A Minnesota Vikings helmet rests alongside the sideline earlier than a divisional matchup in opposition to the Detroit Lions on Jan. 2, 2011, at Ford Discipline in Detroit, Michigan. The picture captured a quiet pregame second because the Vikings closed out the 2010 common season throughout a transitional stretch for the franchise and its roster. Obligatory Credit score: Andrew Weber-Imagn Photographs
Daring predictions, by design, are speculated to be headline-grabbing, outlandish, and slightly bizarre. And with the Minnesota Vikings’ summer time operations mere days away, it’s time to get a few of these on file.
Minnesota’s summer time will deliver readability, drama, and possibly at the very least one roster transfer that feels uncomfortable.
The Vikings will function a brand new common supervisor and quarterback in 2026; right here’s a have a look at some predictions for the summer time.
Early and Daring Vikings Predictions Are Right here
Placing these sizzling takes on file.
Georgia Bulldogs punter Brett Thorson (92) punts the soccer in opposition to the Texas Longhorns through the first half of the SEC Championship sport on Dec. 7, 2024, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. Thorson dealt with punting duties for Georgia through the high-profile convention title matchup whereas showcasing the highly effective leg power that later drew NFL consideration. Obligatory Credit score: Brett Davis-Imagn Photographs
1. Brett Thorson Clears
Did Thorson maintain subject targets and further factors in faculty? He didn’t. Is that an issue? It’s.
Nonetheless, Thorson may’ve been the very best punter in faculty soccer final 12 months, relying on the attention of the beholder, and the Vikings can’t simply lower a man like that as a result of they make use of an outdated specialist (Johnny Hekker) who was actually, actually good.
Thorson will show his punting expertise supersedes Hekker at coaching camp, and particular groups boss Matt Daniels can have all summer time to determine the holding state of affairs.
2. Vikings Signal Leonard Floyd
On April 24, the Vikings executed a commerce, sending Jonathan Greenard and a Seventh-round choose to the Philadelphia Eagles in alternate for 2 third-round choices (one in 2026 and one in 2027).
The deal rocked Minnesota’s OLB setup. With Greenard, Minnesota’s EDGE room boasted appreciable expertise. His departure leaves Andrew Van Ginkel and Dallas Turner as the first go rushers, but it surely additionally highlights a notable lack of depth. A single damage may shortly create a precarious state of affairs on the place.
So, the Vikings probably want to amass an OLB3, with free company presenting probably the most obvious resolution.
Floyd emerges as a robust candidate, becoming the ‘familiar face’ profile. His present connections with Minnesota’s teaching employees are a big benefit, notably when pursuing free brokers late within the spring. Kevin O’Connell may conceivably attain out to Floyd straight, bypassing the standard complexities of late-stage free company negotiations.
O’Connell and Floyd received the Tremendous Bowl collectively in Los Angeles 5 years in the past.
3. Garrett Bradbury Arrives through Commerce
The New England Patriots traded Bradbury to the Chicago Bears in March for a Fifth-Spherical choose. Six weeks later, the Bears rotated and drafted Iowa middle Logan Jones, who will likely be 25 through the common season. Second-round facilities ought to begin sooner somewhat than later, and 25-year-old 2nd-Spherical facilities needs to be prepared Week 1.
Minnesota Vikings middle Garrett Bradbury (56) stands on the sideline earlier than dealing with the Buffalo Payments on Nov. 13, 2022, at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York. Bradbury ready for an additional common season begin whereas persevering with his position because the anchor of Minnesota’s offensive line throughout Kevin O’Connell’s first season as head coach. Obligatory Credit score: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports activities
That places Bradbury on the bench or on the commerce block if Chicago doesn’t get bizarre with its offensive line plan.
In the meantime, the Vikings are on observe to begin Blake Brandel at middle, and whereas he may play simply superb, changing a deal with turned guard turned middle to a brand new spot not often works out for the lengthy haul, except the man is younger.
Needing a greater middle resolution, Minnesota will ship a Sixth-Rounder to Chicago for Bradbury, even when buying and selling with Chicago violates NFC North taboos.
4. The QB1 Camp Battle Is Window Dressing
Final summer time, the Vikings hosted no quarterback battle at coaching camp. Months later, they regretted it and even fired their common supervisor in January in consequence.
In 2026, the membership is promoting a quarterback battle, however it will likely be abundantly clear by way of just a few days of coaching camp that the QB1 job emphatically belongs to Murray. The truth is, by September 1st, of us will look again and contemplate the potential of McCarthy ousting Murray from the highest spot as a laughable take.
Murray is quicker, extra correct, has a stronger arm, and has extra expertise than McCarthy. The quarterback competitors received’t be a sham, however Murray will prevail with the snap of two fingers.
5. Rookie Gavin Gerhardt Emerges
Gerhardt could not begin Week 1 — that’s reserved for Brandel — however by the point coaching camp ends, followers can have a heat and comfy feeling about Gerhardt.
Cincinnati offensive lineman Gavin Gerhardt speaks with reporters throughout Massive 12 Soccer Media Days on Jul. 8, 2025, at The Star in Frisco, Texas. Gerhardt entered the highlight as one in all Cincinnati’s skilled offensive linemen whereas discussing expectations for the upcoming season and his growth throughout the Bearcats’ offensive entrance. Obligatory Credit score: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Photographs
Minnesota very vividly wanted a middle through the draft; the teaching employees even instructed reporters earlier than the occasion that the draft had a number of intriguing choices. Then, the Vikings drafted zero facilities till Spherical 7.
They appear to have huge plans for Gerhardt. When the common season rolls round, Gerhardt will both be tapped on the shoulder to begin or be the instant backup middle if Brandel misses a sport or two.
A to Z Sports activities‘ Tyler Forness famous on Gerhardt after the draft, “This is an interesting pick. Gerhardt is a four-year starter who has played 3,374 snaps for the Bearcats. He’s a decent athlete with experience at the position, and it offers the Vikings another option at center.”
Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … Extra about Dustin Baker
