Minnesota Vikings News And Links: how Can We Judge The Qb Competition?

Do we want to talk about the QB competition? It ain’t going away that is for sure. I will leave the judging to others. I have no idea what KOC is looking for and if “counting stats” is going to win the day. There are daily reports from various sources where folks are trying to decipher what they are seeing, hearing, or reading. I guess it is good for clicks. I just do not see how people who are not coaches and do not know what play is being run, etc. can truly know what KOC is thinking.

I mentioned his below in the thread from 08/06 …

After extending O’Neill they are sitting at $21,154,099 in cap space for 2026. Right now, the team is sitting at $29,932,787 in cap space for 2027 (according to overthecap) but it does not include the 12M in cap credits they will get from Allen and Hargrave signing pretty similar deals in free agency this offseason. After adding in the 12M, the Vikings will have roughly 41.93M in cap space for 2027 before adding in any carryover from this year and doing extensions (Van Ginkel, Cashman, Mason, and maybe Hockenson) or cuts (Metellus, Fries, Theo Jackson, and Tavierre Thomas offer decent savings).

… The team does have some room to do things. I wonder if they are considering extending Addison now? Brezinski made a comment in March about budgeting long-term money for O’Neill and Addison. They took care of O’Neill but the Addison extension could be tougher to complete.

Our Fearless Leader wrote a piece here about it …

https://www.dailynorseman.com/minnesota-vikings-news/97911/jordan-addison-just-got-even-more-expensive-zay-flowers-baltimore-ravens-minnesota-vikings

Some other sites picked up on it too.

Zay Flowers Just Made Jordan Addison More Expensive
https://zonecoverage.com/2026/minnesota-vikings-news/zay-flowers-just-made-jordan-addison-more-expensive/

On Tuesday morning, the Ravens extended Flowers, their first-round pick of the 2023 draft, on a four-year, $140 million contract. They took Flowers one pick before Addison in 2023, and he has served as their WR1. Baltimore signed Flowers shortly after the New Orleans Saints extended their premier receiver, Chris Olave, on a four-year, $124 million deal.

Some folks believe that the Flowers extension along with the Chris Olave extension somehow will affect the Addison extension. I disagree. Addison does not have as many targets or receptions as these two who are the #1 WR on their teams. Addison also benefits from having Jefferson on the other side of the field drawing all kinds of attention. How would Addison do if he was the #1 WR? No one will know which means his agent can ask for #1 WR money but is unlikely to get it. Still, Addison could be worth Devonta Smith money. When Smith signed he got 9.79% of the cap. If he received an extension this year and it was close or matched the Smith pct of cap, then he would get $29M aav. If they wait until next year then the 9.79% goes up to $32M per year.

The real question is would the team want to tie up all that money on their top two receivers? Will Nolan Teasley want to go down this route? If he takes what he learned with the Seahawks then the answer is probably nyet.

What do you think?

2026 Vikings Training Camp Full Schedule
https://www.vikings.com/schedule/vikings-events/training-camp/schedule

DATE : TIME : PRACTICE
Saturday, Aug. 1 : Noon- 5 p.m. : 2:30 p.m.
Monday, Aug. 3 : Noon – 5 p.m. : 2:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Aug. 4 : Noon – 5 p.m. : 2:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Aug. 5 : Noon – 5 p.m. : 2:30 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 7 : Noon – 5 p.m. : 2:30 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 8 : Noon – 5 p.m. : 2:30 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 9 : 5 – 11 p.m. : 7 p.m.
Tuesday, Aug. 11 : Noon – 5 p.m. : 2:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Aug. 12 : Noon – 5 p.m. : 2:30 p.m.
Thursday, Aug. 13 : Noon – 5 p.m. : 2:30 p.m.
Monday, Aug. 17 : Noon – 5 p.m. : 2:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Aug. 19 : Noon – 5 p.m. : 2:30 p.m. : Joint Practice with Baltimore Ravens
Thursday, Aug. 20 : Noon – 5 p.m. : 2:30 p.m. : Joint Practice with Baltimore Ravens

The Minnesota Vikings 2026 preseason schedule features three matchups
Week 1: Saturday, August 15 at New York Giants (1:00 PM ET)
Week 2: Saturday, August 22 vs. Baltimore Ravens (12:00 PM ET)
Week 3: Friday, August 28 at Denver Broncos (Time TBD)

Minnesota Vikings News and Links

Vikings Owner Mark Wilf’s Early Impressions of Nolan Teasley Hire, Minnesota Hosting 2028 NFL Draft
https://www.vikings.com/news/owner-mark-wilf-nolan-teasley-2028-draft

“I mentioned earlier this year how impressed we were with Nolan during the hiring process, and that impression has only grown over the last couple of months,” Wilf commented during his opening remarks.

