Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) appears on throughout pregame moments earlier than dealing with the Los Angeles Rams at State Farm Stadium, with Sep. 15, 2024 capturing the scene in Glendale. Murray scans the sphere and prepares for kickoff because the Cardinals get set for a divisional matchup at house. Obligatory Credit score: Matt Kartozian-Imagn Pictures.
The 2026 NFL Draft is full, and the Minnesota Vikings walked away from the occasion with 9 new gamers, along with 19 undrafted free brokers signed over the weekend. Now, NFL.com has turned its consideration to the remainder of the spring and summer season, figuring out three essential questions for Kevin O’Connell’s crew.
Minnesota has most of its roster set, however a number of selections matter earlier than coaching camp in July.
Oddsmakers count on Minnesota to complete 8-9 or 9-8 in 2026; right here’s what it might must reply to bump that forecast to 10-7 or so.
The Vikings Nonetheless Have Three Free Ends to Clear up
It’s a “Big Three” from NFL.com.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray speaks with reporters after signing throughout 2026 NFL free company, with March 12, 2026 capturing his introduction in Eagan. Murray addresses expectations, roster match, and the transition to Minnesota because the franchise presents its new beginning quarterback to the media. Obligatory Credit score: YouTube
1. Is Kyler Murray the Apparent QB1?
The Arizona Cardinals severed ties with Murray in March after months of onlookers anticipating the result. Then, the Vikings pounced, placing a one-year take care of Murray value simply $1.3 million, as he was already paid for 2026 by Arizona.
Now, NFL.com’s Kevin Patra wonders if Murray is the for-sure QB1. He wrote, “Now that we’re past the draft, the quarterback battle royale in Minnesota can commence. The assumption is that Murray signed to be the starter, and little we’ve heard suggests otherwise. But we need to see the QBs on the field to cement that belief. The future of J.J. McCarthy is the big question.”
“Will he push Murray? Will he wash out and even be leapfrogged by Carson Wentz? Kevin O’Connell has always spoken positively about McCarthy, but the Vikings’ offseason actions in the QB room tell a different story. Would the Vikings keep the first-round pick around if he’s QB3?”
There’s a considerably frequent misnomer that Murray wants some type of profession reclamation with the Vikings — akin to Sam Darnold in 2024. However in actuality, this isn’t like that in any respect. Not one bit. Murray is, at worst, a Prime 15 quarterback when wholesome, producing effectivity numbers much like these of Justin Herbert of the Los Angeles Chargers. Murray doesn’t must rekindle something within the Twin Cities; he simply must be himself and use the instruments his maker gave him.
McCarthy, however, will probably want serendipity to get a shot at his QB1 job. Sure, you’ll be able to name {that a} Murray harm. Wentz is in the home for QB3 insurance coverage as a result of two Vikings seasons within the final three years have been ruined by accidents to Kirk Cousins, Nick Mullens, McCarthy, and even Wentz personally.
Our Reply: Murray will win the QB1 job handily; a “competition” is simply window dressing.
2. Will Harrison Smith Return?
In early January, Minnesota defeated the Inexperienced Bay Packers within the ultimate sport of the 2026 marketing campaign, and, primarily based on the fan and crew festivities, it felt like Smith’s ultimate sport. Quickly after, the offseason arrived — and nothing occurred with Smith. He didn’t retire; he hasn’t signed a contract extension.
Patra famous, “As we get to May, Smith still hasn’t announced his intentions for 2026. If he decides to play, the Vikings have said they’d love to have him back. Minnesota selected Jakobe Thomas in the third round, but didn’t add a veteran to the safety crew. There is no question that the secondary would be better if Smith returned.”
This one is 50-50. Smith has joked up to now that when his time within the NFL was over, no person would understand it, and he’d simply fade away. That seems to be taking place now.
With out Smith, Minnesota would roll with Josh Metellus, Jay Ward, Theo Jackson, and the aforementioned rookie, Thomas, at security. Which may simply be sufficient.
It’s additionally unusual that Smith wouldn’t say one single peep of goodbye to the fan base that has unconditionally liked him since 2012.
Our Reply: Smith returns for another 12 months as a result of he can’t stand to consider Murray and the Vikings successful a Tremendous Bowl with out him.
3. Who’s the WR3?
This one might already be on a path to readability. ESPN’s Adam Schefter tweeted Tuesday afternoon. “49ers free-agent wide receiver Jauan Jennings is visiting tonight and Wednesday with the Minnesota Vikings, per source.”
Jennings is a dream WR3 for O’Connell — he’s a “culture guy,” and he blocks downfield for operating backs. There’s additionally ample overlap between O’Connell’s system and Kyle Shanahan’s in San Francisco.
Unrelated to Jennings, Patra opined on WR3: “The loss of Jalen Nailor has mostly flown under the radar. The Vikes didn’t draft any WR depth, pushing 2025 third-rounder Tai Felton up the depth chart. Can the player with three catches as a rookie take on a bigger role?”
“No receiver behind Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison on the roster gained more than 25 receiving yards in 2025.”
San Francisco 49ers huge receiver Jauan Jennings (15) takes the sphere earlier than kickoff at Levi’s Stadium, with Jan. 3, 2026 capturing the pregame second in Santa Clara. Jennings walks onto the sphere because the 49ers put together for motion, providing a glimpse of the wideout forward of one other contest. Obligatory Credit score: Neville E. Guard-Imagn Pictures.
If the Jennings go to doesn’t produce a contract, the Vikings have Felton as a WR3 risk, assuming he reveals important strides at coaching camp in July and August.
In any other case, this listing of free brokers is fairly spiffy:
Brandon Aiyuk (if traded)
Curtis Samuel
DeAndre Hopkins
Jauan Jennings
Keenan Allen
Noah Brown
Stefon Diggs
Tyreek Hill
After the Schefter tweet, this one most likely isn’t difficult.
Our Reply: It’s Jennings because the Vikings’ WR3 after a fruitful Tuesday assembly.
