The Vikings are now off until training camp so the dog days of summer are here for football fans. It is going to be harder to generate any “click bait” articles. There will be folks searching for any players working out at high schools, parks, etc and, if they do, much will be made about it. The truth is there is not a lot going on and the players need to relax before the grind begins. I expect they will stay in shape (the smart ones) but other than that it is time to go to Cancun!
But we will not take a vacation and there will be the never ending back and forth about you know what all the way until training camp begin and ends, all through the preseason, and into the season. No matter who wins the job, all it is going to take is one bad game for the other side to start complaining loudly. It is going to be glorious if you like to see things burn which I do.
Advertisement
I wonder if the Vikings will sign an edge rusher. I know the outside opinion is that they should but Brian Flores thinks differently than most. The news that Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins has lost weight and is working at OLB some is interesting. Perhaps he has a discussion after the season and was told it might be his best fit? Either way, TID could be the answer and the remaining depth will be filled by the youts?
I kind of prefer Joey Bosa myself but that is going to cost 9M or so. I wonder if the new Sheriff in town would do this? To get an answer, I utilized yore AI friend, Gemini.
Ai Question
did the seahawks spend cap space on external edge rushers after the draft while teasley was there
Ezekiel Ansah (Signed May 2019)
The Move: Seattle signed Ansah to a one-year, $9 million deal on May 9, 2019—less than two weeks after the conclusion of the 2019 NFL Draft.
The Context: Ansah was a completely outside veteran free agent who had spent his entire career with the Detroit Lions. Seattle explicitly waited until after the draft (and after the compensatory pick deadline passed) to spend their remaining cap space to secure him.
Teasley’s Position: Teasley was promoted to Seattle’s Director of Pro Personnel in 2019, making him a primary executive tasked with evaluating the remaining veteran edge market to finalize the post-draft roster.
Advertisement
Levi Bell (Signed July 2023)
The Move: The Seahawks signed Bell directly before training camp.
The Context: He was an outside free agent who went undrafted and spent the immediate post-draft rookie minicamp window with the Baltimore Ravens before Seattle poached him to join their edge rush room.
Teasley’s Role: Teasley was Assistant General Manager during this summer roster management window.
…
Would you like to see them add an Edge rusher or do you think they have it covered?
Note: Please file any complaints at the complaint window!
Minnesota Vikings News and Links
Tom Pelissero Offers His 2 Cents on Top Vikings Issue
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/tom-pelissero-offers-2-cents-120000818.html
Advertisement
Tom Pelissero Says it’s a True QB1 Battle
“They are splitting this 50/50,” Pelissero explained about the purple passer battle.
To my eye, the split was essentially even, as Pelissero indicates. J.J. McCarthy would get run with the starters; next up would be Kyler Murray with the starters. Neither were dominant forces completing every pass. Both made mistakes. What seemed to emerge, though, was a situation where the kid QB — McCarthy — was the better of the pair across the three days of practice.
Pelissero had more to say: “[Kevin O’Connell] wants this to be fair all the way through the entire process.” Next up was a reasonably juicy proclamation: “I think that at this stage coming out of minicamp, the coaches probably have a pretty good idea what direction they think this is going to go. And I don’t anticipate it takes all three preseason games for them to arrive at that conclusion.”
Report sparks concerns about Vikings’ Kyler Murray, J.J. McCarthy competition
https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/report_sparks_concerns_about_vikings_kyler_murray_jj_mccarthy_competition/s1_13132_43946396
Advertisement
Thus, some were surprised when O’Connell confirmed on Thursday that the competition for the starting job will continue when training-camp practices get underway in late July. For an article published on Friday, Vikings reporter Alec Lewis of The Athletic explained why it “shouldn’t come as a surprise” that O’Connell hasn’t yet made a final decision.
“Over the five practices open to media members in recent weeks,” Lewis wrote, “neither player performed drastically better than the other. They split reps evenly. Both took snaps with the starting receivers and faced the expected starting defense. Each completed some impressive passes and missed some available receivers.”
