Well, on one side of the ball anyway. Most of the top defensive players sat out, but nearly all of the Vikings starting offense — minus Justin Jefferson, Christian Darrisaw and Aaron Jones — was on the field for Minnesota’s first drive of the game, including redshirt rookie QB, JJ McCarthy.

JJ McCarthy has up and down drive vs Texans

Those available for the Vikings’ offense even included a few Vikings who have been nursing training camp injuries — Will Fries, Ryan Kelly and TJ Hockenson. The result of that initial offensive drive, which lasted 13 plays, 6:03 minutes and went for 58 yards, ended in 3 points for the Vikings thanks to a Will Reichard 48-yard field goal.

It was far from perfect but, overall, McCarthy operated efficiently and made a couple of big plays, including one 4th down scramble for a first down and another 18 yard throw with lots of anticipation to Jordan Addison, who caught three of JJ’s passes, in total.

When McCarthy’s 2025 preseason debut came to an end, he was 4-of-7 for 30 yards passing, to go along with his 10 yard 4th down scramble. Interestingly, most of his success came when he used play action from under center. Out of the shotgun, JJ was just 1 of 3 for 10 yards.

Of note today in Vikings vs Texans:

— JJ McCarthy under center w/PA: 3 of 4 for 20 yards

— JJ McCarthy shotgun w/o PA: 1 of 3 for 10 yards pic.twitter.com/Z5pdFXw0pd

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) August 9, 2025

He did have one missed opportunity that stands out. It came on 3rd down, just before his aforementioned scramble. McCarthy had WR Lucky Jackson breaking free about 15 yards down the field on an in-breaking route.

The 22-year-old went through his progressions beautifully, had good protection, made the right read, threw with anticipation (again)… but just missed the throw high and out front. These are the throws in the regular season that JJ McCarthy needs to hit on 98% of the time.

JJ McCarthy is a bust. Sam Howell would be a better starter for the Vikings pic.twitter.com/NJV6lz8Gg3

— diego… (@d1ego777_) August 9, 2025

Sam Howell bounces back after tough start to MN Vikings camp

The next man up, after McCarthy’s one-and-done drive was 24-year-old veteran, Sam Howell, who the Minnesota Vikings traded for during the NFL Draft. It was a big day for Howell, after he struggled mightily to start training camp.

But after struggling to operate the offense in practice, Howell looked like a QB who was poised and under control against the Houston Texans, methodically moving the ball down the field on multiple drives.

When the dust settled on Howell’s day, following about two quarters of play, he was 11-of-13 for 105 yards with 0 touchdowns, 0 interceptions and a 100.3 QB rating.

Sam Howell had one hell of a day in his MN Vikings preseason debut. pic.twitter.com/OSLpeC9Y9c

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) August 10, 2025

Related: Former QB Says MN Vikings Wanted Him to Play Worse

The former UNC standout, who comes into the 2025 season with 18 NFL starts under his belt, ran the offense efficiently and effectively, getting through his progressions and delivering footballs with accurately.

Max Brosmer balls out in his Minnesota Vikings debut

As mentioned, Howell is only 24 years old, which happens to be the same age as former Minnesota Gophers QB, Max Brosmer, whose showing this afternoon may have been even more impressive than his new teammate’s

Much like he did during his only collegiate season in Dinkytown, Brosmer looked calm, cool and collected in the pocket on Saturday, quickly rifling through reads before making on-time and on target throws, or tucking it down to take off.

He attempted only 8 passes on the day, completing 5 of them, including some notable ones, including two on the same drive to Myles Price, one of which was a TD. Brosmer ended his day with 47 yards passing and that beautiful touchdown pass we just mentioned.

Nice Max Brosmer throw to Myles Price, who has impressed in training camp pic.twitter.com/jhdgcpdi6s

— Will Ragatz (@WillRagatz) August 9, 2025

B1G Connection @maxtbro @Myles_price3

📺: @FOX9 | @NFLNetwork
📻: @KFAN1003 pic.twitter.com/Au4atULnVg

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) August 9, 2025

After Sam Howell’s impressive preseason debut for the Vikings, fans breathed a sigh of relief. After weeks of worry that Minnesota was in trouble at QB2, the four year veteran calmed those fears on Saturday.

