Minnesota Vikings News and Links: The Offseason Doldrums!

The first training camp practice is 34 days away. Rookies report to training camp in 28 days. Time flies no?

Without any practices there is not a lot to discuss besides the endless debate about the QB competition. I am preparing for the 2027 draft which leads me to plan my viewing schedule (as if I plan that) for the upcoming college football season. I realize that some folks do not care to read about this stuff but there is a segment of the fanbase that does like to talk about it and thus, I am obliged.

The Minnesota Vikings’ primary needs for the 2027 draft include offensive tackle, edge rusher, cornerback, quarterback, and tight end

The 2027 Draft Is Loaded — and the Vikings May Have Big Shoes to Fill
https://www.si.com/nfl/vikings/onsi/the-2027-draft-is-loaded-and-the-vikings-may-have-big-shoes-to-fill

Quarterback? You betcha.
The top QBs in 2027? Arch Manning (Texas), Dante Moore (Oregon), LaNorris Sellers (South Carolina), C.J. Carr (Notre Dame), Julian Sayin (Ohio State), Darian Mensah (Miami), and Brendan Sorsby (Texas Tech).

What’s wild is that McShay has the Vikings taking Mensah in his way-too-early mock draft.

“Mensah has some serious upside. I thought there was a chance he’d declare for the 2026 draft, but I think he made the right call in transferring to Miami from Duke (he played at Tulane in 2024). Here’s hoping he makes the same leap that Cam Ward and Carson Beck did once they made their way to Coral Gables,” McShay wrote Tuesday.

Offensive tackle? It’s very possible.
The top tackles in the 2027 class may include Jordan Seaton (LSU), Trevor Goosby (Texas), and Austin Siereveld (Ohio State).

Edge rusher? AVG could be gone…
Who are the top edge rushers at this point? Colin Simmons (Texas), Dylan Stewart (South Carolina), Damon Wilson II (Miami), Quincy Rhodes (Arkansas), and Kenyatta Jackson Jr. (Ohio State).

Cornerback? It’s always in demand in Minnesota.
The top corners in the 2027 class include the likes of Leonard Moore (Notre Dame), Ellis Robinson IV (Georgia), Jyaire Hill (Michigan), and Ja’Bril Rawls (Florida State),

Tight end? Hockenson’s last year under contract.
Among the best tight ends at this point in the draft process, we’re looking at Jamari Johnson (Oregon), Trey’Dez Green (LSU), Terrance Carter Jr. (Texas Tech), and DJ Vonnahme (Iowa).

I always look at the contracts and go from there.

The unrestricted free agents (UFA) in 2027 on the Vikings will be …
Aaron Jones, Andrew Van Ginkel, Blake Brandel, Blake Cashman, Brian O’Neill, Carson Wentz, Isaiah Rodgers, Ivan Pace Jr., Jauan Jennings, Jordan Mason, Kyler Murray, Ryan Van Demark, T.J. Hockenson.

The restricted free agents (RFA) in 2027 on the Vikings will be …
Dwight McGlothern (CB), Jalen Redmond (DT), , Bo Richter (LB)Josh Ross (LB), Kahlef Hailassie (CB)

I am hoping to see an extension for O’Neill and maybe a surprise extension of Redmond. After those two Van Ginkel and Brandel could be next up.

Of course, the season needs to play out to see if the team should try to retain these players but the top of the 2027 could provide some answers. Hence, the early planning has begun. At least for this Hipster Draft Doofus!

Key Dates

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.

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 Emerge as Contender to Sign 8-Time Pro Bowler
https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/minnesota-vikings/emerge-contender-sign-8-time-pro-bowler/

The Big Lead’s Jobe Morrison has named Minnesota as one of the three NFL contenders who could sign Hopkins late in free agency.

“The obvious connection here is a reunion with quarterback Kyler Murray. The Vikings’ receiver room already features Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and Jauan Jennings, meaning Hopkins would likely slot in as the team’s fourth wide receiver,” Morrison wrote.

