks, and that continued this week at the NFL Scouting Combine.

K Vincent Bonsignore California Post Said, “There was a lot of discussion in Indy about the Vikings being linked to Derek Carr.” Bonsignore said he “would imagine that if (Carr) came back, it would be with a contender.”

Carr is believed to be considering a return to the NFL after leaving the league due to a shoulder injury. Now possibly healthy again, Carr, 34, is eyeing a return to form.

The Vikings are looking to add experience to a QB room that features the 23-year-old McCarthy, as well as soon-to-be 25-year-old former undrafted free agent, Max Broesmer. Carr, who has 11 seasons of experience, will add a vital element to the Vikings.

If Carr comes out of retirement, the assumption is that the Saints will attempt to trade him. Still, with Carr having a $36.6 million cap hit in 2026, coming out of retirement could force the Saints to release him. After all, New Orleans is already moving forward with Tyler Shaw as their potential franchise quarterback. They are not returning to Carr now.

Thus, there is a scenario in which Carr could hit the open market. If so, he will have a chance to choose his next NFL team.

RELATED: The 6 best Derek Carr landing spots as the QB approaches his NFL return

Dedicated NFL copywriter/editor. My work has been found on SportsNut, Sports Illustrated, Sporting News, MSN, Yahoo, and Minnesota Sports… More about Andrew Buller-Russ

The Minnesota Vikings are back in the quarterback market this offseason after JJ McCarthy missed 27 games due to injury after being selected 10th in the 2024 NFL Draft. After a tremendous debut season in which he completed only 57.6% of his passes with the highest interception rate in the NFL, the Vikings are ready to begin contending.

Right now, the only quarterbacks the Vikings have on their roster are McCarthy and Max Broesmer, who they signed as an undrafted rookie last year. The Vikings are sure to add another QB to the mix this offseason, it’s just a matter of who.

On Thursday, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson requested a trade. According to NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe, there is “mutual interest” between Richardson and the Vikings.

Richardson may be looking forward to the opportunity to be coached by Kevin O’Connell, who has previously made it known that he is a big fan of the Colts’ dual-threat QB.

.@Vikings Head coach Kevin O’Connell had some words of encouragement @GVOaant ❤️ pic.twitter.com/TaXW9dFaMx

– NFL (@NFL) 7 November 2024

While Coach O’Connell appears to be concerned with the cannon-armed Richardson, do the Vikings really want two developmental prospects in their QB room, plus 2025 undrafted signee Max Brosmer? This is a group that requires a lot of coaching rather than mixing two existing youngsters with a proven veteran who can help their less experienced teammates find their feet.

Then again, maybe the Vikings look at Richardson and feel confident they can unlock a superstar in him. Coach O’Connell wasn’t afraid to take risks on former first-round picks, and both Daniel Jones and Sam Darnold have improved since their tenure as a Viking. Perhaps Richardson can do the same, or perhaps he’s the Vikings’ next franchise quarterback.

If the price is something like a late Day 2 pick or a combination of a higher Day 3 pick, the Vikings would be wise to take a chance on Richardson, who has the potential to become an MVP-type player. Still, multiple teams are likely to be interested in the former No. 4 overall pick, and the Colts may feel more inclined to take the best offer rather than an outcome Richardson would prefer.

RELATED: Minnesota Vikings trying to trade Pro Bowl player

Dedicated NFL copywriter/editor. My work has been found on SportsNut, Sports Illustrated, Sporting News, MSN, Yahoo, and Minnesota Sports… More about Andrew Buller-Russ

The Minnesota Timberwolves announced Wednesday that they have signed guard Jules Bernard to a two-way contract. As per team policy, financial terms were not disclosed. Bernard will remain with Minnesota’s NBA G League affiliate, the Iowa Wolves, where he has been one of the league’s most productive guards this season.

