Every offseason, before games and reality take over in the spring, Major League Baseball runs on algorithms built to predict the future. No projection system is perfect, but they’re not meant to be.

Nonetheless, some models trend more accurately than others — just like some tend to like the Derek Falvey-operated Minnesota Twins teams more than others.

2026 ZiPS Projections: Minnesota Twins

Dan Szymborski, now of FanGraphs, built his ZiPS algorithm over 20 years ago. In the decades since, it has become one of the most trusted and followed offseason models across the baseball world.

Last season the Minnesota Twins finished with an ugly 70-92 record. They aren’t expected to add significantly to the payroll, but no longer plan to continue the roster deconstruction process that went into overdrive before the 2025 MLB Trade Deadline.

ZiPS has hope for Twins offense

With the addition of 1B/DH Josh Bell, how do the Twins project for the upcoming season, according to the initial 2026 ZiPS model? With a bullpen yet to be rebuilt, Minnesota is currently projected to finish next season with 78-84 wins — right around .500.

There’s no doubting, however, that over at FanGraphs… Szymborski has a quiet optimism about him, when breaking down what his algorithm has to say about the MN Twins early this offseason.

The easiest thing for people to do is set this past season as a baseline and understand that this team isn’t going to be much better in 2026. But using last season’s record as a baseline is generally a poor idea, as there’s a good argument that a lot of the 2025 Twins underperformed their actual ability.

It’s the same kind of shortcut reasoning that caused people to underrate the Blue Jays going into this season, assuming that the Jays had to build up from their actual 74-win total in 2024 rather than from something closer to 81-83 wins, which was about Toronto’s true talent level.

The 2025 Twins were better than a 70-92 team, but they do have some problems with their offense that they may or may not address between now and next season. If the season started today, the Twins look like a roughly .500 team, with their expected win total somewhere in the 78-84 range, but they’re close enough to good that if they were to hit their upside scenario, they could be an interesting contender. 

Dan Szymborski – Fangraphs

There is plenty of offseason left, and while we shouldn’t be expecting earth-shattering moves from the Minnesota Twins, they will certainly do more. Thankfully, this front office has a history of assembling cheap bullpens on the fly. Over the next few months, that reputation will be put to the test.

The lineup is in a weird spot. There is a glut of left fielders, most of which are left-handed. ZiPS is not at all high on Brooks Lee (0.5 fWAR projection) seeing him as a less valuable asset in 2026 than a lineup tweener like Kody Clemens, or even backup catcher Alex Jackson.

Lee’s 79 OPS+ and .236/.285/.370 slash line last season pushed his value down across the league, algorithms included. Unfortunately, the former first round pick will have to prove ZiPS wrong because the Twins can’t afford to go out and sign a better shortstop.

On the flip side, Szymborski’s 2026 algorithm loves some of Minnesota’s up-and-coming prospects, projecting both Kaelen Culpepper (1.9 fWAR) and Emmanuel Rodriguez (1.3 fWAR) to have breakout big league seasons.

Depending on how they look, come Spring, it’s possible we could see either the young shortstop and/or outfielder sooner than later. If you trust ZiPS, then that’ll certainly be the expectation when the Minnesota Twins assemble in Fort Myers, come February.

Algorithm loves 2026 MN Twins starting pitching

Keeping Joe Ryan and Pablo Lopez was a non-negotiable, if the Twins wanted to enter 2026 in the pretender or contender conversation. Unsurprisingly, ZiPS loves Minnesota’s starting one-two punch. It doesn’t hate the arms behind their aces, either.

Zebby Matthews is projected as the MN Twins’ third-best starter in 2026 — touting a future 3.93 ERA. Also of note, ZiPS has David Festa falling out of the rotation, which would facilitate a move to the bullpen, which desperately needs help.

Keeping Ryan and López, if that’s what the Twins actually plan to do, is a pretty big deal. With those two at the top, Minnesota would have a legitimate playoff-caliber rotation. Bailey Ober’s history is better than his 2025 performance, and I don’t think it’s unreasonable to see him as a fine mid-rotation starter, and ZiPS has always been stanning for Zebby Matthews. Simeon Woods Richardson, Taj Bradley, and Mick Abel all get highly useful projections from ZiPS, and the computer really likes the organization’s minor league depth.