In fact, after today’s preseason game against the Texans, it’s starting to feel like we might have an embarrassment of riches in that room.

Brett Rypien’s time in Minnesota drawing to an end??

29-year-old veteran Brett Rypien also got some playing time today. His day did not go as well as the other three Minnesota Vikings quarterbacks, as he finished 1-of-4 for 6 yards. Rypien also took the Vikings’ only two sacks on the day.

Prior to this week, it was Sam Howell who many wondered would make the team. After one preseason game, it appears as if Brett Rypien needs to have an incredible finish to training camp if he wants any sort of roster spot in the regular season.

We know both Rypien and Brosmer will get a ton of playing time in the MN Vikings final two preseason games. If the first is any indication of how those will go, Brett’s time in the Land of 10,000 Lakes may be coming to a close.

Related: MN Vikings New Veteran Carted Off With Injury

Meanwhile, should Max continue to play well, sneaking him onto the practice squad may be a lot more difficult than originally anticipated. No matter, it does appear as if Vikings fans have less to worry about at the QB position, entering week two of the preseason, than anytime since the start of the 2025 offseason.

The next handful of days will be the biggest of McCarthy’s training camp and preseason. Today, we will see JJ start under center against the Texans. Later this week, the 2024 No. 10 overall pick will get a bunch of reps in joint practices against the New England Patriots.

From there, it sounds like JJ McCarthy will turn his attention to week one of the regular season, in Chicago, on Monday Night Football. According to Ben Goessling (Star Tribune), Minnesota’s new QB1’s “probably not going to play next week vs the Patriots”, in the Vikings second preseason game vs New England.

“I do think Kevin O’Connell wants to get JJ McCarthy work in a game, or in game-like settings. He’s not probably going to play against the Patriots after those joint practices, but he will get some work. The fans will get a chance to see him on Saturday and then they’ll have some things to go off of.”

Ben Goessling – Access Vikings Podcast (Star Tribune)

Because starters almost never play in the third and final preseason game, Saturday afternoon is likely to be the only time we will see JJ McCarthy running the Minnesota Vikings offense, until week one of the regular season on September 8.

How much will JJ McCarthy play today for Minnesota Vikings?

So, how much will we see McCarthy play today? Up until Saturday morning, there was no indication, outside of educated guessing from insiders, like Goessling, who predicted a “decent” amount of JJ this afternoon.

But how much is a “decent” amount. Well, Texans beat reporter for Houston’s local NBC affiliate, Aaron Wilson (KPRC) — who has had a knack for breaking Vikings news periodically in the past — is hearing it won’t be much. According to Wilson, JJ McCarthy will get just 8-10 plays.

For #Vikings today, expect a quick day for quarterback J.J. McCarthy, perhaps eight to 10 plays or so @KPRC2

— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) August 9, 2025

Related: Former QB Says MN Vikings Wanted Him to Play Worse

Even if the MN Vikings want to play JJ McCarthy more than one or two drives, they don’t want to play the rest of their starters any more than that, especially on the offensive line. And if the starters aren’t in the trenches, then there’s no chance the future of the franchise will be in the game either.

The last time we saw McCarthy play, it was one year ago, in Minnesota’s first preseason game of 2024. In that home contest against the Raiders, a then newly drafted JJ looked phenomenal, completing 11-of-18 passes for 188 yards, 2 touchdowns and 1 interception.

Vikings inactives vs Texans mostly on defense

Kevin O’Connell is starting many of his healthy veterans against the Texans, including center Ryan Kelly and right guard, Will Fries, meaning McCarthy will play behind four of his five starting offensive linemen, absent only Christian Darrisaw. Jordan Addison, TJ Hockenson and Jordan Mason will all play too.

In contrast, the Vikings’ defensive starters, which have reportedly been leaps and bounds ahead of their offensive counterparts so far during Minnesota Vikings training camp, will get the night off. More than likely, we will not see any of the players listed below until week one of the regular season.

