Our Hottest Takes for the 2026 Vikings Offseason
Minnesota Vikings fans are waiting on the outcome of the NFL coaching carousel, examining whether J.J. McCarthy is truly the quarterback of the future, and wondering about Harrison Smith’s fate so far this offseason. With those matters twisting in the team’s orbit, we asked our writers about bold predictions for the next several months before the club gets to training camp.
Opinion-first and intentionally spicy, we have quick-hit takes on what Minnesota should do, what it might do, and which decisions could stand off the page in the offseason.
Remember that bold predictions or hot takes are meant to be over-the-top and a little “out there.”
Bold Predictions for the Vikings’ 2026 Offseason
Here’s what our contributors have in mind for the hottest takes of the Vikings’ 2026 offseason.
1. Justin Fields to Vikings
Predictor: Kyle Joudry
The Vikings trade for a quarterback. His name will be Justin Fields. He’ll compete with J.J. McCarthy, Max Brosmer, and Carson Wentz to be the QB1.
2. Vikings Splurge, Re-Sign WR Jalen Nailor
Predictor: Josh Frey
The Minnesota Vikings are in a tough spot with the salary cap this offseason, but they do have ways to free up money this spring. Jordan Addison probably won’t be getting a contract extension, and the Vikings might end up cutting T.J. Hockenson, while Tai Felton has not done nearly enough to be trusted as a crucial part of the offense at this point. The Vikings need to make sure they have pass catchers moving forward, and Nailor will stick around.
3. Jordan Addison Traded
Predictor: Sean Borman
The Vikings trade Jordan Addison to move into the top 10 for a blue-chip defensive anchor.
4. A Reworked Deal for Jonathan Allen
Predictor: Ali Siddiqui
His cap hit is too high in 2026. They will save more if they restructure him.
5. Harrison Smith Returns for One More Season
Predictor: Ted Schwerzler
There was a clear sendoff for C.J. Ham in Week 18. That seemed to have been more muted for Harrison Smith. Kevin O’Connell convinces the future Hall of Famer to come back one more time.
6. Brian Flores Named “Co-Head Coach”
Predictor: Tony Schultz
The boldest move the Vikings can make is not to secure a player, but a coach. Everyone has players they want to cut or others to chase in free agency or the draft who they feel could make the team suddenly exponentially better.
The Vikings need to stay great where they already are, and that’s by locking down Brian Flores as the defensive coordinator. How? Co-head coach.
If the team avoids him getting hired by another team, then they need to add a title to the money he’s owed. I see it in no way as a threat to O’Connell’s status, but rather as a way to show they respect his coaching and that the tandem of O’Connell and Flores will get the team through the playoffs.
Without proper salary cap room, the team can’t go crazy in trades or free agency, their draft picks aren’t Top 10, and trading hasn’t yielded the ultimate outcome. Be steady with players. Be bold with the coaches.
7. Vikings Enter Season with DC — and OC
Predictor: Adam New
Brian Flores gets a new job, and Wes Phillips gets the boot as the Vikings freshen things up for the 2026 coaching staff. The new OC also takes on play-calling duties as Kevin O’Connell focuses on his head-coaching responsibilities.
8. A Big Incoming Trade for a QB or DB
Predictor: Henrique Gucciardi
After a disappointing season, Adofo-Mensah and O’Connell will go into their fifth season still looking for their first playoff win. Maybe it’s a QB, with Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow trade rumors heating up, but perhaps they’ll try to get a big-time defensive back, something they clearly need.
9. Trading a Day 2 Draft Pick for a QB
Predictor: Cole Smith
The Vikings will trade a Day 2 pick or higher to bring in a veteran quarterback. Adofo-Mensah and O’Connell made it clear they want the offense to regain its explosiveness from 2022-24. Their comments make it feel like they want to solidify the quarterback position with a sure bet.
t10. Vikings Acquire Kyler Murray
Predictor: Janik Eckardt
It’s been widely expected that competition for J.J. McCarthy would enter the building one way or another, but the level of that player is unknown. Instead of adding a true backup or aging passer, they’ll make sure to have someone with true franchise QB skills. Murray hasn’t been the most durable or consistent player in the league, but he has flashes of true Pro Bowl-caliber play in his career, and the Vikings hope to unlock more of that.
t10. It’s Kyler Murray for Vikings
Predictor: Dustin Baker
Ordinarily, the prediction here would be for the Vikings — mainly Kevin O’Connell — to stick with J.J. McCarthy through thick and thin, but the injury problems are a brand new beast. O’Connell and his boss, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, will face immense pressure to reach the postseason in 2026 — and win a playoff game. If not, they could be fired next January.
That will lead them to Murray’s doorstep, either via trade or free agency if the Cardinals release him. Minnesota pounces, and the 2026 quarterback room will feature Murray, McCarthy, and maybe even Carson Wentz.
O’Connell said point-blank this week that the offseason goal is to concoct the deepest quarterback room possible. Murray is the swing for the fences.
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