Minnesota Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz scans the sector throughout second-quarter motion towards the Pittsburgh Steelers in an NFL Worldwide Sequence sport at Croke Park. On Sep. 28, 2025, Wentz operated Minnesota’s offense throughout the abroad matchup because the Vikings continued increasing the NFL’s world presence with one other showcase occasion in Dublin. Necessary Credit score: Kirby Lee-Imagn Photos.
The Minnesota Vikings are lower than 12 weeks from coaching camp, when roster battles will take middle stage. Within the meantime, the rumor mill stays ablaze, and we chronicle a very powerful ones every weekend.
Minnesota’s newest rumor batch facilities on quarterback depth, rookie persistence, and a large receiver concept that light quick.
This week’s version is scattered throughout the board by way of positional significance.
The Wentz Replace Leads a Sensible Might Rumor Batch
The Purple Rumor Mill for Might tenth, 2026.
Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Khalil Mack (52) wraps up Minnesota Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz (11) throughout first-half motion on Oct. 23, 2025, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. Wentz later returned to Minnesota in a well-recognized backup position, offering veteran quarterback insurance coverage behind the Vikings’ revamped depth chart getting into 2026. Necessary Credit score: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Photos.
Rumor: Carson Wentz’s shoulder is healed, and he’s 100% able to go.
Speaking to KFRY-TV’s Luke Gamble on Tuesday, Wentz mentioned he was all set for 2026: “Physically, I feel great. Shoulder’s more or less behind me now. It wasn’t fun by any means, but surgery went well, and rehab’s gone really well too. So for me, it’s behind me. I’m healthy, and I’ll be ready to roll.”
Wentz’s October shoulder damage made a Might return appear sensible, and he’s now again.
Ought to the Vikings want Wentz in 2026 — ideally, they gained’t — he’s wholesome sufficient to step in. It’s the first goal of his deal. Minnesota doesn’t require him to threaten anybody’s job or spark a quarterback controversy; they want him ready in case unexpected circumstances have an effect on the depth chart.
Total, Vikings followers praised Wentz for his toughness. When he returned this offseason, the response was largely optimistic as a result of his position was clear: a confirmed veteran securing the QB3 spot, remaining prepared, and offering the Vikings with an extra layer of safety at quarterback. Can’t go incorrect.
Rumor: Caleb Banks may very well be a darkish horse to win Defensive Rookie of the 12 months.
ESPN’s Ben Solak sized up the Rookie of the 12 months stakes final week, and concerning Banks, he wrote: “No defensive tackle has won Rookie of the Year since Aaron Donald in 2014, and the only other tackle to do it this century was Ndamukong Suh. Banks is that sort of talent and an enticing bet accordingly. But he has a foot injury that’s impossible to overlook.”
“He also plays in a Brian Flores defense that doesn’t allow defensive tackles to play the sort of unhinged, penetration-oriented style that leads to sacks. Sure, the Vikings spent an early pick on Banks — but as head coach of the Dolphins in 2019, Flores used the No. 13 pick on Christian Wilkins, and he had two sacks as a rookie. It’s hard to see the path for Banks.”
Florida Gators defensive sort out Caleb Banks (88) celebrates after recovering a fumble towards the Florida State Seminoles on Nov. 29, 2025, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Florida. Banks later climbed into first-round NFL Draft territory due to his athleticism, disruptive traits, and upside as an inside defensive lineman. Necessary Credit score: Bob Kupbens-Imagn Photos.
Second-round linebacker Jake Golday additionally acquired some love: “Golday is an off-ball/on-ball tweener who will be stuck behind established starters at both positions: Andrew Van Ginkel and Dallas Turner at outside linebacker; Eric Wilson and Blake Cashman at inside linebacker.”
“He will undoubtedly have flashy plays in subpackages, but he simply will not see enough snaps — barring injury — to contend for this award.”
Rumor: Deebo Samuel may’ve made lots of sense because the Vikings’ WR3.
Bleacher Report‘s Bradley Locker walked through the NFL’s prime 1o free brokers final week. On Samuel, he nominated the Vikings and wrote, “The Vikings put an emphasis on retooling their impressive defense in the draft, grabbing Caleb Banks, Jake Golday and Domonique Orange with their first three picks.”
“However, Minnesota could use more at receiver after losing Jalen Nailor to the Raiders. Samuel’s effectiveness has taken a step back over the last two campaigns, but he still finished 2025 with a 70.3 PFF receiving grade and 1.66 yards per route run.”
Minnesota later signed Samuel’s former teammate, Jauan Jennings.
San Francisco 49ers huge receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (1) celebrates after scoring a landing towards the Detroit Lions on Dec. 30, 2024, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Samuel remained one of many NFL’s most versatile offensive weapons, mixing huge receiver manufacturing with physicality and backfield utilization in San Francisco’s offense. Necessary Credit score: Kyle Terada-Imagn Photos.
Locker added, “Further, Samuel’s 6.5 yards after the catch per reception was fourth among wideouts with 95 or more targets. Next to Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, Samuel could help fill Nailor’s void in the slot while infusing more juice after the catch and overall creativity for Kevin O’Connell.”
Samuel can be in play for Minnesota if the Jennings contract didn’t come collectively. However now, the Vikings don’t want one other common wideout and can’t afford one. If any free brokers are signed within the subsequent couple of months, Minnesota may need an additional exterior linebacker after Jonathan Greenard left the workforce through commerce. Gamers like Jadeveon Clowney. Joey Bosa, and Leonary Floyd may make sense.
Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … Extra about Dustin Baker