“That doesn’t mean head coach Kevin O’Connell couldn’t find a role for him. Hopkins could serve as the utility receiver he described, particularly in key third-down situations. Plus, he already has established chemistry with Murray.”
…
Should Minnesota sign Hopkins? Quite simply, there would be nothing wrong with bringing him onboard. He has previous chemistry with Murray and his experience could help lead the Vikings back to the playoff run they’re hoping to make.

Kyler Murray for MVP? KC Concepcion for OROY? Long-shot picks for major NFL awards in 2026
https://www.nfl.com/news/kyler-murray-for-mvp-kc-concepcion-for-oroy-long-shot-picks-for-major-nfl-awards-in-2026

Most Valuable Player
Kyler Murray
Minnesota Vikings · QB
The combination of Murray’s spectacular playmaking ability and Kevin O’Connell’s creative scheming could quickly remind the football world why this quarterback won the Heisman Trophy at Oklahoma and then went first overall in the 2019 NFL Draft. Injuries have plagued the former Offensive Rookie of the Year in recent seasons, but Murray’s dual-threat skills should be enhanced by the Vikings’ playmakers and play designer. After watching KOC transform a struggling Sam Darnold into a Pro Bowler in 2024, I’m confident that the coaching wizard can help the ultra-talented Murray regain his magic in Minnesota. Given the 28-year-old’s prowess as a dual-threat weapon, the Vikings could re-emerge with a potent offense to complement Brian Flores’ swarming D. If Murray makes Minnesota a true contender in a loaded NFC North, the eighth-year pro could add another major piece of football hardware to his mantel.

Rating each position on Vikings’ roster heading into 2026 NFL training camp
https://clutchpoints.com/other-sports/rating-each-position-on-vikings-roster-heading-into-2026-nfl-training-camp

Quarterback
Kyler Murray established himself as one of the most athletic quarterbacks in the league during his seven-year run with the Arizona Cardinals. He combines arm strength with a quick release along and the ability to make key plays on the run. Injuries have limited his production in two of the past three seasons, but he is healthy as he enters the 2026 season. The 28-year-old Murray is the favorite to emerge with the QB1 position over McCarthy.

Injuries have hurt the former national championship signal caller from Michigan in his first two years with the Vikings. While he has some intangible characteristics, he completed just 57.6 percent of his passes and threw 12 interceptions last season. He is not likely to overcome Murray this summer

Rating: 6.5

Offensive line
The Vikings have a pair of outstanding tackles in Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill, but the key is keeping them healthy for a full season. Darrisaw missed seven games at left tackle a year ago while O’Neill failed to play in three games. Second-year left guard Donovan Jackson is expected to assert himself this season and right guard Will Fries hopes to improve in his second year. Center Blake Brandel is likely to win the starting center job after filling in last year and serving as a backup guard and tackle.

Rating: 6

Defensive line
This is one of the most unproven areas of the team. The Vikings have one of the most respected defensive coordinators in Brian Flores, but he needs rookie DT Caleb Banks to stay healthy and remain on the field for 17 games this season. Fellow rookie Domonique Orange — The Big Citrus — must clog the middle at the NT position and shut down the opponents’ interior running game. Jalen Redmond has been a great find after recording 62 tackles and 6.0 sacks a year ago.

Rating: 5.5

Secondary
Cornerback has been a weakness for the Vikings dating back to previous head coach Mike Zimmer, but Byron Murphy has a chance win All-Pro honors and Isaiah Rodgers has flashed his talent. However, the safety position appears to be the issue as the retirement of Harrison Smith looms and the Vikings need Jay Ward to step up. Josh Metellus is one of the key players in the Flores scheme and he can be a game changer.

Rating: 7

Vikings Hire Andrew Healy & Trent Kirchner as Assistant General Managers
https://www.vikings.com/news/vikings-hire-andrew-healy-trent-kirchner-as-assistant-general-managers

Minnesota on Thursday announced the hires of Andrew Healy and Trent Kirchner as co-Assistant General Managers, as well as Director of Football Strategy Tyler Hamblin, Football Advisor Ryan Pace and Assistant Director of Pro Scouting Azzaam Kapadia — marking the first major additions by new Vikings General Manager Nolan Teasley.

