QB · MIN
transaction
FA: Carson Wentz dropped
sleeper-tx-free_agent+1 story · 30dSource unavailable
Drops: Carson Wentz
Carson Wentz
QB · MIN · 33 yrs · exp 10 · North Dakota State
Status
- Game status
- Active
Keep Trade Cut (SF TEP)
From latest snapshot · trend vs ~7d prior when data allows.
Value
504
Rank
#541
Pos rank
#71
7d trend
-5.1% (7d vs prior)
Value history (90d)
One snapshot point per calendar day (shown in your timezone).
Latest: Jul 24, 2026 · 504
News
Stories linked to this player — newest first.
general
Ranking NFL contenders by backup QB situations: Mac Jones, Davis Mills headline best insurance policies
A quality NFL backup quarterback doesn't exactly garner the headlines of an All-Pro-caliber starter. It shouldn't. That said, the value cannot be overlooked. If a franchise's starter goes down for a game, or two, or six, the season could go in the toilet in an instant if they don't have someone who can come in and keep things afloat momentarily. So, while the last thing anyone wants to think about is the established starter missing time, it's good to have a quality insurance plan. Take last season, for example. A number of backup quarterbacks rose to the occasion, and their successes drove the playoff picture. A key reason why the Houston Texans overcame C.J. Stroud's absence after a concussion in Week 9 was due to backup Davis Mills thriving when his number was called. Mills went 3-0 over his stretch as the starter, which helped Houston mount a playoff berth. In the NFC, Mac Jones led the San Francisco 49ers to a 5-3 record as the starter while Brock Purdy was sidelined, and that helped them stay in the hunt for the No. 1 seed in the conference until Week 18. Of course, maybe the greatest recent example of having a top backup is Nick Foles in 2017, as he stepped in for an injured Carson Wentz and led the Philadelphia Eagles to a Super Bowl LII title. With all that in mind, we're going to look at a slew of contenders and size up what their backup quarterback situation looks like and rank them. To draw a line in the sand for what "contender" actually means, we're looking at clubs that have odds to win Super Bowl LXI of +2500 or shorter at DraftKings Sportsbook, which gives us 16 teams in total. Starter : Josh Allen Backups : Kyle Allen , Shane Buechele Kyle Allen inked a two-year, $4.1 million deal to be the primary backup to Josh Allen, while 2021 undrafted free agent Shane Buechele is the third-stringer. Allen, who has been in the NFL since 2018, has starting experience (19 total starts), but hasn't started a game since Week 13 of the 2022 season while a member of the Houston Texans. In that game, he completed just 51.3% of his passes, tossed two interceptions, and recorded two fumbles (one lost). For his career, the 30-year-old is 7-12 as a starter, while completing 62.5% of his passes with an 82.1 passer rating. While maybe no quarterback can compare to Josh Allen, it would be a Grand Canyon-sized difference in the event they need to hand the keys over to Kyle Allen. Starter : Jared Goff Backups : Teddy Bridgewater , Luke Altmyer (UDFA) Not that long ago, Teddy Bridgewater was coaching high school football. After resigning from his post at Miami Northwestern Senior High School in August of last year, he signed on to be a backup for the Buccaneers and did see some action in Week 12 last season against the Rams . There, Bridgewater completed 53.3% of his throws for just 62 yards. The last time he started a game came back in Week 17 of the 2022 season as a member of the Dolphins . Now, Bridgewater is back in Detroit (where he served as a backup from 2023 to 2024) with the Lions and will likely serve as the top option behind Jared Goff, with undrafted rookie Luke Altmyer also in the fold. While Bridgewater has 65 regular-season starts under his belt and is above .500 (33-32) over that run, it's fair to wonder how much he truly has in the tank as he'll turn 34 during the 2026 season. Starter : Justin Herbert Backups : Trey Lance , DJ Uiagalelei Justin Herbert has been remarkably durable over the course of his career, considering the volume of hits he takes. Since entering the NFL in 2020, Herbert has taken the most hits (615) and the most sacks (225) in the league. That includes 129 quarterback hits last season, which was tied for the second-most in the last 20 years. While L.A. has invested in the offensive line and was simply dealt a bad hand with injuries to Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt last season, you'd think they'd pursue a better backup than they currently have in Trey Lance. Lance does have the pedigree of being a [... truncated ...]
general
Not a Drill: Training Camp is Here!