“We’ve had a lot of good parts here and to enhance that with Nolan and who he’s brought in, all of it together has just worked seamlessly, and [we’re] really excited about the future,” Wilf said, highlighting the additions of Assistant GMs Andrew Healy and Trent Kirchner, as well as Football Advisor Ryan Pace.

Those hirings were fully collaborative with ownership and coaching, Wilf noted, and they were “a big part” of the interview process, too. Wilf added that “Pretty much what Nolan wanted to get done, we’re very pleased that he got done — getting the type of talent that he brought in. We had them targeted in the interview process, and you don’t always know if it’s going to work out that way.”

Teasley’s vision for his staff was part of the composite that interested Wilf, but only a piece of it.

“Nolan himself, the way he carries himself, the depth of knowledge he has, the humility he brings, but the expertise combined, and really just the way he gets along and works well and complements [Head Coach] Kevin [O’Connell] in a unique way,” were driving factors, Wilf acknowledged. “I don’t want to overuse the word excited, but I have great anticipation of what that can mean for our club.

“I just think they work well together. I just see them, have an opportunity to watch them interact, and I just see how comfortable they are with each other. They have different characteristics that I think all of us can decide how that works,” Wilf continued about Teasley and O’Connell. “But from my perspective, it’s working well. Coach can focus on what he has to focus on, [and] Nolan can focus on what he focuses on, and they share and they collaborate, and everyone in the building feels that.”

Here are three other takeaways from Wilf’s press conference Wednesday:

1. Anticipation of hosting 2028 NFL Draft

The Vikings in May were selected to host the 2028 NFL Draft, which will be just over a decade after hosting Super Bowl LII.

Wilf described being “thrilled” about the honor and “tremendous opportunity” for the state of Minnesota.

“As you know, the draft has become one of the league’s premier events, and hosting it here means hundreds of thousands of fans will descend on this community, and our state will be placed squarely in the global spotlight,” Wilf said. “And like we’ve done many times in the past, the community will of course deliver. Minnesota has proven its ability to host national and international events at the highest level.

“We have tremendous partners across the state, and I’m confident we’re going to put on another first-class event in 2028,” he added.

1. Ownership continues appreciating stewardship opportunity

Wilf was asked during his media availability if, considering the recent sale of the Seahawks and the numbers involved, he’s entertained the idea of selling the team down the road.

“Well, the business side of it is not what got us into the Minnesota Vikings,” he emphasized. “We love football. We’re honored and privileged to be stewards of an incredible franchise.

“Our ultimate goal is to bring championships to the fans of the Minnesota Vikings; they really deserve it,” Wilf continued. “That’s what we’re about, and that’s the excitement. And we’re long-term. We’re a family that is going to hopefully be part of the Minnesota Vikings for a very, very long time.”

Wilf later noted “the next generations of our families” are engaged with team operations, including the hiring process that resulted in bringing on Teasley.

“Our family approaches things highly collaboratively, and we’re always fine-turning how decisions are made,” Wilf said, “But thankfully everything works out well there, and we’re very pleased for the future on the ownership side.”

1. Growing the international fan base

Though Wilf acknowledged the Vikings did not request to play in the Mexico City game they are scheduled for in November (against the 49ers), he’s grateful for the opportunity to continue expanding the team’s reach.

“We did not seek out Mexico City, but as you know, our organization and franchise is usually supportive of the NFL’s international efforts,” Wilf said. “We were the first team ever to have two international games last season. I believe [this game will be] in the same time zone and a great fan base. I know we have a big Mexican and Latin community in this area, as well, so we’re always good with having more fans jump on the bandwagon for the Minnesota Vikings.”

Vikings training camp recap, Day 7: Kyler wows with deep balls, may be separating in QB race
https://bringmethesports.com/vikings-training-camp-recap-day-7-kyler-wows-with-deep-balls-may-be-separating-in-qb-race

Wednesday felt a bit like a turning point in the Vikings’ quarterback competition. In Minnesota’s second padded practice and their longest overall session of this camp so far, Kyler Murray looked every bit like the player Kevin O’Connell and his staff were thrilled to be able to acquire for very little cost in free agency.