The following players are not expected to play in #HOUvsMIN

Byron Murphy Jr.
Justin Jefferson
Harrison Smith
Aaron Jones Sr.
Andrew Van Ginkel
Joshua Metellus
Blake Cashman
Jonathan Greenard
Christian Darrisaw
Robert Lewis
Jonathan Allen
Harrison Phillips
Javon Hargrave

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) August 9, 2025

On defense, the front office has been focused on the interior defensive line. That’s because, this time last year, they did the same thing on the edge, signing Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel out of the 2024 free agent class. Both of those deals proved absolutely crucial to Minnesota’s surprising success last season.

But before they signed those two gamechangers to their new-look 2024 defense, they first had to say goodbye to Danielle Hunter, a pass rushing monster they drafted and developed into one of the best 4-3 defensive ends in football.

After the Minnesota Vikings decided against paying Danielle Hunter, he found a deal back in his hometown with the Houston Texans, worth two years, $49 million. He paid the Texans off for their investment with an impressive impressive debut season where he started all 17 games for his new team, racking up 12 sacks, 46 tackles (17 TFL) and a career-high 23 quarterback hits.

It was the third year in a row Hunter has played every game of the season, proving his ability to stay healthy, something that was far from guaranteed a couple years ago. With the Minnesota Vikings in 2023, Hunter recorded career highs in sacks (16.5), tackles (83), TFLs (23) and forced fumbles (4), which helped him his original deal in Houston.

Danielle Hunter cashing in after leaving Minnesota Vikings

But now, the Texans are ripping up last year’s contract, in exchange for a much bigger 2025 payday. Now, the 30-year-old LSU alum — who is coming off another Pro Bowl selection — will make $32 million this season and $54.1M fully guaranteed. His new deal makes Hunter the second-highest paid defensive end in the league, per Tom Pelissero (NFL Network).

The #Texans and Danielle Hunter have agreed to a one-year, $35.6 million contract extension that makes him the NFL’s second-highest paid defensive end, per sources.

Hunter will make $32M this season — a $12.5M raise — and $55.1M ($54.1M fully guaranteed) over the next two… pic.twitter.com/SR0UbySLse

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 19, 2025

The one-year extension is gaudy, for sure. Las Vegas Raiders DE Maxx Crosby is the only player at the position who is making more than Danielle Hunter, which also adds another year and more guaranteed money to the deal.

Related: Vikings O-Line Rental Lands Generous New Deal Elsewhere

When considering the top edge rushers in the league, it’s hard not to immediately bring up Hunter’s name. For Minnesota Vikings fans, he was part of an elite defensive end talent that spans Carl Eller, Jared Allen, and Everson Griffen.

As the Texans look to take another step forward this season, DeMeco Ryans will need plenty of his top contributors to show up once again. Hunter has been a Pro Bowl selection in five of the six seasons in which he has started at least 16 games. He also has accumulated 99.5 career sacks.

Danielle Hunter creating an optical illusion to set up his spin pic.twitter.com/AxO0e9b4Uz

— Brandon Thorn (@BrandonThornNFL) September 9, 2024

MN Vikings value looking great on the edge

The Vikings sought an opportunity to spread money around when they moved on from Danielle Hunter last season. They found success in the form of Andrew Van Ginkel and Jonathan Greenard. That tandem combined for 23.5 sacks while each of them made the Pro Bowl and finished higher in Defensive Player of the Year voting.

This season the Texans will pay more for Hunter on his own ($32 million) than Minnesota will for their new tandem ($31.5 million). It’s beyond logical that Van Ginkel and Greenard could be looking for raises soon. It appears both would like to be in Minnesota long term.

Related: Vikings Linebackers Appear Committed to Minnesota

Van Ginkel really had a coming out season during his first in Minnesota. The 11.5 sacks were nearly double his previous career-high (6.0). He also picked off a pair of passes and took both back to the house.

OH MY GOSH ANDREW VAN GINKEL pic.twitter.com/9C3KMW9wRK

— Justin Penik (@JustinPenik) January 6, 2025

Brian Flores has no serious need for edge rushing talent with Van Ginkel, Greenard, and youngster Dallas Turner. It’s great Hunter got paid, but Minnesota played this perfectly.

After signing Christian Darrisaw to a contract extension last season, Kevin O’Connell has his offensive bookends set with him and Brian O’Neill. They upgraded the middle with two former Colts, Will Fries and Ryan Kelly.