We’re almost there, folks: training camp. While the NFL offseason is tediously long, I’m usually fine and adequately preoccupied with baseball and the usual summer activities that fill evenings and weekends. The World Cup was also a welcome distraction this year. Nonetheless, when the MLB All-Star Break hits, the itch becomes impossible to scratch, and football season can’t arrive soon enough. The focus will be on the quarterback competition. Since I last touched on the topic a few weeks ago, the odds have shifted ever so slightly in J.J. McCarthy ’s favor (-770, 88.5% implied probability, down from -1000, 90.9%). Regardless, it can still comfortably be filed under “shock” if Kyler Murray isn’t under center in Week 1. How I feel and what I want are utterly irrelevant. The important thing is that the Vikings ’ front office has secured the appropriate insurance policy with Murray and (a healthy) Carson Wentz to ensure last year’s quarterback situation is not repeated. Good luck to Kyler and J.J., and whatever happens, happens. There’ll be plenty of time to analyze and discuss all of that soon enough. For the purpose of this article, I’d like to take a look at the Top 5 non-QB competition-related storylines I’ll be focused on when training camp begins in a few days. KOC Scheme Tweaks? Year 5 is always a tricky spot for head coaches, especially those who also call plays. Tendencies are well known, and situational preferences are closely scouted. It’s wise at this point to consider new looks, or at minimum, tweaks to established norms. Stubbornness and a refusal to do so can be counterproductive. Take Mike Zimmer. He was a “the scheme is the scheme” guy. I specifically remember misplaced confidence, in quotes, before the 2020 season. The result? It was fantastic from 2014-2019, but then it literally fell off a cliff. There was no gradual decline; it went from great to horrific in record time. I certainly don’t expect that from KOC, but perhaps slightly less reliance on 11 Personnel (1 RB, 1 TE, 3 WR) and addressing pass-vs.-run balance and short-yardage criticisms wouldn’t hurt. In 2025, 11 Personnel was used for approximately 60-65% of snaps, and 55-70% in prior seasons. This comes as the Vikings were effective in EPA/pass metrics out of 12 Personnel (1 RB, 2 TE, 2 WR) when it’s been used upwards of 25% of the time. KOC could look no further than his mentor, Sean McVay, and what McVay did with the Rams last year. He embraced 13 personnel (1 RB, 3 TEs, 1 WR) far more than ever before, with tremendous results. I can’t get over this : From 2021-24, Los Angeles used 13 personnel on just six plays total, and against the Jaguars, they ran 13 personnel on nearly 40% of their snaps. The Vikings could definitely benefit from some unpredictability this season. Likewise, given that Murray is among the most mobile QBs in history and many of McCarthy’s best highlights came from him creating plays on the ground, incorporating more read-option and designed runs to maximize this makes a ton of sense. Yes, I’m well aware that KOC isn’t going to show many substantive changes in open practices and preseason games, but that doesn’t mean it’s not happening. And it doesn’t mean you won’t see a hint of something in small doses here and there. Who Will Be WR4? The starting three of Justin Jefferson , Jordan Addison , and Jauan Jennings is set, but it gets interesting after that. While it may not have a dramatic impact this year, the WR4 could see considerable playing time in the future, as Addison has yet to sign an extension and Jennings’ deal is only for this season. My optimism that former third-round pick Tai Felton would be ready to assume the WR3 role this season was premature. Now there appears to be a legitimate competition for WR4. UFA Dillon Bell, out of Georgia, is an interesting prospect with clear dual-threat capabilities similar to Deebo Samuel . His output was not eye-popping by any stretch, but he seemed to be part of many [... truncated ...]
analyst
Justin Jefferson's Down Year Gives Dynasty Contenders an Opening
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson did not suddenly stop being an elite dynasty asset because 2025 went sideways. The touchdowns vanished. He scored only twice, and Minnesota cycled through J.J. McCarthy, Carson Wentz, and Max Brosmer while Jefferson finished with 84 catches for 1,048 yards on 141 targets. It was his worst full season, yet he still cleared 1,000 yards for the sixth time in six years. One season earlier, he posted 103 receptions, 1,533 yards, and 10 scores. The quarterback question remains, with McCarthy and Kyler Murray headed for a camp battle, while Jauan Jennings joins Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson in a deeper group of pass-catchers. None of that changes the larger point. Jefferson turned 27 in June, remains under contract through 2028, and sits fourth in RotoBaller's dynasty wide receiver rankings. He will cost plenty. For a contender with depth to spare, though, this is the rare moment to see whether a frustrated manager will move him. Rebuilders should hold unless the return includes another cornerstone asset
general
Super Bowl-winning head coach explains why Raiders should start Fernando Mendoza immediately
