WR · MIN · 29 yrs · exp 6 · Tennessee
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Latest: Jul 24, 2026 · 2,441
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Jordan Addison, WR for the Minnesota Vikings, is looking to rebound after a disappointing 2025 season where his production was hampered by a suspension and drops. Despite the unsettled quarterback situation and increased target competition, his current ADP (WR42) suggests value, as he has a proven track record of strong production. The Vikings have exercised his fifth-year option, indicating belief in his future potential
Stop me if you’ve heard this before: The 49ers made a polarizing draft pick. Well, in the case of their most recent one, 2026’s De’Zhaun Stribling, the pick itself seemed to be an absolute mixed bag when it comes to fans’ reactions. Most called it a reach—at best. And then he came to OTAs, and after everyone was done blasting the pick, reports came that he may have been off the board a couple picks later anyway . Now we have comparisons of Stribling to the likes of Chris Godwin Jr., and that an NFL team had him ranked higher than Philadelphia Eagles first-round pick Makai Lemon . Stribling’s stock continues to rise, and he hasn’t even played a snap yet. Add him as a sleeper to a rookie offensive player of the year list—a list from CBS Sports’ Jordan Dajani who gave four sleepers to consider . Stribling is known for his blocking ability and physicality, but he also ran a 4.36 40-yard dash at the combine at 6-foot-2. He caught 55 passes for 811 yards last season for the Ole Miss Rebels and led the team with six receiving touchdowns. He also caught seven passes for 122 yards in the College Football Playoff Quarterfinal upset against Georgia. Surely he can find a role in this efficient San Francisco 49ers offensive attack — and should have the opportunity, too. Really, his blocking ability and speed are enough for me and scream Kyle Shanahan offense. Like many, I wondered what the hell the 49ers were doing when his name was called. After I did a bit of research on someone I knew nothing about , I walked away saying this might end up being a steal. Kyle Shanahan is not one to throw his rookies into the fire unless absolutely necessary (and they are absolutely ready). Dajani makes a good point about injuries and the presence of Mike Evans at wide receiver. I wouldn’t be surprised if Evans is at least out for a good portion of a game or two during the season—which would open the door for Stribling. Plus, we don’t know who will fill the Kendrick Bourne/Jauan Jennings role this year, with both out of the mix. If Stribling is that guy, he’d be the highest pick spent on the role for Shanahan. It’s funny how on draft day many of us (myself included) were wondering what the 49ers were doing, but now, I, for one, am excited to see what this guy does in Kyle Shanahan’s offense. He could be the sleeper pick for Offensive Rookie of the Year. I just hope if he does win it, it’s by ability and production, not because of injuries and attrition
Former 49ers safety Donte Whitner predicts Kyle Shanahan's offense will be the number one in the NFL this season, highlighting the challenge of defending playmakers like Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle, and Ricky Pearsall. The article also touches on the development of Jacob Cowing and the need for improved wide receiver play from Kendrick Bourne and Jauan Jennings, while noting a dip in Brock Purdy's intermediate attempts
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
T.J. Hockenson's bounce-back potential in 2026 is uncertain due to his declining athleticism and the Vikings' quarterback play
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
It’s getting closer, folks. We’re about three weeks or so from the start of training camp for the Minnesota Vikings, and that means the lists are getting more and more prevalent around the sports media world. We’ve gotten a set of roster rankings to chew on, and if you’re trying to find the purple on it, you’re going to have to do a bit of scrolling before you find our favorite team. ESPN has ranked the rosters of all 32 teams from best to worst, and they have our squad ranked at #22. That’s not really where we’re accustomed to seeing them, to be honest, and it’s a bit of a shock to see them that low. Let’s break down what they have to say about the Vikings, shall we? Biggest strength : Pass catchers. Receivers Justin Jefferson , Jordan Addison and newcomer Jauan Jennings and tight end T.J. Hockenson form a terrific group of targets for whoever wins the QB job. Even in a down season (no fault of his own), Jefferson delivered his sixth consecutive season with 1,000-plus receiving yards in 2025 and remains arguably the league’s best wide receiver. Addison produced 875-plus receiving yards and