Initially, there was some thought toward whether or not last year’s midseason tackle pickup, Cam Robinson, may be of interest to Minnesota, at guard, but moving inside for less money never made sense for the 6’6″ 335 lb giant.

Robinson filled in rather admirably for Darrisaw, after the future Pro Bowler had his season end one a knee injury vs the Detroit Lions, posting a 60.5 PFF grade with the Vikings, which was bolstered by his 67.8 pass block grade. He did allow a noticeably high 52 QB pressures in 2024, easily the highest of his career and second most of any offensive lineman in the league.

He was especially good early, allowing just one sack and zero hits on Sam Darnold through his first seven games in purple (weeks 9-15). Given Cam’s status as a starting left tackle for his entire eight-year NFL career, it was always most likely he would find greener pastures elsewhere.

Cam Robinson leaves Minnesota Vikings for Houston

As of Wednesday morning, Cam Robinson stood as the best available free agent on the market. That was until Wednesday afternoon, when the Houston Texans took him off the market with a one-year, $14 million deal to replace Laremy Tunsil as their starting left tackle in 2025.

The Texans are signing T Cam Robinson to a one-year deal worth between $12 million that can be worth up to $14.5 million, per source. pic.twitter.com/FABKkCmtIL

— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) March 19, 2025

Between Jacksonville and Minnesota, Robinson started all 17 games last season. 10 of those starts came with the Vikings. Robinson owns a 75.8 pass blocking grade from Pro Football Focus dating back to 2022.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Free Agency Signings – 2025

The upcoming season will be Robinson’s ninth in the NFL. Houston is just his third NFL team after Jacksonville drafted him in the 2nd round of the 2017 NFL Draft. Robinson will turn 30 years old this year.

MN Vikings near-complete O-line overhaul

It was never expected that Robinson would return for Minnesota. He was just filling in for Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill has long cemented the right tackle spot. After Garrett Bradbury was released, and Ed Ingram was traded, the Minnesota Vikings have turned over virtually their entire offensive line.

Only Blake Brandel remains from the starting options last year. He will look to elevate his game learning from Fries and operating next to Kelly. With J.J. McCarthy taking the reigns under center, Minnesota is hoping a strong step forward up front can provide a better avenue towards success.

Related: MN Vikings Insider Names Two Veteran QBs to Watch

Robinson heading to the Texans continues a relative pipeline of Vikings that have Houston connections. Jonathan Greenard and Blake Cashman both joined Minnesota last year while Danielle Hunter went south.

From oddsmakers, to beat writers, to analytical projection models… there isn’t a a pundit or robot covering the league who was willing to put their neck out for the 2024 Vikings. But now, they’ll have to eat crow. Because on Sunday, Minnesota won their third-straight game, to start the season. And they did it against another undefeated Super Bowl contender.

The Minnesota Vikings offense might be impossible to stop.

Short of sudden injuries derailing the Minnesota Vikings offense, is there any defense in the league that can figure out how to stop Kevin O’Connell from scheming Justin Jefferson wide open?

Because through three weeks, neither DeMeco Ryans on Sunday nor the vaunted Niners defense last week, has had much success. Yet again today, there were multiple occasions where Sam Darnold was able to find an open Jefferson streaking across the field or in unexpected open space somewhere. Like the endzone.

Justin Jefferson 3 games.
Justin Jefferson 3 TDs
Justin Jefferson 3 griddy's.pic.twitter.com/qnvLuk9FYx https://t.co/qFER5L4tf7

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 22, 2024

Last season, KOC was held back. Kirk Cousins went out early, with a season-ending achilles injury, and O’Connell was forced to make lemonade out of immature lemons and no sugar. Not only was Cousins on the shelf, but JJ was out for a large chunk, too. And we all realized, very quickly, that Alexander Mattison was not RB1 material.

Related: Is Sam Darnold for Real? One Minnesota Vikings Insider Says Yes

Insert Sam Darnold and Aaron Jones in 2024. Suddenly, it’s easy to see why Kevin O’Connell has executives around the league wondering why he doesn’t have an extension yet. That, even though he has nearly two full seasons still remaining on his current deal.

give Sam Darnold the mvp pic.twitter.com/pWelPCFLfF

— Chase (@Chase6D) September 22, 2024

When the final seconds ticked off the game clock, the USC legend finished 17 of 28 for 181 yards, 4 TD and 0 INT. Justin Jefferson added another 81 yards on 6 receptions, including a TD. Aaron Jones ran for 102 yards and a TD on 19 carries. The 30-year-old running back added five receptions (second-most on the team), for another 46 yards and a second score.