J.J. McCarthy wasn’t bad, by any means. He also had some nice throws. But McCarthy just doesn’t appear to be on the same level as Murray when it comes to generating explosive plays, which are huge in any NFL offense. He also appears to be a step behind the eighth-year veteran in terms of processing and decisiveness, despite his experience advantage within O’Connell’s offense.

I don’t necessarily think O’Connell is going to end the QB competition just yet. But after six full-speed practices, which have included two clear wins for Murray and a few very slight wins for McCarthy, I don’t see how the former Michigan star is going to make up enough ground to win this battle. I’d be pretty stunned if Murray isn’t the Vikings’ quarterback on September 13 against the Green Bay Packers.

Kyler wows with the deep ball
It started in a 1-on-1 drill, when Murray lofted a picture-perfect go ball to Justin Jefferson down the right sideline, putting it where only his receiver could go and get it despite Byron Murphy Jr. being in good position. That drew plenty of cheers from a big crowd on hand at TCO Performance Center. Murray followed that up with another accurate ball to Jeshaun Jones, with Isaiah Rodgers covering.

Murray started a bit slow in 7-on-7 with incompletions on his first two reps (one was a good play by Theo Jackson to close on a ball for Tai Felton over the middle). And then he dazzled again. He dropped back, surveyed his options, and lofted a deep post to Jauan Jennings beyond the defense, hitting his target in stride for a touchdown. That was followed by a strike to Jones over the middle.

In 11-on-11, we started to see Murray’s elite quickness become a factor on a designed run and a few scrambles. But first, it was back to the deep ball. Working with the second-team offense against the first-team defense (the Vikings are constantly rotating), Murray launched one up the seam to Felton for yet another long completion and touchdown.

Kyler’s strong day continued in a red zone 11-on-11 period. He hit Jones for a touchdown on a good route combination that seemed to create some confusion among the defense. Later, he fired a bullet into Jennings for a touchdown.

And to cap off the day, the Vikings did a situational period. The offense trailed 21-20 with 1:10 on the clock and one timeout left, needing just a field goal. Murray picked up quick completions to the sideline to T.J. Hockenson and Jefferson. On third down, he scrambled to move the chains. And one play later, he threw into double coverage, then watched as Jefferson made a spectacular play to rise up over both defenders, catch the ball, stay on his feet as they fell, and jog towards the end zone. It was ruled as a touchdown.

McCarthy’s day
Again, it wasn’t a bad day for McCarthy. There was just more inconsistency from a young player who still seems to be in the development phase of his career after missing so much time due to injury in his first two seasons.

McCarthy had a good deep ball of his own to Felton in the 1-on-1 period. In 7-on-7, he threw a strike to Myles Price over the middle and then had a sideline hole shot to Jones in between a couple defenders for a chunk gain. He also threw a bit late for Hockenson, allowing Rodgers to dive and break up the pass. He fired one over Jefferson’s head with Murphy in coverage. And he slightly under-threw Bryson Nesbit on a seam ball, which allowed Jay Ward to get there for the breakup.

In the first 11-on-11 period, it was a lot of run plays and screens during McCarthy’s segment of reps. His one pass downfield, intended for Jefferson, was deflected at the line of scrimmage. In the next period, he threw a ball slightly behind Gavin Bartholomew, then held onto the ball long enough to be inadvertently strip-sacked by Jahvaree Ritzie.

In the red zone period, McCarthy had some good throws but had more reps where it felt like the ball needed to come out quicker. He hit Jennings over the middle. He had a pass broken up by Jackson after a lengthy hold. He was “sacked” by Dallas Turner, who may have been unblocked, then did make a nice throw to Bartholomew for a touchdown.

McCarthy was successful in the situational period. There was a defensive penalty and a quick run play, a short completion to Zavier Scott, an incompletion, and another quick pass to Dontae Fleming that moved the Vikings into field goal range. Practice ended at that point, without an actual kick.

McCarthy has had some solid days in camp and some shakier ones. He hasn’t yet had a day where he has really shined and clearly out-dueled Murray, which is why I think the veteran is starting to separate in this competition.

