All it takes is for some dweeb (like myself but I am more of a doofus) to dream up some trade idea for it to get picked up and regurgitated by many different sites that are just looking for something to post so they can get views.
The latest has been the Vikings trading Justin Jefferson. Let’s go ahead and end that right now. The dweebs that make these Jefferson trade suggestions are frankly, ignoramuses. If the Vikings trade Jefferson this year this is what it does to the cap …
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POST-6/1 TRADE
2026 Dead Cap: $19,443,850
2027 Dead Cap: $50,993,950
2026 Savings: $1,725,000
This is what it does to the cap if they trade him after this season …
PRE-6/1 TRADE
2027 Dead Cap: $50,993,950
2027 Savings: $-1,500,100
POST-6/1 TRADE
2027 Dead Cap: $19,493,850
2028 Dead Cap: $31,500,100
2027 Savings: $30,000,000
… you do not have to be a rocket scientist or a capologist to realize that any intelligent NFL GM, and Nolan Teasley appears to be very intelligent, is going to do that to their cap situation. It would not matter if Jefferson complained either. The team simply is “stuck” with Jefferson until at least 2028 when the cap would take this hit …
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PRE-6/1 TRADE
2028 Dead Cap: $31,500,100
2028 Savings: $21,993,750
POST-6/1 TRADE
2028 Dead Cap: $19,493,850
2029 Dead Cap: $12,006,250
2028 Savings: $34,000,000
…
Bill Barnwell Makes Bold Claims on Minnesota Vikings Roster
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/bill-barnwell-makes-bold-claims-004859634.html
It is clear that these people that cook up these ideas are truly clueless when it come to the cap and apparently do not believe it matters. SMDH.
The rookies report in 10 days!
The first training camp practice is 13 days away. Rookies report to training camp in 7 days.
Rookie Arrival: First-year players report to the TCO Performance Center in Eagan, Minnesota, on July 26.
Veteran Arrival: Returning players and full-squad activities begin two days later on July 28.
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2026 Vikings Training Camp Full Schedule
https://www.vikings.com/schedule/vikings-events/training-camp/schedule
DATE : TIME : PRACTICE
Saturday, Aug. 1 : Noon- 5 p.m. : 2:30 p.m.
Monday, Aug. 3 : Noon – 5 p.m. : 2:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Aug. 4 : Noon – 5 p.m. : 2:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Aug. 5 : Noon – 5 p.m. : 2:30 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 7 : Noon – 5 p.m. : 2:30 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 8 : Noon – 5 p.m. : 2:30 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 9 : 5 – 11 p.m. : 7 p.m.
Tuesday, Aug. 11 : Noon – 5 p.m. : 2:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Aug. 12 : Noon – 5 p.m. : 2:30 p.m.
Thursday, Aug. 13 : Noon – 5 p.m. : 2:30 p.m.
Monday, Aug. 17 : Noon – 5 p.m. : 2:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Aug. 19 : Noon – 5 p.m. : 2:30 p.m. : Joint Practice with Baltimore Ravens
Thursday, Aug. 20 : Noon – 5 p.m. : 2:30 p.m. : Joint Practice with Baltimore Ravens
The Minnesota Vikings 2026 preseason schedule features three matchups
Week 1: Saturday, August 15 at New York Giants (1:00 PM ET)
Week 2: Saturday, August 22 vs. Baltimore Ravens (12:00 PM ET)
Week 3: Friday, August 28 at Denver Broncos (Time TBD)
Minnesota Vikings News and Links
Vikings HC Kevin O’Connell reveals the importance of a united QB room
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/vikings-hc-kevin-oconnell-reveals-100049207.html
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“I think the quarterback room is such a unique place where those guys put so much time in meeting time, the official meeting time is a lot, as much as we can have them,” said O’Connell “but it’s those organic times where they’re in the room, whether they’re getting ahead on the game plan or studying different aspects of the game, third down, red zone, two-minute, whatever it might be.”
“I tell our guys all the time that quarterback rooms got to be the hub of so much communication to our team, both from an X’s and O’s standpoint in the huddle, how we run our offense,” said O’Connell “but also all three of those guys have really unique traits to be great teammates and part of the leadership that helps our team try to chase whatever our ceiling might be for this season, and I’m excited about that.”