In 37 G League appearances (33 starts), Bernard is averaging 22.5 points while playing 34.5 minutes per game. He’s shooting 42.5% to 42.9% from the field, 34.9% to 35.3% from three-point range, and 80.1% to 80.6% from the free-throw line. His all-around production included 6.6 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 1.1 steals per game. The 26-year-old has scored 30 points six times, including a season-high 38 points against the Long Island Nets on January 18. On February 7, he recorded 30 points with eight three-pointers, along with season highs of 13 rebounds and 13 assists in a 123–120 win over the Maine Celtics.

Bernard previously signed a two-way contract with the Washington Wizards through the 2023–24 season, in which he appeared in 19 games for a total of 149 minutes. He averaged 3.9 points on 45.3% shooting, including 37.9% from three, and 1.4 rebounds in 7.9 minutes per game. He made his NBA debut on December 8, 2023 in a 124–97 loss to the Brooklyn Nets.

Undrafted out of the UCLA Bruins in 2022, the Los Angeles native played four collegiate seasons, appearing in 130 games (65 starts) and posting career averages of 9.2 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 23.4 minutes per game, while shooting 43.0% from the field and 35.4% from three. As a senior in 2021–22, he averaged 12.8 points and 4.7 rebounds and earned Pac-12 All-Tournament Team honors.

The Timberwolves had a two-way slot open after waiving Johnny Juzang. Bernard is eligible to remain active for up to 14 NBA games for the remainder of the regular season and will need promotion to the standard 15-man roster to qualify for postseason play.

The new league year hasn’t started yet (March 9), but Minnesota Vikings rumors have already linked them to several different quarterbacks this offseason. While the Vikings would like to acquire a capable arm to provide tough competition to JJ McCarthy, they will have to clear some salary cap space first.

As of now, the Vikings are projected to be approximately $40 million over the 2026 salary cap. They must come under the spending limit before March 9, when the NFL ‘resets’ the year.

As a result, new Vikings general manager Rob Brzezinski is spending some of his time shedding salary. While the Vikings will surely release a player or two before free agency begins, they are busy trying to trade some of them first.

According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Vikings are shopping two-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Javon Hargrave in a trade with other teams. The Vikings signed the 33-year-old Hargrave last season in an effort to strengthen the defensive interior position. Hargrave was signed to a two-year, $30 million contract, and he started 15 games.

The Vikings did not expect former UFL signee Jalen Redmond to become a star. He started 15 games, outscoring Hargrave by recording six sacks compared to Hargrave’s 3.5. Now the Vikings are moving forward with Redmond, who is just 26 years old, and two-time Pro Bowl DT in Jonathan Allen.

RELATED: NFL executives believe Minnesota Vikings will acquire 4x Pro Bowl QB

Dedicated NFL copywriter/editor. My work has been found on SportsNut, Sports Illustrated, Sporting News, MSN, Yahoo, and Minnesota Sports… More about Andrew Buller-Russ

The Minnesota Timberwolves are stuck in a dogfight in the Western Conference, as they remain sixth in the standings despite easily defeating the Dallas Mavericks 122-111 in their first game after the All-Star break. It’s going to be tough going forward, which in turn will force the Timberwolves to raise their standards so they can surpass their peers.

However, at this point, the Timberwolves are looking for ways to be better than the team they were the day before and the day before that. They are not exactly keeping themselves on par with others; What is important for them is that they reach their full potential.

However, currently, head coach Chris Finch said he does not know if the Timberwolves are there yet, especially when compared to last season.

“When you sit back and look at it, we have very high internal expectations. If you take the temperature of the team internally, we’ll probably be a little disappointed with where we are. We feel like we should be a little more forward. We’ve been inconsistent on our defense at times, that’s hurt us. The West is even more competitive this year,” Finch said, via Dan Moore, Timberwolves beat reporter.

“I don’t know if we’re better or not. We’ll evaluate that at the end of the season. But we know who we need to be when we become a good team. And sometimes we stray from that.”

Here Chris Finch was asked whether this season’s Wolves team is better than last season’s team.

