Notre Dame running back Jadarian Price (RB15) works through drills during the NFL Scouting Combine, showcasing his movement skills and readiness in front of evaluators. Feb 28, 2026 highlighted the session at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, where Price took part in on-field testing as teams assessed his draft profile. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.
The Minnesota Vikings are doing their homework on rookie backs for next week, and they’ll probably leave the draft with one. That’s the good news. The bad news? Notre Dame’s Jadarian Price may not be available.
Price’s draft momentum may force Minnesota to pivot at running back.
Price is increasingly being discussed as a late 1st-Rounder, and if so, he’d work his way out of Minnesota’s draft range.
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The Vikings’ RB Options Expand beyond Jadarian Price
It might be time to cross Price off the purple bingo board.
Notre Dame running back Jadarian Price breaks through the Pittsburgh defense and accelerates into open field during first-half action on November 15, 2025, at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The explosive run highlights his burst and vision as he capitalizes on a crease created by the offensive line in a physical road matchup. Mandatory Credit: Michael Longo-Imagn Images.
Price as a 1st-Rounder
Bleacher Report‘s Moe Moton sized up five players who could sneak into Round 1 this week, and Price was the one running back to get the nod.
He wrote, “NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport believes Jadarian Price will be the second tailback off the board and may sneak into the first round within a shallow class of ball-carriers.”
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“Jeremiyah Love, a projected first-rounder, and Price played together through three terms with the Fighting Irish. The former took on the featured role after Audric Estime’s departure to the NFL, while the latter served in a complementary role.”
Until recently, Price has been considered a safe Round 2 or 3 pick.
“Although Price didn’t rack up more than 746 yards in a single collegiate term, he averaged at least six yards per carry and scored 18 touchdowns over the last two years. After a couple of seasons as Notre Dame’s No. 2 running back, Price may have more to offer a team that wants a decisive early-down ball-carrier who can also contribute on special teams,” Moton continued.
“He returned three kickoffs for touchdowns in college. Most of the league’s clubs featured multiple running backs, so don’t discount one of them taking Price on Day 1.”
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Others, like Vanderbilt tight end Eli Stowers and Indiana cornerback D’Angelo Ponds, got shoutouts from Moton, too.
Then What for the Vikings?
Suppose Price indeed slips into the bottom of Round 1 or the top of Round 2, disqualifying him from the Vikings’ grasp. It’s not doomsday. The club would just have to pivot and explore an alternative rookie running back.
Per the current Consensus Big Board, the options would look like this:
All the Round 1 chatter for Price that has emerged might be code for the Seahawks. The Super Bowl champions have the luxury of a deep roster, and picking a running back like Price might be fair game after Kenneth Walker III left in free agency for the Chiefs.
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Notre Dame running back Jadarian Price carries the ball and navigates traffic during the first half on Oct. 18, 2025, at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Indiana. He presses forward through contact, working for extra yardage while helping the Fighting Irish offense find rhythm early against a packed defensive front. Mandatory Credit: Michael Caterina-Imagn Images.
SI.com‘s Michael Hanich on Price to Seattle: “The Seahawks could find a way to trade back into the second round for more picks and still find a way to get Price. He might be one of the most undervalued players in this draft. In the last two seasons, Price has rushed for 1,420 yards and 18 touchdowns on 233 carries, averaging 6.1 yards per carry.”
“In the receiving game, he also caught 10 receptions for 97 yards for two touchdowns. Price is also a serious threat on special teams by taking two kickoff returns for a touchdown. Price would come in and immediately be the favorite for the starting running back. He has a much higher ceiling than George Holani and newly signed Emanuel Wilson. The Seahawks could have Price be a main contributor until Zach Charbonnet returns from his injury, but even then, he could be the main back.”
Time for a Rookie RB
While the Vikings’ ground game has improved gradually under Kevin O’Connell, it has yet to become a dominant strength. Here’s their rushing DVOA and NFL ranking during his tenure:
Vikings Rushing DVOA NFL Ranking in O’Connell Era:
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2022: 27th
2023: 27th
2024: 20th
2025: 13th
The significant jump in 2025 is encouraging. However, the play-calling reveals another aspect of the story. Minnesota ran the ball on 43% of its plays, ranking 19th in the league. This indicates that while their rushing production improved to a Top 13 ranking, their commitment to the run still ranked in the bottom half of the league.