Minnesota Vikings defense might be the best in the NFL

But you know the craziest part about this dynamic, explosive Minnesota Vikings offense? Their defense is even better. That’s right, Brian Flores has his unit playing like their careers depend on every single snap.

It’s as if their momma’s health depended on whether or not the opposing running back gets one more yard, or that pass going over the middle gets completed. Every single play seems personal.

Related: Brian Flores Deserves Another Head Coaching Chance, But Life Isn’t Fair

One week after blowing the mind of 49ers QB Brock Purdy and outscheming one of the offensive GOATs in this league, Kyle Shanahan, the Minnesota Vikings defense stunned MVP favorite, CJ Stroud and the high-powered Houston Texans offense.

Tipped and PICKED. @Vikings defense forces a turnover early.

📺: #HOUvsMIN on CBS/Paramount+
📱: https://t.co/waVpO8ZBqG pic.twitter.com/3XmzuGnJjQ

— NFL (@NFL) September 22, 2024

They had Stroud dazed and confused all day. Believe it or not, the 2nd year QB’s box score looks better than he did on my TV. And his numbers aren’t very impressive. CJ Stroud finished 20 of 31 for 215 yards, 1 TD and 2 INT. Another interception was called back on a penalty.

Even the team stats do not tell a very good story. About 1/3 of Houston’s total offensive output came on their final drive of the game, when they marched 75 yards on the Minnesota Vikings backups.

The Vikings are the real deal

Not only is Kevin O’Connell’s bunch now 3-0, but they physically and mentally outplayed the Houston Texans. And they did it just one week after dominating the 2023 NFC champion San Francisco 49ers. And just like last week, they did it on both sides of the football.

Related: JJ McCarthy Trolls Sam Darnold After Michigan Comeback vs USC

Throw all the week one power rankings and preseason futures odds out the window. There’s nobody in the league with half of a working brain who will doubt the Minnesota Vikings this week.

That’s because he was a problem for defensive backs pretty much the moment he stepped onto an NFL football field. As a rookie, Diggs played 13 games and started 7, racking up over 700 yards receiving and 4 touchdowns.

Over the course of five seasons, Stefon became one of the best Vikings wide receivers in team history. Diggs ranks 10th all-time in yards (4,623) and touchdowns (30). He also ranks 11th all-time in receptions (365), falling just short of Sammy White’s 393. Justin Jefferson’s ever increasing count currently sits 9th, at 400.

Stefon Diggs still has all the love for Minnesota

While the wide receiver’s exit wasn’t the smoothest, full of cryptic tweets, sideline blowups, skipped practices and infamous back-and-forths with reporters. But that doesn’t mean Diggsy has lost any love for his original NFL home.

The now 30-year-old wideout makes his return to the Twin Cities on Sunday, with his third team, the Houston Texans, for a week three matchup between two undefeated squads. Stefon met with Texans reporters on Thursday, to talk about the game, his history with the Vikings, and his love for Minnesota.

#Texans Pro Bowl wide receiver Stefon Diggs @stefondiggs excited to go back to Minnesota to play his old team #Vikings @KPRC2 pic.twitter.com/ccoDlpU8QE

— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) September 19, 2024

“Ohh, they got a hell of a team. Ah, obviously they off to a hot start, they 2-0. You know the got hella good players over there. They gotta defense that’s flying around. Definitely look impressive on tape. I’m excited to go back, especially at pressure on the table, though. I’m excited to go back.”

“I had a great time there. Minnesota nice is always a thing. I’m always thankful, especially that was the team that took a chance on me, drafted me. I had a hell of a time there. The people were amazing. I look forward to going back. We won’t have that much time but to see some people I knew, some familiar faces.”

Stefon Diggs on his love for Minnesota

Stefon Diggs went on to talk about how he’s excited to see Harrison Smith, and a few other people who were with the Vikings organization, when he was. He jokes about how it’s been 10 years since he was drafted by Minnesota. He mentions coming up with Teddy Bridgewater, who’s now coaching, among others.