nine-plus TDs in his first two seasons before the QB woes of 2025. Jennings broke out in 2024 with the 49ers and has a 132-1,618-15 receiving line over the past two seasons. Hockenson’s stats have been down the past two seasons, but the 29-year-old remains one of the league’s best two-way tight ends. It’s hard to argue this one. Jefferson and Addison were already one of the league’s best duos, and adding a player of Jennings’ caliber to be WR3 just gives the team an embarrassment of riches at the wide receiver position. Hockenson hasn’t been quite the same player since his knee injury, but he still has the ability to be an above-average tight end and can still present as a significant red zone thread. Josh Oliver , who isn’t mentioned in the ESPN breakdown, has also been a lot better than advertised as a pass catcher, in my opinion, and his blocking ability allows him to stay on the field and get more opportunities than a more traditional blocking tight end might otherwise get. Biggest weakness : Running back. It was a bit surprising that Minnesota did little to address this position after its running backs finished 30th in both rushing yards and scrimmage yards last season. Aaron Jones Sr . has been solid throughout his career, but he’s entering his age-31 season and ranked dead last among 65 qualified backs in forced missed tackle rate. Jordan Mason is an effective rusher (career 5.1 YPC) but isn’t a receiving option (28 career receptions). Undersized sixth-rounder Demond Claiborne was the team’s only offseason addition of note. Again, it’s a bit hard to disagree here. I know that Aaron Jones has been a warrior during his time here, but he’s starting to slow down a bit and really can’t be counted on to be a lead guy anymore. He’s going to work in tandem with Mason, who is a very good power runner and should be the primary goal-line option. Of course, given that this team seems to be allergic to running the ball inside the 10-yard line, that really doesn’t mean as much as it might on most teams. It’s going to be interesting to see what Claiborne brings to the table in this offense. He should get plenty of opportunities, and the team clearly liked him a lot in the pre-draft process. Hopefully he can force his way onto the field early. X factor for 2026 : Interior offensive line. Will Fries struggled last season at guard after signing a big free agent contract , with a sixth percentile pass block win rate. But he boasts upside, as does fellow guard Donovan Jackson , Minnesota’s first-round draft pick in 2025. Blake Brandel played 347 snaps at center last season in his first time playing the position in the NFL. He is expected to start there again in 2026. How those three players improve could play a big role in how much offensive success the Vikings have this season. Seriously, this could have been a copy-and-paste from any year for a [... truncated ...]
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?
The San Francisco 49ers needed to address the wide receiver room going into 2026. Last season, RB Christian McCaffrey was the leading receiver with no wideout reaching more than 643 yards (Jauan Jennings) on the season. Both Ricky Pearsall and TE George Kittle missed games. Brandon Aiyuk also sat out all season. Join or create a Yahoo Fantasy Football league for the 2026 NFL season To address the need at WR, the Niners signed veteran Mike Evans in free agency to be the top option alongside CMC and Kittle when he returns from a torn Achilles. We've seen plenty of receivers thrive in the Kyle Shanahan offense — will Evans be the next up? Matt Harmon is back and joined by Scott Pianowski to discuss players being ranked too high and too low, highlighting the potential of a Evans-Brock Purdy stack in 2026 on the latest episode of the Yahoo Fantasy Forecast . With Jennings gone and Aiyuk all but out of San Francisco, the 49ers brought in Evans and fellow veteran Christian Kirk. The team also drafted De'Zhaun Stribling at the top of the second round to add more depth around Purdy in the passing game. Pianowski points all that out and while Evans has his injury concerns, the analyst believes the wideout will score 10-plus touchdowns this upcoming season. Pianowski wants pieces of this offense and also thinks that the defense being weaker could be a plus for fantasy players in San Francisco. So Pianowski is going to be drafting the Purdy-Evans stack proactively this season. Harmon is also on board and views Purdy as a perfect late-round QB for this draft season. While Purdy only appeared in nine games in 2025 due to injury, the signal-caller finished the season as the QB2 in fantasy points per game at 22.7. Early ADP has Purdy going as the QB12, per FantasyPros. Early on Yahoo, Purdy is the QB14. Harmon also points out how great Purdy was down the stretch last season, and when the Niners had good matchups, the QB was performing at a very high level — both in fantasy and real-life
