A Minnesota Vikings helmet rests on the sideline earlier than a highway matchup in opposition to the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. The scene was captured on Nov. 3, 2019, in Kansas Metropolis because the Vikings ready for an additional regular-season contest, highlighting the franchise branding and game-day ambiance earlier than kickoff. Obligatory Credit score: Denny Medley-Imagn Pictures
The Minnesota Vikings have already revealed a number of surprises this offseason, together with firing common supervisor Kwesi Adofo-Mensah three and a half weeks after the common season ended and signing Kyler Murray for $1.3 million. So, what’s subsequent?
The next checklist highlights surprises that would moderately happen. They’re ranked in ascending order (No. 1 = most shocking potential improvement).
Vikings’ Depth Chart Could Not Be a Completed Product
Minnesota Vikings linebacker Ivan Tempo Jr. reacts throughout second-half motion in opposition to the Los Angeles Rams in an NFC Wild Card matchup at State Farm Stadium. The second occurred on Jan. 13, 2025, in Glendale as Tempo continued his energetic model of play and helped lead Minnesota’s defensive effort throughout postseason competitors. Obligatory Credit score: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Pictures
6. Ivan Tempo Jr. Will get Launched
When Minnesota started the offseason, the off-ball linebacking scenario appeared murky. Eric Wilson was scheduled free of charge company, Tempo Jr. was not assured to return, and rookie Jake Golday had not entered the roster orbit. The depth chart revealed Blake Cashman — and that was just about it.
Then, in fact, Wilson re-signed, together with Tempo Jr., and the Vikings used a 2nd-Spherical decide on Golday from Cincinnati.
There’s a world the place Tempo Jr. might not make the 53-man roster, consider it or not, if Golday is prepared for motion in Week 1. Minnesota benched Tempo Jr. early in 2025, and the cap hit to drop him this summer season is sort of low: $0 added in lifeless cash.
The Vikings might additionally moderately simply signal a veteran linebacker like Bobby Okereke or Devin White whereas releasing Tempo Jr., who struggled to deal with final season.
5. Vikings Commerce for One other RB
Minnesota might discover the RB commerce market. Trey Benson, for instance, is a first-rate candidate. The Arizona Cardinals now have Jeremiyah Love, James Conner, Tyler Allgeier, and Benson in the identical backfield, making a difficult scenario for distributing carries. Benson, like fellow 2024 draftee Jonathon Brooks, has additionally handled accidents.
By his third yr, Benson would ideally be vying for a extra outstanding position. As a substitute, Arizona acquired one other again and retained Conner. Groups sometimes keep away from such a crowded backfield for gamers they view as future stars. If the Cardinals are open to discussions, the Vikings ought to inquire for a Sixth-Spherical decide or so.
Jaylen Wright presents one other intriguing risk. With Frank Smith, previously Miami’s offensive coordinator, now serving as Minnesota’s assistant head coach, a connection already exists. Wright is at present Miami’s RB2, however the arrival of Ollie Gordon this summer season might alter the depth chart. If Wright finds himself because the RB3, a brand new surroundings may be helpful.
His velocity is a significant asset, with a reported 4.38 40-yard sprint time. Via two seasons, he has collected roughly 600 scrimmage yards and lately turned 23. Like Benson, Wright may very well be gettable for a late-round decide.
4. One other WR Signed — Like Deebo Samuel or DeAndre Hopkins
The Vikings signed Jauan Jennings to finish their deepest WR corps for the reason that days of Randy Moss, Cris Carter, and Jake Reed. However why no more firepower if the value is correct?
Samuel is unsigned by way of three months of free company. Hopkins already said publicly in March that he’d like to play for the Vikings with Kyler Murray on the helm. Minnesota might go for a humiliation of riches at WR, enabling “no excuses” for Murray or J.J. McCarthy in 2026.
3. Additional TE Enters the Combine — Like Michael Mayer or Darren Waller
Mayer stays buried on the Las Vegas Raiders’ depth chart as a result of Brock Bowers is simply too good. He doesn’t get the targets that almost all envisioned when Las Vegas spent 2nd-Spherical draft capital on him in 2023. Mayer wants a contemporary begin, and Minnesota’s TE1, T.J. Hockenson, is on faucet free of charge company subsequent March.
Las Vegas Raiders tight finish Michael Mayer celebrates after a profitable 2-point conversion in opposition to the Pittsburgh Steelers throughout fourth-quarter motion at Allegiant Stadium. The scoring play unfolded on Sept. 24, 2023, in Paradise, Nevada, as Mayer contributed to the Raiders’ offensive effort in a tightly contested regular-season matchup. Obligatory Credit score: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports activities
Waller is a free agent with ties to the aforementioned Smith from his time in Las Vegas and Miami. Signing Waller would price subsequent to nothing and supply the Vikings’ offense with a candy redzone goal.
2. Rookie CB Charles Demmings Wins a Starter’s Job
The summer season hype prepare has already left the station concerning Demmings — and it may very well be actual. The Fifth-Rounder has the bodily instruments to shine within the NFL, and Minnesota is lengthy overdue for a cornerback that it organically drafted to work out. The final one to succeed was Xavier Rhodes or Trae Waynes over a decade in the past.
The Vikings’ roster can be ripe for a cornerback to emerge. Byron Murphy Jr., Isaiah Rodgers, and James Pierre are good or first rate defensive backs, however none are shutdown corners. If an unsung cornerback needs to take flight out of nowhere, Minnesota’s depth chart is prime territory.
1. J.J. McCarthy Does the Unthinkable by Upsetting Kyler Murray
Maybe McCarthy actually did enhance his mechanics from January to June. It’s not inconceivable for a quarterback in his third yr to take the following step. It actually isn’t.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy throws throughout pregame warm-ups earlier than a preseason contest in opposition to the Las Vegas Raiders at U.S. Financial institution Stadium. The rookie passer was on the sector on Aug. 10, 2024, in Minneapolis as consideration continued to construct round his improvement and readiness getting into his first NFL season. Obligatory Credit score: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Pictures
Murray stays the heavy favourite to win the QB1 job, however the Vikings might face a champagne-problem actuality in August and September — what if McCarthy simply appears to be like too rattling good to go away on the bench? Murray wouldn’t be keen on signing with the Vikings and instantly getting pushed to the QB2 spot on the depth chart, however that doesn’t actually matter if McCarthy appears to be like like the actual deal.
Not way back, McCarthy was thought of the unabashed QB1 in Minnesota, taking the cake over 2025 offseason choices like Sam Darnold, Daniel Jones, and Aaron Jones.
Perhaps McCarthy was only a bit late along with his maturation and improvement.
Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … Extra about Dustin Baker
