Vikings Links: Let’s Get Ready To Rumble!

Christian Darrisaw of the Minnesota Vikings looks on during an OTA workout at Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center on May 27, 2026 in Eagan, Minnesota

Well, we have ourselves another QB debate! The sides are lining up and slinging arrows already (yours truly included). Gotta love it no? I do not know what is going to happen but we have now reached the stage of bloggers, media types, and doofuses (of doofi – also raises hand) are speculating on trading JJ. Things move fast eh?

I am going to guess that the team laughs about it internally. You cant stop the speculators from speculating. If the team, not any of us fans, decided to trade him they would eliminate any lingering summer quarterback controversy and eliminate media distractions. If Kyler starts and play most or all of the season then JJ is going to be sitting on the bench and his value will be less next year.

You can see from the links below that some “writers” are already going way too far with some of the stuff liek JJ stretching away from the other QBs. Maybe Kyler is a gassy dude? Maybe JJ had gas? Who knows? I watched Edelman talking about Moss who always stretched with the defensive linemen. It’s much ado about nothing but that is the kind of stuff that will get written all summer. Every facial expression will be analyzed.

I think the Jets who have three first round picks next year should jump at the chance to get JJ. They might do badly and have a top pick next year but if not, then they have to hoep to be able to trade up. The Vikings were unable to trade up for Maye (I’m told). Then, what do they do? Sign Baker Mayfield is he hits the market? IDK. I think the Jets have the draft capital to make a deal.

The Jets send a 2027 2nd and a 2028 conditional 5th for JJ.

Josh Rosen was traded for a 2nd and a 5th and McCarthy’s tape over his first 10 starts is vastly superior to Rosen. Darnold was traded for a 6th, 2nd, and 4th round pick. The Justin Fields trade is a bad analogy because he was traded after 38 starts.

If the team was going to trade JJ then I think this makes a lot of sense on both sides.

My guess? I do not know now. I think they will hang onto him longer but if they really do feel that Jyler is the one then they would be doing “right” by JJ to let him go to another team before training camp so that he can get into the offense.

In the meantime, we shall “debate” away!

A little note about links. I do not write these and they are what pops up when I google “Vikings news”. I usually post most of the links and unfortunately there are a lot of stories about the QB situation.

Rumor: Kevin O’Connell was unfazed by J.J. McCarthy’s comments last week about his role in the QB1 roster battle.

McCarthy’s comments about his role in the QB1 battle turned heads last week, and reporters were quick to ask O’Connell about his take on Thursday.

He replied, “The interpretation of those comments will be what they are. I would just say, in the room, day to day, the dialogue between those guys, the interactions, have been very professional. And more than that, it’s been a positive room. I think Carson has a lot to do with that, as the veteran in the room.”

“And I would never discount Josh McCown‘s extensive career as a player in those quarterback rooms and how he manages the room and everybody in there. So I didn’t make a lot out of it. I know there was some reaction to it. That’s probably not the first time there’s gonna be a reaction to those guys answering questions about the situation.”

The skipper also said that he expects fierce competition and does not require his players to smile during camp battles.

He continued, “That’s what the competition is all about. There’s no hiding anything. It’s going to be displayed on the field, and their teammates and coaching staff and the guys in this building have to feel a conviction about the direction we go, and you do that by your daily habits, and just improving.”

O’Connell added about McCarthy, “I think he’s handling it really well. He’s been great in the meeting rooms. As a captain and a guy that helps lead our team, he’s been phenomenal.”

Why Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy’s comments about Kyler Murray don’t concern Kevin O’Connell
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7333859/2026/06/04/jj-mccarthy-kyler-murray-qb-vikings-kevin-oconnell/

“Those things are always tough for me because I’m in it,” O’Connell said. “I’m around it every day. So, another’s interpretation of those comments is going to be what they are. I would just say that, in the room, in the actual day-to-day, the dialogue between those guys, the interactions, have been very professional. It’s been a positive room.”

Did he, at least, like McCarthy’s attitude?