ESPN handed out offseason grades for every NFL team, evaluating each move. The San Francisco 49ers were tied for one of the highest-graded offseasons, giving Trent Williams a new contract, signing Mike Evans, and trading for Osa Odighizuwa : Biggest move: Signing LT Trent Williams to a new contract Move I liked: Signing WR Mike Evans Move I disliked: Drafting WR De’Zhaun Stribling with the first pick in Round 2 The Seahawks are fresh off a Super Bowl victory , and the Rams spent the offseason loading up for another run. But despite a quieter offseason, the 49ers shouldn’t be overlooked in the NFC West. San Francisco scored an early victory in free agency, landing Evans on a three-year deal that pays him just over $14 million per year and is fully guaranteed for only the $14.3 million he’ll earn in 2026. It was clearly a below-market deal, and it’s a testament to Kyle Shanahan and the 49ers that Evans wanted to take it to play for San Francisco. And it meant the team could upgrade at wide receiver without sacrificing its future financial situation. Jauan Jennings left in free agency (for cheap) for the Vikings , but the 49ers also added Christian Kirk and used its first draft selection on Stribling at pick No. 33. The Stribling selection was a bit of a head-scratcher. He’d been a late riser but this was a reach — and reaching in the draft is bad process. The 49ers also had success on the trade market, exchanging a third-round pick for defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa . Considering how inflated trade costs are for impact players in their prime, this was good work. Odighizuwa is coming off a season in which he recorded a pass rush win rate in the 84th percentile at defensive tackle, and he will cost only $16.75 million in cash in 2026. And perhaps the biggest move was to maintain the status quo by signing Williams to a new two-year, $50 million contract , fully guaranteeing $37 million to placate the future Hall of Fame tackle. Even though Williams will be 38 in July, it still seems worthwhile considering how much top-tier talent costs at other premium positions. Given that — and how difficult it is to find quality tackle alternatives — the Niners did well to ensure Williams’ status on the team. Evans is a colossal upgrade from the wideouts the 49ers were trotting onto the field a season ago when Ricky Pearsall was sidelined. Now, Pearsall will be the beneficiary of other teams giving their full attention to Evans. There’s no argument for “reaching in the draft is a bad process.” However, Stribling is a much better fit in the 49ers’ offense than some of the wideouts who were selected before him. Kyle Shanahan will be able to call plays with Stribling on the field he couldn’t a season ago with Jennings. The offense added much-needed speed with Stribling. We’re not convinced Kirk moves the needle. In fact, he might be a sneaky pick to miss the final 53-man roster. The Niners might be better suited to see what they have in Jacob Cowing and Jordan Watkins , provided they stay healthy. Odighizuwa might prove to be the best offseason acquisition for the Niners. His presence will help everybody, from Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams to a secondary that has struggled to generate turnovers. Not all pressures are created equally, and Odighizuwa will prove the value of an interior pass rusher who can stay on the field. Add in the veteran depth along the offensive line, and there aren’t many things you can complain about this offseason. Is a B+ a fair grade?
The Chicago Bears battled back and forth with the San Francisco 49ers on December 28th, 2025, in a primetime Sunday Night Football matchup that was a thing of offensive beauty. It featured five ties, 80 points, and 936 yards of offense. The visiting Bears tied the game up at 35 a few seconds into the fourth quarter on a D’Andre Swift 22-yard touchdown run, and then took the lead on a Caro Santos field goal with 5:22 left in the game. But the ‘Niners would not be denied as they came back with a s 38-yard TD pass from Brock Purdy to Jauan Jennings to take the lead, 42 to 38, with 2:15 left on the clock. The Bears ran 16 plays trying for the go-ahead score, but this comeback fell short. Regardless, it was an exciting game, and while it didn’t make many year-end highlight packages for the Bears (because of the L), it did feature one of the best play calls of the 2025 season from Chicago head coach Ben Johnson. The social media account Film Watchers does a good job of breaking down plays in a quick and concise manner, and they recently picked a Caleb Williams to Luther Burden II touchdown in the first quarter of that game as the best playcall of the year. Relive it here with the breakdown!
