標籤: Vikings

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

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

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

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

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

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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

A new rumor claims that one of the new candidates for the Minnesota Vikings general manager job is a man who failed miserably at the same job for a different team a few years ago.

Despite firing former general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah in January, the Vikings are still looking for a replacement. Executive vice president of football operations Rob Brzezinski had to lead the front office not only through free agency in March, but also during last month’s NFL Draft.

Nevertheless, there is still an interim tag on his spot, and the organization is set to conduct a new round of interviews to find a person to officially take over for Adofo-Mensah for the long term. On Wednesday, multiple sources revealed some new candidates for the job, including San Francisco 49ers assistant GM RJ Gillen. However, another name came up for the wrong reasons.

Minnesota Vikings interview with Dave Ziegler

Former Las Vegas Raiders GM Dave Ziegler is also among the executives set to interview with the Vikings soon. Ziegler has been an assistant GM for the Tennessee Titans since last year, and was a senior personnel advisor for the New Orleans Saints in 2024.

These opportunities came after he was fired midway through his second season with the Raiders. After being hired by Las Vegas ahead of the 2022 season, they hired longtime New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels as their head coach. It was a disastrous decision, as both were fired in November of 2023 after the Raiders posted a 9-16 record with the pair overseeing the roster.

Of the new candidates for the Vikings GM job, for better or worse, he is the only one with previous experience at that position in the NFL.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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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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A new rumor suggests that the Minnesota Vikings could be the biggest beneficiaries after Max Crosby ended up being traded to the Baltimore Ravens and Trey Hendrickson moved to Baltimore.

On Tuesday night, NFL fans were stunned when the Las Vegas Raiders revealed that the Ravens have backed out of a planned trade for the five-time Pro Bowler. Following the news, reports emerged that the results of Tuesday’s physical exam left the medical team uneasy about Crosby’s long-term outlook.

Yet, despite adding one of the best pass rushers in the game, the Ravens made a surprising pivot on Wednesday. ESPN’s Adam Schefter was first to report that the franchise and four-time Pro Bowler Trey Hendrickson had agreed to a four-year deal worth $112 million.

The Cincinnati Bengals star was the best pass rusher on the 2026 free agent market so far. One obvious consideration would be that teams losing Hendrickson would consider a possible trade for Crosby. However, what scared off Baltimore will likely be an issue for other interested teams like the Dallas Cowboys.

Vikings Greenard may soon become a very popular item

But a new report reveals which player teams are focusing on now that Hendrickson is no longer available. Diana Russini of The Athletic reports, “Look for teams in need of pass rush help to turn their attention to a potential trade for Minnesota’s Jonathan Greenard, who several teams have inquired about.”

Along with Hendrickson, Jalen Phillips and Odafe Oweh – the next-best pass rushers in free agency – also signed with new teams this week. Considering concerns about Crosby’s surgically repaired knee, the Vikings could be at the center of an unexpected bidding war for the one-time Pro Bowler.

Greenard posted 12 or more sacks in 2023 and 2024. However, injuries limited him to only 12 games and three sacks last season. Still, impact pass rushers are hard to find, and with two seasons left on the 28-year-old’s contract, he should still get a very good return in a trade.

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

A new rumor suggests that the Minnesota Vikings may be close to signing competition JJ McCarthy for the 2026 NFL season.

After former first-round pick McCarthy disappointed in his second season in Minnesota, reports quickly emerged after the season ended that the organization intended to bring in a veteran QB to serve as potential competition for the 23-year-old in training camp this summer. Well, that player may be signed soon.

In a new report from SNY’s Connor Hughes, an NFL insider claims the New York Jets are interested in soon-to-be-released two-time Pro Bowler Kyler Murray. Still, despite being a top target for a QB-needy team, Hughes revealed, “However, the strong belief from multiple sources is that he will sign with the Vikings.”

Kyler Murray stats (2025): 2-3 record, 962 passing yards, 6 touchdowns, 3 interceptions, 88.6 rating

The Arizona Cardinals informed Murray this week that they would waive him when the new league year officially begins next week.

When the Cardinals used the first overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft on Murray, there were hopes he could be the franchise quarterback they have been lacking for decades. After his first three seasons, it looked as if he would earn Pro Bowl honors in 2020 and 2021. But in the four seasons that followed, Murray regressed. Partly due to injuries. However, when he was on the field, he was still ineffective.

Still, Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell has developed a reputation as a QB guru, and it makes sense that Murray would want to go to Minnesota in hopes of returning to his Pro Bowl form. If the 28-year-old gets back to being the player he was in 2020 and 2021, the Vikings will be a serious Super Bowl contender next season.

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

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 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

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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

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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

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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

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明尼苏达维京人队希望在周日战胜底特律雄狮队的比赛中夺得 NFC 北部赛区的冠军。 明尼苏达队的战绩是 10-2，领先 5-7 的雄狮队五场。 维京人面临如此多的挑战，您可以期待他们的努力。

周三，维京人外接手 Jalen Reagor 被问及本周末的比赛。 雷戈有 一些强烈的感情 正如维京人队记者克里斯·托马森 (Chris Tomasson) 指出的那样，这可能只会激发正在为赛季而战的狮子队。

“我们会赢……我不会说我们是否会赢。 我……期待我们获胜……我毫不怀疑。” Tomasson 然后问他这是否是一种保证，他简单地回答“是的”。

维京人队以 27-22 击败纽约喷气机队，再次以一分获胜。 他们的红区是最大的不同，因为他们将喷气机队控制在五个射门得分上。 但是狮子队的进攻完全是另外一回事。 大多数人都没有谈论他们，但底特律在过去五场比赛中以 4-1 领先。 他们唯一的失利是在感恩节以 28-25 惨败给布法罗比尔队。

雄狮队一直是 NFL 中进攻最好的球队之一，场均得分排名第六。 本周末的比赛在底特律举行，雄狮队场均得到 32 分。 自去年加入球队以来，贾里德高夫在底特律悄悄地投出了 30 次达阵，只有 6 次拦截。

因此，本周维京人队的胜利绝非易事。 看到 Reagor 在所有玩家中都在谈论垃圾，这很有趣。 Reagor 几乎看不到场地，今年只有六次接球。 听起来他正在签一张支票，他的维京人队队友必须兑现。