“When you sit back and look at it, we have very high expectations internally. If you measure the temperature of the team internally, we’ll probably be a little disappointed with where we are… pic.twitter.com/qN2UpcWTQT

– Dane Moore (@DaneMooreNBA) 20 February 2026

Timberwolves know next step is to get over the hump

The Timberwolves may have made the conference finals in 2024 and 2025, but they weren’t exactly competitive once they got there. They lost to the Dallas Mavericks and Oklahoma City Thunder in five games; They gave up a few winnable games against the Mavs, but against the Thunder, they trailed for most of the five-game series.

The challenge has not been easy for the Timberwolves. Thunder is still looming. The Nuggets have a lot of depth. But he has the ability to overcome the hump, that is for sure.

The Minnesota Timberwolves traded 38-year-old point guard Mike Conley Jr. at the NBA trade deadline, not only to create some financial flexibility but also to open the door for forward Ayo Dosunmu. After being traded again and ultimately released by the Charlotte Hornets, Conley is officially returning to Minnesota for the remainder of the 2025-26 season, as first reported by HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto.

Since the trade deadline, re-signing Conley has been a foregone conclusion for the Timberwolves. As a result of Minnesota having 13 players on its active roster for 14 days, it will have to fill at least one of its two open roster spots on Tuesday per league rule.

That’s why Conley has officially signed his contract and is rejoining the team he has spent the last four years with.

The reason Conley was allowed to re-sign with that team is because after being traded to the Chicago Bulls, the veteran guard was once again redirected to Charlotte. He was then released, allowing the Timberwolves to re-sign him.

Although his numbers and effectiveness have declined in his 19th NBA season, Conley is still a respected player, and has played an important leadership role for the Timberwolves over the past few seasons. Anthony Edwards, Chris Finch and many others in Minnesota have always praised his character and ability to help the team move forward.

After the trade deadline, Edwards advocated for Conley to return to the team, making it clear that everyone in the Timberwolves locker room wanted to see the veteran return.

“I keep hearing he might come back, so hopefully he comes back, and I hope he sees it,” Edwards said, via Chris Hine of the Minnesota Star Tribune, after a 128–126 win over the Toronto Raptors on February 4. “We want you back, Mike. He knows we miss him.”

In 44 games with the Timberwolves this season, nine of which he started, Conley has averaged 4.4 points and 2.9 assists while shooting 32.1 percent from 3-point range in about 18.5 minutes per game.

Conley will see less minutes on the court in this matchup with Minnesota, especially now that Dosunmu plays a key role in the backcourt behind Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo. The Timberwolves are currently 34-22 and find themselves in sixth place in the Western Conference coming out of the NBA All-Star break.

The Minnesota Vikings may be preparing to consider different quarterbacks this offseason. It remains to be seen whether that’s to compete with or replace 2024 first-round pick JJ McCarthy. Either way, with only McCarthy and 2025 undrafted rookie Max Brosmer set to return in 2026, the Vikings will need to add a QB to the roster.

Of course, the Vikings have a better idea of ​​whether they want a QB to replace McCarthy or simply push him to be the best he can be. The Vikings might not even know what they wanted; They could add someone as a contingency plan if McCarthy doesn’t take the next step in his development.

Recently, ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler appeared on SportsCenter. In doing so, he suggested that Kyler Murray could be an “option” for the Vikings this offseason.

The former No. 1 overall pick has made the playoffs only once in seven seasons. With a receiving corps led by Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, the Vikings will likely give Murray a solid base to work from.

If he connects with head coach Kevin O’Connell, something special could be in the works for the Vikings. But first, all the stars have to align in Minnesota.

RELATED: Minnesota Vikings Hall of Famer warns team not to get Pro Bowl QB

Dedicated NFL copywriter/editor. My work has been found on SportsNut, Sports Illustrated, Sporting News, MSN, Yahoo, and Minnesota Sports… More about Andrew Buller-Russ