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell reacts along the sideline after a rushing touchdown by Aaron Jones during the first quarter on Oct. 20, 2024, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. The moment captures O’Connell’s energy as the offense converts a ground-game opportunity against the Detroit Lions in a key divisional matchup. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images.
Meanwhile, the Vikings have no running backs scheduled under contract next offseason. Aaron Jones will be a free agent; so will RB2 Jordan Mason. Jones will be 32 at that time, Mason 27.
Beyond the shadow of a doubt, it’s time for a young running back to enter the mix for Minnesota. While that may not be Price, Washington Jr., Johnson, and Coleman make sense.
[US, Mexico & Canada customers only] Dec 5, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; United States of America President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Draw at John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Mandatory Credit: Mandel Ngan-Reuters via Imagn Images
FIFA’s leadership discussed the possibility of its president, Gianni Infantino, asking United States President Donald Trump to pause ICE raids during this summer’s World Cup in North America, according to a report from The Athletic.
Infantino was receptive to the idea and was planning a “president-to-president” request to Trump for ICE’s role surrounding the World Cup to be reduced, per the report. It has not yet been reported if Infantino has formally made the request or how Trump and the U.S. administration would respond.
During Trump’s second term, ICE has raided multiple U.S. cities in an effort to deliver on the President’s message of mass deportation he campaigned on ahead of the 2024 election. In addition to deportations, these raids have led to conflicts with protestors, including the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti earlier this year in Minneapolis.
Acting ICE (U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement) director Todd Lyons previously said agents would be involved in security at matches for this summer’s event, the largest World Cup in FIFA history with 48 teams.
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Members of Congress have raised concerns about ICE’s presence surrounding the World Cup leading instead to immigration-enforcement raids. Los Angeles-based workers at SoFi Stadium — where the U.S. team will play two of its three group-stage games — threatened to strike last week over similar concerns.
According to the report, a number of FIFA member federations, particularly in Europe, have shared their concerns about the presence of ICE agents around the event.
FIFA originally believed that limiting ICE activity in the 11 American cities that will be hosting matches would suffice. However, with travel expanding well beyond those locations with teams setting up base camps across the country in cities that won’t be hosting matches, FIFA now desires a total suspension of all ICE raids during the entire World Cup, which is being held from June 11 through July 19.
Trump and Infantino have struck up a relationship which could pay off with the request being honored. FIFA has an office in New York’s Trump Tower and the organization gave the President the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize in December during the World Cup draw event.
A Minnesota Vikings helmet rests near the sideline beside scattered equipment, offering a quiet glimpse into pregame and in-game routines during exhibition play. Aug 12, 2016 captured the scene at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, where Minnesota edged the Bengals 17-16 in a tightly contested preseason matchup. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports.
The Minnesota Vikings own the draft’s 18th overall pick next week, and while many onlookers don’t expect them to draft a tight end, Oregon’s Kenyon Sadiq might be too hard to ignore, especially if Minnesota embraces the popular “best player available” philosophy. And wouldn’t you know it? The Vikings — you guessed it — formally met with Sadiq.
Sadiq’s profile lines up with a real first-round debate for Minnesota.
Minnesota meets with many players before a draft, but a healthy faction of eager fans will highlight the Sadiq conversation.
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Sadiq’s Skill Set Could Tempt Minnesota at No. 18
The Vikings have never drafted a tight end in the 1st Round.
Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq pulls down a touchdown reception during game action against USC, showcasing his red-zone presence and body control on Nov. 22, 2025, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon. The play highlights his ability to separate and finish through contact in a key Pac-12 matchup late in the season. Mandatory Credit: Ben Lonergan-Imagn Images.
Sadiq Meets with Vikings
Most fans assumed the Vikings would do their homework on Sadiq — how could they not? — and thanks to some recent reporting, that indeed happened.