Justin Jefferson could be the key to the Minnesota Vikings’ quarterback battle
https://atozsports.com/nfl/minnesota-vikings-news/justin-jefferson-key-decision-maker-minnesota-vikings-quarterback-competition/
The Minnesota Vikings quarterback competition between J.J. McCarthy and Kyler Murray has dominated offseason conversation, but one angle remains underexplored. What does Justin Jefferson think about this situation, and how much influence could the best wide receiver in football have on who wins the starting job?
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Vikings beat writer Matthew Coller did a spot with Yahoo Sports and discussed how the Vikings’ inability to win playoff games could weigh on Jefferson over time. It could present a scenario where Jefferson either becomes available via trade or declines a future contract extension. That hasn’t materialized yet, and it may never get there since it’s not something Jefferson is actively pursuing. But the fact that it was presented as a non-zero proposition is alarming enough for the Vikings to take seriously.
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Minnesota needs to maximize its best player, and doing so starts with the quarterback position.
Ball placement and tempo matter more than people realize
During mandatory minicamp, Jefferson challenged the quarterbacks to be better. He wants a quarterback who can deliver the football consistently and on time. McCarthy did not do that last season. He posted 19 big-time throws against 15 turnover-worthy plays, and while the big-time throw number is encouraging given fewer than 250 attempts, his 28% off-target rate when targeting Jefferson tells a different story.
Jefferson had an uncharacteristic number of drops, but that conversation has layers. Ball placement and tempo directly affect drop rates. When Kirk Cousins was throwing him the football, Jefferson wasn’t dropping passes. The placement was consistent, the tempo was predictable, and Jefferson could focus entirely on the catch without worrying about whether the ball would arrive at his right eye, left shoulder, or waistline.
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Could Jefferson tip the scales toward Murray?
The locker room likes McCarthy. Vikings offensive tackle Brian O’Neill was adamant about that during a podcast appearance earlier this offseason. But liking a teammate and trusting him as your quarterback on Sundays are two different things.
Murray presents a compelling alternative. He is a historically accurate quarterback who throws with good placement. If he can deliver the ball the way Jefferson wants, with precision and the right tempo so he can react instead of think, it could tip the entire competition. Thinking is for the sidelines and game week. On the field, a wide receiver needs to trust that the ball will be there.
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Jefferson has never been a diva. He’s never been the type to make demands or force his way into personnel decisions. The only thing he’s loud about is his love for candy. But this is his legacy. It’s not absurd to think he could voice a preference to coach Kevin O’Connell about which quarterback gives the Vikings the best chance to win.
It’s a non-zero proposition that Justin Jefferson becomes the determining factor in how this quarterback competition plays out. Should he be? Your mileage will vary on that answer. But Jefferson is the most respected player on this roster, and if he tells O’Connell he believes one quarterback gives the team a better chance to win football games, there’s no doubt the coaching staff will take it seriously.
Justin Jefferson says leader in Minnesota’s QB competition ‘still has to prove himself’
https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/vikings/2026/07/17/justin-jefferson-vikings-qb-competition-kyler-murray-jj-mccarthy/90952615007/
“Yeah, for sure. He’s going into year eight, and J.J. is going into year three. So, it’s a little bit different. The vet in Kyler is always gonna maybe stick out a little bit from J.J., just because J.J. is still learning,” Jefferson told USA TODAY Sports on behalf of Little Caesars. “He’s still trying to fit into that role of being a top tier quarterback in this league.”
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Jefferson stopped short of calling Murray QB1. He reiterated that the Vikings have a true training camp battle at quarterback.
“He still has to prove himself to be the starter of our team. The quarterback position is not just given to Kyler, it’s earned,” Jefferson said. “So, if J.J. comes in and be that dynamic player that he is, and leading the guys and leading the team to where we feel like is the right direction, then that’s the decision that the coaches will make. It is up to me just to go out there and continue to give those guys that energy, that juice, that confidence to go out there and to continue to perform.”
Jefferson acknowledged he’s already seen growth from McCarthy as the QB enters his third season.
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The seventh-year wideout is regarded as one of the best wide receivers in the NFL. However, a recent ESPN poll ranked Jefferson as the league’s second-best wide receiver behind his former LSU teammate, Ja’Marr Chase.
“Obviously, I don’t agree. It’s just at the end of the day, it’s all opinions,” Jefferson said. “My resume speaks for itself, and what I do in that field, it speaks volumes. A lot of people want to talk about the quarterback situations that I have, the different stuff that I have going on with the Vikings that kind of would eliminate the type of production that I have been given. Just dealing with the circumstances that I have been given and still overcoming those difficulties and those barricades. I’m always going to be at the top of my list.”