The Vikings also announced the following five promotions (individuals listed alphabetically by last name): Dabness Atkins to Scouting Assistant, Chris French to Director of Football Quantitative Methods, Claire Morrison to Football Quantitative Methods Analyst, Jack Murphy to College Area Scout and Brian Schnorr to College Scout/BLESTO.

“I’m excited about the staff we’ve assembled and confident in the talented, hardworking group we have throughout our entire football operation,” Teasley said. “The additions we’ve made further strengthen an already outstanding staff and bring valuable experience and perspective to our organization. We’re committed to building a championship-caliber team and creating an environment where everyone can do their best work in pursuit of that goal.”

Bill Barnwell Drops Bold Take on 2026 Minnesota Vikings
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/bill-barnwell-drops-bold-2026-170037603.html

Jennings is a massive get, but the Vikings already had a quality No. 1 and No. 2 receiver on the roster. ESPN NFL analyst Bill Barnwell took notice and ranked the Vikings as No. 8 best roster of running back, wide receiver and tight end combined. Here was Barnwell’s analysis.

“There’s a tier break between the top eight teams and everyone else on this list. Even coming off his worst season as a pro, Justin Jefferson still has a deserved reputation as one of the most feared receivers in the game. He also has been healthy for five of his first six seasons in the league, which makes it easier to project a full season. And adding Jauan Jennings gave coach Kevin O’Connell an overqualified No. 3 to play behind Jefferson and Jordan Addison.

Both Jefferson and Addison saw their catch rates drop to career lows last season, which I feel comfortable chalking up to subpar quarterback play. T.J. Hockenson, though, recorded the best catch rate of his career, in part because he was catching bunches of short checkdowns. The tight end hasn’t been the same player since his 2023 ACL tear, and the Vikings could really use his ability to create after the catch and up the seam to help new QB Kyler Murray this season. This is a make-or-break year for Hockenson, who will be a free agent after the campaign.”

Five NFL stars who could force a Giannis-like trade: Justin Jefferson, Jonathan Taylor ripe for new homes
https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-stars-giannis-trade-justin-jefferson/

Vikings WR Justin Jefferson
Minnesota Vikings four-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Justin Jefferson raced out to a historic start to his NFL career: his 7,432 yards receiving from 2020 to 2024 are the most in a player’s first five seasons in league history. That production resulted in Jefferson averaging 96.5 receiving yards per game, which also ranked as the most in NFL history.

Then, J.J. McCarthy happened. Minnesota opted to let Pro Bowl quarterback Sam Darnold walk in free agency last offseason because they drafted McCarthy 10th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. McCarthy wasn’t ready for the speed of the NFL game, ranking dead last in the entire league in completion percentage (57.6%), touchdown-to-interception ratio (11-12), and passer rating (72.6) in 2025. His ineptitude led to Jefferson posting career lows in receiving yards (1,048) and receiving touchdowns (2) in 2025, which dropped his receiving yards per game average down to 90.2 — the second-most in NFL history behind Puka Nacua’s 95.3 average.

Prediction on whether or not Jefferson will eventually ask for a trade: Yes, by the 2028 NFL offseason

Richard Sherman Is All Smiles on Vikings’ Latest Move
https://vikingsterritory.com/2026/news/top_news/richard-sherman-nolan-teasley-vikings

The Minnesota Vikings hired general manager Nolan Teasley, formerly a front office executive in Seattle, earlier this month — and former Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman emphatically endorses the move.
…
Teasley crossed paths with Sherman for four seasons in Seattle, which should explain Sherman’s adoration.

Sherman said this week, “It’s really incredible, and it’s fantastic, and I love it. He’s a guy who works incredibly hard, a guy who cares about the players, he cares about his job, he cares about the organizations.”

“He’s put in the time, and that’s the hard part for a lot of people who get in these positions, is they haven’t worked themselves through, they haven’t taken the stairs to the top. A lot of people get the elevator, and then you get to the top, and you don’t know how to operate.”

Minnesota interviewed nine candidates for the general manager vacancy, and the Teasley choice turned heads because he was the only contender truly outside the organization without preexisting ties.