Vikings co-owner Mark Wilf on 2026 Vikings: ‘We want championships’
https://www.fox9.com/sports/vikings-co-owner-mark-wilf-2026-vikings-we-want-championships

If the Vikings don’t win a playoff game this year, or even make the playoffs, what does the future look like?

“We evaluate everything in a totality. Where Coach O’Connell has brought this entire building and this team to now, we’re extremely pleased. We look forward to great things from coach. Ultimately it’s about not just playoff wins, but championships. That’s the ultimate measure,” Wilf said. “We try to be patient as an ownership, but patience isn’t infinite. I feel really good about the direction of this football club. We have a lot of confidence in the leadership of our team.”

Vikings Rookie is Dominating Camp, and Even Frustrating WR Justin Jefferson
https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/minnesota-vikings/vikings-charles-demmings-justin-jefferson/

During Wednesday’s camp, Alec Lewis shared a very exciting tidbit about a good rep from Demmings.

“Vikings rookie CB Chuck Demmings just deflected a pass from Justin Jefferson and went nuts. The guy has been awesome.”

Will Ragatz said something similar on Tuesday, singing the praises of Charles Demmings.

“Rookie CB Chuck Demmings is maybe the best story of training camp thus far. He just keeps making plays, with two more PBUs so far today. And he isn’t shy about celebrating afterwards. Vikings might’ve found something in the fifth round.”

Tyler Forness of AtoZ Sports also sang the praises of Mr. Demmings.

“Charles Demmings is a dude, and I’m close to being irresponsible about him. Had two really good reps against Justin Jefferson today, including a PBU on a fade stop in the red zone.”

Last Saturday, Demmings spoke to the media after practice. He revealed the mindset he gets into while on the football field

“It’s never about the guy across from me,” he began. “It’s all about me. Knowing myself is better than knowing my opponent..

..I can’t go, ‘oh, that’s Justin Jefferson out there!’ No, that’s a receiver out there..

..being a cornerback, that’s how you gotta think out there because it’s one of the hardest positions in the game.”

Why the Vikings’ run game is the most important subject at camp nobody is talking about
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7494772/2026/08/06/minnesota-vikings-run-game-training-camp/

In February, O’Connell foreshadowed the seismic shift.

“I want to be a vertical wide-zone team,” he said at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. “The teams that do it right are still attacking. They’re still crossing the line of scrimmage. They’re still playing on the other side of the line. (Smith and Carter) know how to do it. They know what it looks like.”
…
“The offense that we have this year is a little bit different than the offense that we had last year,” Jackson said. “In order for this to work, we have to be in great physical and mental shape.”

Darrisaw put it more plainly: “Our main focus this year is … being more aggressive. Seeing it, it f—ing makes sense.”
…
“There were times in the past where we weren’t running off the ball,” Darrisaw said. “We were thinking more. Now, it’s just full speed. Let’s go move the line of scrimmage and see what happens.”

Vikings’ Blake Cashman Gets Blunt on Harrison Smith Situation
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/vikings-blake-cashman-gets-blunt-065134656.html

With the 2026 season nearing, Vikings linebacker Blake Cashman was asked about Smith and whether he believes that the veteran will be back.

“I will say Harry’s earned the right to take as much time as he needs and wants,” Cashman told KFAN’s Dan Cole and Brandon Mileski on Aug. 5. “I’m sure there’s different dialogue between him, his agent, and the coaching staff, but the guy’s earned the right, I think, not to be here for the meantime if that’s what he chooses.

“If he does choose to come back, or not, that’s his decision. We do miss him, and we’ve got to fill that void, but that’s what training camp is for, to get those reps in and practice that.”

Despite those remarks, Cashman noted that Smith is a major piece of their defense, and in a season in which the Vikings are trying to push for the postseason, it would be helpful to have his veteran presence.

“I mean, one of my favorite teammates I’ve had the privilege to play with,” Cashman added. “In this defense, when linebackers got to give checks up front, the secondary, really Harry, his job was to get us organized in the back end, especially on second-and-long and third down.

“Those are critical winning downs in this league. To have a guy like Harry the past couple years for me to play with, he brings a very calm presence. And when you feel calm, you’re confident. The defense is very organized when he’s on the back end making those checks.”