SI.com‘s Bri Amaranthus wrote earlier this month, “The fastest tight end in NFL Combine history is gaining serious momentum at the right time. Former Oregon Ducks tight end Kenyon Sadiq has quietly become one of the most intriguing and versatile prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft, and his recent visits are only adding to the buzz.”
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“Sadiq confirmed to Oregon Ducks on SI reporter Bri Amaranthus that he has visited the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles with additional visits scheduled to the Cleveland Browns and Minnesota Vikings. For a player who prides himself on versatility and football intelligence, the interest from multiple playoff-caliber organizations with first round selections speaks volumes.”
Standing 6’3″ and weighing 245 pounds, Sadiq is a physically imposing player whose age, while not yet 22, is noteworthy. In 42 games at Oregon, he amassed 80 receptions for 892 yards and 11 touchdowns. His athleticism is evident; Oregon utilized him on kick returns in both 2023 and 2024, demonstrating their confidence in his abilities.
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New Orleans Saints scout Josh Hill meets with Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq during pre-draft evaluations at the NFL Scouting Combine, discussing fit and traits on Feb. 27, 2026, inside Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The exchange reflects league-wide interest in Sadiq’s athletic profile and versatility as a rising tight end prospect. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.
Sadiq’s versatility is the source of his 1st-Round buzz. He has shown the capacity to manage a substantial role in the passing attack and is also a willing and able blocker for both running backs and quarterbacks. Tight ends with this comprehensive skillset usually need considerable refinement, but Sadiq is further along in his development.
The Ringer‘s Todd McShay on Sadiq’s scouting report: “He’s an effective lead blocker who can climb to the second level, square defenders, and show good power when aligned at fullback or working in space. As an in-line blocker, he latches on, works up to linebackers, and fights to stay in front of edge defenders, consistently blocking to the echo of the whistle.”
“Sadiq has a lean build and shorter arms, and edge defenders can overpower him at times in the run game. He primarily aligned in line and in the slot in college, with additional snaps in the backfield and out wide. Sadiq is by far the best tight end prospect in this year’s class, and he grades out as a first-round pick.”
Sadiq would also open up the Vikings’ offense, as Kevin O’Connell’s offense doesn’t necessarily target WR3s as often as other teams’. In fact, Sadiq, in time, would command a WR2-WR3 target load. That’s the goal.
McShay added, “The upside is obvious, and he’s coming off a productive 2025, but his tape is closer to good than elite. He would have ranked behind Tyler Warren and Colston Loveland had he been in the 2025 class. Sadiq isn’t nearly as polished or as productive as Raiders 2024 13th pick Brock Bowers was coming out of Georgia.”
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“But he runs better, and he has a similar skill set. If a team uses him the right way, he can make an immediate impact as a receiver and develop into a difference maker at tight end.”
T.J. Hockenson’s Revised Contract
Some Vikings fans believed Hockenson could be cut this offseason, mainly because of his expensive price tag and the fact that Minnesota used him as a blocking tight end in 2025. That theory was not correct, but Minnesota reworked Hockenson’s deal, instituting a small paycut and making him a free agent in 2027.
Therefore, 2026 may be Hockenson’s final season in Minnesota. Adding Sadiq plans for the future, which is what the draft is for in the first place.
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Just because Hockenson is on tap for TE1 duty in 2026 doesn’t mean that Sadiq can’t be the pick. Don’t fall victim to that thinking.
Putting ‘Best Player Available’ to the Test
Earlier this month, interim general manager Rob Brzezinski expressed his commitment to the “best player available” mentality in the draft, and if he means business, Sadiq may be his guy.
Minnesota Vikings executive Rob Brzezinski appears alongside KFAN’s Paul Allen and analyst Pete Bercich during a live segment at the NFL Scouting Combine on Feb. 25, 2026, in Indianapolis. The front-office leader shares insight into roster construction and offseason priorities while engaging in discussion with the local media personalities. Mandatory Credit: YouTube.