“Murray’s arm talent surfaced early,” Lewis continued, “and McCarthy’s experience in the offense showed itself throughout the seven-on-seven sessions. Tuesday featured two Murray interceptions. Wednesday consisted mostly of red zone work, with few notable reps. Thursday’s practice saw the most seven-on-seven snaps, and Murray and McCarthy looked like they were feeling out (coordinator) Brian Flores’ defense.”
“Another layer to monitor is Murray’s scrambling ability,” Lewis added about what is to come for the Minnesota quarterbacks. “All of the Vikings’ spring and summer work has focused on rhythm and timing in the pocket. Murray’s athleticism adds another dimension O’Connell said he’s mindful of Keeping the competition going until late July will put a spotlight on McCarthy’s and Murray’s work habits. Murray will review the extensive volume of plays, reads and footwork. McCarthy must stay sharp with his fundamentals and mechanics.”
J.J. McCarthy Trade Floated by Familiar Source
https://vikingsterritory.com/2026/news/top_news/jj-mccarthy-trade-rumors-vikings-2
Advertisement
Walters now believes Minnesota could trade quarterback J.J. McCarthy this summer.
Walters, no stranger to stirring the pot, got in his bag this weekend, writing about McCarthy and the Vikings’ quarterback situation, “It seems unlikely that Carson Wentz re-signed with the Vikings to be the third-string quarterback this season, or that Kyler Murray signed with the Vikings to be the second-string QB.”
Why Is Everyone Obsessed With The Vikings QB Battle?
https://zonecoverage.com/2026/minnesota-vikings-news/why-is-everyone-obsessed-with-the-vikings-qb-battle/
For a June minicamp that’s basically a seven-on-seven passing drill, Kevin O’Connell may scream “Nothing to see here!” like one of the elderly administrators at my alma mater. But it’s not just Vikings fans who are paying attention, and it begs the question of why everyone is obsessed with Minnesota’s quarterback battle.
Advertisement
The easy answer is that it’s the nature of the NFL’s media cycle. The league creates news 365 days a year, and even the schedule release feels like a pivotal event. Even OTAs are a big part of the calendar, where Jordan Taylor drew headlines for a one-handed catch shortly before his release and fans are intrigued to see if DeWayne McBride really deserved that “starter’s grade.”
Kevin O’Connell says Vikings have a plan for starting QB decision
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/kevin-o-connell-says-vikings-135519340.html
“We’ve got a great plan in place, and we want to make sure when we get to training camp we’ve got a great plan,” O’Connell said. “You don’t have a ton of time.”
‘I think that’s taken place’ — Kevin O’Connell has firm response to Kyler Murray’s controversial comments
https://atozsports.com/nfl/minnesota-vikings-news/kevin-oconnell-comments-kyler-murray-jj-mccarthy-quarterback-competition/
Advertisement
“I think the toughest part is having to split reps. It’s me already being behind, not getting the amount of reps that you know you would typically want to, gotta get learning an offense. That’s probably the toughest part. Again, going back to the past, being in control of everything, understanding what we were already doing, because I was comfortable within the system. Now, [I] come to new system, learning on the fly, trying to play fast, efficient, and then let it loose while learning. That’s the toughest part.”
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray
…
Those comments were significant in many ways. Some took Murray as complaining about having to compete, but the reality wasn’t quite that simple. He was stating the obvious about the situation. Head coach Kevin O’Connell didn’t read much into it.
“I know what he was intending, it was very similar to conversations we’ve had privately, and even as a group, with me in the quarterback room a little bit more, I would say this time of year, based by the rules and also how we handle it, it is a foundation to build off of. Every rep obviously matters, but this time of year, the beauty of not going full speed on a lot of reps is you can get a lot out of watching other guys’ reps as well, so I think that’s taken place. I think there’s been great learning that’s taking place.”
“With the different volumes of days, like some days will be those classic two hour, two and a half hour. There’ll be massive amounts of work where maybe it could be split, but I wouldn’t read much into who gets what on which days.”
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell
Vikings Minicamp Observations: Wrapping with Helmets Off; Young DBs Make Plays on Football
https://www.vikings.com/news/minicamp-practice-observations-quarterbacks-defensive-backs-2026
Advertisement
Again, there was a crystal clear emphasis on teaching and absorbing. Head Coach Kevin O’Connell praised the play of all four quarterbacks — Murray, McCarthy, Carson Wentz and Max Brosmer — when he fielded questions from reporters afterward, and he described Brian Flores’ defense as “humming around mid-season form in a lot of ways” despite introducing many youngsters to an advanced scheme.