The Las Vegas Raiders used the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on whom they hope will be the future of the franchise in quarterback Fernando Mendoza . The Indiana signal-caller cemented himself as a college football legend, as he led the Hoosiers to an undefeated season and College Football Championship while picking up the Heisman Trophy along the way. Only three other players have ever won the Heisman Trophy and were selected No. 1 overall: Cam Newton , Jameis Winston and Joe Burrow . All three players were immediately thrown into the starting lineup for their respective teams, but that will not be the case for Mendoza. The Raiders went out and signed veteran Kirk Cousins to start the season, and mentor the young Mendoza. Some of the best quarterbacks in the NFL did not start right away. Patrick Mahomes sat almost his entire rookie season while learning behind Alex Smith , Aaron Rodgers sat for three years behind Brett Favre, and Jordan Love behind Rodgers for two seasons. Even the great Tom Brady sat for over a full year backing up Drew Bledsoe. So, what is the best course of action? Former Philadelphia Eagles and Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson, who coached Philly to its Super Bowl LII victory against Brady's New England Patriots in 2017, believes that Mendoza should start right away. Pederson faced this same dilemma in 2016, when his Eagles drafted Carson Wentz No. 2 overall. It appeared Wentz was going to sit behind Sam Bradford as a rookie, but the Eagles changed course and shipped Bradford to the Minnesota Vikings prior to the start of the regular season. That opened the door for Wentz to play immediately. As Pederson explains it, he truly believed Wentz was going to be his franchise quarterback, and he wanted to get the growing pains out of the way early. He believes the Raiders should do this with Mendoza. "Let's get this guy out there Week 1, let's start having our growing pains Week 1," Pederson said. "Let's not prolong it into October or November or later in the season. Let's get him out there now. Let's get him working with the guys that he's going to be working with. Making the calls at the offensive line, getting Ashton Jeanty the ball. I think Klint Kubiak's system is going to allow for that, with the play-action pass, the run game, all these things that helped Seattle win a championship last year. But let's get Fernando on the field. I think it's very beneficial..." Pederson said Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott called him in 2018 to ask for advice on how to handle his new quarterback, Josh Allen . Pederson told him if McDermott was completely sold on Allen being the future of the franchise, he should play right away. "I think you put him on the field Day 1." Doug Pederson thinks the Raiders should start Fernando Mendoza at QB Week 1. pic.twitter.com/dfjB8Emd9e Wentz went 7-9 for the Eagles as a rookie, and then started his second season 11-2 before tearing his ACL. Wentz looked like an MVP candidate during that 2017 campaign prior to his injury with 33 passing touchdowns in 13 games. He clearly built confidence after playing a full year in the NFL. If there's one former player you should listen to when it comes to handling quarterbacks, it's Raiders minority owner Tom Brady. The seven-time Super Bowl champion is a proponent of sitting and developing young quarterbacks. He lamented the state of the quarterback in today's NFL during a 2024 interview. "I didn't start my first year. I think it's just a tragedy that we're forcing these rookies to play early," Brady said. "But the reality is, the only reason why they are is because we've dumbed the game down which has allowed them to play. It used to be thought of at a higher level..." . @TomBrady on the tragedy that is being forced on rookie QBs in today’s NFL pic.twitter.com/IReSLdYL1R Since 2020, we've seen 11 rookie quarterbacks start immediately, and every single one of them had growing pains. Even the great Burrow, [... truncated ...]
general
Kevin O'Connell: Competition is best way to reach QB standard we need
Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell stated that competition at the quarterback position is the best way to establish the standard they need, with Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy vying for the starting job. Carson Wentz is also in the quarterback room
QB · MIN
transaction
FA: Carson Wentz dropped
sleeper-tx-free_agent+1 story · 30dSource unavailable
Drops: Carson Wentz
analyst
Jordan Addison Carries Redraft Sleeper Appeal into 2026
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison had a season to forget in 2025. After missing the first three games of the year due to a suspension, the 24-year-old finished the season with 42 catches for 610 yards and three touchdowns on 79 targets. Addison was a victim of the Vikings' brutal quarterback play in 2025, as the team received below-average production from signal-callers J.J. McCarthy, Carson Wentz, and Max Brosmer. Minnesota brought in veteran quarterback Kyler Murray over the offseason, who should at least provide the team's passing game with more stability in 2026. The Vikings also signed wide receiver Jauan Jennings in free agency, so Addison has some significant target competition between Jennings and superstar wideout Justin Jefferson. Still, Addison finished the 2024 season as the WR24 by measure of per-game PPR scoring. With his current ADP of WR42 in redraft leagues, Addison carries sleeper value into 2026
general
Vikings Training Camp Position Preview: QB Battle, Bully Ball & Roster Questions Answered
As Minnesota Vikings training camp approaches, Tyler Forness and Dave Stefano of The Real Forno Show break down every position on the roster — from the high-stakes quarterback competition between Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy to a revamped run game, a new “bully ball” wide receiver, and a defensive line full of unknowns. If you want to know where this Vikings team truly stands heading into camp, this episode delivers the sharpest analysis in the Vikings podcast space. The biggest storyline this offseason remains the quarterback room. Tyler laid out a clear framework: “ Carson Wentz won’t get elevated to being the starter… Carson will stay QB2.” The thinking is that keeping both Murray and McCarthy on the roster removes the pressure from whoever wins — a dynamic Tyler credits as a key reason Sam Darnold thrived in 2024. On the run game, Jordan Mason emerges as a sleeper: “ Jonathan Taylor had more carries at Wisconsin than Jordan Mason has had in four years of college and four years in the pros. Let that sink in for a second.” With fresh legs and a Frank Smith wide-zone scheme, Mason could be a breakout candidate. At receiver, Jauan Jennings changes everything: “Jennings is a bully. He’s gonna play like Dennis Rodman. That’s a different element for this offense.” QB Competition: Tyler believes one of Murray or McCarthy will be cut or traded — “if Kyler does not get the starting job, I think