The Minnesota Vikings 53-man roster projection is here, and Tyler Forness has J.J. McCarthy OFF the roster. Vikings roster battles, quarterback controversy, and surprise cuts dominate this episode of The Real Forno Show.
In the latest episode of The Real Forno Show, Tyler Forness and producer Dave Stefano broke down the Vikings’ final 53-man roster position by position, and the biggest bombshell came at quarterback. Tyler projects the Vikings keeping Kyler Murray and Carson Wentz — but not J.J. McCarthy.
“I believe, from my purview, that the Vikings are done with him,” Tyler said. “McCarthy has shown that you really just cannot trust him to play a football game right now and that sucks.” The discussion covered McCarthy’s $5.96 million dead cap hit, the possibility of a trade, and even a potential Anthony Richardson swap. Tyler was blunt: “You can’t trust J.J. McCarthy to go in right now and play in an NFL game.” The show also explored the new NIL landscape and how the “five-for-five” eligibility rule could change quarterback development for future drafts.
The roster breakdown featured several surprising calls. At running back, Demond Claiborne edges out Zavier Scott: “Clayborn, with his explosiveness, they love it.” At wide receiver, only five make the cut — Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, Jauan Jennings, Tai Felton, and Myles Price. On the offensive line, Tyler didn’t mince words about the depth: “Vershon Lee is a turnstile.” Regarding third-round pick Caleb Tiernan, Tyler quoted Locked On Vikings’ Luke Braun: “His performance was like Willie Beavers level cuttable. It was awful.” At edge rusher, Tyler flagged a glaring need: “I think they’re still gonna find a way to add a veteran edge rusher… if it somehow was both [Dallas Turner and Andrew Van Ginkel injured], this room turns into a train wreck.” At cornerback, UDFA Da’Veawn Armstead is the surprise inclusion, while Dwight McGlothern is “cooked, cooked.” At safety, Theo Jackson is OUT, and undrafted Jacob Thomas is IN: “Jacob Thomas has just absolutely obliterated every expectation.” Tyler also addressed the Harrison Smith situation, saying he assumes Smith isn’t returning until a possible Week 4-5 announcement.
Key Points from the Episode:
- Quarterback: J.J. McCarthy projected OFF the 53-man roster; Kyler Murray and Carson Wentz make the team. A trade is more likely than a cut.
- Running Back (4): Aaron Jones, Jordan Mason, Demond Claiborne, Max Bredeson. Zavier Scott cut due to poor pass protection in camp.
- Wide Receiver (5): Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, Jauan Jennings, Tai Felton, Myles Price. Dontae Fleming, Dillon Bell, and Jeshaun Jones projected to the practice squad.
- Tight End (3): T.J. Hockenson, Josh Oliver, Gavin Bartholomew over Ben Yurosek.
- Offensive Line (9): Christian Darrisaw, Donovan Jackson, Blake Brandel, Will Fries, Brian O’Neill, Ryan Van Demark, Michael Jurgens, Joe Huber, Caleb Tiernan (IR candidate with ankle injury).
- Defensive Line (5): Jalen Redmond, Levi Drake Rodriguez, Caleb Banks, Domonique Orange, Elijah Williams.
- Edge Rusher (6): Dallas Turner, Andrew Van Ginkel, Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, Bo Richter, Tyler Batty, and one TBD — a veteran addition expected.
- Linebacker (5): Blake Cashman, Eric Wilson, Jake Golday, Ivan Pace Jr., Jacob Roberts. Pace could be a trade candidate due to his $3.52M salary.
- Cornerback (5): Byron Murphy Jr., Isaiah Rodgers, James Pierre, Charles Demmings, Da’Veawn Armstead (UDFA surprise).
- Safety (5): Josh Metellus, Jay Ward, Tavierre Thomas, Jakobe Thomas, Jacob Thomas. Theo Jackson on the trade block. Harrison Smith’s return uncertain.
- Specialists (3): Will Reichard, Andrew DePaola, Johnny Hekker. Brett Thorson targeted for the practice squad.
- Two roster spots left open for external additions not currently on the team.
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This is the roster breakdown Vikings fans have been waiting for — and the J.J. McCarthy take alone is worth the listen. Tyler and Dave go deep on every position group, with contract analysis, trade scenarios, and honest assessments that go beyond the surface. Whether you agree with the McCarthy projection or think the safety room shake-up is premature, this episode of The Real Forno Show delivers the kind of unfiltered Vikings analysis you won’t find anywhere else. Check out the full episode on Vikings 1st & SKOL, and make sure you’re subscribed for Thursday’s show and Friday’s postgame coverage.
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Tyler Forness @TheRealForno of Vikings 1st & SKOL @Vikings1stSKOL and A to Z Sports @AtoZSportsNFL, with Dave Stefano @Luft_Krigare producing this Vikings 1st & SKOL production, the @RealFornoShow found at the @BleavNetwork.
What do you think?
Do you think the Vikings should move on from J.J. McCarthy, or does he deserve one more season to prove himself? Let us know in the comments.
