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Carson Wentz Carson Wentz Headed back to Minnesota
Thu, Mar 19, 2026, 8:41 AM
Wentz (shoulder) signed a contract with Minnesota on Thursday, Rob Kleifield of the Vikings' official site reports.
Analysis: Wentz will return to Minnesota for a second season, adding depth to a quarterback room that already includes the recently-signed Kyler Murray as well as holdovers J.J. McCarthy (hand) and Max Brosmer. Murray and McCarthy will likely be competing for the starting job throughout training camp and the preseason, but if the Vikings were to trade McCarthy prior to Week 1, Wentz could open the 2026 campaign in the No. 2 spot on the depth chart. Before undergoing season-ending surgery on his left shoulder in late October, Wentz made five starts in place of an injured McCarthy during the 2025 season, completing 110 of 169 pass attempts (65.1 percent) for 1,216 yards, six touchdowns and five interceptions while adding 57 yards on 11 carries. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network relays that Wentz has since recovered from surgery, so the 33-year-old should be a full participant for the Vikings' offseason program. |
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J.J. McCarthy J.J. McCarthy Dropping down depth chart?
Fri, Mar 13, 2026, 8:26 AM
McCarthy (hand) is unlikely to enter Week 1 as a starter after the Vikings signed Kyler Murray, according to Alec Lewis of The Athletic.
Analysis: For what it's worth, Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell declined to comment on expectations for a 2026 starter when reporters asked him Thursday. Reading between the lines, McCarthy's poor 2025 performance would make him a major underdog if a job battle were to take place, even against a post-prime version of Murray (who turns 29 in August). O'Connell is saying all of the things one might expect about continuing McCarthy's development, but odds are it'll be happening from the bench for at least the early part of the 2026 campaign. |
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Kyler Murray Kyler Murray Lands one-year deal from Minnesota
Thu, Mar 12, 2026, 5:27 PM
The Vikings signed Murray to a one-year contract Thursday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
Analysis: With Murray set to collect $36.8 million from the Cardinals in 2026 following his release from the team, Murray will earn the veteran league minimum from the Vikings, according to Schefter. The contract also contains a no-tag clause for next offseason, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. Minnesota was always viewed as the likely landing spot for Murray, and he'll now be considered the slight favorite to win the QB1 job over J.J. McCarthy, though this will be one of the more fascinating position battles of the summer. After winning Rookie of the Year in 2019 followed by back-to-back Pro Bowl selections in 2020 and 2021, Murray's career was somewhat derailed by injuries and poor play. A fresh start appeared to be necessary, and he'll now have Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison at his disposal should he win the job over McCarthy. |
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Aaron Jones Aaron Jones Revises deal to stay in MIN
Wed, Mar 11, 2026, 1:54 PM
Jones (hip) agreed to terms on a restructured contract Wednesday that will allow him to remain with the Vikings for the 2026 season, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.
Analysis: Jones is lowering his base salary for the 2026 season to $5.5 million, a figure that makes it more realistic for Minnesota to retain the 31-year-old veteran for the 2026 campaign, rather than release him in a cap-saving maneuver. Last year Jones was limited to just 12 regular-season appearances due to a combination of injuries, missing Week 18 due to a hip issue, but there have been no reports that the veteran running back will be limited at all during spring activities. Jones logged 132 carries for 548 yards and two touchdowns while adding 28 catches (on 41 targets) for 199 yards and another score in 2025 and currently stands alongside Jordan Mason atop the Vikings' backfield, though the team could still make further additions to that unit in free agency and/or April's draft. |
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Zavier Scott Zavier Scott Re-signed by Vikings
Mon, Mar 9, 2026, 4:52 PM
Minnesota re-signed Scott on Monday, Alec Lewis of The Athletic reports.