Sadiq may not make it past the Los Angeles Rams, Baltimore Ravens, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers on the draftboard, but if he does, Minnesota must seriously contemplate rolling with him. There’s a chance that the Duck becomes a total game-changer in the NFL. He’d be attached to the Vikings’ roster for the next half-decade at minimum.
Sugar Ray Leonard has revealed who he views as his favourite ever fighter.
Leonard comes to mind for many fans when they discuss their most-loved boxers, but the legendary figure had another popular choice in mind for his selection.
That’s because he has named Muhammad Ali as his all-time favourite fighter – and it has nothing to do with his brilliance inside the ring.
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Ali’s legacy is not only because of his fighting exploits, but also due to the American’s engaging personality, which contributed to him becoming one of the most recognisable athletes of all time.
In terms of his career itself, though, it is hardly surprising that Ali is considered by many as the greatest heavyweight of all time, even if others would argue the No.1 spot belongs to Joe Louis.
Prior to that, he had exacted his revenge over Joe Frazier with a 12-round unanimous decision victory, before completing their iconic trilogy with a ‘Thrilla in Manila’ triumph in 1975.
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With wins over the likes of Earnie Shavers and Ken Norton, too, Ali is widely credited and revered for facing the most formidable contenders of his generation.
For Leonard, though, it is mainly Ali’s larger-than-life character that he gravitated towards, highlighting this as the reason for naming the heavyweight legend as his favourite fighter of all time.
“Muhammad Ali. He was bigger than life. He caught my eye, no pun intended.”
Elsewhere in his Q&A with Mark Baldwin, which appeared in Boxing News’ latest issue, Leonard also named his favourite fight of all time.
“When Muhammad Ali fought the beast, George Foreman – and beat him.”
NEW DELHI: Kolkata Knight Riders’ IPL campaign took another hit as Chennai Super Kings handed them a 32-run defeat on a tricky, two-paced pitch. Chasing 193, KKR never really looked in control and eventually finished at 160/7. The loss exposed issues in their batting approach and overall planning, with the team now losing four of their first five matches.
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Riyan Parag on RR’s loss vs SRH, pitch & ‘baseless comparisons’
KKR’s batting falters under pressure
KKR’s chase started poorly and kept slipping as wickets fell in clusters. Noor Ahmad turned the game with a brilliant spell, removing key batters including Ajinkya Rahane, Rinku Singh and Cameron Green, as KKR collapsed from 79/2 to 90/6. Akeal Hossain also kept things tight, adding to the pressure.Rahane (28 off 22) and Angkrish Raghuvanshi (27 off 19) added a 50-run stand, but their slow approach hurt the chase, especially on a pitch where scoring wasn’t easy. Early blows from Anshul Kamboj and Khaleel Ahmed removed Finn Allen and Sunil Narine, further denting KKR’s hopes.Rovman Powell (31 off 22) and Ramandeep Singh (35* off 23) tried to fight back with a late partnership, but by then the required rate had climbed too high.
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CSK build, then control the game
Earlier, CSK got off to a flying start, scoring 72/2 in the powerplay thanks to Sanju Samson (48 off 32) and Ayush Mhatre (38 off 17). Mhatre’s aggressive strokeplay, including two sixes and a “Kapil Dev-style Nataraja Shot” provided early momentum.After the powerplay, KKR’s spinners, Sunil Narine, Anukul Roy and Varun Chakravarthy,slowed things down effectively, conceding just 68 runs in 10 overs. Kartik Tyagi also impressed with his pace and variations at the death.Dewald Brevis (41 off 29) and Sarfaraz Khan (23 off 18) ensured CSK reached a competitive total of 192/5.CSK’s balanced performance with both bat and ball proved too strong, while KKR’s outdated batting approach and poor execution cost them dearly.
Jan 10, 2026; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) and wide receiver Jimmy Horn Jr. (15) reacts in the fourth quarter in an NFC Wild Card Round game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
President of football operations and general manager Dan Morgan expects the Panthers to pick up the fifth-year option on quarterback Bryce Young before the deadline next month.