“When you take the stairs, you know how the building operates. You know what the first floor does, you know what the second floor does, you know what the third floor does. And I think that’s important in leadership and the guys you put in leadership positions,” Sherman continued.

“I think he’s going to do a fantastic job for the Minnesota Vikings, and I’m excited to see it.”

Ranking Every Quarterback the Vikings Will Face in the 2026 Season
https://www.si.com/nfl/vikings/onsi/ranking-every-quarterback-vikings-will-face-in-2026-season

Vikings face an important contract decision with Brian O’Neil
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/vikings-face-important-contract-decision-002527852.html

Vikings’ biggest strength could make their QB debate irrelevant
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/got-wrong-vikings-offseason-130600791.html

Dales: Kyler Murray in ‘unchartered territory’ with Vikings amid starting QB competition ‘The Insiders’
https://sports.yahoo.com/videos/dales-kyler-murray-unchartered-territory-235006243.html

Hopefully Justin Jefferson Won’t Share One Year 7 Similarity With Randy Moss
https://zonecoverage.com/2026/minnesota-vikings-news/hopefully-justin-jefferson-wont-share-one-year-7-similarity-with-randy-moss/

How Will the Vikings Allocate Targets in 2026?
https://zonecoverage.com/2026/minnesota-vikings-news/how-will-the-vikings-allocate-targets-in-2026/

Vikings Film Breakdown: Studying Rookie Linebacker Jake Golday
https://www.vikings.com/news/jake-golday-linebacker-film-breakdown-review-analysis-2026

3 Vikings Who Could Sneak into the Starting Lineup
https://vikingsterritory.com/2026/news/top_news/vikings-starting-lineup-depth-chart-2026

Should the Vikings Bring Back Cam Gill To Solidify the Edge Room?
https://zonecoverage.com/2026/minnesota-vikings-news/should-the-vikings-bring-back-cam-gill-to-solidify-the-edge-room/

Las Vegas Raiders ‘likely landing spot’ in hypothetical Justin Jefferson trade
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/las-vegas-raiders-likely-landing-140000916.html?fr=sycsrp_catchall

Vikings drawing the short end of the stick despite success
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/vikings-drawing-short-end-stick-202525881.html

Vikings Myths and Misses: Joey Bosa, Aaron Jones’s Pushback, NFL Top 100
https://vikingsterritory.com/2026/news/top_news/vikings-rumors-bosa-jones-top-100

Top 100 NFL players of 2026: Myles Garrett tops rankings as Rams boast three players in top 10
https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/top-100-nfl-players-2026-rankings/

No 8 Justin Jefferson Minnesota Vikings WR
He was hurt by poor quarterback play last year, but he remains the most talented receiver in the game. He had 84 catches and only two touchdowns last season. Kyler Murray should help his numbers this year. (Last season: No. 5)

Note: I think that O’Neill and Van Ginkel might have good arguments to make this list.

Were Vikings Really ‘Uncivilized’ Barbarians? Large Textile-Production Site Discovered in Denmark Challenges That Stereotype
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/large-textile-production-site-discovered-in-denmark-challenges-the-stereotype-of-vikings-as-uncivilized-barbarians-180989014/

“To have a place like Søften, you need a very well-organized society with a production line, and you also need a market to have the production,” Andersen says. “The textiles from Søften go into a market that’s much bigger than just the local area.”

Yore Mock

Pick 13. KJ Bolden S Georgia 6’0″ 185
Pick 45. Clev Lubin EDGE Louisville 6’3″ 255
Pick 77. Jamari Sharpe CB Indiana 6’1″ 187
Pick 86. Nate Frazier RB Georgia 5’10” 205
Pick 146. Raylen Wilson LB Georgia 6’1″ 235
Pick 151. McKale Boley OG Virginia 6’4″ 316
Pick 182. Benjamin Brahmer TE Penn St 6’6″ 255
Pick 212. Drew Bobo OC Georgia 6’5″ 305
Pick 239. Mohamed Toure LB Miami (FL) 6’1″ 235

Note: As some posters have pointed out in the past, picking 13th is not a good things and might indicate a QB is needed. I can see that but I am not there yet. I figure they will keep one or the other.