The 2025 season did not go according to plan for the (8-8) Minnesota Vikings, after they spent more money over the offseason than just about any other team in the NFL.

Unfortunately, not even Brian Flores and a surprisingly dominant defense could keep the Vikings QB problems from sinking their playoff dreams.

Speaking of quarterbacks, we do not know yet whether or not JJ McCarthy will play, as he recovers from a hand injury suffered week 16. Whether he plays or not, it won’t answer the many QB questions the MN Vikings have entering the offseason.

All options should be considered at the quarterback position, but their fastest way to a recovery season in 2026 is to find an already established quarterback who is ready to take over a playoff-caliber roster.

Lamar Jackson a fit for the Minnesota Vikings

So far, they’ve been linked to a dissatisfied Joe Burrow in Cincinnati. If he becomes available, Minnesota will be one of the many teams lined up to negotiate with the Bengals. But he may not be the only superstar QB the Vikings are eyeing.

If the Baltimore Ravens really are intent on moving Lamar Jackson, at least one NFL agent told Mike Sando (The Athletic) that he “loves Minnesota as an under-the-radar destination” for the 2X NFL MVP, who’s about to turn 29 years old in a week.

The agent loved Minnesota as an under-the-radar destination. The Vikings would send J.J. McCarthy to Baltimore as part of the deal, giving both QBs a fresh start.

Jackson on artificial turf, in a dome? Look out. McCarthy with a Harbaugh? Worked well at Michigan, where his coach was Jim, not John. The Ravens, long rooted in the draft, could put the extra draft picks to use wisely (they drafted Jackson at No. 32, after all).

Minnesota, stung by the success Vikings alums Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones enjoyed this season while McCarthy faltered, would recover in spectacular fashion, changing the dynamics of the NFC North.

Mike Sando – The Athletic

It seems logical that, short of running into a big name quarterback on a one-year deal in free agency, which is unlikely, that the Minnesota Vikings would dangle J.J. McCarthy in a trade package for someone like Burrow or Jackson.

As mentioned, McCarthy would make sense for Baltimore if they are indeed looking for a restart. JJ has already played for little brother, Jim. His brother John would be a perfect coaching fit, too.

Can the Vikings afford Jackson?

Lamar Jackson was a first team All-Pro last year, for the second-straight season and third time of his career. He won his last AP MVP award in 2023. He has two years of his $260 million contract remaining.

This offseason the MN Vikings are more than $35 million over the cap already. Jackson carries a $74.5 million cap hit next season, which is the opposite of what Minnesota envisioned when drafting McCarthy, and the basis of these trade rumors.

In September the NFL ranked Lamar Jackson as the number two player on the top 100 for 2025. Through just 12 games this season, Jackson has passed for 2,311 yards (63.7% completion rate) and a 18/6 TD/INT rate.

Lamar Jackson is untouchable.

BALvsBUF on NBC
Stream on @NFLPlus + Peacock pic.twitter.com/lms5KlQqqw

— NFL (@NFL) September 8, 2025

If this seemingly impossible move came to fruition, Lamar would immediately become the most athletic Vikings QB ever, and make Minnesota a legitimate Super Bowl contender one year removed from not making the playoff field.

How much do they want to invest in the position, after trying to go the cheap route in 2025 flopped so miserably? We will soon find out.

More must-reads:

• High Profile Former Viking Charged with Grim Felony, Records Now Public
• Minnesota Vikings Legend Makes HOF Finals
• MN Vikings Elevate Promising Rookie for Debut

The Minnesota Vikings, along with the rest of the National Football League, are preparing for the final week of the 2025 regular season. That includes Stefon Diggs and the New England Patriots, who unlike his former team, are also getting ready for the start of the playoffs.

On Tuesday, however, the 32-year-old controversial former Viking WR1 — and boyfriend of rap star Cardi B. — officially had felony strangulation or suffocation and misdemeanor assault and battery charges brought against him in a Boston courtroom.