Analysis: Scott made his regular-season debut in 2025 and ultimately suited up for 16 contests with the Vikings, totaling 32 carries for 114 yards (3.6 YPC) while adding 14 catches for 98 yards and a score through the air. He also contributed on special teams. Though Minnesota's backfield could undergo significant changes over the course of the offseason, Scott appears solidified as a depth option for the 2026 campaign. |
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T.J. Hockenson T.J. Hockenson Restructures contract
Sat, Mar 7, 2026, 6:22 PM
Hockenson (shoulder) and the Vikings agreed to a restructured contract Saturday that lowers his cap number for the 2026 season by $5 million, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.
Analysis: Minnesota continues to get closer to cap compliance with this move, getting Hockenson's league-high $21.3 million cap hit (among tight ends) down to a more palatable $16.3 million, per Kevin Seifert of ESPN.com. Hockenson missed the final two games of the 2025 regular season due to a shoulder injury, finishing it with 51 catches (on 66 targets) for 438 yards and three touchdowns in 15 appearances. He and Josh Oliver (ankle) will continue to operate as the Vikings' top two tight ends in the upcoming campaign. |
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Justin Jefferson Justin Jefferson Simple contract restructure
Fri, Mar 6, 2026, 11:00 AM
Jefferson agreed to terms Friday on a contract restructure that frees up salary cap space for the Vikings, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.
Analysis: Jefferson and left tackle Christian Darrisaw (knee) both agreed to restructures Friday, helping Minnesota achieve a more manageable salary cap situation ahead of the start of the legal tampering period on Monday. The star wide receiver, who will turn 27 in June, will likely spend the offseason focusing on building an increased rapport with quarterback J.J. McCarthy (hand), after the two struggled to get on the same page throughout the 2025 campaign. The Vikings have also been linked to numerous quarterbacks expected to be available in free agency as potential added competition for McCarthy. |
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Aaron Jones Aaron Jones Set to be released barring trade
Sun, Mar 1, 2026, 10:23 AM
The Vikings have informed Jones (hip) that he will be released at the start of the new league year March 11 barring a trade, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
Analysis: Jones was scheduled for a $9 million base salary in 2026, $2 million of which was going to kick in on the third day of the new league year. Per Schefter, the move will ultimately save the Vikings $7.75 million against the salary cap. Jones was limited to 12 regular-season games due to a slew of injuries, finishing with 132 carries for 548 yards and two touchdowns while adding 28 catches (on 41 targets) for 199 yards and a score. With Jones set to be cut, Jordan Mason currently sits atop the Vikings' RB depth chart heading into the new league year. Jones will turn 32 in December, but he should garner interest from teams looking to add a versatile veteran to the backfield. |
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J.J. McCarthy J.J. McCarthy Could face competition this year
Wed, Feb 25, 2026, 11:24 AM
Executive Vice President of Football Operations Rob Brzezinski said Tuesday that the Vikings are "exploring all possibilities" at quarterback, a scenario that could lead to McCarthy (hand) facing competition for the team's starting job, Ben Goessling of The Minnesota Star Tribune reports.
Analysis: As the coming season approaches, the report notes that Vikings are aiming to see a "baseline" level of quarterback play that's higher than what they had in 2025, a campaign in which McCarthy dealt with multiple injuries, including a right hand issue that forced him out of the team's regular-season finale. When asked if he still believes McCarthy -- the No. 10 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft -- can be a franchise quarterback, coach Kevin O'Connell said, "I believe the answer to that question is yes.'" That said, Brzezinski's comments suggest that the Vikings could look to explore bringing in signal-caller help via various avenues. With that in mind, as NFL free agency looms next month, Brzezinski noted "we have a couple of weeks, and so we're just exploring every option that could be out there. We're casting a wide net." |
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Ben Sims Ben Sims Plays 11 games in 2025
Wed, Feb 11, 2026, 9:02 PM
Sims caught three passes for 30 yards across 11 games during the 2025 campaign.
Analysis: Sims began the season with the Packers but was let go in October and subsequently claimed off waivers by the Vikings. The 25-year-old contributed on both offense and special teams in Minnesota and is set to be a restricted free agent this offseason. |
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Ben Yurosek Ben Yurosek Limited production in rookie season
Wed, Feb 11, 2026, 8:53 PM
Yurosek appeared in 14 games during the 2025 season and caught two passes for 14 yards.