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“I always try to add a little bit something different every single year. Last year I didn’t get in that end zone as much as I wanted to,” Jefferson said. “This year I’m looking forward to being in that end zone a little more, giving a little bit different versions of the Griddy, and of course, having some of my teenage join along.”
Vikings Receive Stern Warning on Depth Chart Battle
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/vikings-receive-stern-warning-depth-110004738.html
We all have a good idea Murray will win the starting job. McCarthy was historically bad for his first six NFL starts. And while he improved over the year, it’s tough to say Murray has ever had a 10-game sample as bad as McCarthy had last year.
Steve Silverman of Clutch Points discussed the dangers in delaying the snap allocation shift to Murray. Here’s what Silverman added on the battle.
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“Murray is an excellent athlete with arm strength, but he has taken the large majority of his snaps in shotgun formation. Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell likes to have his quarterbacks work from under center, and Murray is not familiar with that role. As a result, it could have an impact on how well he performs in practice for the Vikings and how he does in preseason games.
McCarthy is more familiar with taking snaps under center, and that could allow him to have a slight advantage when O’Connell and the coaching staff observe how each quarterback performs.
Still, it is a long shot to think that McCarthy is going to beat out Murray. McCarthy had problems with his accuracy at several points last season — especially when he threw the ball to star wide receiver Justin Jefferson. McCarthy failed to deliver accurately on multiple occasions when throwing to a wide open Jefferson last season. This is clearly a problem that can’t happen again this season.”
Note: Who comes up with these headlines? Stern warning? What the heck is that?
Kyler Murray Does the Boring Things That Make A Difference
https://zonecoverage.com/2026/minnesota-vikings-news/kyler-murray-does-the-boring-things-that-make-a-difference/
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Kyler Murray is a playmaker. He can do it with his arm and his legs. But it just so happens, actually, that he’s also the hum-drum, boring quarterback that the Vikings need to run their offense.
Pro Football Focus analyzed “zero-graded” throws, or throws that fall right on zero of their two- to minus-two grading scale. PFF describes the throws as unremarkable, saying, “There is no exceptional decision. You won’t see it on a highlights show or the condensed-game replay. A zero-graded throw is the ‘control group’ of quarterback play — simply a quarterback doing his job, making a play that an NFL quarterback would be expected to make.”
In other words, hitting the checkdown, the quick slant, and the bubble screen, all without issue.
There were six total quarterbacks last season with a positive EPA per attempt on zero-graded throws. Murray slotted in at fifth-best, just ahead of Matthew Stafford.
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Josh Allen (0.173)
Jared Goff (0.090)
Daniel Jones (0.052)
Drake Maye (0.046)
Kyler Murray (0.028)
Matthew Stafford (0.001)
Meanwhile, Carson Wentz ranked 24th and McCarthy was near the bottom at 35th, both struggling to maintain any sort of efficiency. Murray’s arm talent and scrambling abilities are obvious, but it appears he’s also more than capable of executing the in-between plays.
“Removing the extraordinary,” as PFF described, “leaves a cleaner look at how quarterbacks and offenses operate within the scheme’s structure. It becomes less a study of football’s most unremarkable throws and more a study of efficiency: how consistently quarterbacks execute what’s asked of them, how offenses create production through design, and how those two elements work together to generate successful plays.”
J.J. McCarthy Has Become the New Kirk Cousins
https://zonecoverage.com/2026/minnesota-vikings-news/j-j-mccarthy-has-become-the-new-kirk-cousins/
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For many fans, that means deep diving into the upcoming quarterback competition. Many are hoping that Murray will take the starting job and never give it back. Others are wishing that McCarthy will reclaim his role as the quarterback of the future, and that we can all pretend this whole competition never happened.
It’s a situation that has led to some pointed words on social media. But whether he wins the competition or not, McCarthy may have become the Vikings’ new version of Kirk Cousins.
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Still, the biggest thing they share is an unwavering legion of loyal fans.
That helped Cousins become one of the most polarizing Vikings of all time during his time in Minnesota. When things went wrong, his fans were ready to point fingers elsewhere.