We’ve now entered the summer, when news and updates about our favorite team are scarce until training camp. So…what’s a DN contributor to do? How about a look at the NFC North for 2026? That works! I’ve already made my prediction for the good guys this upcoming season: 12-5 (this time I’m serious!). That would be good for first place in the NFC North and certainly in the discussion for the conference’s sole playoff bye. But what about our rivals? Let’s break it down. 1 st Place – Minnesota Vikings (12-5) (NFC North Champs) Key additions (FA): QB Kyler Murray ; CB James Pierre ; WR Jauan Jennings ; OT Ryan Van Demark ; P Johnny Hekker . Key additions (Draft, RDS 1-2): Rd1 DL Caleb Banks, Rd2 LB Jake Golday Key losses: EDGE Jonathan Greenard (traded); DL Jonathan Allen; DL Javon Hargrave ; WR Jalen Nailor ; S Harrison Smith (TBD) Reasons for optimism: The Vikings went 9-8 and missed the playoffs by ½ a game, despite having the most inconsistent quarterback play since 2013, or perhaps even 2007. Even then, those offenses were built around Adrian Peterson . KOC is KOC, so the offense should be a heck of a lot better than their 20.2 ppg in 2025. The addition of Jauan Jennings could make this offense outright scary. Brian Flores is back, which means an elite defense will take tremendous pressure off the offense. I don’t envision this team in many shootouts. A mere 20 points should be enough to win plenty of games. Losing Greenard stinks, but the combo of Dallas Turner and perhaps a training camp addition of a proven pass rusher should be enough to fill the considerable gap. Cornerback James Pierre could be another under-the-radar signing that pays huge dividends, similar to Isaiah Rodgers . We have that somewhat predictable, if tedious, “make-the-playoffs, miss-the-playoffs” year-to-year pattern in our favor in 2026. Last, but certainly not least, we have Will Reichard ’s unmatched aura in a revenge storyline arc after “Wiregate” that would make John Wick blush. Reasons for concern: Beyond being the Minnesota Vikings, which is always a reason for concern because the team is nearly 50 years removed from its last Super Bowl appearance, the biggest cloud of potential doom hanging over the 2026 season is the simple fact that we only know what we know. I certainly believe, and the consensus seems to agree, that Kyler Murray’s underwhelming tenure with the Arizona Cardinals was more a matter of the franchise failing an incredibly talented quarterback than the other way around. That said, I’ve seen the opposing view on more than one occasion. He is 38-48-1 as an NFL starter. That’s all that matters up to this point – winning games. Some offensive talent has been there at WR and TE. KOC, the best 1-2-3 WR duo in the league, and Brian Flores’ defense are factors that should tip the scales dramatically in the positive direction, but we don’t know that as we enter July. All we have is hope, coupled with a proven coaching staff and a strong roster. While he was 6-4 as a first-time starter and flashed the talent and highlight-reel moments that made him a Top 10 pick, J.J. McCarthy couldn’t stay on the field last season. You can’t assume that will be the case in 2026, whether as the starter or if he’s called into action due to a Murray injury or poor performance. And while there have been whispers and rumors about improved mechanics that are instrumental to long-term success, that’ll need to be seen in extended training camp and preseason reps before it can be comfortably embraced as the new normal. We simply don’t know the extent of McCarthy’s necessary development right now. 2 nd Place – Detroit Lions (10-7) (Wild Card) Key additions (FA): C Cade Mays; RB Isiah Pacheco; DE D.J. Wonnum; CB Roger McCreary , S Christian Izien/Chuck Clark Key additions (Draft, RDS 1-2): Rd1 OT Blake Miller, Rd2 EDGE Derrick Moore Key losses: RB David Montgomery ; LB Alex Anzalone ; CB Amik Robertson Reasons for optimism: Despite losing key pieces o [... truncated ...]