Analysis: Yurosek joined the team as an undrafted free agent last May but only saw limited action during his rookie campaign. With both T.J. Hockenson (shoulder) and Josh Oliver (ankle) under contract for the 2026 campaign, Yurosek will likely continue to see the majority of his playing time on special teams next season. |
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Tai Felton Tai Felton Catches three passes in 2025
Wed, Feb 11, 2026, 8:42 PM
Felton caught three passes for 25 yards in 17 games during the 2025 season.
Analysis: Felton saw the majority of his action on special teams and played just 49 offensive snaps during his rookie campaign. The 22-year-old will look to play a bigger role on Minnesota's offense during the 2026 season. |
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C.J. Ham C.J. Ham Announces retirement
Wed, Feb 11, 2026, 8:27 PM
Ham announced his retirement from the NFL on Feb. 3, per his Instagram.
Analysis: Ham will retire after spending the entirety of his nine year career with the Vikings. During his final season, the 32-year-old appeared in 11 games and carried the ball three times for five yards and two touchdowns, which matched his career-high total. |
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Jordan Addison Jordan Addison Gets trespassing charge dismissed
Tue, Jan 20, 2026, 11:48 AM
Addison is no longer facing a misdemeanor trespassing charge stemming from his Jan. 12 arrest in Tampa after a Florida state attorney filed a termination of prosecution Tuesday, Kevin Seifert of ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: With the charge being dropped, Addison is unlikely to face any discipline from the NFL. Addison has now had three brushes with the law since entering the league as a first-round pick in 2023, as he previously plead guilty to a misdemeanor speeding charge related to a July 2023 incident and was also arrested on a DUI charge in 2024. When available, the 23-year-old wideout has performed well in a complementary role behind No. 1 receiver Justin Jefferson, but Addison's off-field issues could play a part in whether Minnesota decides to exercise the fifth-year option on his rookie contract this spring. If exercised, the team option is expected to fully guarantee Addison around $17.5 million for the 2027 season, per OverTheCap.com. |
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Jordan Addison Jordan Addison Arrested on trespassing charge
Tue, Jan 13, 2026, 1:34 PM
Addison was arrested Monday in Tampa, Fla. on a misdemeanor trespassing charge, Kevin Seifert of ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah said Tuesday at his annual end-of-season presser that the team is "always supportive of [...] Addison" but noted that the 2023 first-round pick's off-field incidents are "something we have to consider when you're talking about long-term ramifications of a contract extension and different things like that." Minnesota will have to make a decision about the potential fifth-year option of Addison's rookie deal this offseason, and No. 3 wide receiver Jalen Nailor is also a pending free agent. While Monday's arrest may not result in league discipline or be a major factor in the Vikings' decision regarding an extension, it's notable that the wideout has now had three legal situations arise since entering the NFL. He previously plead guilty to a misdemeanor speeding charge related to a July 2023 incident and was also arrested on a DUI charge in 2024. Addison was also suspended the first three games of the 2025 campaign for violating the NFL's substances of abuse policy. |
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Jalen Nailor Jalen Nailor Takes another step forward
Tue, Jan 6, 2026, 6:42 PM
Nailor caught 29 of 53 targets for 444 yards and four touchdowns in 17 games with Minnesota in 2025. He also handled two carries for 13 yards.
Analysis: Nailor played a slightly larger role in the Vikings' offense in the final year of his rookie contract after having a small breakout in 2024. He posted similar numbers, however, due to a dip in efficiency. That decline was probably mostly a product of general dysfunction in a Vikings passing offense that went from sixth in the league in yards in 2024 to 29th in 2025. He'll become a free agent this offseason, and he has further demonstrated that he at least can be a credible deep threat even if he's not a very physically imposing one. |
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Zavier Scott Zavier Scott Inefficient on ground as rookie
Tue, Jan 6, 2026, 6:42 PM
Scott concluded the 2025-26 season with 32 carries for 114 yards and no touchdowns along with 14 catches on 16 targets for 98 yards and a touchdown over 16 games.
Analysis: Scott took on a significant role early in the campaign when starting RB Aaron Jones missed time due to a hamstring injury. While Scott worked behind Jordan Mason and logged double-digit offensive snaps Weeks 3 to 5, he didn't do much with the opportunity, tallying a combined 49 rushing yards on 15 totes. He did add 63 yards on seven receptions during that span, but most of his receiving output came in Week 4, when he posted a 6-43-1 line versus Pittsburgh. Overall, Scott registered a meager 3.6 yards per carry as a rusher, which doesn't exactly inspire confidence in his ability to ascend to a lead back. It's still impressive that Scott was able to see a decent amount of work after going undrafted, and he showed acumen as a pass catcher with 14 grabs on 16 targets, but he figures to remain in a depth role in 2026 if he returns to Minnesota (he'll be a restricted free agent this offseason). |
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Jordan Addison Jordan Addison Held quiet in season finale
Mon, Jan 5, 2026, 9:55 AM
Addison recorded an eight-yard reception on three targets in Sunday's 16-3 win over the Packers.
Analysis: Top wideout Justin Jefferson (8-101-0 receiving line on 11 targets) was able to turn in a productive game against a Green Bay squad that was resting several key players ahead of the playoffs, but there little target volume left over for the Vikings' other pass catchers. After serving a three-game suspension to begin his third NFL season, Addison suited up for the final 14 contests and produced a 42-610-3 receiving line on 79 targets while adding 81 rushing yards and another score on two carries. Though his average of 14.5 yards per catch was a career-best mark, Addison took a big step back in Year 3 in terms of touchdown and reception volume, largely due to subpar quarterback play. The wideout's outlook may not be dramatically better in 2026, barring drastic improvement from J.J. McCarthy (hand) or Minnesota looking outside the organization for an upgrade under center. |
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J.J. McCarthy J.J. McCarthy Exits early in season finale
Mon, Jan 5, 2026, 8:35 AM
McCarthy completed 14 of 23 pass attempts for 182 yards and added seven yards on two carries before exiting Sunday's 16-3 win over the Packers in the third quarter after aggravating a right hand injury.
Analysis: Unfortunately for McCarthy, his 10th career start came to an early end, as he attempted just one pass in the second half before informing head coach Kevin O'Connell that the small hairline fracture in his throwing hand was presenting issues with gripping the football. After having his entire 2024 rookie season wiped out by a meniscus tear in his right knee, McCarthy missed seven total games in 2025 due to a right high-ankle sprain, a concussion and then the fractured hand. When available, he showed strong scrambling ability (181 rushing yards and four TDs), but he still has a long way to go as a passer. On the season, McCarthy completed just 57.6 percent of his throws for 6.7 yards per attempt and an 11:12 TD:INT, and he also took 27 sacks on 270 dropbacks (10 percent sack rate) while fumbling six times, losing two. The 22-year-old will tentatively head into 2026 atop Minnesota's depth chart, but Dianna Russini of The Athletic reported Sunday that the Vikings are expected to explore more established options at quarterback via trade or free agency this offseason, potentially forcing McCarthy to compete for the starting job in training camp. |
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Justin Jefferson Justin Jefferson Extends 1,000-yard season streak
Sun, Jan 4, 2026, 4:18 PM
Jefferson caught eight of 11 targets for 101 yards in Sunday's 16-3 win over the Packers.
Analysis: It's been a tough season for Jefferson due to the Vikings' issues at quarterback, but with his first 100-yard performance since Week 5, the superstar wideout was able to record his sixth straight 1,000-yard campaign to begin his career. Jefferson wraps up the year with an 84-1,048-2 line on 141 targets, the worst yardage and TD totals of his career, and one of Minnesota's biggest priorities this offseason will be finding a way to build chemistry between J.J. McCarthy (hand) and his most talented target. |
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