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A Vikings QB Trade Could Come Faster than Expected

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Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell in 2025
Dec 21, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

Are you excited to see what plan of action the Minnesota Vikings concoct at quarterback? If so, the verdict could arrive sooner rather than later if head coach + de facto personnel general manager Kevin O’Connell uses a trade for his next quarterback. Splashy trades have occurred in the NFL, well, right about now on the calendar.

The calendar has produced real QB deals in this stretch before, and Minnesota’s situation makes an early move feel realistic.

If O’Connell, interim general manager Rob Brzezinski, and Brian Flores pull the trigger on a quarterback trade, news of the deal doesn’t have to wait until March.

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The NFL Calendar Has Precedent for QB Trades … Right Now

Yes, trades are basically fair game in January and February.

John Dorsey, Alex Smith, and Andy Reid at a Chiefs press conference
Kansas City Chiefs general manager John Dorsey stands with quarterback Alex Smith and head coach Andy Reid at a press conference, captured on Mar 13, 2013, in Kansas City. The image marks Smith’s arrival via trade, introducing Reid’s new quarterback and signaling a reset for the franchise’s leadership direction. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

The January and February Trade Examples

On January 30th, 2018, the Kansas City Chiefs ended the Alex Smith era via trade to the Washington Commanders, leaning full tilt into Patrick Mahomes, a decision that would net three Super Bowl trophies and counting. Smith attempted to latch on to the Commanders, but that didn’t really pan out.

On January 30th, 2021, the Los Angeles Rams conducted an NFL landscape-changing deal by shipping Jared Goff and draft picks to the Detroit Lions for Matthew Stafford. The swap changed each team and the league forever, culminating in a Rams’ Super Bowl triumph one year later. Goff became a Top 12 quarterback in Detroit, whisking that then-sad franchise back to relevance.

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On February 18, 2021, the Indianapolis Colts attempted to put their foot down, hoping to solve the quarterback spot once and for all by acquiring Carson Wentz from the Philadelphia Eagles for draft picks.

All these deals happened [checks notes] right now on the calendar. There’s no rule stating teams must wait on the trade framework until March. O’Connell can wheel and deal right now if he chooses.

For the Vikings, Why Wait?

Unless Minnesota has sights set on a free agent, like Malik Willis, there’s no reason to wait to work the trade phones. Of course, nobody is absolutely sure if the Vikings prefer to swing for the fences at quarterback or if a veteran backup like Jimmy Garoppolo or Case Keenum would do the trick.

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If O’Connell wants the former option — obtaining a big name to compete with McCarthy or flatly takes his job — he may want to act now. Between the Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Jets, and Vikings, a new quarterback might be on the menu for all three teams, especially if Aaron Rodgers retires.

In that vein, for whichever passer Minnesota has in mind, it’s better to agree to trade terms now — like Smith, Stafford, Goff, and Wentz — than to wait until free agency or the draft. The early bird gets the worm.

Code for Kyler Murray?

So, what exactly are we talking about here? It could be an obvious code for Kyler Murray.

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The Cardinals have reportedly reached the end of the road with the 28-year-old, hiring a new head coach last week and likely wanting a fresh start after Murray took Arizona to the postseason just once in seven years. Think of it this way: if the Vikings had the same QB1 since 2019 and the club reached the playoffs one time, wouldn’t you want them to try something different?

That’s where the Cardinals are entering the 2026 offseason.

Because Murray’s stock is low and his contract is fat, the team that trades for him can probably ship a 2nd- or 3rd-Rounder to the desert and call it good. Why not the Vikings? Why not in February?

Kyler Murray reacting after a Cardinals loss
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray reacts following the final whistle at State Farm Stadium, shown on Dec 8, 2019, after a loss to Pittsburgh. The moment captures postgame frustration during a turbulent season, reflecting the emotional swings of a young quarterback adjusting to NFL speed, scrutiny, and late-game pressure. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Bleacher Report‘s Doric Sam noted on a Murray trade last week, “The relationship between Arizona and franchise quarterback Kyler Murray became strained during Jonathan Gannon’s tenure. Murray was limited to just five games this past season due to a foot injury, and there has been rampant speculation that he could be parting ways with the Cardinals this offseason.”

“ESPN’s Josh Weinfuss reported last month that ‘multiple sources’ said that Murray’s ‘trade value increased’ following Oregon quarterback Dante Moore’s announcement that he was returning to the Ducks. The Cardinals could wipe the slate clean for LaFleur by shipping away the 2019 No. 1 pick if they get an offer they can’t refuse.”

