The Vikings’ Real Combine Business Has Nothing to Do with Rookies
The 2026 NFL Combine gets underway on Monday, February 23rd, with the real rookie action typically taking place midweek. But the Minnesota Vikings may have an accentuated non-rookie angle this go-round; the Combine is a spot for executives and coaches to wheel and deal.
Scouting matters, but the Vikings’ Combine week can also revolve around conversations and trade frameworks with other general managers.
And with the team possibly needing a quarterback via trade, the Combine will be prime territory for interim general manager Rob Brzezinski and head coach Kevin O’Connell to talk turkey with other team bosses.
What the Vikings Can Actually Accomplish in Indianapolis at the NFL Combine
Don’t forget the negotiations that happen in Indianapolis.
The Mac Jones Wheeling and Dealing
NFL front offices chase trends, and this offseason, the prevailing one is clear: Sam Darnold recently led the Seattle Seahawks to a Super Bowl victory, while Baker Mayfield has produced three consistent QB1-caliber seasons since the Carolina Panthers moved on from him in 2022. This narrative — reclamation and resurgence — is now top of mind around the league.
Thus begins the search for the next iteration of the story. Executives will pore over depth charts, seeking former high draft picks languishing in backup roles, awaiting a better system and a clearer path to success. Daniel Jones fits that description as well as anyone, though pending free agent Malik Willis might also make a case for himself.
In 2025, Mac Jones started eight games for the 49ers while Brock Purdy was injured. Extrapolating that production over a 17-game season yields a pace of 4,570 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, 13 interceptions, and a 69.6% completion rate. That statistical projection closely resembles Darnold’s numbers during his comeback season.
Consequently, decision-makers will likely convince themselves that Jones merely needs the right environment — a new coaching voice, a quarterback-friendly scheme, and reliable pass protection — to reach his full potential.
If the Vikings share this belief, O’Connell and Brzezinski can chat with 49ers boss John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan at the combine. That’s how it goes.
Kyler Murray, Too
The same logic applies to Murray.
As Murray’s contract deadline looms and the Arizona Cardinals face significant salary cap challenges by mid-March, his movement is anticipated. Retaining Murray on the roster past March 15 would guarantee roughly $60 million against their cap. However, releasing him before March 11 could also impact their budget, creating urgency for the team.
Meanwhile, the Vikings’ quarterback situation remains uncertain heading into 2026. McCarthy is unlikely to be named the uncontested starter and will face competition, whether a serious challenge or a compelling preseason battle.
Considering teams that could realistically accommodate a veteran quarterback averaging approximately 4,000 passing yards, 600 rushing yards, and 30 total touchdowns per 17 games — those are Murray’s numbers — the list becomes short. Factoring in teams with limited cap space, the New York Jets, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Vikings emerge as the most likely destinations.
While Murray might not perfectly align with O’Connell’s current system, coaching staffs can adapt for exceptional talent. Calls for offensive flexibility even arose when McCarthy struggled in 2025. If Minnesota believes Murray’s dual-threat abilities would significantly improve their offense, they would likely implement the necessary schematic adjustments.
What once seemed speculative now appears plausible. Murray to Minnesota wouldn’t be strange one bit.
Like O’Connell + Brzezinski chatting up Lynch and Shanahan, the Combine offers a forum for the pair to discuss Murray’s availability with Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort.
The big question for Murray is whether the Cardinals trade or release him. Minnesota would be foolish not sign Murray if Arizona cuts him. The value would be astronomical, as the Cardinals would foot the bill in 2026.
Other Trade Targets
While a theoretical list of Vikings trade candidates is tricky to predict, especially with Kwesi Adofo-Mensah no longer in the mix, a shortlist might look like this:
- Jerry Jeudy (WR, Cleveland Browns)
- Dexter Lawrence (DT, New York Giants)
- Will Levis (QB, Tennessee Titans)
- Trent McDuffie (CB, Kansas City Chiefs)
- Riley Moss (CB, Denver Broncos)
- Anthony Richardson (QB, Indianapolis Colts)
- Geno Smith (QB, Las Vegas Raiders)
If the Vikings have any interest in those players, who are already deemed as possible trade candidates, discussions at the Combine are in order.
A Look at Rookies to Watch
And as an afterthought, rookies will be strutting their stuff at Lucas Oil Field. The Vikings will monitor those players, too.
The team has draft needs at center, cornerback, and safety — and arguably inside linebacker, defensive tackle, and running back.
The two early favorites to land in Minnesota at pick No. 18 are arguably cornerbacks Mansoor Delane (LSU) and Avieon Terrell (Clemson). The draft, though, is still nine weeks away, so the frontrunners could shift wildly after the combine.
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