We knew the San Francisco 49ers would draft a wide receiver based on their pre-draft visits . Yet, despite not meeting with John Lynch or Kyle Shanahan, the team traded out of the first round to acquire a couple of more picks to select “their guy.” Not Omar Cooper Jr. Not KC Concepcion. Not Chris Bell. De’Zhaun Stribling. That’s right, the player who was being mocked in the fourth round for much of the draft cycle ended up being the Niners first selection. Think about the wide receivers the 49ers fielded last year. Demarcus Robinson , Jauan Jennings , and Kendrick Bourne — not exactly a group that was the fleetest of foot. The lack of separation hindered the offense in multiple ways. A Kyle Shanahan offense couldn’t stretch the field or win outside of the numbers. Now think about the 49ers using those players in the formation as run blockers. There is no world where Christian McCaffrey should only average 3.1 yards per carry rushing outside of the tackles. For reference, in 2023, McCaffrey averaged seven yards per carry outside of the tackles. Last season, that number was more than halved. And it wasn’t because of Colton McKivitz or Trent Williams . Enter a wideout whose father was in the military, who happens to be a shade over 6’2″ with hands creeping up on DeForest Buckner . Oh, and he runs a 4.3 40. Age: 23 Experience: Rookie Height: 6’2 Weight: 207 pounds The 49ers valued extra draft picks over a fifth-year option of Stribling. His protated signing bonus is $1.54 million over each of the next four seasons. Stribling’s cap number will never exceed $4.5 million during his rookie contract. The obvious comparison for Stribling is that he’ll be a 1-for-1 replacement for Jauan Jennings. To me, that’s selling him short. I think it’s more likely Stribling is closer to Deebo Samuel ’s production during his tenure with the Niners than Jennings. Deebo moved around the formation, lined up in the backfield, and saw his route tree evolve. That wasn’t the case with Jennings, who didn’t offer much outside of the numbers. Deebo hit the ground running as a rookie, albeit in a much different offense. Samuel had 959 yards from scrimmage during his first year with six touchdowns. Samuel accomplished that without needing a ton of volume, which is a good sign if we’re projecting numbers for Stribling. The rookie will be behind Mike Evans , Ricky Pearsall , George Kittle , and Christian McCaffrey on the receiving totem pole. But his skill set should keep Stribling on the field. Stribling can run the deep in-breaking routes that the offense couldn’t run last season. He’s also a threat on back-shoulder fades. Ole Miss used Stribling occasionally on jet sweeps. That’s part of the playbook that was crossed off last season. When you break it down to the different areas the 49ers couldn’t attack last season, it’s pretty easy to see why they went out and drafted a player like Stribling. He gets to learn under Evans, and is also insurance if the top two wideouts get hurt. Speaking of, Stribling doesn’t have an extensive injury history. His availability is another trait that made him attractive to the 49ers. Stribling broke his left wrist during Oklahoma State’s bye week in 2023. But outside of that, he was durable during his collegiate days. The Niners are hoping that continues as a pro, so they can lean on his height-weight-speed combo in both the running and passing games. Predict Stribling’s rookie stat line below
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 ...]
Could Dillon Bell and Elijah Williams be the Minnesota Vikings’ next surprise impact players? On this episode of The Real Forno Show , Tyler Forness breaks down two under-the-radar roster players who could reshape the Vikings’ depth chart heading into 2026. From a UDFA rookie wideout with a remarkable backstory to a defensive lineman who came from nowhere to earn first-team reps, Forness makes the case that these guys are no afterthought — they could be difference-makers. Forness praised Bell’s versatility from his Georgia days and wildcat experience: “You can do gadgety type stuff with Dillon Bell… but I think you can develop into a really nice wide receiver.” He highlighted Bell’s red-zone physicality and body-shielding ability, comparing his profile to bigger-framed receivers like Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua who improved their route running. The UDFA from a tough Houston background also wants to open a homeless shelter, adding off-field appeal. On defense, Forness was bullish on sophomore Elijah Williams after reviewing film: “I was very impressed… I think he can be a week one starter.” He noted Williams’ strength against zone blocks, hand usage, and weight gain to around 305-310 pounds, while cautioning that Caleb Banks will eventually take over. Forness framed both as potential “diamonds in the rough” similar to past UDFA successes like Jalen Redmond . Dillon Bell, UDFA WR (Georgia): Forness calls Bell a physically imposing receiver who thrives on slants, glances, and hitches — and brings wildcat QB experience that opens the door for gadget usage. “Bell has a profile that the Vikings could easily utilize. Think of Cooper Kupp, Puka Nacua — stout, physically framed, who improved a lot in the route running department.” Bell’s red zone potential alongside Jauan Jennings could be a genuine unlock for a Kevin O’Connell offense that has historically struggled inside the 10. His story off the field — growing up near Houston’s Bissonnet Track and aspiring to open a homeless shelter — adds a remarkable human dimension. Elijah Williams, DL (Morgan State → Vikings UDFA): A 273-pound FCS product who earned rave reviews from Brian Flores, Williams is now reportedly entering training camp at 305–310 lbs. “I think Elijah Williams could easily win that week one starting job,” Forness says — his boldest take of the summer. Williams shows strong hand technique and zone-block resistance, and with first-team reps already in hand, the projection is real. Brendan Sorsby & the Supplemental Draft: Forness dissects the mechanics, gambling concerns, and roster implications of the Sorsby situation. His conclusion: “If you’re not willing to give up on McCarthy and trade him… I don’t think you should take Sorsby.” He’d place a fifth-round bid and walk away from anything more. Vikings WR Room & Tai Felton : “We’ve seen nothing from Tai Felton… that shows that he’s going to be a guy moving forward that we can trust to be an impact player.” The case for Bell to compete for WR4 — and possibly win it — is laid out clearly. Draft Retrospective: Forness reframes the Vikings’ late-round drafting: Levi Drake Rodriguez , Michael Jurgens , Jay Ward — more hits than the narrative suggests. “Context is necessary when it comes to evaluating draft picks.” View Link Or on your favorite podcast aggregator. Whether you’re tracking the quarterback battle, hunting for breakout candidates, or just want honest, film-backed Vikings analysis, The Real Forno Show delivers it every week. Tyler Forness and Dave Stefano cut through the noise with the kind of depth you won’t find on a hot-take reel. This is a must-listen for every serious Vikings fan heading into what could be a pivotal summer in Minnesota . 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 . [... truncated ...]