Dan Szymborski – FanGraphs

While uninspiring, the MN Twins are not so far from relevance. A couple of shrewd additions will push the needle forward. Major League Baseball seasons are a journey, not a race.

The reality is that most every team (sorry Chicago) will win 60 games and lose 60 games. It’s what happens with the other 60 that determines your fate. Can the Minnesota Twins surprise the league an fair better in those 42 “up-in-the-air” games?

If it makes you feel better, ZiPS thinks they have a chance…

With just three games left and little to play for at 6-8, the Minnesota Vikings are simply trying to finish out the season. They head to New York this weekend to face the Giants before closing the year with home games against the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers.

While the Packers matchup is always circled as a rivalry game, this season’s meeting with Detroit carries added significance. The NFC North rivals will face off on Christmas Day in a Thursday afternoon showdown, and the Vikings are bringing in some legendary halftime entertainment to mark the occasion, a certain dog(g) to be named.

Snoop Dogg Revealed as Vikings Halftime Entertainment

The Christmas Day matchup between Minnesota and Detroit is expected to feature an elevated production, fitting for a national spotlight. The game will stream exclusively on Netflix, with the Vikings and Lions taking center stage on the platform. Adding to the spectacle, Snoop Dogg will perform at halftime.

SNOOP DOGG'S HOLIDAY HALFTIME PARTY 🎄

NFL Halftime Show – Lions vs. Vikings

LIVE on Netflix December 25 pic.twitter.com/S5DOjEQLl1

— Netflix Sports (@netflixsports) December 16, 2025

“NFL, Netflix and your uncle Snoop on Christmas Day? We’re servin’ up music, love and good vibes for the whole world to enjoy. That’s the kind of holiday magic Santa can’t fit in a bag.”

Snoop Dogg

Last season, Beyoncé headlined Netflix’s first-ever Christmas Day halftime show. From one legend to another, Snoop Dogg appears ready to carry on the tradition.

SNOOP DOGG'S HOLIDAY HALFTIME PARTY 🎄

NFL Halftime Show – Lions vs. Vikings

LIVE on Netflix December 25 pic.twitter.com/RF0W74K5e4

— Netflix (@netflix) December 16, 2025

Born Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr., Snoop Dogg is now 54 years old and has been a fixture in music and pop culture since 1991. Decades into his career, he continues to land high-profile appearances that keep him firmly in the spotlight.

The West Coast rap icon is also a well-known sports fan, making his presence a natural fit for the occasion. With the Lions currently sitting third in the NFC North, there’s even a chance the Vikings could play spoiler and put a damper on Detroit’s season, while Snoop Dogg delivers the entertainment.

This season has been nothing short of a disaster for the Minnesota Vikings’ offensive line. That outcome was hardly expected after the team invested heavily in the unit, both financially and by using a first-round draft pick.

Through 14 games, Kevin O’Connell has had his full starting offensive line intact for just two contests, and even one of those saw multiple players leave with injuries. Last weekend, Christian Darrisaw was sidelined again as he continues to deal with a lingering knee issue.

While the head coach has expressed confidence in the long-term outlook, the ongoing problems are clearly concerning, and the Vikings once again need reinforcements.

New Tackle Signed to Vikings Practice Squad

With Christian Darrisaw remaining a weekly question mark and backup tackle Justin Skule also missing time this season, the Vikings’ offensive line depth is stretched thin. Earlier this year, Minnesota had to sign Matt Waletzko while in London just to field enough bodies for practice. That scenario appears to be repeating itself with the addition of tackle Caleb Etienne.

The #Vikings have signed T Caleb Etienne to the practice squad. pic.twitter.com/HF3E1z7j9z

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) December 16, 2025

Etienne went undrafted out of BYU and was waived by the Cincinnati Bengals in September. After two season at Oklahoma State, he transferred to BYU to finish his collegiate career. The 24-year-old stands 6’7″ and weighs 329 pounds.

While Etienne is unlikely to be elevated to the active roster, his signing is hardly reassuring news for Darrisaw’s outlook. Despite the coaching staff’s optimistic messaging, the current situation paints a troubling picture.

O'Connell: "I don't think this is going to be anything that will be a part of his future here. … With time and with the significant injury he had, I do think we're going to be able to put this in the rear view mirror here." (2/2)

— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) December 15, 2025

The reality is that Minnesota has just three games remaining and sits at 6–8, effectively playing for nothing. There is little incentive to rush Darrisaw back onto the field. Still, the fact that his injury occurred more than a year ago, and that the recovery process has been this uneven, is concerning.

Since signing his four-year contract extension, Darrisaw has appeared in just 17 of the Vikings’ last 31 games. That number looks even worse if he’s unable to suit up the rest of the way or is ultimately shut down.

The Vikings’ first practice report of the week will be released Wednesday, and Darrisaw’s status will be the key item to monitor.

The Minnesota Timberwolves have opened the season with a strong 17-9 record. Chris Finch has his team rolling through the regular season, but their sights remain firmly set on an NBA Finals appearance.

Despite falling short of that goal last year, president of basketball operations Tim Connelly largely ran it back with the same roster. It has become increasingly clear, however, that the rotation still lacks a true playmaking point guard. Mike Conley is no longer that player at this stage of his career, and Minnesota has been poking around the trade market as a result.

While teams are still weeks away from fully declaring their intentions ahead of the trade deadline, the Timberwolves may not be interested in waiting that long, and could simply be waiting for the right opportunity to strike.

Darius Garland on the Timberwolves’ Radar

Recently, reports surfaced that Coby White was a guard of interest for Minnesota, though that chatter was quickly shut down. Even so, it’s clear the Timberwolves are actively exploring upgrades. Add Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland to the list.

The Timberwolves, Magic, and Wizards would be considered potential candidates to pursue Darius Garland from Cleveland if the Cavs engage in trade discussions centered around the 2x All-Star.

Garland should receive strong interest from teams in need of lead guard duties.

— Jake Weinbach (@JWeinbachNBA) December 16, 2025

The Cavaliers have stumbled to a 15–12 record this season after finishing 64–18 as the top team in the Eastern Conference last year. By comparison, it’s fair to say Cleveland has underperformed.

Garland himself has taken a step back as well. After earning his second All-Star selection last season while averaging 20.6 points per game, his production has dipped across the board. He is shooting a career-low 36.2% from the field and averaging just 15.5 points per game, his lowest mark since his rookie season.

darius garland easily one of the nastiest passers in the league 😤pic.twitter.com/AIYRBM2J8Z

— 🏆 (@LakeshowX) December 10, 2025

Garland’s trade value may be muted not only because of his production, but also due to health concerns. He underwent offseason surgery to address a turf toe issue and has appeared in just 11 games so far this season. Still, the former fifth overall pick could benefit from a fresh start, particularly alongside a star like Anthony Edwards.

The Timberwolves sit just under the second apron, limiting their flexibility under the salary cap. Even so, it’s clear a capable point guard could elevate this team. Too often, Minnesota struggles to find consistent rhythm without a reliable floor general, making this an area worth addressing.

It wasn’t that long ago that we expected the Pohlad family to sell their majority ownership of the Minnesota Twins. Then in October, they pulled the rug from under the fanbase by taking the team off the market.

Not long after, we found out that, instead, the Pohlads were bringing on two mystery investors that were reportedly purchasing ~20% of the team and paying down their mounting $450-$500 million in debt.

In the months since, all has been quiet behind the scenes at Target Field — not just regarding the Minnesota Twins’ immediate future on the field — but surrounding who exactly these new investors are and when/if they will be onboarded.

More details finally come out on new Minnesota Twins minority owners

Finally, on Tuesday, we got a few more pieces of the puzzle. Let’s start with the new minority owners. It turns out there are two main groups, as originally reported, but the Twins also have a third group that has come together and been approved by Major League Baseball, according to team insider Dan Hayes (The Athletic).

In total, the Pohlads are selling over 20% of the team to these various limited partners, all of which are buying in at a valuation of $1.75 Billion — far more than the $1.4 Billion Forbes has them valued at. As previously reported, these minority partners are coming in to pay down a debt that has now reached $500 million.

