Jan 4, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) talks with a referee earlier than the sport towards the Inexperienced Bay Packers at U.S. Financial institution Stadium. Necessary Credit score: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Pictures
It’s time to begin eager about the summer season for the Minnesota Vikings, with free company and the draft within the rearview. Yearly, we ask our writers to assume exterior the field in Could, delivering daring predictions which are designed to be funky, brash, and outdoors the field.
Twelve predictions. One busy summer season. Minnesota has lots to kind out earlier than Week 1.
Right here’s what they mentioned for the summer season of 2026.
The Vikings’ Summer time May Convey Extra Than Routine Roster Tweaks
What’s your hottest take for the Vikings earlier than the beginning of Week 1?
Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy shares a postgame second with Commanders cornerback Mike Sainristil on the sector at U.S. Financial institution Stadium, with Dec. 7, 2025, in Minneapolis marking a tightly contested matchup that carried late-season implications. The trade captured McCarthy’s seen response as Minnesota continued evaluating its quarterback trajectory. Necessary Credit score: Brad Rempel-Imagn Pictures
1. J.J. McCarthy Wins the QB1 Job
Predictor: Wes Johnson
J.J. McCarthy emerges because the group’s QB1 to open the season after a powerful camp battle with Kyler Murray. Whereas that is low-hanging fruit, it’s one thing that might positively occur and would gentle VikingsTwitter on fireplace.
2. Vikings Add Not One, However Two, Notable WRs
Predictor: Tony Schultz
My scorching summer season take is that the Vikings don’t signal a veteran extensive receiver. They signal two. Jauan Jennings got here in for a chat with the group. He frolicked for the day after which left. Don’t fear, he’ll be again. I believe the Vikings double down and later choose up DeAndre Hopkins afterward. Why? The group has shaved the cap again some, and Hopkins is working out of time within the NFL.
At 33, he sees his private window closing and his buddy and former teammate, Kyler Murray, on a group loaded with offensive expertise. For an inexpensive one-year deal, he will get the Vikings to convey him on board for a fearsome extensive receiver corps that makes you choose your poison between the twenties and within the redzone.
3. Charles Demmings Turns right into a Beginning CB
Predictor: Josh Frey
The Vikings introduced in James Pierre as a free agent with upside, however the athletic means of Charles Demmings shouldn’t be missed. He is a superb soccer participant with the power to search out the soccer in protection. With just a little growth over the summer season, he may grow to be a beginning cornerback alongside Byron Murphy and Isaiah Rodgers.
4. Tyron Ingram-Dawkins Begins at DT; Caleb Banks Does Not
Predictor: Sean Borman
Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins will begin for Caleb Banks to start the season. This isn’t an damage assertion however a growth one; it offers Banks just a little group to observe and exhibits how Flores would love the place performed.
5. Caleb Banks, Domonique Orange Simply Win Beginning DT Jobs
Predictor: Brevan Bane
Caleb Banks and Large Citrus will each win beginning jobs throughout camp. Two high draft picks successful beginning jobs might not sound loopy, however each instantly getting beginning roles over stable depth gamers like Levi Drake Rodriguez and Elijah Williams isn’t assured. Van Ginkel-Redmond-Orange-Banks-Turner may very well be an absolute power to be reckoned with on the defensive entrance in 2026.
6. The Trades Are Not Performed
Predictor: Kyle Joudry
The daring prediction is that the Vikings’ buying and selling isn’t executed. Another person will get moved. Perhaps it’s Ivan Tempo Jr., Walter Rouse, or another person. However a deal will get executed involving a at present rostered participant getting traded.
7. Six Rookies Begin Week 1
Predictor: Henrique Gucciardi
Michigan Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy stands alongside tight finish Max Bredeson throughout first-half motion towards Alabama within the Faculty Soccer Playoff semifinal on the Rose Bowl, with Jan. 1, 2024, in Pasadena capturing a high-stakes second as Michigan pushed towards a nationwide title look. Necessary Credit score: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports activities
There are a number of positions up for grabs on the roster, and I favored what Rob Brzezinski and the teaching workers did within the draft. So I’m betting that Caleb Banks, Jake Golday, Domonique Orange, Jakobe Thomas, Max Bredeson, and Gavin Gerhardt will show themselves throughout coaching camp and be early contributors.
8. A New Beginning Security Not But on the Roster
Predictor: Ali Siddiqui
The Vikings will signal a security in August to switch the retired Harrison Smith.
9. J.J. McCarthy Appears to be like Nice, Turns into Scorching Commerce Commodity
My daring prediction is that J.J. McCarthy really makes respectable strides in camp and preseason and turns into a scorching commerce candidate. Murray wins the job, however McCarthy modifications his notion and wins the clear QB2 job over Wentz.
Predictor: Cole Smith
10. Vikings Add Leonard Floyd (OLB) and a Former 49ers WR
Predictor: Dustin Baker
Atlanta Falcons defensive finish Leonard Floyd reacts after a key interception throughout second-half motion at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, with Oct. 13, 2025, in Atlanta capturing a momentum-shifting second towards the Buffalo Payments as Floyd celebrated the defensive play amid a aggressive regular-season setting. Necessary Credit score: Brett Davis-Imagn Pictures
Leonard Floyd was on the 2021 Tremendous Bowl group with Kevin O’Connell when the Los Angeles Rams took down the Cincinnati Bengals. O’Connell dials up Floyd for the vacant OLB3 spot. And between Jauan Jennings, Deebo Samuel, or Brandon Aiyuk — one is the Week 1 WR3 for the Vikings.
11. Security Jay Ward Dominates
Predictor: Adam New
Tennessee Titans extensive receiver Racey McMath is introduced down by Minnesota Vikings defenders Jay Ward and Kalon Barnes at U.S. Financial institution Stadium, with Aug. 19, 2023, in Minneapolis highlighting a preseason conflict that includes depth gamers preventing for roster roles and defensive positioning throughout an energetic analysis interval for each groups. Necessary Credit score: Andrew Nelles-USA TODAY NETWORK
Jay Ward shines in the course of the preseason and turns into the Vikings’ greatest security over the course of the 2026 season.
t12. Jakobe Thomas Earns a Beginning Job
Predictor: Janik Eckardt
At security, it’ll be Third-Rounder Jakobe Thomas within the beginning position, not a probably returning Harrison Smith or extra skilled Theo Jackson and Jay Ward. Brian Flores hand-picked his new security.
t12. Jakobe Thomas Begins a Security regardless of Harrison Smith Again for Yr No. 15
Predictor: Ted Schwerzler
The Vikings get a return from Harrison Smith, however Jakobe Thomas nonetheless begins anyway. The rookie winds up taking a spot from both Jay Ward or Theo Jackson.