he’ll request a trade.” Kevin O’Connell’s QB Development: “He’s a veteran quarterback whisperer… but as far as developing a quarterback, he’s not shown he can do that yet.” Jordan Mason sleeper alert: Low tread on the tires at age 27, fits the new wide-zone scheme perfectly. Jauan Jennings changes the red zone: “Having the curveball of a physical presence like Jennings completely changes the dynamic of your play calling.” Edge rusher depth is a concern: “I hope they sign Jadeveon Clowney … eight and a half sacks, 12 tackles for loss, 40 pressures” on minimal snaps. Jake Golday’s role: “Van Ginkel is an edge rusher who does off-ball stuff. Golday is an off-ball guy who does edge rusher stuff.” Defensive line youth: Caleb Banks and Dominic Orange project as future starters — “I don’t expect it [day one], but they’re good players, drafted for a reason.” Harrison Smith : “He’s gone until he’s back, and right now I don’t see him coming back.” View Link Or on your favorite podcast aggregator. This episode of The Real Forno Show is exactly why Vikings fans tune in every week — unfiltered, film-room-level analysis from Tyler Forness, one of the sharpest voices covering Minnesota football. Whether you’re a die-hard or a casual fan trying to get ready for training camp, this breakdown of every position group is required listening before the pads go on. Tyler Forness @TheRealForno of Vikings 1st & SKOL @Vikings1stSKOL and A to Z Sports @AtoZSportsNFL , with Dave Stefano @Luft_Krigare producing this Vikings 1st & SKOL production, the @RealFornoShow . Podcasts partnered with Fans First Sports Network @FansFirstSN . What position battle are you most excited to watch in Vikings training camp — the QB competition or the edge rusher depth race?
general
More Than Just a 53-Man Vikings Roster Projection Part 1: Offense
Vikings 53-man roster projection, part 1: offense
general
Colts What If: What if Andrew Luck never retired?
Yahoo Sports NFLSource ↗
The Colts What If series explores the impact of Andrew Luck's retirement on the franchise
QB · PHI
QB · MIN
general
Eagles News: ESPN asks “Is Jalen Hurts’ future in Philly on the line this season?”
Let’s get to the Philadelphia Eagles news and links … QB questions for all 32 NFL teams: Contracts, injuries, more – ESPN Is Jalen Hurts’ future in Philly on the line this season? It would feel terribly unfair if it were, given that Hurts was the Super Bowl MVP 16 months ago, they just traded away his best wide receiver and he has to learn a new offense for the forevereth offseason in a row. But this is Philadelphia, and Hurts knows very well that the Eagles are willing to move on at key positions when things aren’t working. That’s how he got the job in the first place, when the Eagles decided to get rid of Wentz shortly after signing him to a big new extension. Hurts has three years left on his contract and $22 million in guaranteed money set for 2027. But we’ve already heard rumblings out of Philly this offseason about Hurts’ level of perceived responsibility for the offense’s 2025 struggles. And those rumblings will only get louder if the offense struggles again in 2026. Hurts is a willing pupil, and he’s working diligently to learn and master the Sean Mannion offense this offseason. His career has been defined by his willingness and ability to make himself a better player in specific ways the organization has asked of him. Some years, the new offense in Philly works great. Other years, it does not. Which will this be? And if it’s the latter, what does that mean for Hurts’ future with the Eagles? One outstanding question for every team as the NFL’s summer break begins – The Athletic Does the system suit the quarterback? This is an important year for Jalen Hurts. The Eagles made no move to give him more contract security this offseason, and although he still has three years left on a deal that affords him franchise quarterback status, it’s feasible for the organization to move on from him after this season if it so chooses. While no player performed well in last year’s clunky system, the campaign revealed that Hurts indeed has limitations. New OC Sean Mannion’s scheme will call for the most under-center play of Hurts’ career, with a slew of other significant changes to boot. The offseason only offered a peek. Can Hurts get back to elite play? Will he earn that next major deal? Eagles 53-man roster prediction: Updated after spring practices – BGN WIDE RECEIVER: DeVonta Smith , Makai Lemon, Dontayvion Wicks , Hollywood Brown , Johnny Wilson (5) [11]. If you’re not confident that Smith is ready to be WR1, you simply haven’t been paying attention. He’s already proved more than capable. Lemon was repping with the first-team offense prior to missing the rest of spring practices due to a hamstring injury. Assuming he can stay healthy, he figures to have a big volume role as a rookie. To be determined what his efficiency will look like. Wicks is clearly viewed as a starting receiver on this team based on his practice reps and the way that Nick Sirianni talked about him. Sirianni lumped Brown (whom he referred to as “Quise” — nickname stock boost) and Elijah Moore into a similar bucket … and ditto for the pairing of Johnny Wilson and Darius Cooper . Brown had a solid spring and the Eagles are paying more money to him than Moore, who has no real special teams experience to speak of. Wilson’s size can be valuable and he’s shown some promise as a receiver. I have a real tough time cutting Darius Cooper, who is my guy, but he had a very quiet spring and didn’t seem to get much, if any, first-team reps despite the Eagles missing starting receivers in every practice. Cooper could very well come alive during the summer, just like he did last year, to force them to keep him around again. Britain Covey is probably the team’s best punt returner option but the Eagles should be able to keep him on the practice squad to start the season. I do think the Eagles could keep six at this position but we’ll say five for now. Things to watch for at Eagles training camp: Quarterbacks edition – PhillyVoice Tanner McKee has quietly gone about his busine [... truncated ...]
