Minnesota Vikings News and Links: Let’s Jump To Conclusions!
· Yahoo Sports
Looks like our fun is going to keep on keeping on as it should. What would we do without some kind of “controversy” to talk about? It sure does make the offseason go by quicker that is for sure. The QB “competition” will be front and center for most of this offseason. What else would it be though? Every throw in the non-contact practices will be over analyzed and dissected by nimrods who think they know what they are seeing. Every comment from the participating QBs will be over analyzed and dissected as well. It has already started. We need to break out the jump to conclusions mat!
As an aside. I think TJ Hockenson is going to have a great year!
Visit fish-roadgame.online for more information.
Minnesota Vikings News and LinksVikings’ J.J. McCarthy uses classroom analogy to describe relationship with Kyler Murray: ‘He sits on one side; I sit on the other side’
https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/article/vikings-jj-mccarthy-uses-classroom-analogy-to-describe-relationship-with-kyler-murray-he-sits-on-one-side-i-sit-on-the-other-side-214730761.html
For Murray, coming to Minnesota meant a fresh start, one that allowed him to play for the team the Allen, Texas, native grew up rooting for. On the other hand, for McCarthy, Murray’s arrival signaled the birth of a fierce competition.
“Look, the organization made a decision that they feel like is going to improve the depth and the quality of the room,” McCarthy said Wednesday at Vikings OTAs. “They feel like they made that decision.
“But all I’m thinking about is continuing the upward trajectory that I set for myself last season, that last quarter of the season, and continue to be the best version of me every single day.”
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When asked about his relationship with Murray, McCarthy used a head-turning classroom analogy.
“It’s just like two guys in a classroom,” McCarthy said Wednesday. “He sits on one side, I sit on the other side, and it’s the coaches’ responsibility to teach us and coach us.”
McCarthy was then asked if there’s any awkwardness.
“Awkwardness?” he said. “It’s just like the same feeling when you’re in high school, and there’s another person on the other side of the room, that’s just kind of how it is. So I wouldn’t say there’s any awkwardness.”
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Later, a reporter inquired if McCarthy was disappointed that the Vikings brought aboard Murray.
“Then I would be disappointed if the rain fell,” McCarthy said in response. “That’s out of my control, and, at the end of the day, I just got to focus on what I can do to be the best quarterback for this football team.”
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Murray described a warmer dynamic with McCarthy, who Murray said has been receptive to pointers, communicative and inquisitive.
“It’s been great,” Murray, 28, said of his connection with McCarthy, 23.
“Obviously, I know he’s a younger guy, so any way I can help him … I’ve played seven years now going on eight. So I’m considered a veteran, even though I don’t see myself as that. [I can] give him any knowledge that he needs. Again, we’re both competitors, and I know we both want what’s best for the team.”
Murray is ecstatic about the potential of the offense he’s now working with. He effused about the playmakers surrounding him, namely wide receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison.
“I mean, I don’t know how you can’t love that room,” Murray told reporters, when asked about the Vikings’ receiver room. “Obviously, you’ve got the best receiver in the league and then JA and the guys, and you add Jauan [Jennings], all the young guys that have the talent and ability that are hungry to go prove it and then the tight end — you look at the skill position in general; I know it’s widely regarded as one of the most QB-friendly offenses around the league. So I’m happy to be here.”
Murray added: “It’s kind of an embarrassment of riches around here.”
He also discussed the impeccable teaching ability of his new head coach, Kevin O’Connell, the 2024 AP NFL Coach of the Year. Murray said O’Connell’s offense is “really wordy,” but he’s confident he’ll have it down in due time thanks to mental reps.
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After a seven-year run with the Cardinals, with whom he made the playoffs just once, Murray is motivated to write a new chapter in his new home.
“My confidence is unshakeable,” he said. “That’s how I feel about myself. Regardless of what happens day-to-day, I know the next day I’m coming out here to give my best effort, put my best foot forward and give whatever the team needs. So that’s what you’re getting with me as far as confidence goes. You won’t see me waver.”