BREAKING: New England Patriots star Stefon Diggs is charged with felony strangulation or suffocation and misdemeanor assault and battery charges stemming from an incident on Dec. 2. I was inside the courtroom before we broke the story. Full report later tonight @boston25 https://t.co/rcuTeFpr4Z

— Elly Morillo (@ellymorillotv) December 30, 2025

The police report has now been released following a denial ruling by judge Jeanmarie Carroll in an effort by the defense to seal the court documents, according to Boston.com.

Former MN Vikings WR Stefon Diggs in court-sealed trouble

Diggs’ attorney is arguing that irreparable harm will be brought to the high-profile NFL star’s reputation, should the records be released. He is also trying to push Stefon’s arraignment –which is currently scheduled for Friday — out to the spring

Meanwhile, according to Local Boston 25 News, both parties are actively trying to come to terms on a financial agreement that would help sweep the charges against Diggs under a rug. The Patriots have released a statement saying “we support Stefon” and that they are awaiting more details

DiStefano also disclosed to the court that Diggs has made a financial offer to resolve the dispute with the alleged victim in this case.

“As we speak, they’re working to come to an agreement on that,” DiStefano said.

The judge said she’d take the request under advisement and would issue a ruling “shortly.” She also agreed to consider a request to extend Diggs’ arraignment date to March.

Boston 25 News

#Patriots statement

The New England Patriots are aware of the accusations that have been made regarding Stefon Diggs. Stefon has informed the organization that he categorically denies the allegations. We support Stefon. ->

— Michael Raimondi (@mraimonditv) December 30, 2025

Diggs police report released from incident

We didn’t have much to go on earlier this morning when news of the charges broke, and the judge heard arguments from Diggs defense about sealing the documents. Photos of the report have now been released on social media however, and NBC Boston has obtained the report as well from the Dedham Police Department, which also has text messages between the alleged parties.

“She was hesitant to reveal a suspect initially, but I told her that I could take a statement and we could talk about that later. She went on to say that on 12/2/2025, she was working as a private chef […] in Dedham. She said that on this date, the male that she worked for entered her unlocked bedroom. They had been having an ongoing text exchange over money owed to [her]. She said that they began to discuss this, which apparently angered the male. She alleges that the male then smacked her across the face. She said that she tried to push him away. The male then tried to choke her using the crook of his elbow around her neck. She said that he was behind her with his arm wrapped around her. She said that she did feel like she had trouble breathing and that she felt like she could have blacked out. She said that as she tried to pry his arm way, he tightened his grip. At that point, the male threw her onto the bed. He said something to the effect of “Thought so”. And then she told him that she still hasn’t been paid. At that point, the male said “Lies” and walked out of the room. She explained to me that he needs to sign off on payments in order for her to be paid, which is why she confronted him directly…At this point in the conversation, [victim] revealed that the male’s name was DIGGS, Stefon. DIGGS currently plays for the New England Patriots of the NFL. Due to his fame, she was very hesitant to come forward with this.“

NBC 10 Boston

Now we all know exactly why Minnesota Vikings hero, Stefon Diggs’, defense team requested that the court records be sealed, and that’s because it makes him look very bad. It sure will be interesting to see how the NFL handles this situation with the playoffs rapidly approaching.

More must-reads:

• MVP Quarterback Tied to Minnesota Vikings 
• Minnesota Vikings Legend Makes HOF Finals
• MN Vikings Elevate Promising Rookie for Debut

This weekend may be the final game of Harrison Smith’s NFL career. The legendary Minnesota Vikings safety is now 36 years old, and has logged a whopping 206 regular season games.

Should Smith ride off into the sunset this spring, it’s still unclear whether or not his path post-retirement eventually leads to Canton, OH and the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Some HOF’s need multiple opportunities before they hear their name called. Other deserving candidates never make do. In fact, one such MN Vikings legend — DT Kevin Williams — is in a similar spot to where Harry the Hitman could find himself five or six years from now.

Kevin Williams a HOF finalist for MN Vikings

After being controversially selected with the ninth overall pick in the 2003 NFL Draft, Williams spent 11 of his 13 NFL seasons with the Minnesota Vikings.

For a time in the mid-2000’s, he and Pat Williams created the “Williams Wall”, which is one of the best interior DL duos in franchise history. Now 20 years later (2026), Williams is a first time finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

The finalists for the 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame: pic.twitter.com/YAFxhMCH1p

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 30, 2025

The 45-year-old Williams retired after the 2015 season. Over the course of his legendary career, he played in 203 games, earning five All-Pro nods and six Pro Bowl appearances. Over the course of his career, Williams put together quite the stat sheet for a defensive lineman.

Not only did he record 63 sacks and 113 tackles for loss, but he also caught five interceptions (two of which he returned for touchdowns), forced nine fumbles and recovered 13 more (he also returned two of those for scores). of them with two being returned for touchdowns.

Related: Longtime MN Viking Goes Off on Kevin O’Connell via X

To be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame a player must reach the 80% vote threshold. The 15 finalists will ultimately be whittled down to seven, before the official 2026 class is unveiled in February as part of the NFL Honors celebration.

Truthfully it’s unlikely that Williams sees enshrinement in his first cycle, and it will undoubtedly be a battle for him to get in at all.

More must-reads:

• MVP Quarterback Tied to Minnesota Vikings 
• High Profile Former Viking Charged with Grim Felony, Records Now Public
• MN Vikings Elevate Promising Rookie for Debut

This week, the Minnesota Vikings are gearing up for a rivalry matchup against the Green Bay Packers. Despite Matt LaFleur’s squad being playoff-bound, the Vikings enter as favorites, largely because Green Bay is expected to rest its starters. Kevin O’Connell’s group is well-positioned even if J.J. McCarthy is unavailable.

Minnesota is dealing with its own wave of injuries, but that opens the door for depth pieces to step into the spotlight. Cornerback Zemaiah Vaughn flashed during the preseason, and now he’ll get his first opportunity in a regular-season game.

Zemaiah Vaughn Signed to Roster by Minnesota Vikings

Last week, the Vikings were without three of their five starting offensive lineman, a theme that has persisted all season. On the defensive side, cornerback Jeff Okudah hasn’t played since Week 8, continuing the injury issues that have followed the former third overall pick. Dwight McGlothern has already seen meaningful snaps, and now Vaughn will join him.

The #Vikings have signed CB Zemaiah Vaughn to the 53-man roster and placed DL Elijah Williams on IR. pic.twitter.com/mmByXBv8XM

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) December 29, 2025

Vaughn is a 23-year-old native of Beaumont, Texas. He went undrafted but has remained with Minnesota through steady work on the practice squad.

During his college career, Vaughn appeared in 56 games for Kyle Whittingham’s Utah Utes. He totaled three interceptions, forced two fumbles, and recorded 144 tackles. At 6’3″ Vaughn brings the size needed to match ip with bigger-bodied NFL wide receivers.

Zemaiah Vaughn locking it DOWN 🔒pic.twitter.com/OlnIi7XjNr

— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) August 14, 2025

It’s unlikely that Brian Flores will deploy Vaughn for significant defensive snaps, but this weekend provides a chance for him to build a case for a spot on the 2026 roster. After entering the season with just three cornerbacks on the 53-man roster, Minnesota now finishes the year with five.

Williams, a fellow undrafted rookie out of Morgan State, has already appeared in seven games for the Vikings. He recorded nine total tackles while logging 42 defensive snaps and 29 on special teams.

The Vikings don’t need to worry about the results on Sunday, though a win would secure a 9-8 finish. One thing that does matter, however, is getting Justin Jefferson the 53 receiving yards he needs to reach 1,000 for the season.