It wasn’t Cousins’ hefty guaranteed contract that prevented the Vikings from being a championship team. It was Rick Spielman’s failure to build around him. When Cooper Rush upset the Vikings in 2021 because Cousins refused to call a timeout, it put Mike Zimmer’s job on the line. Cousins’ fans blamed his infamous checkdown late in the 2022 NFC Wild Card loss to the New York Giants on a poor play-call by Kevin O’Connell.
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His fans would dig up the most random stat you’ve never heard of to prove they’re right. Did you know that Cousins has a perfect passer rating when he spends $50 in Kohl’s Cash and plays the Detroit Lions at noon indoors when the moon is blood red, and the planets in the Grimlap system are ready to align? You do now, and it probably came from a shirtless Vikings fan wearing nothing but a big chain and a padlock he bought at Menards.
Perhaps I made up that stat on the fly. (SPOILER: It totally was). But it’s the same refrain you hear about McCarthy as he prepares for the biggest competition of his life. McCarthy’s 72.6 passer rating through his first 10 starts is eerily similar to Christian Ponder‘s 70.1 rating during his rookie season in 2011. But his biggest fans will be quick to remind you that it wasn’t his fault.
McCarthy was injured (not soft-benched!) after suffering a high ankle sprain in Week 2. Before that happened, he looked completely overwhelmed behind a leaky offensive line. When he returned, he saw O’Connell gush over Max Brosmer and spent the rest of the year complaining about fundamentals before finally adjusting his offense when the team was 4-8.
McCarthy’s supporting cast also let him down. Jordan Addison couldn’t catch a cold last year. Jefferson was so far from his 2022 form, he had to get a tattoo to remind himself of it last offseason. T.J. Hockenson saw Kerby Joseph in his sleep. And that offensive line? Yikes.
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All of this has McCarthy’s fans convinced that he’ll go somewhere and stick it to them. They saw what Sam Darnold did when he left for the Seattle Seahawks. If the Vikings kick McCarthy to the curb this summer, they believe he’ll do the same thing in a more supportive environment.
Vikings HC Kevin O’Connell comments on the impact of an ex-Chiefs QB
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/vikings-hc-kevin-oconnell-comments-100035380.html
“Carson (Wentz) brings so much knowledge; he brings so much knowledge of just the different stages of the quarterback journey, as well. We’re so fortunate to have had the opportunity to bring him in a year ago. I think it was three or four days before training camp ended,” said O’Connell. “He really didn’t get a lot of training camp time, and then when Carson played for us, he played pretty darn well; it was a really good fit in our offense.”
“I think the experience of coming in in a short amount of time and being able to apply those things, I think that can be something that can be beneficial to Kyler (Murray), as Kyler takes that dive into our offense for the first time, as well as J.J. McCarthy,” said O’Connell “still a young player, and Carson once having been a really successful, young player in this league, and having, different pathways from there, that he’s gone down and found roles and success in each one of those. I think Carson’s got so much to add. I think he’s got so much to add to our team from a leadership standpoint, and I’m excited we were able to get Carson back.”
5 NFL coaches who are surprise hot-seat candidates in 2026
https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/1122041/5-nfl-coaches-hot-seat-2026-nfl-preview
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Kevin O’Connell, Minnesota Vikings
O’Connell’s situation is similar to Campbell’s. He is considered an excellent coach and he won the NFL Coach of the Year award in 2024, but if he fails to lead the Vikings to the playoffs for a second straight year, there could be consequences, especially if the quarterback situation is a mess again. He was hired partly because of his prowess as a quarterback whisperer. If progress isn’t made, he could be in trouble. Remember, new Minnesota general manager Nolan Teasley doesn’t have ties to O’Connell, so he must prove himself in 2026.
Note: I suppose it is possible but the Wilfs call the shots.
Vikings Trade Pitch Lands Them Former 1st Round Defender
https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/minnesota-vikings/vikings-trade-pitch-deonte-banks/
The Minnesota Vikings signed James Pierre earlier this offseason for 2 years at a maximum value of $8.5 million.
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It’s a needed addition for the Vikings, who were lacking cornerback depth badly. Before acquiring Pierre, they had a very bare corner room. It was highlighted by Byron Murphy Jr. and Isaiah Rodgers Sr. Behind those gentlemen were several UDFA’s of past drafts.
Since they signed James Pierre, Minnesota also drafted Charles Demmings. Demmings was a fifth-round selection in the 2026 NFL Draft out of Stephen F. Austin. He is expected to win the CB4 job during training camp in August.
