NFC North
Minnesota Vikings
AI Summary
Minnesota's offseason was defined by an unconventional quarterback swap: after J.J. McCarthy's promising 6-4 rookie start was cut short by injury in 2025, the Vikings signed Kyler Murray for the veteran minimum following his release by Arizona and named him the Week 1 starter over McCarthy. Justin Jefferson returns as an unquestioned WR1, but defensive coordinator Brian Flores is rebuilding a unit that lost Jonathan Allen, Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Greenard, with longtime safety Harrison Smith's future uncertain. Adding to the uncertainty, the front office is currently operating without a general manager after firing Kwesi Adofo-Mensah in January. National oddsmakers and rankings have Minnesota projected for roughly 8-9 wins and a last-place finish in a deep, competitive NFC North.
Researched by Team Research Desk · last updated August 20, 2026
Key Storylines
- Kyler Murray signed for the veteran minimum after his release by Arizona and was named the Week 1 starting QB over 2025 rookie starter J.J. McCarthy
- Defense under DC Brian Flores turns over significantly: DL Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave released and edge rusher Jonathan Greenard traded, with safety Harrison Smith's return uncertain
- Vikings are operating without a general manager after firing Kwesi Adofo-Mensah in January 2026
- Justin Jefferson enters camp healthy as clear WR1 with no depth-chart competition, building early chemistry with Murray
- Oddsmakers and power rankings (including a 28th-of-32 NFL.com ranking) project roughly 8-9 wins and a last-place NFC North finish
Injury Report
Jordan Addison · WR
Limited
Sidelined part of camp with a jammed thumb; imaging came back clean and the team expected only a brief absence.
Christian Darrisaw · LT
Veteran rest days
Took maintenance days for lingering left knee soreness while recovering from multiple 2024 ligament tears, but reported feeling 'the best I've felt in two years.'
Will Fries · RG
Returned to practice
Missed two camp sessions with an undisclosed injury before returning to the lineup.