Vikings’ Top Training Camp Storylines Have Changed — A Lot
Four weeks ago, VikingsTerritory published the Minnesota Vikings’ top four storylines heading into training camp.
Vikings’ Top Training Camp Storylines Have Changed — A Lot
They included:
- Will J.J. McCarthy Actually Push Sam Darnold to the Brink?
- Who’s the WR3?
- Which Offensive Guard Is the Odd Man Out?
- Who’s the Other Starting DT?
Fast-forward to mere days before camp — rookies report this Sunday — and the script has been flipped on its face.
For better or worse — mostly worse — these items can be reasonably added to the docket.
3. Now What for the Youth Movement at CB?
Rookie quarterback Khyree Jackson passed away on July 6th in a Maryland car accident. Minnesota selected Jackson from the 4th Round, and the youngster had a promising trajectory toward playing time in 2024.
When the Vikings examine the Jackson tragedy from a football standpoint, they’ll either have to get by with the existing CB roster, thrust undrafted free agent Dwight McGlothern into action, trade for a veteran defensive back, or scour free agency for an established veteran like Stephon Gilmore or Xavien Howard.
The football aspect of Jackson’s death is largely meaningless, to be sure. However, eventually, a next-step plan at cornerback will be on the menu. The top alternative would be a McGlothern emergence, though undrafted rookies not named Ivan Pace Jr. don’t typically take the world by storm.
2. Will AddisonGate Be Resolved?
Jordan Addison was arrested in California last Friday for suspicion of DUI while asleep in a Rolls-Royce that blocked a freeway lane. Details didn’t mention his BAC, and Addison was released two hours later. Aside from this report, little is known about the specifics of the infraction.
After the arrest, Addison wiped all things Vikings from his social media — logos, uniforms, etc. — which sent some fans into a tizzy. He later restored his social media footprint to normal, complete with Vikings attire.
So, yes — it’s one of those situations.
In all likelihood, Addison will report to training camp next Tuesday, and the NFL or Vikings, as an organization, will render a punishment verdict, if any. For now, though, Addison’s vehicular conduct is front-and-center for a second straight summer.
1. Will the 1st-Round Rookies … Be There?
Neither J.J. McCarthy nor Dallas Turner have signed his rookie contract. Both must sign their deals to participate fully in Sunday’s training camp. Otherwise, the Vikings’ 1st-Round rookies entered the infamous “holdout” territory.
Two other 1st-Round rookies remain unsigned: Caleb Williams of the Chicago Bears and Amarius Mims from the Cincinnati Bengals.
McCarthy, in particular, allegedly wants the entirety of his signing bonus upfront. Although speculative, Turner may want something similar.
When the dust settles on this matter, McCarthy and Turner will ultimately be a part of the Vikings’ 2024 roster — it’s essentially guaranteed. But until both physically put pen to paper, fans must wonder, “Will McCarthy and Turner show to training camp?”
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sal Spice. His MIN obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band).
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.
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