The No. 1 pick in the 2023 draft is on hold while No. 2 pick C.J. Stroud, No. 3 pick Will Anderson Jr., No. 5 pick Devon Witherspoon of the Seahawks and Falcons running back Bijan Robinson (8th overall) had the options for 2027 picked up. No. 4 pick Anthony Richardson (Colts) will not have his option exercised by the May 1 deadline.
“Obviously, the player’s not in the building yet. So, once Bryce gets in the building, and we’re busy with the draft, it’s offseason,” Morgan said of why Young’s option decision wasn’t made official yet. “So we’ll get that done as soon as he gets back in the building.”
Young’s fifth-year option could be a precursor to a long-term contract, Morgan said, pointing to Carolina taking the “long view” on his development. The fifth-year option would guarantee Young’s 2027 salary at $26.5 million.
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Young had his best season as a pro in 2025, guiding the Panthers to their first NFC South division title in 10 seasons. He had a career-high 23 touchdown passes and threw for 3,011 yards.
The Panthers acquired the No. 1 pick from the Chicago Bears prior to the 2023 draft and before Morgan and head coach Dave Canales were in their current positions.
Anthony Taylor has been appointed as the referee for Manchester City’s Premier League clash with Arsenal this weekend, with Richard Keys taking exception to the decision
Currently, the Gunners enjoy a six-point advantage over the Sky Blues, though City possess a crucial game in hand. Billed as the ‘game of the season’ given what’s at stake, PGMOL have entrusted Taylor with overseeing the fixture, owing to his status as one of their most experienced officials.
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He will be supported by Gary Beswick and Ian Hussin, while Paul Tierney assumes the role of fourth official. John Brooks and Stuart Burt, meanwhile, will be on VAR duty.
Despite his track record, Keys has specifically objected to Taylor’s involvement in the match due to him originating from Wythenshawe and residing in Altrincham, merely six miles from Old Trafford.
In his latest blog, he wrote: “I do wish the PL had appointed a different ref for the game v City this weekend.
“They’ve named ‘Altrincham’s’ Anthony Taylor. Why do they stubbornly do this sort of thing? I’ll repeat what I always say – not for a minute do I think Taylor will make bad decisions on purpose, but what if…?
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“What if he makes a big call and it’s wrong? Why put him under that kind of pressure? It’s Taylor I feel for. If you’re telling me we don’t have another ref good enough to handle the game of the season, then that’s a further indictment on Howard Webb and the PGMOL.”
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Keys’ assessment comes despite Taylor declaring his loyalty to Altrincham, and therefore having no bias towards either Manchester City or Manchester United, nor Arsenal ahead of this weekend’s clash.
On the other hand, Graham Scott has defended the PGMOL’s decision to select Taylor for the match.
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He told The Athletic: “Eyebrows are sometimes raised when he is appointed to a match involving either of the Manchester giants, given he lives within a few miles of both grounds.
“But his support for his home-town club Altrincham is genuine, not convenient, and he has no allegiance to either City or United.”
Meanwhile, Grahame Rowley has also previously told the same publication: “Anthony has always been an Altrincham fan. Even now, he gets a season ticket every year, despite the fact he can’t go to all the matches.
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“People around here always ask if you’re a Red or a Blue. He’s actually a great advocate for non-League football and should be praised, not criticised.”