Diggs talks about facing the Minnesota Vikings

Then, he went into playing against Brian Flores, and how you always have to be prepared. Trust your eyes, “don’t chase ghosts” and be decisive. He talked about playing against him in Miami, and the battles they had while Diggs was in Buffalo. The entire interview is must-watch.

Related: Two Minnesota Vikings Miss Practice Thursday

Diggs also touched on Justin Jefferson, and how good he is, saying that he’s “nothing short of exceptional” and that the fact 50% of the Vikings’ offense runs through him, shows how good the highest paid not QB in the league really is. Game recognize game, as the kids would say (I don’t know if they still say that).

#Texans wide receiver Stefon Diggs on Brian Flores aggressive and unpredictable defense 'Don't chase ghosts' @KPRC2 https://t.co/eyHIruGAwJ pic.twitter.com/ZPgX0gJM1C

— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) September 19, 2024

“He’s a hell of a receiver, nothing short of exceptional, is what I like to say. He accounts for 50% of their offense, so that says a lot about him not just as a player, but about their offense. He’s a guy that you need to get the ball to and he’s definitely going to be a task for our defense.”

Stefon Diggs on Justin Jefferson

Of course the top names internally for Kevin O’Connell to decide upon are Brandon Powell, Jalen Nailor and maybe Trent Sherfield. Both wideouts have differing levels of intrigue and experience, but neither have the track record to suggest they are ideal solutions.

The Houston Texans have a plethora of options, especially since the addition of Stefon Diggs. No seriously, they have maybe a handful of wideouts behind Diggs who could all arguably slot in as an upgrade for the Vikings at WR3.

Minnesota Vikings can pick their poison with Houston Texans wide receivers

Diggs isn’t at the same level as Jefferson. But after that, Houston’s stacked wide receiver room includes 25 y/o – Nico Collins, 24 y/o – Tank Dell, 28 y/o – Noah Brown, 32 y/o – Robert Woods and 23 y/o – John Metchie III. It’s a buffet of wideout options. Pick your poison. Do you want higher ceiling or more experience?

If the Vikings were to pay up, Kwesi could swing for Nico Collins or Tank Dell. Of course, they can’t really afford to do that, given their lack of future draft picks, which is the same reason Minnesota is unlikely to go after trade block favorites from other teams, like Amari Cooper (Browns) and Chris Godwin (Bucs). Thus, Noah Brown or Robert Woods would be more likely targets, according to Alec Lewis (The Athletic).

Woods and Brown would be more doable than Cooper and Godwin from a cost perspective. They play for a Houston Texans team that boasts Stefon Diggs, Nico Collins, Tank Dell, John Metchie III and Ben Skowronek. Houston has an embarrassment of riches at the position. With free agency looming for Woods and Brown, and each player wanting more of the ball, why not move one of them for a late-round draft pick in 2026?

These two players also align with what the Vikings want at the No. 3 receiver spot. Both are capable at blocking in the run game, which was one of Osborn’s major responsibilities. O’Connell also coached Woods in Los Angeles in 2021.

Alec Lewis – The Athletic

Related: Minnesota Vikings Know Who They Want to Win the WR3 Job

Noah Brown would immediately slot in as the Vikings WR3. He put up 567 yards in just 10 games and 33 receptions. Brown also started 13 games for the Dallas Cowboys during the 2022 season. Woods, on the other hand, is a more veteran option. Yes, he is 32 years old and it’s been a few years since he last went for 1,000 yards.

But he too put up nice numbers in limited action last season (426 yards, 40 receptions) and played for Kevin O’Connell with the Rams back in 2019. In all reality, Woods would play the same type of role that Brandon Powell does, but he’s 6 feet tall, no 5-8. A move for either Brown or Woods would make a lot of sense financially for both teams, too.

Another facet to a potential move like this? The Vikings have the cap space to absorb both players’ contracts. Woods has about a $9.7 million cap hit for 2024, according to Over The Cap, while Brown’s is about $3.5 million. The Vikings have about $26 million to spend and also could renegotiate contracts with either player. Making this type of move would also solidify Powell’s standing as the team’s punt returner (and potentially kick returner).