general
Cowboys 2026 roster rundown: QB Sam Howell
Sam Howell doesn’t have tons of NFL experience, but he plenty more than any other Cowboys backup quarterback’s had in a while. Even a month before training camp, Howell already feels like he’s here to fill a specific job regardless of the competition. Years in NFL: 4 Acquired by: Free agency (2026) Despite a historic run at North Carolina, setting school records for passing yards and touchdowns, Howell was still a mid-range prospect in the 2022 draft class. An athletic scrambler with poor throwing mechanics and questionable decision making, he lasted until until the Commanders took him in the fifth round. Howell was the third-stringer behind Carson Wentz and Taylor Heinicke . He did get a start in Washington’s regular-season finale, playing solidly as the Commanders stunned Dallas . 2023 was Washington’s first season after Dan Snyder’s ousting as owner, leaving the franchise in a state of flux. Ron Rivera stayed on as head coach, in what would end up being his last year, and Eric Bieniemy was brought in to run the offense. Moving into rebuild mode, they did not re-sign Heinicke and released Wentz. Jacoby Brissett was signed as a relatively inexpensive veteran to start, but Howell wound up beating Brissett for the job that summer. Howell started all 17 games that year. The first two went well, both Commanders wins with Howell playing solidly. But Week 3 was a disastrous 37-3 blowout loss to Buffalo in which Howell threw for picks and was sacked nine times. That game was far more indicative of the remaining season: Washington finished 4-13 and Howell wound up with just a 78.9 passer rating, throwing as many interceptions as touchdowns. The following March, Howell was traded to the Seahawks to be Geno Smith ’s backup. He only played a few snaps in one December game. In 2025, the Vikings traded for him to compete for their backup job. Near the end of August, the Eagles sent comparable picks to Minnesota to get him. Howell spent all of last year behind Jalen Hurts and Tanner McKee , never appearing in a game. With his rookie deal expired this March, Howell finally had some control over his future. He quickly signed a deal with Dallas in the first week of free agency. Years Left: 1 2026 Cap Hit: $2.5 million The most important detail in Howell’s contract is that it’s fully guaranteed. While $2.5 million isn’t too much for the Cowboys to eat, shoud they choose to, it does speak to their confidence in Howell making the roster this season. Role: Backup QB Roster Chance: 80% Howell’s 18 career starts, and none of them since 2023, aren’t exactly a wealth of experience. But considering they’re 18 more than Joe Milton ’s had, that experience feels like the entire reason Howell is here and got the guaranteed money. Even if Milton has a sensational camp and wins the backup job, Howell brings something that will help Dak Prescott prepare for games and elevate practices. Remember, Will Grier was beloved but hadn’t played a real game since 2019. And for as long as Cooper Rush hung around, he’d only had five career starts before the eight games in 2024. When Rush left for Baltimore last year, Dallas may have realized something was lacking in its inexperienced QB depth chart. Coincidentally, Andy Dalton (2020) was the last backup QB to have more experience than Howell. Still just 25, and having bounced around the NFL for the last few years, Howell may still have room to improve. It’s interesting that his last stop was Philadelphia , where he spent practices throwing against Christian Parker’s secondary. We don’t know if Dallas’ new defensive coordinator had a hand in signing Howell, but you’d assume they at least asked his opinion. The Cowboys, including Brian Schottenheimer, certainly knew him from his time in Washington as well. Again, Sam Howell’s guaranteed money isn’t enough to fully guarantee a roster spot. But it certainly works in his favor, as do Joe Milton’s mixed results in limited playing time. Both backup candidates will [... truncated ...]
general
Minnesota Vikings News and Links: Will The Team Be Competitive This Season?