More must-reads:

• MVP Quarterback Tied to Minnesota Vikings 
• High Profile Former Viking Charged with Grim Felony, Records Now Public
• Minnesota Vikings Legend Makes HOF Finals

The Minnesota Vikings are guaranteed to finish no worse than 8-9 this season. With the Green Bay Packers expected to rest their starters, it’s entirely plausible Minnesota ends up with a winning record.

That outcome doesn’t change the reality that the Vikings’ season has effectively been over for weeks. There has been growing noise around potential changes at the general manager position, but very little criticism directed toward head coach Kevin O’Connell.

Former Minnesota Vikings linebacker Erin Henderson, however, isn’t buying the free pass.

Erin Henderson Not Buying the KOC Pass from Vikings

Erin Henderson has deep ties to the Minnesota Vikings. His brother, E.J. Henderson, was a second-round pick in 2003 and spent all nine years of his career with the organization. Erin went undrafted but played for Minnesota from 2008 to 2013. Though he finished his career with two seasons for the New York Jets, his loyalty has remained firmly rooted with the Vikings.

On Monday, following Minnesota’s Christmas Day win over the Detroit Lions, Henderson took to X to voice his frustration with O’Connell.

Stay with me. The Vikings and Texans are built the same. Both have young QBs and serviceable offenses with some playmakers. Both have proven dominant defenses. Both have "young" HC. One HC is coaching to save his job. One is coaching for a Super Bowl and it's all about attitude.

— Erin Henderson (@that1guyerin) December 29, 2025

KOC winning 5 straight to give folks hope and save his job just to do it all over again next yr is so KOC😂

— Erin Henderson (@that1guyerin) December 29, 2025

Henderson was quick to clarify that his criticism was grounded in analysis rather than emotion. While O’Connell did manage a handful of hollow wins down the stretch, this has easily been his worst-coached season since arriving in Minnesota.

Replacing O’Connell outright would be shortsighted, but the need for a true offensive coordinator, one who possibly calls plays and handles situational responsibilities, feels increasingly urgent. Clock management has been somewhat of an ongoing issue, and the play-calling has taken a noticeable step backward this season.

There’s no denying the impressive job DeMeco Ryans has done in Houston, and Henderson’s desire for the Vikings to reach that level is understandable. The good news is there appears to be a path forward without firing the head coach.

KOC’s MN Vikings Tale of the Tape

O’Connell is now in his fourth season as head coach of the Vikings. He owns a 42–25 record (.627 winning percentage) and has guided the team to the postseason twice. Unfortunately, both appearances ended in losses, and nearly $270 million in free-agent spending this offseason resulted in a largely average on-field product.

When you a backup QB you don't have to do shit until the starter goes down. The rest of the time you good as gold as long as you can run the scout team offense. What you think KOC doing right now? Bro just hanging around, good enough to keep folks off his back. Stay with me

— Erin Henderson (@that1guyerin) December 29, 2025

The comparison may not be perfectly fair, but it isn’t entirely off-base either. O’Connell has an abundance of offensive weapons, yet his results pale in comparison to what Brian Flores has accomplished on defense.

Since joining the Vikings, Flores’ defenses have ranked 11th, 2nd, and 6th in DVOA. During that same span, O’Connell’s offenses have finished 28th, 23rd, 15th, and 19th. Even last season’s 14–3 campaign with Sam Darnold felt destined for disappointment, given the offense ranked just 15th in the league.

Moving on from O’Connell this offseason isn’t realistic, nor should it be. Kwesi Adofo-Mensah may need to be replaced, and multiple assistants could be shown the door. Whether O’Connell hands playcalling duties to Wes Phillips or brings in a new voice entirely, the offensive coordinator role clearly warrants a thorough review.

More must-reads:

• MVP Quarterback Tied to Minnesota Vikings 
• High Profile Former Viking Charged with Grim Felony, Records Now Public
• Minnesota Vikings Legend Makes HOF Finals

Week 18 features a divisional matchup for the Minnesota Vikings. Typically, a home game against the Green Bay Packers is one of the highlights of the season. That couldn’t be further from the truth this year.