Alec Lewis – The Athletic

A wide receiver would have nominal cost for the Minnesota Vikings

Even if the Minnesota Vikings feel set with Powell and Nailor, something of an insurance policy would cost very little. One of the Texans talents could likely be had for a late round pick, and those players are often a dice roll at best. Grabbing Hunter Renfrow off the free agent market at this point shouldn’t command a premium either.

Rather than experience the same level of uncertainty felt by the running back room last year, it stands to reason that O’Connell could bolster his offense for a new signal caller by bringing in a pass catcher. T.J. Hockenson isn’t returning any time soon, and while Robert Tonyan will help to carry that load, a third wideout would do wonders as well.

At the time of his trade, Minnesota was left searching for answers. Diggs vacated the top wide receiver spot, and Mike Zimmer’s offense was suddenly without a significant playmaker. The come up resulted in Justin Jefferson being selected with the pick Minnesota acquired, and the outcome could not have played out more perfectly.

Former Minnesota Vikings, Buffalo Bills WR Stefon Diggs compliments Houston Texans organization and new teammates while throwing shade at old ones

Once Stefon Diggs got sick of Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills, he began his patented charade of cryptic tweets and social media pettiness. His former employer was forced to move on from a clearly dissolving situation, and Diggs landed with the Houston Texans. In his first news conference following the trade, Diggs called the Texans a “breath of fresh air”, but that wasn’t all.

“They’re very welcoming. Very open arms, and I just feel like it’s important for me to be a part of things like that. It’s genuine. You thrive in that space. You thrive in a space where you’re loved. Thrive in a space of being around those who truly care and truly want to see you win.”

Stefon Diggs on why he is so comfortable with Houston Texans vs Buffalo Bills

Diggs’ new teammates may be all of the things he says above, and the Houston organization may be offering milkshakes everyday when he walks in. But it’s quite clear, in the above quote, that not only was Stefon using the opportunity to praise his new teammates and new team, but also to throw shade at everyone back with the Bills.

The main thing ‼️ pic.twitter.com/8TjYLgba3R

— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) June 4, 2024

As has always been the case with Diggs, he is saying all of the right things while the situation is new and fresh. His talent is undeniable, but this cycle and personality trait has repeated itself too many times to be taken for face value.

Related: Justin Jefferson Took Anti-Diva Route to New Contract and it Paid Dividends

Stroud, the impressive 2023 rookie, likes what he has seen so far from Diggs but the new teammates are obviously still in a honeymoon phase. And he piled right on the “Diggs didn’t have what he needed in Buffalo” message that his new wide receiver was trying to get across, didn’t he?

“Diggs has come in and been a leader, which I’m proud of him for, just really has been unselfish and wanted to see other guys eat. That was his main thing. He wanted to be around other dogs, and he stepped into that role where there is a dog everywhere. He looks right, he looks left, there is going to be a dog. He wanted that and that’s what we bring to the table. He’s been nothing but amazing so far, and I am very excited to work with him.”

Texans QB C.J. Stroud talks about new teammate Stefon Diggs

one of wun 🫡 pic.twitter.com/WPayM4IXHT

— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) May 30, 2024

Sure, Stefon Diggs is a great teammate right now…

If there’s a way for last season’s offensive rookie of the year to have his momentum quickly derailed, the presence of Stefon Diggs could certainly be it. Diggs is joining a wide receiver room that had productive talents in the form of Nico Collins and Tank Dell.

Both of them will now be forced to take a back seat to the veteran, but to what extent the newcomer is ok with them being involved remains to be seen. Sure, he’s a great guy now… but for how long?

How the unselfishness carries over when the lights turn on and adversity hits is something that has plagued Diggs everywhere he has gone. Suggesting that the visible sideline frustrations are simply a reflection of a desire to win would be sugarcoating it for Diggs, but that’s at least what he has attempted to do out of the gate in Texas.

Related: Justin Jefferson is not Stefon Diggs

The new wideout joins former Vikings teammate Danielle Hunter in grabbing a new uniform this offseason, and it remains to be seen how things will work out for both of them. Hunter obviously has a level of knowledge surrounding his personality as a teammate, and he has to be hoping for a better ending than what transpired in Minnesota.