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Non-Murray Candidates

If Murray is not Minnesota’s trade target, there are two lists. Here’s the realistic one of quarterback options:

  • Drew Lock
  • Davis Mills
  • Jalen Milroe
  • Mac Jones
  • Will Levis
  • Spencer Rattler
  • Anthony Richardson
  • Zach Wilson
Anthony Richardson kneeling in prayer after a game
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson kneels in prayer on the field at Lucas Oil Stadium, framed on Dec 22, 2024, following a matchup with Tennessee. The scene conveys reflection and composure after competition, highlighting Richardson’s leadership presence and personal routine amid a demanding season and public spotlight. Mandatory Credit: Grace Hollars/USA Today Network via Imagn Images

And the dream-big list, courtesy of starry-eyed Vikings fans:

  • Baker Mayfield
  • Joe Burrow
  • Justin Herbert
  • Lamar Jackson

It’s worth noting that Murray lives right in the middle of these lists — probably why he’s inside Minnesota’s rumor mill at a fever pitch.

Overall, remember that a would-be Vikings quarterback trade could hit your phone notifications at any minute.

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Sports

Rewards, how to claim, restrictions, and more

Published

3 minutes ago

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5 February 2026

By

Black Ops 7 Ranked Play is finally here with the release of Season 2. This highly competitive mode follows Call of Duty League (CDL) rules, and you need to compete against players of your same skill level. By winning matches, you can climb up the ranks.

Also, there are several rewards to look forward to. You need to reach certain win milestones, kill milestones, and rank milestones to earn various rewards.

In this article, we will cover all the rewards available in Black Ops 7 Ranked Play starting with Season 2. We will also include other important information like rules and restrictions, the SR (Skill Rating) mechanism, and more.

How to unlock all the Black Ops 7 Ranked Play rewards in Season 2

There are two types of Black Ops 7 Ranked Play rewards: Seasonal Rewards and Career Rewards.

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Seasonal Rewards are different each season, and you must complete the requirements to earn them before that specific season ends.

Career Rewards are counted across all seasons of Ranked Play. These rewards won’t change with a new season; they remain available for the entirety of the mode’s existence in the game.

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Black Ops 7 Ranked Play Seasonal Rewards: Season 2

Black Ops 7 Season 2 Ranked Play rewards (Image via Activision)Black Ops 7 Season 2 Ranked Play rewards (Image via Activision)
Black Ops 7 Season 2 Ranked Play rewards (Image via Activision)

These rewards are exclusive to Season 2 and must be earned before the season concludes.

  • 10 Wins: “Pro Issue Dravec 45” SMG Blueprint (Dravec 45)
  • 100 Wins: “100 Season 2 Wins” Large Decal
  • Reach Silver Rank in Season 02: “Ranked Season 02 — Silver” Calling Card
  • Reach Gold Rank in Season 02: “Ranked Season 02 — Gold” Calling Card, and “Ranked Season 02 — Gold” Weapon Camo (Universal).
  • Reach Platinum Rank in Season 02: “Ranked Season 02 — Platinum” Calling Card, and “Ranked Season 02 — Platinum” Weapon Camo (Universal).
  • Reach Diamond Rank in Season 02: “Ranked Season 02 — Diamond” Calling Card, and “Ranked Season 02 — Diamond” Weapon Camo (Universal).
  • Reach Crimson Rank in Season 02: “Ranked Season 02 — Crimson” Calling Card, and “Ranked Season 02 — Crimson” Weapon Camo (Universal).
  • Reach Iridescent Rank in Season 02: “Ranked Season 02 — Iridescent” Animated Calling Card, and “Ranked Season 02 — Iridescent” Weapon Camo (Animated, Universal).
  • Finish Season 02 at the Top 250 Rank: “Ranked Season 02 — Top 250” Animated Calling Card, and “Ranked Season 02 — Top 250” Weapon Camo (Animated, Universal).
  • Finish Season 02 at the Top 250 Rank: #1 Overall: “Ranked Season 02 – Top 250 Champion” Animated Calling Card.

Black Ops 7 Ranked Play Career Rewards: Win Challenges

These rewards are earned by accumulating wins throughout your entire Ranked Play career.