Selling more than 20 percent of the franchise to three minority partnership groups at a $1.75 billion valuation, the Pohlad family is expected to announce this week they’ve finalized a transaction that helps a club $500 million in debt return to a sound financial footing while also requiring the addition of three seats to the team’s ownership advisory board, league sources told The Athletic.

repeated delays in the process are due to additional, smaller ownership groups emerging and purchasing shares of the franchise, add-ons that required MLB’s approval…“It’s a big series of checks,” said one source with knowledge of the transaction. “Once it was out that we were doing a minority sale, a number of people stepped forward.

Dan Hayes – The Athletic

Just 1.5 weeks ago, the Twins’ 2026 payroll was projected at $95 million and we were all bracing for it to decrease even further. Had the Pohlads ordered Falvey to continue the 2025 trade deadline deconstruction project — which likely would’ve meant dealing Byron Buxton, Joe Ryan and Pablo Lopez — it could’ve realistically dropped to $70-$75 million.

Sudden shift in Twins’ offseason plans explained

At the MLB Winter Meetings, however, Falvey switched gears and started notifying teams that the MN Twins were keeping all three of their stars. On top of that, the front office was looking to MODERATELY add to the roster, in hopes of contending in a weak AL Central this summer.

Since, the Minnesota Twins made their first free agent move as 2025-26 offseason buyers on Monday, signing first baseman Josh Bell to what is essentially a one-year deal worth less than $7 million.

It’s a bargain contract at a position of need, for a team still very much shopping in the “deals” aisle. Not only can he play first and present a legitimate DH option, but Bell hits from both sides of the plate, so platooning him isn’t a real concern either.

Thanks to this story from The Athletic, we now know why the Twins shifted offseason gears during the Winter meetings. They were waiting on their new minority investors to be ratified by the MLB.

Because without the new investors, the plan for 2026 would’ve been completely different than what we are seeing this week. On Wednesday at 1:00 PM, we will learn even more about these new minority ownership groups, one of which includes Minnesota Wild owner Craig Leipold.

As a result of the agreement between the Pohlads and their new limited partnership groups, the cash infusion will significantly reduce the club’s debt, which multiple sources say has ballooned over the past five seasons.

“It’s baked into the deal that there’ll be a meaningful, significant pay down of the debt,” one source said.

Dan Hayes – The Athletic

According to multiple sources, #mnwild owner Craig Leipold is part of one of three limited partner groups https://t.co/XaD6DDHhiq

— Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) December 17, 2025

MN Twins blaming debt on COVID, George Floyd?

Not only that, but the Pohlads have officially listed the reasoning behind how they racked up a confirmed $500 million in debt. Today’s report points to the 2020 COVID season, where the Twins and most of the league took huge financial hits.

As reported back then, the Pohlads did NOT lay off employees, shouldering the lost cost themselves. According to Hayes, that decision ballooned a debt, that was already over $200 million, to an unmanageable number that eventually forced them to sell off nearly a quarter of their Major League Baseball team.

At one point, the Twins clearly believed they’d be able to pull out of the financial funk supposedly placed on them by the pandemic. That’s why they invested in Carlos Correa and pushed payroll to levels never seen before.

Unfortunately, the fans never really returned to Target Field. Why? The Twins have more than one reason they are trying to make public, through Hayes, including fallout from Derek Chauvin vs George Floyd.

Expecting to draw at least 2.3 million fans to Target Field in 2020, the Twins’ plans were waylaid by COVID-19, like every other pro sports franchise.

Unlike many other teams, the Twins kept all of their employees and paid their minor-league players in 2020. That drove up the debt, which multiple sources said was in the $200 million range after the 2019 season.

In 2021, a combination of attendance restrictions, poor play and perceived security concerns during the trial of Derek Chauvin following George Floyd’s murder in Minneapolis the year before led to the Twins drawing only 1.3 million fans.

Dan Hayes – The Athletic

But even with the new minority investors, the Minnesota Twins are stuck shopping at K-Mart this offseason, something that likely will not change as long as the Pohlads remain majority owners.

This winter — after trading away most of their big league relievers at the 2025 MLB Trade Deadline –the Minnesota Twins are trying to rebuild their bullpen.

Before they jumped on a new arm, they nabbed a first baseman, in 32-year-old former Silver Slugger, Josh Bell. With their biggest positional need now filled, expect president Derek Falvey to turn his attention to the bullpen, where there’s still a ton of work to be done.

Caleb Thielbar returning to Chicago Cubs

One option that would have made sense and struck a chord with fans, is Northfield, MN’s own Caleb Thielbar, a lefty reliever with eight seasons of big league experience. Unfortunately for the Twins, a reunion with Thielbar isn’t in the cards. Not after he re-upped with the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday.

News: The Cubs are bringing back lefty Caleb Thielbar who pitched well for them last season, sources tell me and @JeffPassan. Thielbar, 38, had a 2.64 ERA in 67 games last season. He joins newcomer Hoby Milner as lefties in the Cubs pen. The deal is pending a physical.

— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) December 16, 2025

Last season, the South Dakota State University alum appeared in a career-high 67 games (yes, six-seven) with the Chicago Cubs. At age 37, he was impressive too, posting his best ERA (2.64) since 2013, as a rookie.

If that wasn’t impressive enough, Caleb decorated that Earned Run Average with a 3.00 FIP, 0.879 WHIP and 147 ERA+. His 1.1 fWAR was the second-highest mark of his career.

Thielbar is known for his devastating curveball and gets plenty of swing and miss from it. He posted a 25.5% whiff rate last year, flipping his curveball right around 28% of the time.

Caleb Thielbar, Devastating 75mph Curveball. 🌈 pic.twitter.com/R0j8oU7M9x

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) June 6, 2025

If he’s going to return for another big league season, it’s no surprise that Thielbar is choosing to remain on the North Side of Chicago, given the success he had there last summer. If he’s going to come back again, it makes sense to do it where he is comfortable.

Unforeseen Bounceback for former Minnesota Twins reliever

What’s crazy about Caleb Thielbar’s MLB career is that it has included multiple extended breaks. Just two years after making his big league dreams come true, Thielbar left the game of baseball following the 2015 season. He did not return until 2020.

Since returning to the big leagues, the former 18th round draft pick has made more than $10 million. Given he’s made a total of just over $11 million in his entire career, I think it’s safe to say that coming back was the right choice.

The Minnesota Twins head to Chicago immediately following the All-Star Game this season. Last year the Twins bested the Cubs in their lone three-game series.

The Minnesota Twins haven’t gone gangbusters adding talent to the roster this offseason, but they have made a few moves. Alex Jackson is now the backup catcher, and Josh Bell represented the first free agent signing as the new starting first baseman.

Prior to the Rule 5 Draft the Twins juggled the roster in order to grab Daniel Susac and facilitate a trade. They allowed Carson McCusker the opportunity to play overseas in the process, and he’ll have a familiar name to Minnesota fans as a teammate.

Former Minnesota Twins pitcher Kenta Maeda joins Carson McCusker in Japan

Last season, Carson McCusker made his debut with the Minnesota Twins after tearing up the farm system. The independent ball product drew a level of fame due to his power hitting prowess. Unfortunately, it didn’t translate to the big leagues as evident in his 16/1 K/BB. Now set to play for the Rakuten Eagles in Japan, he’ll be joined by former Twins pitcher Kenta Maeda.

#前田健太 選手の入団会見を行いました！

前田選手のコメントはこちら💬
👉https://t.co/otMyH4DfBT#RakutenEagles pic.twitter.com/F54mDKb4hH

— 東北楽天ゴールデンイーグルス (@Rakuten__Eagles) December 16, 2025

Maeda and McCusker may have crossed paths in 2023 while both were employed by the MN Twins, when Maeda was acquired from the Los Angeles Dodgers in a trade that ultimately sent Mookie Betts to the west coast.

In 2020 Maeda finished runner up for a Cy Young award. However, durability was never Maeda’s thing, and his 106 1/3 innings in 2021 were the most he ever accumulate for the Twins.

After posting a 4.23 ERA (4.02 FIP) with Minnesota in 2023, the Twins let him go to Detroit showing an unwillingness to do a multi-year deal. They were right as Maeda compiled a 6.21 ERA (5.04 FIP) over the last two years, and was demoted to the bullpen.

Now pitching back in his home country of Japan for the first time since 2015, Maeda joins Rakuten. He had previously spent the entirety of his Japanese playing experience with the Hiroshima Carp. At 37 years old, Maeda can end his career in comfort, and he’ll hopefully have a front row seat to McCusker launching plenty of homers as well.