Minnesota sits at 8-8 with a a chance to finish above .500. Green Bay, meanwhile, is locked into a playoff spot and plans to rest its regulars. How the Vikings respond remains to be seen, but Kevin O’Connell wants every option available.

QB Remains a Mystery for Vikings in Week 18

Starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy is still recovering from a broken hand, and it would seem unwise to rush him back for a meaningless game. However, it doesn’t appear as simple as handing the start to Max Brosmer.

In the meantime, Kevin O'Connell said that he would get Max Brosmer "ready to go" but noted that he wants to have all QBs — including John Wolford and Brett Rypien — ready to play. https://t.co/QpNKDmSq2Z

— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) December 29, 2025

As ESPN’s Kevin Seifert reports, the Vikings intend to have every quarterback on the roster ready to play. Things likely would have gone differently this season had Carson Wentz remained healthy and available throughout the year.

Instead, the quarterback situation has been a mess. McCarthy posted a mixed bag of performances while going 5-4 as a starter. Brosmer is 1-1 while completing 63.5% of his passes, but his limitations are evident. He’s averaging just 4.3 yards per attempt and has yet to throw a touchdown, finishing with a 0-4 TD-to-interception ratio.

John Wolford hasn’t appeared in a regular-season game since 2022, but he has familiarity with both Sean McVay and Kevin O’Connell. If Wolford plays ahead of Brosmer, it would signal O’Connell’s reluctance to continue rolling out either rookie.

Regardless of who lines up under center, finding Justin Jefferson should be the priority. The star wide receiver is just 53 yards shy of 1,000 on the season, and there’s no reason his five-year streak of hitting the mark should come to an end.

Green Bay faces its own quarterback uncertainty. Jordan Love won’t play, and Malik Willis could also be rested. That would elevate Clayton Tune from the practice squad, potentially making his first start since 2023.

The Vikings and Packers will kick off a watered-down version of their rivalry on Sunday at noon.

More must-reads:

• MVP Quarterback Tied to Minnesota Vikings 
• High Profile Former Viking Charged with Grim Felony, Records Now Public
• Minnesota Vikings Legend Makes HOF Finals

Week 17 of the 2025-26 NFL season is nearly complete. That means we are just days from the Minnesota Vikings playing their final game, before we are forced to go months without the purple to help fulfill our weekends.

Entering the week, we still do not know who will play quarterback for the Vikings. Head coach Kevin O’Connell left the door open last week, for JJ McCarthy to return.

If the 22-year-old former first round pick can’t go, Minnesota will likely toss former Gopher UDFA Max Brosmer back out there. After his 51-yard performance on Christmas Day against the Lions, however, it is possible they turn to Brett Rypien or John Wolford instead.

But the MN Vikings’ week 18 QB dilemma has been overshadowed this weekend by defensive coordinator Brian Flores, who is expected to get more looks as a head coach this offseason, at which point his contract in Minnesota is due expire.

The timing for B-Flo couldn’t be better. Minnesota’s defense has been on fire the last couple of weeks, literally dragging the offense to two straight victories.

Report: Brian Flores isn’t leaving MN Vikings for another DC job

Then, Sunday morning, Mike Florio dropped a report at ProFootballTalk.com, claiming the Cowboys (among other teams) plan to chase Minnesota’s free agent coach, not as their next head coach, but as a HIGHLY-PAID defensive coordinator.

By the evening, however, another longtime NFL insider — Josina Anderson — weighed in on Florio’s reporting, where she waved it off as complete BS.

If Brian Flores leaves the Minnesota Vikings, tweeted Anderson, it won’t be for a lateral move to remain a defensive coordinator — no matter how much Jerry Jones is willing to pony up.

Why would Brian Flores leave one defensive coordinator job, for another job with the same title? #Vikings would match any pay raise.

Come on y’all. https://t.co/a6H09xfFca

— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) December 28, 2025

Why would Brian Flores leave one defensive coordinator job, for another job with the same title? #Vikings would match any pay raise.

