The QB competition is going to make this team better either way. J. J. McCarthy vs. Kyler Murray feels like a real battle, not fake camp hype. Murray gives you proven explosiveness and experience, while McCarthy brings upside, mobility and that gamer mentality. Reports around the team are calling it basically a 50/50 competition right now.
On defense, I agree completely: another EDGE and one more reliable corner would make this roster dangerous.
For EDGE, these are the guys I’d target:
- Jadeveon Clowney — Still strong against the run and can wreck games in Brian Flores’ scheme. He’d rotate perfectly with Andrew Van Ginkel and Dallas Turner.
- Derek Barnett — Underrated motor guy. Tough, nasty and fits the culture.
- Matthew Judon — Veteran leader with juice left. Flores could move him everywhere.
- Joey Bosa would’ve been fun, but most signs point elsewhere already.
Honestly, with how aggressive Flores is, adding one proven veteran pass rusher could turn this defense into a nightmare again. The pressure rate already ranked near the top of the league.
- Rasul Douglas — Physical veteran who fits cold-weather football.
- Mike Hilton — Slot blitz weapon; Flores would love him.
- Stephon Gilmore would’ve been nice depth again, but he retired.
I actually like what they already have with:
- Byron Murphy, Jr.
- Dwight McGlothern
- James Pierre
- Rookie Charles Demmings as a developmental piece
But one more dependable outside CB would help a ton against Detroit and Green Bay.
If Dallas Turner takes the leap everybody expects, and McCarthy wins the job cleanly? This team could absolutely contend in the NFC. SKOL.
We are just one week into the offseason practices. Murray and McCarthy made some nice plays during the session that was open to media members last Wednesday. Lindsey Young recapped their thoughts on the program so far, and Rob Kleifield expounded on their early work.
The Vikings will continue merging Murray into the system and developing McCarthy during OTAs to prepare for training camp, but yes, a significant point of emphasis is elevating QB play and all aspects of the offense that are connected to the sport’s most important position.
I think the competitive nature of Murray and McCarthy will benefit both players.
On the other side of the line of scrimmage, the Vikings have Van Ginkel and Turner back after viewing both as starter-level players (along with the recently traded Jonathan Greenard) in 2025.
Behind those guys, the Vikings have a few players with limited experience in NFL games but with some quality time spent in this system (Bo Richter, Chaz Chambliss and Tyler Batty are back), as well as a couple of newcomers.
Toby’s list of names serves a reminder that free agency keeps on rolling along as teams head toward training camp, but I would like to add Isaiah Rodgers to his list of Vikings who are under contract. Rodgers, Murphy and Pierre could lead the way for the group of CBs.