“What actually matters is what I care about,” O’Connell said. “Did we take the right footwork on a play? Did we have our eyes in the right spot? Did we make a protection call against one of (defensive coordinator Brian Flores’) blitz looks? Did we do our jobs to manufacture the starting point and potential path to success for the offense? There’s enough that goes into that where I don’t have a ton of space left over for who says what and how they say it.”

“It doesn’t mean that everybody has to be smiling every day,” O’Connell said. “When they speak to (the media), I want them to be open and honest. Because I think it’s all part of having a transparent quarterback competition that allows them to truly demonstrate that they can consistently be the same guy every day.”

While KOC is trying to maintain the idea publicly that JJ McCarthy and Kyler Murray are are competing in an open quarterback competition, and that it’s being conducted in a professional manner by all parties, the evidence is piling up to indicate otherwise.
…
Unfortunately for KOC, others paying attention very much care about whether or not quarterbacks at TCO Performance Center are playing nice. Thus, it’s worth noting that media members taking in some of these practices are seeing things much differently than the head coach.

According to most reports, Murray has convincingly pulled ahead of McCarthy. Another thing becoming more apparent by the day — Minnesota’s 23-year-old former No. 10 overall draft pick is not handling it well.

And that brings us to Vikings beat writer Alec Lewis’, and his most recent piece at The Athletic, which you cannot read without questioning how the Minnesota Vikings plan to navigate the next handful of months with a young quarterback as pouty and disengaged as JJ McCarthy seems to be.

Per Lewis, JJ could be found doing his pre-practice stretches away from the team’s other quarterbacks Thursday. Same thing after practice, McCarthy could be seen jogging off the practice fields by himself, while the other three QBs hung back together.

O’Connell’s [office perch at TCO Performance Center] provides him with the details behind these snaps — behind everything. He knows the degree of difficulty of throws in his scheme, and he knows whether or not it matters that McCarthy stretches away from the other three quarterbacks before practices like Thursday’s, or that he jogged off the field Thursday before the other three, who stayed behind together.

Let’s be real here. The competition may be “real” but expectations are that Murray wins the job. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero echoed that sentiment on The Power Trip Morning Show.

“I don’t believe that Kevin [O’Connell] needs to take this all the way through the third preseason game to determine his starting quarterback. You’re going to probably have a pretty good idea by the end of spring what direction this is going to go.

“J.J. has made strides. I think everybody who’s watched him throw, you can see mechanically he looks a little bit different than he has in the past, Kyler comes in as just, he’s a baller man. So Kyler, who’s always been able to make the spectacular [play], but has not always consistently made the simple play. That’s the thing that they have to figure out exactly how well he’s going to adapt. They’re getting a feel of it through the OTAs.”

“Again, I would imagine you’re going to start to see the reps perhaps change a little bit here over these next couple of weeks as they hone in on what their plan is going to be going into training camp. And I’m not saying this, I don’t know what direction they’re going to go as you get closer to the season, but let’s say Kyler wins the job, which I would lean toward Kyler is the starting quarterback. Do you have J.J. as the backup? Do you potentially look to trade him while there’s still some intrigue within the league? You might be able to get more for him with two years left on his rookie contract than with one year left. Those are all things that I would think you’re going to talk through.”

4 Hypothetical Trade Offers For J.J. McCarthy: Minnesota Vikings could move on after latest insider comments
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/4-hypothetical-trade-offers-j-150000043.html

New York Jets get 2027 NFL Draft insurance
Jets receive: J.J. McCarthy
Vikings receive: 2027 5th-round pick (conditional pick that rises to a 3rd with 70% snaps played)

5 J.J. McCarthy Trade Landing Spots Once Kyler Murray Wins Vikings Starting Job
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/5-j-j-mccarthy-trade-215043893.html

“Don’t see a path to recovery”: Analyst claims 70% chance J.J. McCarthy gets traded before Week 1 as Vikings lament “mistake” of drafting QB
https://www.sportskeeda.com/nfl/news-don-t-see-path-recovery-analyst-claims-70-chance-j-j-mccarthy-gets-traded-week-1-vikings-lament-mistake-drafting-qb

The unforeseen honor is official. ProFootballWriters.org announced Thursday, “Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores was selected as the 2026 George Halas Award winner in voting conducted by the Professional Football Writers of America (PFWA). Flores, the 58th Halas Award winner, is the first member of the Vikings franchise to receive the honor from the PFWA.”