Come on y’all.

Josina Anderson – @JosinaAnderson

After a rocky start to the season, the Minnesota Vikings defense has pushed itself into the top 10, league-wide.

According to Pro Football Reference, Brian Flores & Co ranked 9th in points allowed per game (20.6), 5th in total yards allowed per game (292.7), 3rd in pass yards allowed (168.8) and 5th in yards per play (4.8).

Even in the turnover category, where the Vikings were struggling not that long ago, they now rank 11th (1.31). So, not only does the Minnesota defense look miles ahead of the offense, but that’s what the numbers show too.

Flores could struggle to find head coaching job

Because of the lawsuit he still has pending against the league and multiple teams, it’s going to be difficult (just like last spring/summer) for Flores to find an organization willing to give Brian Flores a second chance as head coach.

And if that is how reality plays out, then it looks like B-Flo is staying for his fourth season as MN Vikings defensive coordinator. At least if you believe Josina, who has since doubled down on her response to Florio’s article.

Again, Brian Flores is not just going to take a defense coordinator title with any other team. Count on that. https://t.co/Uv9g1rwXp2

— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) December 28, 2025

Again, Brian Flores is not just going to take a defense coordinator title with any other team. Count on that.

Josina Anderson – @JosinaAnderson

More must-reads:

• MVP Quarterback Tied to Minnesota Vikings 
• High Profile Former Viking Charged with Grim Felony, Records Now Public
• Minnesota Vikings Legend Makes HOF Finals

At 8-8, the Minnesota Vikings have been eliminated from playoff contention after navigating one of the NFL’s most competitive divisions. Still, following their Christmas upset of the Detroit Lions, Kevin O’Connell’s team has a chance to finish the season with a winning record.

The Green Bay Packers are the only opponent Minnesota has yet to defeat this season. That could change in the finale, and Green Bay may help the Vikings along the way.

Minnesota Vikings Favored Against Resting Packers

The season was never supposed to unfold this way for Minnesota. The Vikings didn’t spend heavily in the offseason only to see their Super Bowl aspirations evaporate by midseason. J.J. McCarthy has struggled, Max Brosmer has been worse, but with Green Bay expected to rest its starters, Minnesota enters Week 18 as the favorite.

With Green Bay locked into the NFC’s No. 7 seed, they are expected to rest key players next week.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 28, 2025

Jordan Love missed the Packers’ Saturday night loss to the Baltimore Ravens while in concussion protocol. He won’t suit up in Week 18 either, leaving Malik Willis to face Brian Flores’ defense.

Following their loss, Green Bay can no longer win the NFC North regardless of what the 11–4 Chicago Bears do on Sunday Night Football. Locked into the No. 7 seed, the Packers have little incentive to risk key players. Assuming McCarthy’s broken hand remains an issue, and it makes little sense to rush him back anyway, Brosmer will get the start.

Despite having yet to throw a touchdown and opening his career with a four-interception performance, Brosmer is currently a six-point favorite against the division rival.

He’s 1–1 as a starter, having knocked off the Lions, and he can also be credited with the win over the New York Giants after replacing McCarthy at halftime. The former Minnesota Gophers quarterback has completed 63.5% of his passes this season, though the game plan has been extremely conservative due to his limitations.

Regardless of who, or how many, players the Packers sit, it would be encouraging to see Brosmer and the Vikings deliver a competent offensive performance. Quarterback play has been a glaring weakness all season, and a significant reset in 2026 feels inevitable.

More must-reads:

• MVP Quarterback Tied to Minnesota Vikings 
• High Profile Former Viking Charged with Grim Felony, Records Now Public
• Minnesota Vikings Legend Makes HOF Finals

There’s only one game remaining in the Minnesota Vikings’ 2025 season, a week 18 home matchup (exact date still TBD) against the Green Bay Packers — just one of two NFC North teams that will receive an invite to the 2025-26 NFL Playoffs.

