Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson walks off the sector after a highway matchup in opposition to the Dallas Cowboys on Sept. 22, 2024, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Jackson and the Ravens earned a key early-season victory within the NFC venue as Baltimore continued its push within the AFC race. Obligatory Credit score: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Photographs
The NFL schedule has been launched, the Minnesota Vikings now know the order of their opponents in 2026, and all eyes have turned to the summer time. So, let’s check out the primary batch of rumors for the weekend.
Minnesota’s rumor mill is already busy earlier than camp.
This week focuses on a commerce, MVP stakes, and the 1st-Spherical rookie’s debut.
Three Vikings Angles Start Taking Form earlier than June & July
The Purple Rumor Mill for Might sixteenth, 2026.
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson warms up earlier than a Christmas Day matchup in opposition to the Houston Texans on Dec. 25, 2024, at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. Jackson entered the nationally televised showdown as an MVP frontrunner whereas Baltimore continued battling for AFC playoff positioning late within the common season beneath head coach John Harbaugh. Obligatory Credit score: Thomas Shea-Imagn Photographs
Rumor: The Vikings may very well be a workforce within the Lamar Jackson commerce sweepstakes if his contract extension talks get messy in Baltimore.
One among Jason La Canfora’s (SI.com) sources, an NFL agent, lately mentioned to him about Jackson’s contract scenario, “A trade demand would absolutely be on the table if I was advising Lamar. I’m not coming in with it, but I’m coming in with a very firm hand, and I’m not putting up with any of their bullsh!t. And if it’s not done before training camp, we’re done talking.”
“It’s pretty simple – and Lamar did a great job with this before, although the right agent could have earned that 1.5% commission and got it done sooner. You are giving us a significant increase on the Dak Prescott deal. That’s not even a discussion. We are asking for 100% guarantees again, and not wavering … And, yes, we are absolutely willing to play that trade-demand card.”
That intel implies a Jackson commerce sweepstakes may accumulate steam this summer time.
In unison with La Canfora’s findings, Fansided’s Alicia de Artola predicted theoretical commerce touchdown spots for Jackson, and pretty unsurprisingly, the Vikings confirmed up as a vacation spot.
She wrote, “The Minnesota Vikings signed Kyler Murray to a one-year deal and look all set to continue their pattern of letting Kevin O’Connell work his magic on a distressed asset.”
“Murray isn’t Jackson though. Instead of restoring a piece of furniture they found in a back alley, Minnesota could try bringing in an actual star and reopening their Super Bowl window. O’Connell is too good a head coach to let the Vikings slip into one of the draft slots that could give them a franchise QB.”
The Vikings most likely gained’t commerce for Jackson, however the idea is on the market within the open.
de Arotla added, “Going out and getting him a readymade one could actually give the team the boost they need to contend. If I’m Jackson, I’m looking at the Vikings and salivating. A QB whisperer like O’Connell?”
“A receiving corps led by Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison? Sign me up. Would the Vikings actually bite? Well, they have to actually hire a GM first, so Jackson may have to keep dreaming.”
If something concerning Jackson to Minnesota happens, it might most likely be a subject for the 2027 offseason — not now.
Rumor: Kyler Murray is an early MVP candidate for 2026.
Bleacher Report‘s Moe Moton analyzed seven gamers who may seize the MVP award for the primary time, and Murray acquired a shoutout. Moton defined, “Despite Kyler Murray’s recent struggles on the field and with injuries, he’s a talented two-time Pro Bowler who could be one of the league’s best in the right situation. Still in his prime, the 28-year-old could benefit from a change of scenery.”
“With the Minnesota Vikings, Murray will play with two-time All-Pro wideout Justin Jefferson, a solid No. 2 receiver in Jordan Addison and reliable pass-catching tight end T.J. Hockenson. Moreover, head coach Kevin O’Connell has fielded a top-six passing offense in three of the previous four years. Murray could flourish with the Vikings’ supporting cast on a team that competes for the No. 1 seed in the NFC.”
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray surveys the sector earlier than a preseason sport in opposition to the Los Angeles Chargers on Aug. 8, 2019, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. The previous No. 1 general choose entered his rookie marketing campaign carrying main expectations because the Cardinals transitioned into a brand new offensive period round his ability set. Obligatory Credit score: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports activities
Murray presently has +7500 odds to win MVP, in between Jaxson Dart (+7000, NYG) and Cam Ward (+8,000, TEN).
An MVP award is feasible for Murray, however Comeback Participant of the Yr could be extra probably.
Rumor: The Vikings count on DT Caleb Banks to be able to go by coaching camp.
O’Connell on Banks at minicamp: “Caleb is doing great. Got some more positive information here as he reported to Eagan in the last couple days, and very much looking forward to him establishing a great plan with our medical staff and the coaching staff.”
“On the coaching staff side, how can we push Caleb from an above-the-neck standpoint to be that much more comfortable when he does get healthy? He gets a great chance this spring and summer to get strong and build himself up.”
The Banks draft choose completely surprised the NFL viewers; most thought Oregon security Dillon Thieneman could be the choose.
Florida Gators defensive lineman Caleb Banks participates ready drill throughout spring soccer follow on April 1, 2023, at Steve Spurrier Area at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Florida. Banks later emerged as one in all Florida’s notable defensive contributors after transferring from Louisville and creating right into a disruptive inside presence. Obligatory Credit score: Matt Pendleton-Gainesville Solar
O’Connell added, “With Caleb, he doesn’t necessarily have to worry about the physical side of it right now, other than just getting healthy. So we can hopefully challenge him to learn multiple spots that coincide with his versatility to align in different impactful spots along the D-line.”
“I just think we’re happy with where he’s at, all things considered. We want to have our eyes on that end-of-July date so he can hopefully have a seamless transition into training camp.”
As an early go-live date for Banks, circle the beginning of coaching camp.
Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … Extra about Dustin Baker