“Other 2026 finalists for the Halas Award were Detroit Lions edge Aidan Hutchinson and San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey. The Halas Award is given to an NFL player, coach or staff member who overcomes the most adversity to succeed.”

Flores doesn’t get a whole lot of love for his accomplishments, so this award is a nice change of pace.

PFWA President Nicki Jhabvala said about Flores: “Brian Flores took action on his beliefs, at risk to his career. He has thrived as one of the league’s top defensive minds since returning to the NFL as a coordinator while the courts consider his case.”

“I’m really just trying to be a leader,” Turner revealed when speaking to reporters. “We’ve got kind of a younger room. I’m still young in the NFL, but I still have some type of experience. I can be some type of beacon or outlet to some of the guys that are new on the team.”

Well, it turns out that pipeline already exists. In Teasley’s first moves as general manager of the Vikings, he has signed two former Seahawks; wide receivers Michael Briscoe and Trayvon Rudolph. Although Briscoe and Rudolph were only undrafted free agent signings who didn’t last with Seattle even into June, it is still telling that both players were quickly signed by Teasley in Minnesota.

LB Blake Cashman
Cashman is heading into the final season of the three-year, $22.5 million deal he signed with the Vikings as a free agent in 2024. The Eden Prairie native and former Gophers linebacker has been everything the Vikings were hoping for when they signed him, even if he’s missed a few games due to injury in both of his seasons in Minnesota.

OLB Andrew Van Ginkel
Another critical part of Brian Flores’ defense, Van Ginkel is probably the Vikings’ best player on that side of the ball now that Jonathan Greenard is no longer around. He was rewarded for his unbelievable 2024 campaign with a one-year, $23 million extension last offseason, but now he once again has no long-term security beyond this year. The Vikings should be looking to change that.

RT Brian O’Neill
Neither Cashman nor O’Neill have been participating at recent Vikings OTA practices. Maybe they’re dealing with some physically, or maybe they’re protecting themselves in the hopes of landing a new contract soon. O’Neill is heading into the final year of a five-year, $92.5 million deal. His $23.1 million cap hit this year is the highest on the roster, and an extension could bring that down by pushing more money into the future.

Vikings OTA Observations: Big Man Finesse; Offensive Rhythm & Timing
https://www.vikings.com/news/jalen-redmond-will-reichard-ota-practice-2026

O’Connell is pleased so far with the way players have gone about their business throughout the spring.

“Our guys have totally attacked [practices] with the intentionality of what we’re trying to get done — schematical emphasis, fundamentals and technique emphasis, and then obviously the early stages of what’s going to be a very competitive football team across the board,” he said. “It was good to have Nolan out for his first practice today, first of many, and awesome to have seen him introduced in such a positive way yesterday. Really excited about having him aboard and everything that there is to come.”

No 2. McCarthy & Murray learning together

During his media session, O’Connell was asked about how J.J. McCarthy has “handled” Minnesota’s signing of veteran QB Kyler Murray this offseason. The two passers are currently competing for the starting role.

O’Connell said McCarthy has “handled it really well” and has been great in the meeting rooms.

“[He’s] spending a little bit more time with those guys (other quarterbacks), and just the dialogue between the group, obviously the great questions you get from those guys as we’re going through the installation process,” O’Connell said. “We have guys that are all at different stages of not only their career but their understanding and application of our offense.

“So there’s many times where Kyler may have a question that mirrors a question that J.J. had during his [time] on the grass last year and playing,” O’Connell added. “And there’s dialogue that comes — there’s been tweaks to the offense that we’ve made off some of these conversations and dialogue, and he’s (McCarthy) been great in the meeting room. He’s been great on the grass and, as always, as a former, as a captain and a guy that helps lead our team, he’s been phenomenal there as well.”

O’Connell has the team vote on season-long captains each season after roster cutdowns. McCarthy was one of eight chosen by teammates ahead

No 4. No timetable on Hitman decision

No official updates are available for the potential return — or equally potential retirement — of Harrison Smith.