Aston Villa are the latest Premier League club to show an interest in England goalkeeper James Trafford. The 23-year-old was signed by Manchester City last summer but was immediately replaced by Italian Gianluigi Donnarumma, 27, and should be available. (Mail), external
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Liverpool want Bazoumana Toure in the summer. The 20-year-old Ivory Coast winger has excelled for Hoffenheim this season and could spark the Anfield club’s attack back into life. (Teamtalk), external
Liverpooldefender Ibrahima Konate is close to agreeing a new contract to stay at Anfield. The 26-year-old France international was expected to leave this summer but could now sign a four-year extension. (RMC), external
Borussia Dortmund and Germany centre-back Nico Schlotterbeck, 26, has a release clause of about £43m-£52m which only applies to three clubs – including Liverpool and Real Madrid, but not Bayern Munich.(Bild – in German), external
Napoli want to extend the contract of Scotland midfielder Scott McTominay before this summer’s World Cup. The 29-year-old has become a huge favourite in Naples since joining from Manchester United in 2024. (Il Mattino – In Italian), external
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England winger Jadon Sancho, 26, will have to accept a significant drop in wages if he wants to rejoin Borussia Dortmund when his Manchester United contract expires this summer. (Mirror), external
Bournemouth are considering Rayo Vallecano boss Inigo Perez, Coventry City manager Frank Lampard and Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna as they plan for life after Andoni Iraola, who has decided to leave at the end of the season. (i Sport), external
Unattached German manager Marco Rose, whose last job was at RB Leipzig, is thought to be the leading contender to replace Iraola at Bournemouth. (Guardian), external
Argentine defender Cristian Romero, 27, may have played his last game for Tottenham Hotspur, with the club planning a squad overhaul even if they stay up. (Talksport), external
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Coventry City are keen to bring Chelsea‘s 18-year-old forward Jesse Derry to the club next season. (Talksport), external
Dec 6, 2021; Orchard Park, New York, USA; ESPN analyst Louis Riddick prior to the game between the New England Patriots and the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Louis Riddick has worked as an NFL player, executive, analyst — and now he’s a predictor of J.J. McCarthy’s endgame in Minnesota.
Riddick’s take revives the Murray-McCarthy debate in Minnesota.
Minnesota just drafted McCarthy two years ago as its possible quarterback of the future, but with the offseason acquisition of Kyler Murray, Riddick fears the worst for McCarthy.
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Riddick’s Prediction Puts McCarthy’s Vikings Future in Doubt
Murray’s upside is hard to deny.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy scans the field and delivers a pass during second-half action against the Green Bay Packers on Nov. 23, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The play captures McCarthy’s mechanics and poise as he operates within the offense during a key divisional matchup late in the season. Mandatory Credit: Kayla Wolf-Imagn Images.
Riddick on McCarthy, Murray
The Arizona Cardinals dropped Murray like a bad habit last month, dropping into the Vikings’ lap. Riddick said this week to KSTP’s Darren Wolfson about McCarthy and Murray:
Kyler is not some gadget quarterback…the dude can deal from the pocket. I think Kevin O’Connell has already said ‘He fits our offense better than people give him credit for.’ Then of course, sitting here in the background, is this guy who we traded up to No. 10 for who is now sitting going, ‘Where do I fit into all of this?’
That’s why I’m saying there’s a lot to unpack in Minnesota this year. I like the Kyler Murray acquisition. Unfortunately for J.J., as much as I like him and I’ve been a big supporter, if this goes the way in which I’m sure O’Connell envisions it going, I think this spells the end for J.J. in Minnesota.
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If Riddick is correct, and McCarthy never sees a Vikings huddle again, that would be 10 total starts in two seasons.
Collateral Damage?
The Vikings are probably in no rush to trade McCarthy or anything of the sort — they own his contractual rights for the next three seasons — but if Murray balls out and becomes the team’s unabashed QB1 for 2026 and beyond, all bets are off.
Minnesota has relentlessly pursued a franchise quarterback for decades, landing on Kirk Cousins for six seasons, who performed admirably, followed by the brief Sam Darnold era and the McCarthy draft pick in 2024. In fact, before Cousins, the Vikings didn’t employ a sustainable franchise quarterback since Daunte Culpepper, and we’re talking 25 years ago.
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If the journey to Murray as the long-term QB1 requires a backburnered McCarthy, unfortunately, it’s probably worth it.
Why Murray Will Succeed in MIN
Since Brian Flores’ arrival three seasons ago, the Vikings have built a formidable defense. They ranked second in EPA per play in 2024 and third in 2025, giving Minnesota the NFL’s second-best defense overall by that metric over the last three seasons.
Arizona, Murray’s previous team, in stark contrast, ranked 30th during the same period, a difference that would significantly impact any quarterback. Murray goes from third-worst to third-best, defensively speaking.