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Chris Schad of Sports Illustrated mentioned Giants CB Deonte Banks as a potential trade target for the Minnesota Vikings.
“In his first three seasons with the Giants, Banks has allowed 128 catches for 1,667 yards and 14 touchdowns with two interceptions and 15 pass breakups, and his physical tendencies have led to 21 penalties (eight declined) on 197 career targets according to Pro Football Focus.
Former WR3 Jalen Nailor Draws Clear Message
“Nailor was surprisingly the lone premium addition the Raiders made at receiver this offseason after trading away top target Jakobi Meyers in November. While that may leave many scratching their heads, it gives Nailor an opportunity to produce like never before.
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The fifth-year veteran had a solid final two seasons in Minnesota, but was always a tertiary option behind Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. He comes into Las Vegas carrying established chemistry with Kirk Cousins…from their Vikings days and with no solidified WR1 ahead of him. All signs point to Nailor having a chance to post career numbers in his first season with the Raiders.”
Vikings Receive Bold Trade Pitch for Eagles’ Jalen Carter
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/vikings-receive-bold-trade-pitch-110739453.html
Wynston Wilcox of FanSided put together a list of teams that could realistically trade for Philadelphia Eagles’ Jalen Carter, and one of those teams is the Vikings. Moreover, Wilcox noted that J.J. McCarthy could be part of a potential package.
“The Vikings don’t really have any player they could give up in a deal that wouldn’t gash this roster, so they’ll have to resort to draft capital, which could be a hefty price to pay,” Wilcox wrote in a July 16 article. “Jalen Hurts and the Eagles are at odds a bit, but he doesn’t have a potential out in his contract until 2028, according to Spotrac.
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“That means a move for J.J. McCarthy just wouldn’t make too much sense right now. The Vikings don’t really have receiver depth either, so they’re stuck with giving up draft capital to land Carter.”
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“That said, he’s a beast and would instantly make this defensive line better,” Wilcox added in his article. “They went the young route, releasing Javon Hargrave and then trading Jonathan Allen to the Cincinnati Bengals.
“They drafted Domonique Orange and Caleb Banks as their future, but adding Carter would ensure they stay in championship contention. When you want stars on your team, it’s costly, but the Vikings can’t ignore how big of an addition Carter would be.”
Minnesota Vikings GM Nolan Teasley have major trade assets at their disposal, with some wild valuations
https://atozsports.com/nfl/minnesota-vikings-news/minnesota-vikings-trade-valuations-justin-jefferson-christian-darrisaw-dallas-turner-nolan-teasley/
Two first-round picks and more
Barnwell: WR Justin Jefferson
Forness: WR Justin Jefferson
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This is an easy one. Jefferson is arguably the best receiver in the game, and can thrive in any offense. Barnwell acknowledge the production dip, but that wasn’t all his fault.
“He is coming off his worst season as a pro, but I think it seems fair to point at super inconsistent quarterback play as the biggest factor for Jefferson’s dip. We’re now firmly in his peak seasons as a 27-year-old, but if the Vikings ever did move on from their star wide receiver, there would be no shortage of interest in a player who still has to be considered one of the four best wideouts in football.”
One first-round pick
Barnwell: WR Jordan Addison, LG Donovan Jackson
Forness: WR Jordan Addison, LG Donovan Jackson, OT Christian Darrisaw, EDGE Dallas Turner
This is where we have our biggest differences. We agree on both Addison and Jackson, but I think Darrisaw and Turner would both fetch a first-round pick. Barnwell’s reasoning for Darrisaw is rooted in his struggles coming back from injury. Because it was easily explained, someone would get an elite left tackle when healthy, meaning an easy first round pick.
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What I really disagree with is Barnwell’s reasoning about Turner.
“Turner unquestionably took a step forward last season while filling in for Van Ginkel and Jonathan Greenard when they were injured, but his total of eight sacks overstates his impact as a pass rusher. With Greenard going to Philadelphia, Turner will need to create pressures more often to justify the draft capital the Vikings spent to acquire him in 2024.”