  • 3 Wins: “2035 Competitor” Emblem
  • 10 Wins: “BO7 Ranked Competitor” Operator Skins (four separate Skins, Home Male and Female, Away Male and Female).
  • 20 Wins: “Pro Issue M15 MOD 0” Assault Rifle Blueprint
  • 30 Wins: “Win & Streak Tracker” Gun Screen
  • 40 Wins: “Main Stage” Loading Screen
  • 50 Wins: “50 Ranked Wins” Weapon Camo
  • 100 Wins: “100 Ranked Wins” Weapon Charm
  • 250 Wins: “250 Ranked Wins” Large Decal
  • 500 Wins: “500 Ranked Wins” Animated Calling Card
  • 1000 Wins: “1000 Ranked Wins” Animated Emblem and “1000 Win Knife” Knife Blueprint

Black Ops 7 Ranked Play Career Rewards: Rank Skins

These Rank Skins are acquired once you reach the specific Rank milestones below. Once reached, you unlock four different skins per rank: Home Male, Home Female, Away Male, and Away Female.

  • Reach Gold Rank: Gold Competitor (4x Skins)
  • Reach Platinum Rank: Platinum Competitor (4x Skins)
  • Reach Diamond Rank: Diamond Competitor (4x Skins)
  • Reach Crimson Rank: Crimson Competitor (4x Skins)
  • Reach Iridescent Rank: Iridescent Competitor (4x Skins)
  • Finish a Season in the Top 250 Rank: Top 250 Competitor (4x Skins)
  • Finish a Season at Top 250 #1 Overall: Top 250 Champion (4x Skins)

Black Ops 7 Ranked Play rules and restrictions

The first rule is that you need to win 50 matchmade Multiplayer matches to unlock the Black Ops 7 Ranked Play mode. After you unlock this competitive mode, you should know that there are certain rules and restrictions based on CDL rules and “Gentleman’s Agreements” (GAs).

  • Friendly Fire: Friendly fire is enabled.
  • If you are inactive, disconnect during matches, or shoot friendlies, you will face consequences like SR penalties or suspensions.
  • Weapon restrictions: Only assault rifles, SMGs, pistols, and melee weapons are allowed in matches. Although you can use snipers in Search & Destroy, they are restricted in other modes like Hardpoint and Overload.
  • Attachment restrictions: Many attachments are restricted and are not allowed to be used in Ranked matches.
  • Scorestreak restrictions: Individual Loadout and Scorestreak item types are also restricted.
  • Allowed Wildcard: Only the Perk Greed Wildcard is allowed in Ranked matches.
  • Perk restrictions: Core and Hybrid Perk Specialties are restricted and cannot be activated in Ranked matches.
  • Overclocks: Overclocks are also not available in Ranked Play.

Black Ops 7 Ranked Play Skill Rating (SR) mechanism

Skill Rating (SR) is the score that determines your skill and rank in the Ranked Play mode. You can earn SR by winning matches and eliminating opponents, and you lose SR by losing matches or being inactive or disconnected during matches. However, the SR calculation is not very straightforward and is calculated a bit differently, as explained below:

  • Winning matches grants you SR: If you win a match, you will earn SR, but the amount will differ in every match. The amount of SR you earn is directly dependent on how you perform in the match, the skill levels of your opponents, and the margin of your victory.
  • SR Calculation Mechanism: When you see a large amount of SR earned in a match, it usually means you have played against players of higher ranks, meaning the SR system determines that you are currently in a lower rank compared to your actual skill level (and is boosting you up).
  • SR Losses: When you lose a match, you will lose SR.

Furthermore, this competitive mode also features the SR Forgiveness mechanism, which works as mentioned below:

  • New Season Protection: When a new season arrives, your first three match losses won’t result in SR reduction.
  • Rank Up Protection: When you climb up a higher rank, then your first three match losses wont have SR reduction.
  • Daily Loss Protection: Each new day, you get one match loss where you don’t lose SR.
  • Matchmade Teammate quit: If you are playing with randoms, and a matchmade teammate quits during an ongoing match, then there won’t be an SR reduction.
  • Matchmade Teammate rejoined: If playing with randoms, and a Matchmade Teammate quits but later rejoins, and you lose the match, then your SR reduction is reduced, meaning you will lose less SR in that particular match.

Available maps and modes in Black Ops 7 Ranked Play Season 2

There are six maps and three modes available in Black Ops 7 Ranked Play Season 2, but not every mode is available on every map. So, check out the table below to know which maps have which modes:

Maps Available modes
Blackheart Hardpoint
Colossus Search & Destroy
Hardpoint
Den Search & Destroy
Overload
Hardpoint
Exposure Search & Destroy
Overload
Hardpoint
Raid Search & Destroy
Scar Search & Destroy
Overload
Hardpoint

Also read: Black Ops 7 Endgame Season 2: Everything we know

For the latest Call of Duty news and guides, be sure to check the links below: