Ahead of the Denver Broncos' preseason finale against the Minnesota Vikings on Friday evening, we asked Andrew Harbaugh of Vikings Wire five questions about Minnesota's squad. View our questions and Andrew's answers below.
1. Sean Payton implied after the 2024 draft that he started rumors about trading up for J.J. McCarthy while actually eyeing Bo Nix at No. 12. The Vikings ended up taking McCarthy at No. 10. Two seasons later, McCarthy has lost the starting job. Do you think he could still have a future in Minnesota?
I honestly can't see how he does at this point. With a new general manager now in place and him being outplayed at times by Carson Wentz, it is tough to see a future where he sticks around as a starter. He could compete for a starting job somewhere else potentially, but I have my doubts with him overall. He struggled with a good offensive line, a Coach of the Year, and system built for him, and he had Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison as top targets? Not great.
2. Jonathan Harris is a former Bronco. Do you think he’ll make the Vikings’ roster?
It is hard to say because he is such a late addition, but he is a veteran
signing. The defensive line has had a youth movement, so I could see him sticking around to bring a presence at a bare minimum. On the positive side, they need to make sure they defend the run better, and he could be a part of a rotation that does that.
3. Is there any update on Brian Flores’ lawsuit against the NFL? The Broncos are among the teams he’s suing.
It remains such a fluid process, and one that is ever-changing; it is hard to keep up with it, but the bottom line is it is sadly hard to imagine him earning a head coaching chance again. Which is really sad given what he has done during his tenure with the Vikings. Through injuries, poor draft classes, and salary cap issues making his stars leave, Flores has kept this unit top tier.
4. The Broncos need more experienced depth at inside linebacker and tight end. Are there any players on Minnesota’s roster bubble at those spots we should watch for on Friday? If not, any other roster bubble players to note?
While he is not a roster bubble, I am going to throw a curveball of a name. T.J. Hockenson has not been the same after his ACL injury two years ago, but the quarterback play didn't help in 2025. He could be a veteran the Broncos, who are in win-now mode, could make a play for if the season goes on and the Vikings aren't winning. His contract isn't great, so the team could look to shed it and get something out of him before he potentially becomes a cap casualty in 2027.
5. How much (if at all) should we expect Vikings starters to play in Denver?
Slim to none, BUT the quarterback snaps are worth watching. McCarthy is in a battle with Carson Wentz for the QB2 role. Also, to the Broncos' benefit, Max Brosmer is expected to play significant time as well. So the Vikings will have a unique quarterback rotation, which could help the Broncos' defense make plays.
Friday's game (7:00 p.m. MT) will be televised out-of-market on NFL Network. In-market cans can watch the Broncos-Vikings game on these TV channels.
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This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: Broncos vs. Vikings: 5 things Denver fans should know about Minnesota