And that’s just fine by O’Connell, who’s reiterated respect for and patience with “The Hitman” as he makes the best decision for him and his family.

“The only update I can give is he was in town and saw some folks. I didn’t get to see him. I was incredibly hurt by that,” O’Connell quipped. “And then in an attempt to play some golf with him, I was turned down. That’s the only update that, kind of in embarrassing fashion, I’m willing to give today because that’s really what it is right now.”

Asked if he believes Smith still wants to play football, O’Connell explained he doesn’t think it’s that simple.

“You know what? I think Harrison Smith is going to want to play football until he’s old and gray — which, the last time I checked, has not happened yet,” he said.

When discussing Pierre, Carragher wrote:

Across 79 fourth-quarter coverage snaps, Pierre allowed just two receptions for 19 yards. He also recorded six of his nine pass breakups during fourth quarters. His fourth-quarter PFF coverage grade of 91.3 ranked first in the NFL and likely would have been even higher had he managed to keep both feet in bounds on a near interception against his current team, the Minnesota Vikings, in Week 4.

Among the receivers targeted while covered by Pierre in the fourth quarter were Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Michael Pittman Jr. and Jerry Jeudy. None managed to record a catch against him.

The good news for the offensive line is that they are getting healthy. The key piece to the line is left tackle Christian Darrisaw, who has been seen at OTAs without a knee brace. He appears to be back to his normal self.

“Best it’s felt in two years,” Darrisaw told the Minnesota Star Tribune on Thursday. “I’m trending in the right direction. Full motion, everything feels great.”

‘I think that’s where you win’ — Vikings GM Nolan Teasley endears himself to the entire fanbase during his first day on the job
https://atozsports.com/nfl/minnesota-vikings-news/vikings-gm-nolan-teasley-build-super-bowl-champion-trenches/

Nolan Teasley’s team building strategy is exactly what Vikings fans want
The trenches have been a spot that hasn’t gotten the attention that many have asked for the Vikings to have. They did make it a priority this past April by using three of their first four picks in the NFL Draft in the trenches, and all four if you include Jake Golday as an edge rusher.

New general manager Nolan Teasley knows how important the trenches are, as the Seattle Seahawks team he helped build just won the Super Bowl. He did an interview with the Vikings Entertainment Network, and made it clear how he values the trenches.

“Investment in the offensive on the offensive line, defensive line as well, because I think that’s where you win in the trenches.”

Offense
QB: Kirk Cousins (2018-2023)
HB: Adrian Peterson (2007-2016)
WR: Justin Jefferson (2020-2025)
WR: Stefon Diggs (2015-2019)
Slot WR: Adam Thielen (2014-2022, 2025)
TE: T.J. Hockenson (2022-2025)
TE: Kyle Rudolph (2011-2020)
LT: Bryant McKinnie (2006-2010)
LG: Steve Hutchinson (2006-2011)
C: John Sullivan (2009-2013)
RG: Joe Berger (2011-2017)
RT: Brian O’Neill (2018-2025)

Defense
DI: Kevin Williams (2006-2013)
DI: Linval Joseph (2014-2019)
ED: Danielle Hunter (2015-2023)
ED: Jared Allen (2008-2013)
LB: Eric Kendricks (2015-2022)
LB: E.J. Henderson (2006-2011)
SLB: Anthony Barr (2014-2023)
CB: Cedric Griffin (2006-2011)
CB: Xavier Rhodes (2013-2019)
Slot CB: Antoine Winfield (2006-2012)
S: Harrison Smith (2012-2025)
S: Anthony Harris (2015-2020)

Bills-Vikings massive trade pitch sees Buffalo break bank to acquire generational $140 million WR
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/bills-vikings-massive-trade-pitch-225131883.html

Kay’s full trade proposal would send 2027 first, second, and fourth-round picks, and 2028 third and fifth-round picks to the Vikings for Jefferson.

Vikings named among teams with a strong chance to return to playoffs
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/vikings-named-among-teams-strong-023940346.html

If the Vikings can get bounce-back performances out of Murray and Darrisaw, they could return to the postseason in 2026, says Greg Auman of FOX Sports.