According to overthecap, the Vikings currently have 13.1M in cap space for the 2026 season and 46.1M for the 2027 season. In 2027, as of today, the internal unrestricted free agents will be Brian O’Neill , Andrew Van Ginkel , Jordan Mason , Kyler Murray, Jauan Jennings , Blake Brandel , Aaron Jones , Isaiah Rodgers , Ivan Pace Jr , Carson Wentz , Eric Johnson, Johnny Hekker (who?), Ryan Van Demark , Andrew DePaola , and Jay Ward . The restricted free agents will be Jalen Redmond , Bo Richter , Dwight McGlothern , Josh Ross, and Kahlef Hailassie . They have a bunch of EFRAs which may or may not be on the team by next year which could be the case for a couple of the RFAs. These players have void years that could convert to dead money in 2027. Van Ginkel – 8.8M, Hockenson – 7.1M, Cashman – 3.1M, & Mason 2.4M. These players have dead money in 2027. Harrison Smith – 7.6M, Jonathan Allen – 4.67M, and Monkell Goodwine – 6.7M. I am hoping they get a deal done for O’Neill prior to or right around the start of training camp. His deal will take some out of the 2027 cap. It’s possible (maybe even probable) that they extend Van Ginkel at some point in order to utilize that 8.8M hitting the cap already. They could extend him and when you factor the signing bonus his cap hit in 2027 (void year charges) would and should be a little less. The new GM has a lot to do but obviously needs to see the season play out no? What are the chances the team will be competitive in 2026 and remain that way going forward? What steps should the take? Breaking down every NFL team’s offseason spending and most expensive free agent https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-teams-offseason-spending-most-expensive-free-agent/ Mandatory minicamps are wrapping up all around the league, which means it’s time for summer vacation for the NFL at large until training camps ring in the start of a new season at the tail end of July. That means now is a perfect time to assess all 32 NFL teams’ differing levels of spending in free agency this offseason as how the league looks today will probably be close to how it looks come July. It’s also worth spotlighting how many free agents all of the teams were able to reel in with money spent as well as highlighting the player they allocated the most cash toward in the 2026 offseason. Enjoy our spending breakdown for every NFL team this offseason. Minnesota Vikings Total free agent spending: $53.73 million Number of free agents signed: 10 Most expensive free agent signing: WR Jauan Jennings (One year for $8 million with $6.13 million fully guaranteed) The Minnesota Vikings were up against it from a salary cap perspective entering free agency, which hindered how active they were this offseason. Minnesota began around $43 million over the salary cap, but was able to clear up space with the retirement of offensive lineman Ryan Kelly, plus contract restructures for wide receiver Justin Jefferson , left tackle Christian Darrisaw and cornerback Byron Murphy . Trading edge rusher Jonathan Greenard to the Philadelphia Eagles also helped decrease the Vikings ’ financial issues. Cutting defensive linemen Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen were also subtractions the Vikings needed to make to their roster this offseason. While they weren’t big spenders, their most expensive free agent signing on an average per year basis — San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings — fills a key need. Minnesota lost speedster Jalen Nailor to the Las Vegas Raiders , but Jennings can certainly make up for some of the production lost in Nailor’s departure. Since 2024, Jennings’ 83 receiving first downs rank 28th in the NFL. Once 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy returned from injury in Week 11 in 2025, Jennings’ six receiving touchdowns from Week 11 to the end of the regular season were tied for the second most in the entire league. He’ll be a prime secondary weapon for whomever emerges in the quarterback battle between J.J. McCarthy and Kyler Murray. Bleacher [... truncated ...]
general
Sam Darnold: I feel like I got my PhD in football when I went to San Francisco
Before Sam Darnold starred at quarterback for the Vikings and won Super Bowl LX with the Seahawks, he spent a year as the 49ers’ backup to Brock Purdy. That 2023 season spent with San Francisco was critical for Darnold’s development. Darnold went into that season having spent his first three seasons with the Jets before two seasons with the Panthers. And while Darnold did not play much — he started an inconsequential Week 18 game against the Carson Wentz-led Rams — he said in a recent interview that he picked up a lot from his time in the Bay Area. “I think for me, it was … looking at myself in the mirror and just being like, ‘alright, this is what I need to do this year. I’m not going to get an opportunity to get a starter,’” Darnold said during an appearance in Tuesday’s episode of Bussin’ with the Boys . “And I think going to San Francisco, I mean, shoot, you guys saw what Mac Jones did this year. I understood that quarterbacks in that system, quarterbacks with Kyle [Shanahan] — you look at Brock [Purdy] and all the success he’s had there — quarterbacks just thrive in that system. It’s also because they have really good players. “But, just getting to know that system and getting to know those coaches, like that’s really why I decided to be a backup in San Francisco. I thought that would be the best place to just go. And people say it all the time, and I’ve heard it, but I feel like I got my PhD in football when I went to San Francisco.” Darnold credited the 49ers’ coaching staff, led by Shanahan, for part of his growth. But he also noted that watching the high-caliber players around him made a significant difference. “I’ve talked about learning from Brock quite a bit,” Darnold said. “But all the great players that are over there. — friend of the program George Kittle, Fred Warner, Christian McCaffrey, Trent Williams of course — you just have all these studs who are over there. And to just learn their habits and stuff that they do in the offseason, how they get better, it was just such a great opportunity for me to just go there and be a sponge, and just learn so much football. Learn how to take care of my body off the field.” But it was Purdy who really made a difference, in large part due to the way he presented alternative preparation methods. “I can’t mention Brock enough,” Darnold said. “But just the way that he prepared really showed me how to really prepare, because you don’t know what you don’t know. And I think for me, being able to go there and see how efficient he was — because you can put a ton of time in, but you can be doing it the wrong way. And he was so efficient with his time. And he would cut out three or four hours of studying throughout the night because our game plans were crazy. …The system is so intricate. “But that was so fun. It was so fun to go learn football there. And I’m so thankful for that opportunity that I got in San Francisco.” Since that time with the 49ers, Darnold has won 14 games in each of the last two seasons for Minnesota and Seattle. In 2025, he completed 67.7 percent of his passes for 4,048 yards with 25 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. In the postseason, he completed 61.5 percent of his throws for 672 yard with five TDs and no picks to earn his first Super Bowl ring
general
Colts What If: What if the Colts kept Philip Rivers for one more year?