Dan Orlovsky makes bold statement about J.J. McCarthy after comments after OTAs
https://atozsports.com/nfl/minnesota-vikings-news/dan-orlovsky-makes-bold-statement-jj-mccarthy-ota-comments-kyler-murray/
“It was an uphill battle for JJ McCurthy on the field in this competition. Hearing the answers, it sounds like there’s an uphill battle off the field as well, and if you haven’t, I guess divided the locker room or lost the locker room, I don’t think that answer is helping you.
“There’s a reality to that with J.J.’s answer, and I like J.J. I’ve supported J.J. I’m rooting for JJ. At times, it just feels like it’s at least publicly it’s an act. I have to have this bravado type of response”
“You’re on the same team, we all know you’re competing. At the end of the day, whoever plays better is more than likely going to win that job, so for you to have that type of response ‘we’re just in the same room,’ it’s almost, I don’t want to say it, [but] it feels like you’re trying to divide the locker room. Are you Team J.J. or are you Team Kyler? And he comes across that way at times.”
OTA Observations: Kyler Murray & J.J. McCarthy Distribute Footballs; Line Refines Technique
https://www.vikings.com/news/kyler-murray-jj-mccarthy-2026-ota-practice-observations
It was the first time Murray or Jennings met with Twin Cities press after signing with the team during free agency this spring after playing in the NFC West on the Cardinals and 49ers, respectively, since 2019 and 2020. Murray hyped Jennings’ play. And Jennings reacted like the internet did when he was asked about joining forces with returning star wideouts Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, amongst other skillsters.
“It’s awesome,” he said with a smile. “I feel like Kevin Durant with the Warriors.”
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McCarthy also is “so happy” to have Jennings part of the offense.
“He’s got a great energy about him,” McCarthy continued. “Been watching him for a long time; he’s been doing it [at a really] high level for a long time and we’re blessed to have him part of this group.”
Vikings OTA Recap: Both QBs Play Well, Kyler Murray Wows With Deep Ball
https://www.si.com/nfl/vikings/onsi/vikings-ota-recap-both-qbs-play-well-kyler-murray-wows-with-deep-ball
McCarthy got the first reps in 7-on-7 action and came out guns blazing. His first throw was a deep ball up the left sideline to Jordan Addison, who had a busy day with Justin Jefferson only mixing in for a handful of plays. McCarthy then progressed to the back side and connected with Josh Oliver. And his third throw was a seam ball up the middle to Tai Felton, who went up and made a great catch.
McCarthy finished that first batch of reps 4 for 4 with a checkdown to Addison. Two of his completions went for big gains. The only thing you could nitpick is that Felton was quite open on the third play, and a perfect ball might’ve given him the chance to stay on his feet and go the distance. Regardless, it was an early statement that certainly caught my eye.
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One late-round rookie I’m very intrigued by is running back Demond Claiborne. There’s obviously no tackling in practice, but he had a couple reps where his burst and change-of-direction ability just jumped out at you. Keep an eye on No. 21 moving forward.
What J.J. McCarthy and Kyler Murray are saying about Vikings’ QB competition during OTAs
https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/jj-mccarthy-kyler-murray-vikings-otas-qb-competition/
Murray was warmer in his assessment of the relationship, saying McCarthy is “overly acceptive [sic] and he’s always communicating, asking questions, stuff like that.”
“It’s been great. Obviously I know he’s a younger guy, so anyway I can help him, obviously. I feel like — I’ve played seven years, going on 8, so I’m considered a veteran even though I don’t see myself as that,” Murray said. “Give him any knowledge that he needs. Again, we’re both competitors and I know we both want what’s best for the team.”
The two may differ in their assessment of what’s best, though. Both men sound confident in their ability to win the job.
“I have a drive that’s been driving me since fifth grade, since I decided to be at this level and perform really well at this level,” McCarthy said. “I work my tail off and I compete with myself every single day. Regardless of the external factors, I’m going to continue to do what I’ve been doing to get to this point.”