After Green Bay’s loss last night to Baltimore, the Packers are locked in as the NFC’s 7-seed and — like the Vikings — no longer have anything to play for next weekend.

Meanwhile, the (8-8) Vikings will try to extend their current win streak to five games. If they succeed, Minnesota would finish above .500 for the third time in four seasons, under head coach Kevin O’Connell.

But if there is one unit on the 2025 MN Vikings that has carried them to victory during this hot streak, it’s Brian Flores’ defense, which has held opponents to 13 points or less in three of those four victories.

Now, this is an organization facing a ton of questions entering the offseason, especially at quarterback. It’s quite possible though, even more so than QB, that the future of their free agent defensive coordinator is No. 1 priority on that list.

Cowboys interested in Brian Flores as a defensive coordinator

News broke last week that the Vikings are already trying to work out an extension for Brian Flores, but there is no word on how close the two sides may have gotten. One thing is certain, however.

If Flores hits the head coaching market, he he’ll get looks from multiple teams. But according to Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk.com), Minnesota may have competition for Flores’ services as a defensive coordinator… specifically, the Dallas Cowboys.

Dallas seems to be destined to fire defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus, after a disastrous reunion year. (Never mind the fact that owner/G.M. Jerry Jones traded the defense’s best player 10 days before Week 1.) And the increasing chatter in league circles is that the Cowboys will be firmly in play for Flores.

The Vikings, we’re told, are keenly aware of the possibility. And while the Vikings should have exclusive rights to negotiate with Flores until his contract expires, we all know by now that tampering is as rampant in pro football as flopping mouthpieces that never seem to make their way into players’ mouths.

Mike Florio – ProFootballTalk.com

Unfortunately, the MN Vikings have been mathematically eliminated from playoff contention for weeks now. That isn’t on Flores, whose defense is the only thing keeping them from the top of the draft, come April.

Minnesota Vikings will fight… but for who?

But you learn a lot about yourself, with failure. And this year, we found something VERY important out about this team — something we may not have known had the season not gone up in smoke early, like it did.

No matter what the Minnesota Vikings are playing for, or how disappointing the results on the field have been, the team is going to fight tooth and nail every time they put on the uniform.

Related: MN Vikings Trying to Talk Player/Coach Harrison Smith Out of Retirement

And believe it or not, that is a rare thing in the sports world, even at the professional level where guys are playing for paychecks. Now, we know a lot of that no-quit attitude is passed down from O’Connell himself.

But how much of it comes from Flores’ ability to rally his defense? Hopefully, we don’t have to find out in 2026 because if the MN Vikings want to be the playoff team they think they will be, they’ll need B-Flo running that side of the ball.

More must-reads:

• MVP Quarterback Tied to Minnesota Vikings 
• High Profile Former Viking Charged with Grim Felony, Records Now Public
• Minnesota Vikings Legend Makes HOF Finals

If Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell cannot figure out the quarterback position this offseason, it won’t matter how much he and (hopefully) Brian Flores can bring out of the rest of their roster.

And when you really start digging into the QB questions facing this organization — it’s clear outside help needs to be brought in. Just like us, the Vikings can’t tell the future.

What are the MN Vikings going to do at QB this offseason?

They do not know if JJ McCarthy develop fast enough to be ready by fall. And one thing is for sure, Max Brosmer isn’t ready to be an NFL backup. At the very least, the MN Vikings need to enter the 2026 season with a MUCH more legitimate backup QB plan, behind McCarthy.

So… do they call Aaron Rodgers again… maybe take Kyler Murray for a spin? Or how about something bigger, like trading for top-5 QB just entering his 30s, named Joe Burrow?

That may sound crazy, but even Burrow has said recently that he is no longer having fun playing in Cincinnati. Those with their finger on the pulse of the league are being careful, but there’s a lot of chatter right now that Joe Burrow may be available for auction, sooner than later.

It’s important to note that Joe told reporters he can’t really envision himself playing on any other team next season, and the Bengals claim they want to keep him. So as of today, that’s where things stand out East.