The Colts What If series revisits what could have changed if Philip Rivers stayed for another season
analyst
Should Dynasty Managers be Looking to Move on From T.J. Hockenson?
Across 15 games in 2025, Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson recorded 51 receptions for 438 yards and three touchdowns on 66 targets. While Hockenson's numbers don't jump off the page, the Vikings got some of the worst quarterback play in the league in 2025 from the trio of J.J. McCarthy, Carson Wentz, and Max Brosmer. Minnesota's passing game should be significantly improved in 2026 following the offseason acquisition of veteran quarterback Kyler Murray. Still, Hockenson's production has been trending downwards in recent years, and he's now entering his age-29 season and the final year of his current contract with the Vikings. Minnesota also signed former San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings in free agency, who seems likely to take Hockenson's role as the tertiary pass-catcher in Minnesota alongside star wideouts Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. Dynasty managers may want to consider selling Hockenson before his stock drops even further in 2026
analyst
Jordan Addison a Prime Dynasty Buy-Low Candidate Entering 2026
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison's 2025 season got off to an unfortunate start, as he missed the first three games due to a suspension. The 24-year-old then posted the least productive year of his career upon his return, hauling in 42 receptions for 610 yards and three touchdowns on 79 targets across 14 games. Despite the underwhelming 2025 campaign, there may be reason for fantasy managers to buy in on an Addison bounce-back. The Vikings had one of the worst quarterback situations in the NFL last season with the trio of J.J. McCarthy, Carson Wentz, and Max Brosmer. Minnesota signed veteran signal-caller Kyler Murray this past offseason, who should bring a significantly higher level of stability to the team's passing game in 2026. Addison has proven he can be an explosive player in a competent offense, averaging 13.4 yards per reception and scoring 19 touchdowns over the first two years of his career. In dynasty formats, Addison profiles as a clear buy-low target for managers
general
Kevin O'Connell could have his hands full with whoever loses the QB competition
The NFL currently has two significant quarterback competitions, in Minnesota and Cleveland. One of them has significantly higher stakes, for various reasons. Beyond the fact that the Vikings were consistently competent quarterback play away from making it to the playoffs in 2025, the guy who misses the chance to provide the Vikings with what they need to get to the playoffs and perhaps win their first postseason game since 2019 will be very disappointed. And possibly upset. That will make things tricky for coach Kevin O’Connell. For now, not much is known. The competition will continue into training camp. The sooner it’s resolved, the sooner the starter will be ready to go when the Packers come to town in Week 1. There’s another key fact that O’Connell has confirmed. He told PFT Live in late March that he plans to set the depth chart and stick with it. If true (and O’Connell does seem to be the kind who practices the slinging of BS), that makes the decision he makes even more consequential — especially for the guy who doesn’t win the QB1 slot. When Murray signed with the Vikings for a mere $1.3 million in March (the Cardinals owe him another $35.8 million this year), the thinking was that he had the inside track. Sure, the past few seasons haven’t been great. But the Cardinals had a role in that. Beyond the fact that they haven’t had enough talent around him, they threw a wrench into the relationship by trying to jam an ill-advised homework clause into the long-term deal he signed after his first three seasons, which ended with the offensive rookie of the year award in 2019 and Pro Bowl berths in 2020 and 2021. If McCarthy had been getting it done to the team’s satisfaction, there would have been no need to pursue Murray. They would have stuck with Carson Wentz (who did fairly well last year despite not showing up until late August) or someone else who would embrace the understudy role. Murray didn’t pick Minnesota to stand on the sidelines. All signs were pointing to Murray inevitably getting the job, until this week. The public accounts of the team’s mandatory minicamp created the impression that McCarthy is making strides and Murray is struggling. Murray’s comments about his effort to learn the offense , which he delivered in a matter-of-fact way that didn’t smack of excuse-making, pointed to the basic reality that, on the two prior occasions he was learning a new offense, he wasn’t sharing reps. That could (or perhaps should) light a fire under Murray to view the next six weeks not as a break or a vacation but as a challenge. And it will become obvious to the coaching staff if Murray is taking full advantage of the extra time to get himself ready to clearly and conclusively win the job once training camp opens. That’s far more effective than the stick of a homework clause. The Vikings have essentially dangled a carrot for Murray. Whether he continues the effort to chase it down during the downtime will reveal plenty. So if that happens and Murray wins the job, how will McCarthy react? Some think he’ll want to be traded. Some think the Vikings will want to trade him, especially if there’s a concern he’ll be bitter and salty and complaining to teammates that he deserves to play. One of the four quarterbacks will be gone by Week 1, most likely. Trading McCarthy would allow the Vikings to go with Murray as the starter, Wentz as the backup, and Max Brosmer as the No. 3. (Some have also pointed to the invitation of Cooper Rush to the rookie minicamp as a sign that he could be the fourth option, on the practice squad.) Yes, McCarthy has said he wants to be in Minnesota. What a guy says during the competition could be very different from what he’ll say after he loses it. Especially if he feels like he didn’t get a fair shake. It becomes a problem if other players share his viewpoint. If McCarthy is performing better in training camp practices but Murray gets the job, the locker room could murmur and rumble and ultimat [... truncated ...]