If the Minnesota Vikings had found ways to put up more points last season, they would’ve made the postseason for a second straight year. They had a top-10 defense with coordinator Brian Flores, going 7-2 in games where they scored 20 points or more. That suggests if the offense can get back to 2024 levels, they could be a surprise team in the NFC North. However, big questions loom. Will Kyler Murray prove to be a bargain on a league minimum prove-it deal? Can rookie defensive tackle Caleb Banks show he wasn’t a first-round reach and offset the loss of edge rusher Jonathan Greenard? Can wide receiver Jauan Jennings find himself again as a as a potent 1-2-3 with Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison?

NFC North win totals: The Vikings are being overlooked, while the Packers are being overrated
https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfc-north-win-totals-2026-bears-lions-packers-vikings-picks/

Minnesota Vikings: Over/Under 8.5 (-110)

I’ve found that the Vikings are one of the more polarizing teams entering this season. They brought in Kyler Murray to battle J.J. McCarthy for the starting job, but I think most would be surprised if the former No. 1 overall pick isn’t under center in Week 1. So how much will Murray improve this team, if at all?

Murray played just five games for the Arizona Cardinals last season because of a foot injury, but it also felt like a soft benching. He’s missed 30 of a possible 68 games over the past five seasons and hasn’t looked great since 2021.

Still, we all know Murray at his best is an electric playmaker, and he should feel rejuvenated by the change of scenery.

Murray will have some fantastic weapons to work with, including Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, T.J. Hockenson and Jauan Jennings. I believe Jennings is one of the most underrated signings of the entire offseason, so don’t get me started on him. He ranked second on the 49ers in receptions and receiving yards over the past two seasons and led the team in red-zone targets (34), fourth-quarter targets (50) and third-down targets (69) during that span. He’s also an elite run blocker and doesn’t drop the football.

Murray now also has the backing of a Brian Flores-led defense, which he didn’t have in Arizona. The Vikings did lose Javon Hargrave, Jonathan Allen and Jonathan Greenard on the defensive front, but I like some of the additions they made in the draft, including linebacker Jake Golday, defensive tackle Domonique Orange and safety Jakobe Thomas.

The Vikings hit the over on this line last year thanks to a five-game winning streak to end the season. Do we really see Minnesota getting worse?

The Falcons and London came to terms on a four-year, $141 million contract extension, including $100 million guaranteed, his agent Andrew Kessler of Athletes First told ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Tuesday.

London can earn up to $150 million if he reaches incentives in the deal, which will put him under contract with the Falcons through the 2030 season.

Drake London’s four-year, $141 million extension makes him the NFL’s third-highest paid wide receiver by average annual value.

The $35.25 million average annual value of London’s new deal makes him the NFL’s third-highest-paid receiver behind the Seattle Seahawks’ Jaxon Smith-Njigba ($42.15 million) and the Cincinnati Bengals’ Ja’Marr Chase ($40.25 million).

Player : AAV
Jaxon Smith-Njigba : $42.15M
Ja’Marr Chase : $40.25M
Drake London : $35.25M
Justin Jefferson : $35M
CeeDee Lamb : $34M

…
I wonder about Addison’s extension. Here are some comps …

Contract Market Summary
Receiver : Calendar Year Signed : Extension Value : Avg. Annual Value (APY) : Cap % At Signing
DeVonta Smith : 2024 : 3 Years / $75M : $25.0M : 9.79%
Tee Higgins : 2025 : 4 Years / $115M : $28.75M : 10.30%
Christian Watson : 2026 : 4 Years / $110.5M : $27.63M : 9.17%

What is a possible contract extension for Addison next year?

Applying a 9% to 10% cap share target against the projected 2027 salary cap of $323 million establishes the baseline market framework for a multi-year deal:
9.0% Cap Share Value: $29.07 million per year
9.5% Cap Share Value: $30.68 million per year
10.0% Cap Share Value: $32.30 million per year

Prediction?
Total Baseline: 3 years / $90 million
Average Annual Value (AAV): $30.0 million per year
Cap Percentage at Signing: 9.28% of the $323M cap
Guaranteed Money: $34 million to $40 million fully guaranteed.

I expect the team to ride it out this year and then look at it next year based on his performance.

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