Playing overseas, both will get a look at fellow former Twins slugger Miguel Sano. He too recently signed a deal to play in Japan.

The Minnesota Vikings knocked off the Dallas Cowboys in prime time on Sunday Night Football. Despite entering the game eliminated from playoff contention at 5-8 record, they still showed up and delivered a win.

It was one of J.J. McCarthy’s better performances of the season, though those have been few and far between. With the Vikings playing out the string, this final stretch remains important for the 22-year-old quarterback to demonstrate competence and growth.

While McCarthy may have done enough Sunday night, a questionable touchdown decision aside, not everyone is sold. Count Vikings legend Cris Carter among the skeptics, and it’s unlikely he’s speaking solely for himself.

Carter Remains Skeptical of J.J. McCarthy

Former Vikings superstar Cris Carter has not been shy about his concerns regarding J.J. McCarthy. Even after McCarthy threw for 250 yards against Dallas, Carter appeared no more convinced. The Hall of Famer discussed the performance Monday morning with Kay Adams.

Justin Jefferson has seen a MAJOR dip in his numbers this year…

HOF WR Cris Carter explains what's different:@criscarter80 | @heykayadams pic.twitter.com/AmHybGe5ZM

— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) December 15, 2025

“Well for one this is the first time during JJ’s career, that being Justin Jefferson, that they can’t attack the full field. Ever since his rookie year, in KOC’s offense, they’ve been able to throw the ball, especially take deep shots down the field, especially off the play action. You can see he’s starting to press, these are not the same numbers that he’s used to. Randy Moss had some of the same issues…that when things became difficult, and they only got difficult with inconsistency at quarterback…I think KOC is doing a great job by meeting with him on a weekly basis…to me I just would have said something. I’m sure JJ is doing a great job of being the team leader and everything we need him to be, and I’m glad he’s not doing things like that outwardly…

Him and KOC are on the same page. We gotta make this guy, we gotta make this work…JJ is doing the right thing. He’s saying all of the right stuff as a franchise player. I talk to him off the record, so trust me he knows what’s going on. As a leader, he realizes it’s most important that he says and stays on the right page with KOC at this point in his career.”

Cris Carter – Up and Adams

There was plenty back and forth in the conversation, but it didn’t take much reading between the lines to understand the message Carter was sending.

Carter knows the position. A Hall of Fame wide receiver with nearly 14,000 career receiving yards, he understands what elite talent needs from a quarterback. And in his view, Justin Jefferson’s prime risks being wasted by inconsistent quarterback play that fails to maximize his abilities.

As of last night Justin Jefferson is no longer the NFL's all-time receiving YPG leader.

Puka Nacua – 93.7
Justin Jefferson – 90.8

— Ted (@tlschwerz) December 16, 2025

Against Dallas, Jefferson saw eight targets turn into just two receptions for 22 yards. As a result, his all-time yards per game record took a hit. McCarthy is now the only quarterback Jefferson has played with, including Carson Wentz and Nick Mullens, who has struggled this much to make the connection work.

To Jefferson’s credit, he has handled the situation professionally. He signed a contract extension without theatrics and has avoided becoming a distraction, even while dealing with a young quarterback who appears overwhelmed at times.

But if you believe Carter is speaking entirely on his own, or that Jefferson’s frustrations won’t surface at some point this offseason, you’re not paying close attention.

Before the Dallas Cowboys kicked off to the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday Night Football in Week 15, Minnesota was already mathematically eliminated from playoff contention.

By the time it was over, the Cowboys’ may as well have been too, because the 34-26 loss to Minnesota pushed Dallas to 6-7-1 on the season. The Vikings’ win was about more than playing spoiler, however.

Sunday night, we also saw QB JJ McCarthy take a positive step in his development for the second-straight week. Which was undoubtedly the most important takeaway of the game for the Vikings.

Surgery coming for MN Vikings Jonathan Greenard

Unfortunately, it wasn’t all positive news leaving DFW Airport, however. During the win, Pro Bowl pass rusher Jonathan Greenard left early after aggravating a nagging shoulder injury he’s been dealing with for much of the season. Now, he’ll have season-ending surgery, meaning the snaps he played in Dallas were the last of his season.

Head Coach Kevin O'Connell provides an update on Jonathan Greenard pic.twitter.com/aeUuyuDbD5

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) December 15, 2025

“Did want to update you on Jonathan Greenard. He aggravated that shoulder and we think it’s best to go ahead and get that thing fixed. He’ll have surgery here hopefully in the near future, and start that process of rehab.

I just want to say as a captain and as a leader on our team, he’s had a huge impact…I thought he played one of his best games yesterday before aggravating that shoulder.

What he’s meant to our team, and to me, specifically what he’s meant to our football team over these past two weeks, JG and his leadership, and his commitment to being a foundational player for us has been on full display. I’m just so proud of him.”

Kevin O’Connell

Against the Cowboys, Greenard picked up four tackles, one sack and three quarterback hits, before exiting with the injury. His pressure percentage was the best he’s had all year, but he was in for just 62.9% of the Minnesota Vikings’ defensive snaps.

Unfortunately, it has been a trying season overall for the 28-year-old veteran, who finished with just three sacks, after having 12 only a year ago, and making his first Pro Bowl. The Vikings signed Greenard to an extension over the offseason, meaning he’ll likely be back in 2026.

He has two years left on his deal, but Minnesota could move on this offseason with $9.9 million in dead cap if they so choose. Given the current state of the Vikings, it makes sense for Greenard to get his injury fixed and look towards next year.

Each of the past two offseason, the Golden Gophers have lost their defensive coordinator to greener pastures. Between 2023 and 2024, they lost Joe Rossi to Michigan State. One year later, they lost his replacement, Corey Hetherman to the Miami Hurricanes.

But last season’s Gopher defense lost more than just their defensive coordinator, during the offseason. They also lost one of the fastest-rising defensive coaching assistants in football, defensive line coach Winston DeLattiboudere.

The four-year Gopher alum turned assistant coach did not leave for another CFB job, however. Instead, the 26-year-old went pro, when the Arizona Cardinals tapped DeLattiboudere to be their d-line coach.

But after one year working with men mostly older than he is, it sounds like the talented 26-year-old may be on his way back to the Big Ten.

Winston DeLattiboudere eyeing up a Minnesota Gophers B1G rival

According to Pete Nakos (On3 Sports), the Michigan State Spartans — who are expected to keep Joe Rossi on staff after firing head coach Jonathan Smith mid-season — “are working to hire” Winston Delattiboudere as their DL coach.

Michigan State is working to hire Cardinals DL coach Winston DeLattiboudere to the same role, sources tell @On3sports.

Former Minnesota assistant coach and player. CBS first reported he was the target. https://t.co/j9D9PVLlpK pic.twitter.com/BW6nUZBtEx

— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos) December 15, 2025

DeLattiboudere overlapped with Michigan State defensive coordinator Joe Rossi during his time in Minneapolis. Minnesota increased its sack total from 19 in 2022 to 26 in 2023 and 28 in 2024.

On3

What would DeLattiboudere bring to Spartans’ defense?

DeLattiboudere joined the Gophers staff as the defensive line coach in 2023 before being promoted to assistant head coach in 2024. This season he worked as the Arizona Cardinals defensive line coach, but now a return to the Big Ten is on the horizon.

As a player in Minnesota, DeLattiboudere appeared in 51 games from 2016 through 2019. He totalled 83 tackles during his career, which included five sacks.

Related: Blossoming MN Gophers Running Back Enters Transfer Portal

Michigan State went just 4-8 this season, which is why their head coach was fired. The Minnesota Gophers beat them 23-20 at Huntington Bank Stadium. The two Big Ten rivals are not scheduled to play against each other again until 2028.

Now with former Northwestern Wildcats head coach Pat Fitzgerald taking over, the Spartans are seeking talent to round out the staff. Coming back to college from the NFL, DeLattiboudere has experience that will make him a valuable member of Fitzgerald’s staff.

What’s next for the Minnesota Gopher football program?

The Minnesota Gophers are heading to the Rate Bowl later this month where head coach P.J. Fleck will be looking for his seventh (6-0) bowl game victory as U of M head football coach. After they go bowling on December 26 the Gophers will officially turn their focus to 2026.

Thankfully (I think), it’s unlikely PJ Fleck has to worry about losing first year defensive coordinator, Danny Collins, after the Gopher defense took a step back under his watch in 2025.