general
Vikings starting QB odds: Will it be Kyler Murray or JJ McCarthy under center for Week 1 vs. Packers?
In my humble opinion, the most interesting quarterback competition ongoing in the NFL is in Minnesota because it's a matchup of former top-10 draft picks in new addition Kyler Murray and incumbent JJ McCarthy . Which one starts the season opener on Sept. 13 at home against Green Bay? Let's break down the FanDuel odds. Like I did last Monday with the Atlanta Falcons ' QB race, let's go ahead and eliminate the betting longshot, which in Minnesota's case is Carson Wentz at +7000. The 33-year-old was re-signed to a one-year deal in March. Wentz started five games last year for Minnesota, eventually got shut down for the season due to injury, went 2-3 and now is exactly breakeven as a starter in the NFL at 49-49-1 overall. Wager on the Vikings Week 1 starter with the latest FanDuel promo code and get $350 in bonus bets when you bet $5 for 7 days: Wentz should stick with the club as the third-stringer as Minnesota has used three or more QBs in each of coach Kevin O'Connell's four seasons in charge. Plus, Murray and McCarthy both have some history with injuries. Frankly, the Vikings should have tried harder following a 14-win 2024 season to keep Sam Darnold , but of course he left in free agency for Seattle and led the Seahawks to the Super Bowl title last season. The 2024 Vikings also had Daniel Jones on the roster for a bit but couldn't keep him, either, as Jones signed with the Colts and was playing well before getting hurt. Minnesota thought so highly of McCarthy that it traded up in the 2024 draft with the Jets to take the Michigan quarterback at No. 10 overall. But McCarthy missed his first season due to an injury and was wildly inconsistent in 10 starts last year, going 6-4 but completing only 57.6% of his throws with 11 touchdowns and 12 picks. He finished last in the league in completion percentage, TD-INT ratio and passer rating. Superstar wideout Justin Jefferson seemed displeased with McCarthy at times and had career lows in receiving yards (1,048) and receiving TDs (two). In April, Jefferson told reporters that it was time for McCarthy "to step it up a little bit" or "take that back seat again." The 2025 Vikings averaged only 20.2 points, 26th in the league and the team's lowest since 2010. McCarthy did win his final four starts with seven total touchdowns and three turnovers, ranking No. 7 in the NFL with a 69.8 QBR over that period, compared to 2-4 in his first six starts eight total TDs and 11 turnovers. We should say McCarthy enjoyed some of that late success against a few of the NFL's worst defenses. Thus, he's +600 to be the Week 1 guy against Green Bay, which likely won't have star pass rusher Micah Parsons as he rehabs from a torn ACL. Will O'Connell take McCarthy's lone game against Green Bay in 2025 into consideration in naming a Week 1 starter? The QB was an ugly 12-for-19 for 87 yards, two picks and five sacks taken in a Week 12 blowout loss at Lambeau Field. McCarthy does have the edge of having a personal connection with teammates that he built in his two years inside the Vikings' locker room and he obviously knows O'Connell's offense better than Murray. The former No. 1 overall pick Murray was released by Arizona in the offseason despite still owed $36.8 million guaranteed, so the Vikings got him no a cheap one-year, $1.3 million deal to try an resurrect his career under a terrific QB whisperer in O'Connell – who declined to name Murray his starter when the team signed him. Murray is the -1000 favorite to start the opener. Bet on NFL futures for the 2026 season using the Caesars Sportsbook promo code CBSDYW to double your winnings on your next 10 bets after wagering $1+: In the Vikings' most recent OTAs, Murray and McCarthy both took snaps with projected starters and against the likely first-team defense. Minnesota has a mandatory minicamp this week so we might get a bit more clarity. Murray, limited to five games last year with the Cardinals due to injury and simple ineffectiveness, is a +600 s [... truncated ...]
Data comes from cached Sleeper and KTC snapshots. Values update when the sync jobs run.