The sound you hear is helmets and cleats around the NFL being unstrapped and untied with the league's summer break fast approaching. 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. Note: All financials are via OverTheCap.com, and most expensive free agent signings are players who were actually on the open market, which doesn't include extensions and players acquired via trade. 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 . The Philadelphia Eagles reshuffled the deck chairs financially this offseason. They let edge rusher Jaelan Phillips , linebacker Nakobe Dean and safety Reed Blankenship walk in free agency. Some of their free agency spending was somewhat in limbo with Philadelphia waiting until June 1 to complete the trade of three-time Pro Bowler A.J. Brown to the New England Patriots , and they did trade and extend edge rusher Jonathan Greenard from the Minnesota Vikings in addition to inking defensive tackle Jordan Davis to a three-year, $78 million extension. In terms of the external free agent who was their most expensive deal on the open market, that would be former Seattle Seahawks cornerback Tariq Woolen. His signing is significant for defensive coordinator Vic Fangio's defense because of both Woolen's raw talent and the ripple effect of his talent on the outside. That's a fun chess piece for Fangio to deploy on the outside opposite 2025 first-team All-Pro Quinyon Mitchell , but the signing of Woolen is an even bigger deal because it allows for 2025 first-team All-Pro defensive back Cooper DeJean to be able to continue locking things down in the slot as a versatile nickel/safety hybrid. The Jacksonville Jaguars hit the financial reset button after a 13-win season that netted them their first AFC South division title since 2022. Running back Travis Etienne Jr. ( New Orleans Saints ), linebacker Devin Lloyd ( Carolina Panthers ), safety Andrew Wingard ( Arizona Cardinals ) and cornerback Greg Newsome II ( New York Giants ) were among the free agency departures. Extensions for b [... truncated ...]
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
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
A 49ers writer suggests Mike Evans will have a greater impact on the 49ers than Myles Garrett will on the Rams, citing the 49ers' deficiency at wide receiver compared to the Rams' already strong pass rush
Baker Mayfield refuses to ‘sugarcoat' Mike Evans' departure from Bucs to 49ers originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area The 49ers made one of the biggest splashes of NFL free agency by signing six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Mike Evans to a three-year contract worth $60.4 million . The 6-foot-5 pass catcher, who posted 11 consecutive 1,000-yard seasons before an injury derailed his 2025 NFL season, is expected to provide some much-needed playmaking ability for a 49ers team that lost Jauan Jennings to the Minnesota Vikings and actively is looking to trade Brandon Aiyuk . While those around San Francisco are thrilled with the addition, Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield made it clear to the media on Friday that Evans’ departure stings. “There’s no way to sugarcoat it,” Mayfield told reporters. “It’s disappointing not having him back. Just the caliber of player he is, he’s a Hall of Famer, deserved to be a Buc for life. Things happen, but luckily, him and I have a great relationship, we’ll still be friends for life, and I’ll be cheering him on except when we play them, if it comes down to it.” Although Evans will be donning new threads for the first time in his career, he did tell the media on Wednesday that he expects to have a similar role and play style in San Francisco. “You’ve got to win in tight situations down there in the red zone,” Evans said. “And I have the leaping ability, I have the awareness, and a lot of reps at doing it. And I love getting in that red area and adding a different dynamic to this team.” So, what was a huge loss for Mayfield and the Bucs could end up being a monumental addition for Brock Purdy and the 49ers as they look to make a title push . Download and follow the 49ers Talk Podcast
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