“My confidence is unshakeable, that’s how I feel about myself,” Murray said. “Regardless of what happens day to day, I know the next day I’m coming out here to give my best effort, put my best foot forward and give whatever the team needs.”
J.J. McCarthy doubters may be repeating a brutal NFL mistake
https://thevikingage.com/jj-mccarthy-doubters-may-repeating-nfl-mistake-minnesota-vikings
Minnesota Vikings have a crucial advantage over the rest of the NFL that Kyler Murray is primed to take advantage of
https://atozsports.com/nfl/minnesota-vikings-news/minnesota-vikings-crucial-advantage-2026-schedule-kevin-oconnell-kyler-murray-jj-mccarthy/
Minnesota Vikings Icon ‘Likely’ to Return to Team for 2026
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/minnesota-vikings-icon-likely-return-183834735.html
The secondary is also missing a key figure, as franchise icon Harrison Smith was released from the roster this offseason. The six-time Pro Bowler and former All-Pro has played in 207 games since 2012, but there’s been no word on whether Smith has plans of playing a 15th NFL season.
However, according to SKOR North’s Vikings insider Darren “Doogie” Wolfson, there’s a chance that Smith could still decide to return for another season.
It’s worth noting that while Smith is no longer under contract in Minnesota, he also hasn’t filed his retirement papers.
“He is staying in shape,” Wolfson said. “We can’t rule out retirement. ”
“Could it be by the time joint practices occur with Baltimore that Harrison Smith signs on August 18th? I suppose. I’m not ruling that out. I think it’s more likely that it happens than it doesn’t happen. I think a 15th season is coming, I really do.”
ESPN analyst rips Vikings for screwing up Jonathan Greenard trade
https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/minnesota-vikings/vikings-news-espn-analyst-rips-minnesota-screwing-jonathan-greenard-trade
“However, defensive tackles like Quinnen Williams and Dexter Lawrence landed first-round picks in deals, and edge rusher Maxx Crosby (briefly) netted the Raiders two first-rounders,” Barnwell wrote. “Did the Vikings really do themselves any favors by waiting until late April to deal Greenard? They landed only a pair of third-round picks from the Eagles. One of those picks was the 98th selection in this year’s draft, and it would be a surprise if the 2027 third-rounder landed anywhere before No. 90. Two late third-round picks isn’t a ton for a player as explosive as Greenard, who was still blowing by people on tape at less than 100 percent a year ago.”
“Most Underappreciated” Viking Gets National Recognition
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/most-underappreciated-viking-gets-national-110400950.html
Left up to Vikings fans, most would’ve picked defensive tackle Jalen Redmond for this list, but Tom Blair at NFL.com disagreed.
He nominated Turner and noted, “Turner didn’t do much in 2024 after being drafted 17th overall, appearing in 16 games as a rookie but playing just 28 percent of Minnesota’s defensive snaps and mustering a paltry three sacks.”
“His eight-sack effort last season sort of snuck by me, with 4.5 of those coming between Weeks 13 and 18, when the Vikings were mostly playing out the string on the remainder of a lost season. Turner’s encouraging sophomore effort came into better focus when I was digging deeper into a slightly bizarre (but positive!) speculative case I was building about his team.”
“Thanks to Jonathan Greenard’s exit via trade, it is looking like Turner’s, uh, turn to show what he can really do. So don’t be like me; start appreciating Turner now, before it’s too late,” Blair concluded.
A New Vikings Weapon is Already Talking Trash with Brian Flores
https://vikingsterritory.com/2026/news/top_news/new-vikings-weapon-trash-dc
Vikings Defender Appears to Have Switched Positions
https://vikingsterritory.com/2026/news/top_news/vikings-appears-positions
T.J. Hockenson entering a Vikings season that could change everything
https://thevikingage.com/tj-hockenson-entering-minnesota-vikings-season-could-change-everything
Anthony Richardson Would Round Out the Vikings’ QB Room
https://zonecoverage.com/2026/minnesota-vikings-news/anthony-richardson-would-round-out-the-vikings-qb-room/
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