Just under a first-round pick
Barnwell: OT Christian Darrisaw, EDGE Dallas Turner, EDGE Andrew Van Ginkel, DT Caleb Banks
Forness: EDGE Andrew Van Ginkel, DT Caleb Banks, DT Jalen Redmond
3 Former Draft Busts the Vikings Will Finally Give Up On This Offseason
https://www.si.com/nfl/vikings/onsi/3-former-draft-busts-the-vikings-will-finally-give-up-on-this-offseason-01kxkhjy2s29
OT Walter Rouse
After watching Justin Skule flounder in a depth role one year ago, the Vikings couldn’t risk having Rouse fill in if Christian Darrisaw or Brian O’Neill go down this season. It led Minnesota to sign Ryan Van Demark in free agency and use a third-round pick on Caleb Tiernan in last April’s draft and unless Rouse suddenly takes a step forward, it’s likely that his days with the Vikings are numbered.
TE Gavin Bartholomew
The case for Bartholomew is that he had several traits that enticed the Vikings going into last year. He caught 105 passes for 1,257 yards and 11 touchdowns during his four years at Pitt and his draft profile which included a 1.59-second 10-yard split in the 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine showed the explosiveness that could make him a threat in the receiving game.
Unfortunately, last year’s injury opened the door for Ben Yurosek. Yurosek didn’t see a ton of action last year, catching two passes for 14 yards, but he was a solid player when called upon, posting a 60.5 overall grade and not allowing a single pressure on 13 pass-blocking snaps per PFF.
WR Tai Felton
Felton appeared in all 17 games, but he was largely a special teams player that caught three passes for 25 yards during his rookie season.
It can be argued that Felton could be following the path of K.J. Osborn, who became a productive receiver for the Vikings after failing to record a catch in his rookie season as a third-rounder in the 2020 draft. But Felton’s case is particularly alarming as Jordan Addison missed the first three games due to suspension and the front office felt it was necessary to trade for Adam Thielen right before the start of the season.
Note: It is hard to call players drafted in the 5th round or later, busts. They already have long odds of playing out their rookie deals anyway.
Grok simulates Minnesota Vikings’ 2026 season, game results, statistical leaders, and a playoff appearance
https://atozsports.com/nfl/minnesota-vikings-news/grok-simulates-minnesota-vikings-2026-season-game-results-kyler-murray-jj-mccarthy-justin-jefferson/
First things first, Grok has Kyler Murray being the starting quarterback. He ended up playing 14 games, with J.J. McCarthy playing the other three.
Overall, the Vikings finished with a 10-7 record, which feels about right. Their win/loss over/under right now is set at 8.5, and 10 wins isn’t out of the question or unrealistic.
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In the playoffs, the Vikings drew the division-winning Packers, and they lost in a close game, 28.21. Murray did throw for 280 yards and two touchdowns, with Justin Jefferson continuing his great season with 140 yards in the game. Unfortunately, the defense let them down, as the rival Packers moved on.
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Simulated statistical leaders
The numbers between the two quarterbacks on a per game basis were significantly better with Murray than McCarthy.
Murray: 65.8% completion, 4,050 passing yards, 31 touchdowns, 9 interceptions, 102.4 rating, 380 rushing yards, 3 touchdowns
McCarthy: 620 passing yards, 4 touchdowns, 2 interceptions
The Vikings got a lot of good production in the running game from their backs.
Aaron Jones: 185 carries, 820 yards, seven touchdowns
Jordan Mason: 140 carries, 620 yards, 4 touchdowns
Through the air, the Vikings really thrived, including the first 1,000 season from Jordan Addison.
Justin Jefferson: 112 receptions, 1,580 yards, 12 touchdowns (first-team All-Pro)
Jordan Addison: 85 receptions, 1,020 yards, 8 touchdowns
Jauan Jennings: 42 receptions, 550 yards, 4 touchdowns
T.J. Hockenson: 65 receptions, 720 yards, 6 touchdowns
Defensively, the biggest contributors on the defensive line were Jalen Redmond and Caleb Banks, who combined for 18 sacks. If they got that kind of production from the defensive line, Vikings fans would be thrilled. They haven’t felt comfortable about the defensive line since Linvan Joseph and pre-knee surgery Sharrif Floyd.
They also had six Pro Bowl selections: Jefferson, Addison, Hockenson, Christian Darrisaw, Jalen Redmond, and Byron Murphy Jr. It would be odd that Murray doesn’t get the Pro Bowl nod with three pass catchers getting them. However, it’s not crazy considering the talent in the NFC.