…
All in all, it was an intentional and encouraging three days of practice on the cusp of summer.
“I know minicamp is mandatory, but when you have the same group here for the better part of all of your OTAs and Phase 1 and Phase 2 — with all the things these guys have going on — it is really, really cool to have the participation level, the buy-in, the hunger to continue to raise the foundation of what’s been built by our players here, but ultimately where we want to go as a team,” O’Connell said in his intro. “I think they’re ready to pick up right where we left off as we kind of fully enter the competition phase of being able to build our team, and kind of chase what our ceiling is going to be for the season.”
Vikings Post-Minicamp 53-Man Roster Projection: 11 Rookies Make the Cut
https://www.si.com/nfl/vikings/onsi/vikings-post-minicamp-53-man-roster-projection-11-rookies-make-the-cut
Kyler Murray set up for a historic first season with the Vikings
https://thevikingage.com/kyler-murray-set-up-historic-first-season-with-minnesota-vikings
Advertisement
Vikings UDFA takes another step toward climbing depth chart at OTAs
https://thevikingage.com/minnesota-vikings-udfa-takes-another-step-toward-climbing-depth-chart-otas
Vikings Offers Significant Injury Update on Critical $104 Million Star
https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/minnesota-vikings/christian-darrisaw-brian-oneill-caleb-banks-injuries/
Are the Vikings Prepared For Rookie Growing Pains On Defense?
https://zonecoverage.com/2026/minnesota-vikings-news/are-the-vikings-prepared-for-rookie-growing-pains-on-defense/
The Vikings’ Jake Golday Dilemma Is A Good Problem To Have
https://zonecoverage.com/2026/minnesota-vikings-news/the-vikings-jake-golday-dilemma-is-a-good-problem-to-have/
Advertisement
The P/PTSD Perspective: Explosive WR, KOC Slip, and Felton at a Crossroad
https://vikingsterritory.com/2026/news/top_news/perspective-explosive-wr-ko
Former Vikings WR Set to Begin Coaching Career
https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/minnesota-vikings/trishton-jackson-coaching-nfl-offseason-news/
All Signs Point to One Spot for Vikings Summer Free Agency
https://vikingsterritory.com/2026/news/top_news/vikings-summer-free-agency-edge-defender
Lunchbreak: Sports Illustrated Surveys Remaining NFL Free Agents as Offseason Programs Wind Down
https://www.vikings.com/news/sports-illustrated-2026-nfl-free-agents-offeason
Advertisement
Vikings Prime Candidates for ‘Best’ Pass-Rusher in NFL Free Agency
https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/minnesota-vikings/joey-bosa-dallas-turner-pass-rush/
“Bosa has played in at least 14 games over the past two seasons after injuries limited him to a total of 13 games from 2022 to 2023,” Bowen wrote on June 10. “Averaging 36.3 snaps per game for the Bills, he had 5 sacks, 5 forced fumbles and 42 pressures. Bosa should be viewed as a situational rusher who can still win with speed-to-power. His effort level also leads to production late in the play.”
Bosa is a 10-year NFL veteran who will play next season at 31 years of age. He played for Buffalo on a one-year deal worth $12.6 million in 2025.
Vikings’ $66 million playmaker listed among worst contracts in NFL for 2026
https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/minnesota-vikings/news/vikings-66-million-playmaker-listed-among-worst-contracts-nfl-2026/1fdb78bedec06f035495d7bc
Advertisement
Joshua Metellus Explains Evolving Role in Vikings Defense, Welcoming Newcomers
https://www.vikings.com/news/joshua-metellus-role-in-defense-welcoming-newcomers
Ex-Vikings Lineman Calls Minnesota the ‘Polar Opposite’ of Jaguars Experience
https://www.si.com/nfl/vikings/onsi/ex-vikings-lineman-calls-minnesota-the-polar-opposite-of-jaguars-experience
Cam Robinson’s stint in Minnesota was short. Ten weeks to be exact. But it’s still a memorable stop along his career.