But Cincinnati might be the most poorly run franchise in the NFL and insiders across the league wonder how long it’ll be before he reconsiders that stance. Joe Burrow — who has thrown for over 20,000 yards, 152 touchdowns and just 50 interceptions — is already 29 years old.

If he wants to win a ring, at what point does he look in the mirror and realize that some things are just out of his control?

Minnesota Vikings lying in wait on Joe Burrow?

Those are the kinds of questions league insiders like Jonathan Jones (CBS Sports) are asking behind the scenes. And if Joe does decide to change his face, and take matters into his own hands by forcing a trade out of Cincy, the Vikings are once again being mentioned as one of the teams who would likely call.

Sources from multiple teams tell CBS Sports they anticipate several teams will attempt a pursuit of trading for Burrow in the offseason.

“There are probably only a handful [of teams] that would at least make an attempt,” said one NFC front office executive.

Teams that figure to be in the quarterback market include the Raiders, Browns, Jets, Dolphins and Cardinals. The Steelers, Colts, Rams and Vikings could also all be in need of a quarterback depending upon how the early offseason plays out.

Jonathan Jones – CBS Sports

The MN Vikings’ five-game win streak has been fun, and there are some instances where they’ve played well enough to beat just about any team in the league.

Then, there are wins like the last few, over opponents whose offenses could not crack Brian Flores’ defense. And let’s be honest, teams like the Jets and Giants aren’t the types of teams to worry about when thinking postseason.

Unreal performance by this #Vikings defense to end the season for the rival #Lions. pic.twitter.com/KfPJStTLeH

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 26, 2025

Related: MN Vikings Star Hits Another Record in Confusing Victory

Once the playoffs start, a dominant defense is only going to get you so far. If the MN Vikings can’t get competent quarterback play next seasons, their chances of winning a Super Bowl will be just as low.

In fact, if the Wilfs, KOC and Kwesi even want to think Super Bowl thoughts, they need to find a quarterback who is better than average. As of December 27, 2025, they do not have that.

As Jones points out in his piece, a lot of franchises would be committing front office malfeasance if Joe Burrow comes available and they do not call to inquire about what it will cost to make a deal. Given what we saw in 2025, that includes the Vikings.

What would it cost the Minnesota Vikings to land Joe Burrow?

Jonathan Jones went briefly into what it would cost to sway Cincinnati into dealing Joe Burrow, who’s currently playing on a five-year, $275 million contract extension.

At the bare minimum, on NFL GM told the insider, the Bengals aren’t picking up the phone for an offer of anything less than two first round picks plus a young quarterback that can get Bengals fans excited about the future.

“Probably depends on if a team has a young QB or players to offer but imagine they won’t even answer the phone if you don’t have at least two first-round picks plus more,” said one NFC front office exec. “Maybe even three if you’re not doing it with any players involved.”

The floor for any such deal would seemingly be the Deshaun Watson trade from 2022. The Browns sent three first-round picks, two second rounders and one third to the Texans to acquire Watson (and a sixth-round pick).

Jonathan Jones – CBS Sports

If Kwesi were to call up the Bengals, assuming his offer is competitive with others around the league, the Vikings would have to shoot to the top of Cincinnati’s list of top trade partners.

Why the Vikings make PERFECT sense

Not only do the Vikings have JJ McCarthy to dangle, but Burrow will have a major say in where he winds up, should he storm out on the Bengals. Every QB wants to play for Kevin O’Connell and, without a doubt, Joe would be the Vikings’ missing piece.

Throw Burrow onto this roster, make a few minor adjustments… and poof, the Vikings would instantly be a real Super Bowl contender. Oh, and you may have heard that one of his best friends and former LSU teammates, Justin Jefferson, is already here.

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And when looking at a possible trade from Minnesota’s point of view, what would they really have to lose, even if they have to go nuclear on their draft future with the offer?

Let’s face facts, Kwesi misses more often on draft picks than Shaq did at the free throw line.

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