Vikings 2026 NFL Draft class ranks among the worst ahead
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/vikings-2026-nfl-draft-class-172509424.html
Sports Illustrated’s Justin Melo recently re-ranked all the draft classes in the NFL as training camps get ready to kick off. The Vikings ranked near the bottom, coming in at 27th overall out of 32. He explained the poor ranking and cited the risks they took across the board.
“The Minnesota Vikings decided to spend their first-round pick on a high-risk, high-reward prospect, defensive tackle Caleb Banks. Though we’re skeptical about that one, we love second-round linebacker Jake Golday, who has rapidly developed at his new position after previously playing defensive end. We also appreciated the Day Three selections of cornerback Charles Demmings and running back Demond Claiborne.”
Vikings Fans Will Love Joe Burrow’s Funny Justin Jefferson Story
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/vikings-fans-love-joe-burrow-225050606.html
With that being said, there may have been a time or two when Burrow missed Jefferson on an open route. It’s safe to say that Jefferson let Burrow know about it. The quarterback relayed a funny story at the Fanatics Fan Fest over the weekend, but a particular incident at LSU.
“There was a two-week stretch during his time with LSU where Justin Jefferson didn’t get a touchdown… He didn’t talk to me for the entire next week. I was like, ‘I’ll get you a touchdown, bro. You don’t have to pout all week on me.’”
Vikings Will Welcome a Coveted Lineman to Minnesota…But in a Rival’s Purple Jersey
https://vikingsterritory.com/2026/news/top_news/vikings-will-rivals-purple
Sources: Former Browns center Ethan Pocic, who started 97 games in nine NFL seasons before tearing his Achilles last year, is signing a one-year deal with the Baltimore Ravens. Pocic is said to be healthy, and he will have a chance to replace former Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum, who signed with the Raiders.”
The Vikings’ RB3 Battle Is An Overlooked Preseason Storyline
https://zonecoverage.com/2026/minnesota-vikings-news/the-vikings-rb3-battle-is-an-overlooked-preseason-storyline/
5 Vikings to watch on offense during the training camp in 2026
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/5-vikings-watch-offense-during-182517826.html
2 Vikings cut candidates on chopping block entering 2026 NFL training camp
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/2-vikings-cut-candidates-chopping-132351587.html
Vikings have big decision ahead at QB
https://www.dakotanewsnow.com/2026/07/19/vikings-have-big-decision-ahead-qb/
The NFL Stirs the Pot on Vikings’ QB Drama
https://vikingsterritory.com/2026/news/top_news/the-nfl-vikings-qb-drama
Vikings warned Jauan Jennings signing could spark regrets
https://thevikingage.com/minnesota-vikings-warned-jauan-jennings-signing-could-spark-r
2026 Vikings Training Camp Preview: Offensive Line
https://www.vikings.com/news/2026-training-camp-preview-offensive-line
The Vikings Have a Clear Path Off of Bad Contract After 2026
https://purpleptsd.com/2026/vikings/vikings-analysis/vikings-path-bad-contract-2026/
Yore Mock
Trade Partner: Jaguars
Sent 1.14
Received 1.15 and 4.115
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Round 1 (Pick 15): Matayo Uiagalelei (EDGE, Oregon) – 6’5″, 272 lbs
Round 2 (Pick 46): Iapani Laloulu (C, Oregon) – 6’2″, 325 lbs
Round 3 (Pick 78): Suntarine Perkins (LB/EDGE, Ole Miss) – 6’3″, 215 lbs
Round 3 (Pick 93): Anthony Smith (DL/EDGE, Minnesota) – 6’6″, 285 lbs
Round 4 (Pick 115): Terrance Carter Jr. (TE, Texas Tech) – 6’3″, 230 lbs
Round 5 (Pick 153): Ian Strong (WR, Cal) – 6’6″, 223 lbs
Round 5 (Pick 154): Hollywood Smothers (RB, Texas) – 5’11”, 195 lbs
Round 6 (Pick 184): DJ McKinney (CB, Notre Dame) – 6’2″, 180 lbs
Round 7 (Pick 214): Tao Johnson (S, UCLA) – 6’1″, 191 lbs
Round 7 (Pick 234): Alani Noa (OG, USC) – 6’3″, 315 lbs
Round 7 (Pick 249): T.J. Searcy (EDGE, Texas A&M) – 6’5″, 255 lbs
Again, we all know the rules, but in case someone is new:
While navigating the open thread, just assume it’s sarcasm
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
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