In an interview with former Saints and Dolphins Pro Bowl offensive lineman Terron Armstead, Robinson talked fondly about his 10-week whirlwind in Minnesota during the Vikings’ 14-3 season in 2024. In particular, Robinson highlighted Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell’s ability to simplify things for the veteran tackle, so he could pick up the offense quickly and enter the lineup. He was also impressed with how the Vikings treated players.
Advertisement
“As soon as I landed that night, it was straight into the meetings with Coach (Chris Kuper),” Robinson told Armstead. “Like, boom, we’re getting into everything. He got the call sheet for that week. One thing they did do, and this is why I think Kevin O’Connell is one of the probably best minds in the NFL, they kept that s*** real simple for me, for the most part. Tight zone, wide zone, everything was either two jet, three jet. For people that know offensive line play, that’s basic. That’s as basic as it gets. … They kept it real, real simple for me. That was a big part of the reason why I was able to go out there and play all of them plays like that.”
“When I got there, it ended up being, like, kind of refreshing,” said Robinson. “It was polar opposite from (Jacksonville). … Once I get past the (cold weather) part and get to the football part — even the whole operation from top to bottom, however many weeks I was there, from top to bottom, from front office down to everything. How they handle child care on Sundays, everything. That was probably the best-ran organization I’ve been in to this day, Minnesota. So, they did everything well. They welcomed me well.”
Yore Mock
First an AI question …
Advertisement
vikings 2027 draft needs
Based on early 2026 reports, the Minnesota Vikings’ 2027 draft needs focus on securing a long-term quarterback, reinforcing the offensive line, and adding defensive depth. Key positions expected to be targeted include QB (if Kyler Murray fails to solidify the role), offensive tackle, cornerback, and edge rusher, with the team already accumulating 2027 draft capital, including four top-100 picks.
Top 2027 Projected Needs & Targets
Quarterback (QB): Potential high-priority need if 2026 starter Kyler Murray does not sign an extension, with names like Arch Manning (Texas) and Dante Moore (Oregon) frequently mentioned in early conversations.
Advertisement
Offensive Tackle (OT): A major focus to potentially replace veteran Right Tackle Brian O’Neill, with LSU’s Jordan Seaton highlighted as a potential 2027 pick to bolster the line, per this early mock draft from Sports Yahoo.
Cornerback (CB): Continued, long-term upgrades for the secondary to support Brian Flores’ defense, with targets such as Iowa’s Zach Lutmer or Mississippi State’s Kelley Jones mentioned in early mocks.
Edge Rusher (DL): Identifying successors for key veterans, with local talent like Gophers’ Anthony Smith mentioned as a high-end target.
…
Trade with NYJ
Received: Pick #15, Pick #67
Sent: Pick #13, Pick #146
…
Trade with MIA
Received: Pick #34, Pick #181
Sent: Pick #45, Pick #86
…
Pick 15. Kewan Lacy RB Ole Miss 5’11”, 205 lbs
Pick 34. Iapani Laloulu OC Oregon 6’2″, 329 lbs
Pick 67. Jamari Sharpe CB Indiana 6’1″, 188 lbs
Pick 77. Teitum Tuioti EDGE Oregon 6’3″, 263 lbs
Pick 151. Ty Benefield S LSU 6’3″, 208 lbs
Pick 181. Isaiah Sategna III WR Oklahoma 5’10”, 185 lbs
Pick 182. Terrance Carter Jr. TE Texas Tech 6’2″, 245 lbs
Pick 212. Ray Coney LB Texas A&M 6’2″, 240 lbs
Pick 239. Tomiwa Durojaiye DT South Carolina 6’4″, 291 lbs
Again, we all know the rules, but in case someone is new:
While navigating the open thread, just assume it’s sarcasm
Advertisement
No discussion of politics or religion
No feeding of the trolls
Leave the gender hatred at the door
Keep the bad language to a minimum (using the spoiler tags, if you must)
Speaking of which, if discussing a newer show or movie, please use spoiler tags
No pictures that could get someone fired or in serious trouble with their employer
If you can’t disagree in a civil manner, feel free to go away
Read the full article here