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Beyond the defense, Murray will also inherit a strong supporting cast. He’ll have Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, T.J. Hockenson, Jordan Mason, and Aaron Jones at his disposal, with the potential to add even more talent through the draft.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray signals and adjusts the play at the line during second-half action on Oct. 10, 2021, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. The moment highlights Murray’s command of the offense as he prepares to execute against the San Francisco 49ers defense. Mandatory Credit: Chris Coduto-USA TODAY Sports.
While Arizona has provided him with capable targets in the past, Jefferson’s presence is a game-changer, and Addison further pesters opponents.
In this new environment for Murray, his role would be straightforward: execute quick passing, maintain rhythm, and empower O’Connell’s system. This setup aligns perfectly with his strengths. Murray has consistently delivered strong numbers, typically amassing around 4,000 passing yards, 30 touchdowns, and 600 rushing yards per 17 starts.
His accuracy is another key asset. Murray’s completion percentage ranks fifth all-time in the NFL. Integrating that skill set into a well-rounded offense with exceptional playmakers and a supportive defense makes the Vikings an ideal destination.
What Would Be Next for McCarthy?
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Pretend for a moment that the Vikings keep McCarthy around for all of the 2026 season. Murray explodes, and it just becomes a no-brainer that he’s the Vikings’ quarterback, as the franchise won’t make the Darnold mistake twice.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy jogs onto the field from the tunnel before kickoff on Sep. 14, 2025, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Teammates line the sideline as he transitions into pregame warmups, offering a clear look at his routine ahead of an early-season matchup. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images.
McCarthy’s trade options might look like this in 2027:
Arizona Cardinals
Atlanta Falcons
Carolina Panthers
Cleveland Browns
Indianapolis Colts
Los Angeles Rams
New York Jets
Philadelphia Eagles
Pittsburgh Steelers
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tennessee Titans
The Viking Age‘s Adam Carlson recently noted on the Cardinals and Jets as landing spots, “McCarthy would no longer have head coach Kevin O’Connell to work with him in Arizona or New York and would be without Carson Wentz and Kyler Murray to help his development.”
“The idea of receiving a draft pick for the young quarterback sounds good until you realize that it means throwing in the towel on a quarterback that the franchise once thought could be a major contributor.”
The Rams arguably lead the way for McCarthy’s next employer because of Matthew Stafford’s eventual retirement.
Iran’s Hossein Vafaei qualified for a fifth successive year thanks to a 10-4 win over Gao Yang of China.
“This morning I was not well at all,” said Vafaei. “It wasn’t a great match, my opponent is hungry and young and he is my practice partner – every day I practise with him and he’s such a great talent, but we didn’t play that well.
“I’m fighting as well for my country, for my family and I’m trying my best and will give it my all. The Crucible is a fantastic place for snooker and we love to play in front of snooker lovers, especially at the Crucible.”
Antoni Kowalski, 22, will be the first player from Poland to play at the finals after he beat Wales’ Jamie Jones 10-8.
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Kowalski, who would have lost his tour card with defeat, was in tears after the victory.
“I never cry, so that’s the perfect explanation of what it means to me,” he said. “I’m going to realise one of my biggest dreams and play at the ‘Theatre of Dreams’.
“I’m not based in the UK so it is more special, and my girlfriend and my parents will come to the Crucible. At the end of the first session and beginning of the second I was absolutely gone, then I stopped thinking, turned off my brain and just played.”
Elsewhere, China’s Zhou Yuelong defeated England’s Michael Holt 10-4.
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The final eight places will be decided on Wednesday. Belgium’s Luca Brecel, the 2023 champion, plays 2024 runner-up Jak Jones of Wales in the pick of the matches.
Two-time Crucible finalist Ali Carter is also in action, as is Jack Lisowski, who won his first ranking tournament in October with victory at the Northern Ireland Open.
The first round begins on Saturday, with the final starting on Sunday, 3 May and concluding the next day – with full coverage of the tournament live on the BBC.
The draw will feature the top 16 and 16 qualifiers, and will be broadcast on BBC Radio 5 Live at 08:45 BST on Thursday.
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