The Vikings’ QB Competition Looks Over, But J.J. McCarthy’s Time in Minnesota Shouldn’t Be
https://www.si.com/nfl/vikings/onsi/the-vikings-qb-competition-looks-over-but-j-j-mccarthy-s-time-in-minnesota-shouldn-t-be-01kz45dt0h5j

Minnesota Vikings Training Camp Takeaways: Kyler Murray separating himself in QB competition after 7 practices
https://atozsports.com/nfl/minnesota-vikings-news/minnesota-vikings-training-camp-takeaways-kyler-murray-jj-mccarthy-quarterback-competition-tai-felton-dallas-turner-charles-demmings/

Vikings GM Nolan Teasley Sends Strong Message to Kyler Murray
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/vikings-gm-nolan-teasley-sends-121144593.html

NFL executive’s thoughts on Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy says everything you need to know
https://atozsports.com/nfl/minnesota-vikings-news/nfl-executives-thoughts-vikings-qb-jj-mccarthy-quarterback-tiers/

Vikings Training Camp Observations: Testing Depth at Receiver; DBs Make Plays
https://www.vikings.com/news/2026-training-camp-observations-receiver-depth-defensive-backs

Vikings Training Camp: Minnesota struck gold in April’s NFL Draft, and Brian Flores is reaping the dividends
https://atozsports.com/nfl/minnesota-vikings-news/vikings-training-camp-minnesota-struck-gold-nfl-draft-charles-demmings/

Vikings Day 7 Training Camp Recap: Both quarterbacks shine, and an emerging star continues to thrive
https://atozsports.com/nfl/minnesota-vikings-news/vikings-day-7-training-camp-recap-jj-mccarthy-kyler-murray-tai-felton/

Jordan Addison Given Clear Message at Minnesota Vikings Training Camp
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/jordan-addison-given-clear-message-110043111.html

Vikings Get Major Jordan Addison Injury Update After Imaging
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/vikings-major-jordan-addison-injury-213814009.html

Harrison Smith’s absence may expose the Vikings’ dangerous problem
https://thevikingage.com/harrison-smith-absence-may-expose-minnesota-vikings-problem

Brian Flores Says the 6’3″ Sophomore Packed on Muscle
https://vikingsterritory.com/2026/news/top_news/brian-flores-packed-muscle

Vikings Playmaker Starting to Become Impossible to Ignore
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/vikings-playmaker-starting-become-impossible-043637935.html

Vikings’ J.J. McCarthy Hit With Troubling News Amid QB Battle
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/vikings-j-j-mccarthy-hit-195931095.html

Vikings Owner Puts Team on Notice With Latest Comments
https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/minnesota-vikings/owner-team-notice-latest-comments/

Justin Jefferson’s Contract Year: Murray & McCarthy’s Potential
https://vikingsterritory.com/video/2769331

3 Things the Vikings Should Do With Their Newfound Cap Space
https://zonecoverage.com/2026/minnesota-vikings-news/3-things-the-vikings-should-do-with-their-newfound-cap-space/

One Vikings Position Battle That’s Already Close to Being Over
https://www.si.com/nfl/vikings/onsi/one-vikings-position-battle-already-close-over-01kz9bn97nmp

Why the Vikings were right to ban that fan from training camp
https://bringmethenews.com/minnesota-sports/why-the-vikings-were-right-to-ban-that-fan-from-training-camp

Vikings Day 6 Training Camp: Neither quarterback stood out, while one rookie continues to shine
https://atozsports.com/nfl/minnesota-vikings-news/vikings-day-6-training-camp-kyler-murray-jj-mccarthy-charles-demmings/

Get to Know Vikings CB Zemaiah Vaughn
https://www.vikings.com/news/get-to-know-cornerback-zemaiah-vaughn

Aaron Jones Sr. on Offense vs. Defense at Training Camp & Working with Quarterbacks at Practice
https://www.vikings.com/video/aaron-jones-2026-training-camp-jj-mcarthy-kyler-murray-2026

T.J. Hockenson on Gavin Bartholomew, Being a Leader & Working with Kevin O’Connell
https://www.vikings.com/video/tj-hockenson-leadership-kevin-oconnell-2026

Curt Menefee on Vikings Quarterback Competition & Why NFC North is the Toughest Division in the NFL
https://www.vikings.com/video/curt-menefee-on-vikings-quarterback-competition-why-nfc-north-is-the-toughest-division-in-the-nfl

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