Minnesota Vikings quarterback Joshua Dobbs (15) celebrates after scoring on a touchdown run against the New Orleans Saints during second-quarter action at U.S. Bank Stadium. On Nov. 12, 2023, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Dobbs continued his memorable early run with the Vikings by providing a spark as both a passer and runner. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
The sexy part of free agency is long over as NFL teams have transitioned to organized team activities. But some teams have fresh cash after the NFL’s June 1st salary cap benchmark, and conveniently, a handful of ex-Minnesota Vikings quarterbacks are looking for work.
Training camps are still eight weeks away, but look for the men on this list to land jobs before too long.
The Former Vikings QBs
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Joshua Dobbs surveys the field before the snap during an NFC matchup on the road. In the first half on Nov. 5, 2023, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, Dobbs called signals against the Falcons after joining Minnesota in a midseason trade that quickly thrust him into action. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports.
1. Joshua Dobbs
The New England Patriots employed Dobbs in 2025, and he stuck around the roster until March 2026. But after the Patriots added Tommy DeVito, they kicked Dobbs to the curb, and he’s been employed since.
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Before that, Dobbs provided the Vikings with one of the most unexpected and entertaining detours of the 2023 season. Minnesota acquired him from Arizona after Kirk Cousins’ Achilles tear and while Nick Mullens was still sidelined. The cost was minimal: a 6th-Round pick and a conditional 7th-Rounder that was never conveyed. When Jaren Hall sustained a concussion in Atlanta, Dobbs was thrust into action with a partially learned playbook and no time to prepare.
Remarkably, it worked. He led the Vikings to victories against the Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints, creating a brief period where it felt like the team had stumbled into one of those improbable NFL narratives. “DobbsMania” was a legitimate, albeit fleeting, phenomenon, and it was a rollercoaster.
However, the league quickly adjusted to his style. His accuracy issues became apparent, and his timing with Jordan Addison never fully developed. A missed connection with Justin Jefferson in a game at the Denver Broncos proved to be a turning point. By the Las Vegas Raiders game the following week, head coach Kevin O’Connell had seen enough and benched him for Mullens. That swiftly concluded his chapter in Minnesota.
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Dobbs later moved on to San Francisco and New England, where he demonstrated a similar pattern.
Some team will scoop Dobbs for a QB3 job, at least, before the end of the summer. He deserves it.
2. Desmond Ridder
The Green Bay Packers dropped Ridder last month when they signed Tyrod Taylor as Jordan Love’s primary 2026 backup. Ridder stopped by the Vikings in 2025 when injuries rattled J.J. McCarthy and Carson Wentz.
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He’s started 18 NFL games for the Falcons and Raiders, with his teams achieving an 8-10 record. The record accurately reflects his current standing in the league. Ridder has mobility and a willingness to absorb hits, offering an offense some flexibility when plays break down. But his ability isn’t a primary focus for opposing defenses.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Desmond Ridder prepares for game action during pregame warm-ups at U.S. Bank Stadium. Before kickoff on Sept. 21, 2025, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Ridder went through drills ahead of Minnesota’s contest against the Cincinnati Bengals while serving as quarterback depth on the Vikings roster. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.
His passing statistics — 16 touchdowns, 14 interceptions, and approximately 160 passing yards per game — suggest he can manage an offense effectively if supported by a strong running game, solid pass protection, and capable playmakers. He isn’t a guy who can single-handedly carry an offense.
Ridder may ultimately settle into a short-term role as a QB3 soon. Otherwise, he’s a practice squad guy.
3. Brett Rypien
The Vikings signed Rypien in 2024 after his release from the Bears and brought him back in the 2025 offseason to compete for the QB2 or QB3 position. However, his tenure was brief. O’Connell ultimately selected Carson Wentz and Max Brosmer behind J.J. McCarthy, leading to Rypien’s departure.
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His NFL career has included stints with numerous teams:
Denver Broncos (2019–2022)
Los Angeles Rams (2023)
Seattle Seahawks (2023)
New York Jets (2023)
Chicago Bears (2024)
Minnesota Vikings (2024–2025)
Cincinnati Bengals (2025)
Indianapolis Colts (2025)
In his four career starts, Rypien’s teams went 2-2. His overall production: 4 touchdowns and 9 interceptions.
From February to late April 2025, Rypien briefly held the QB2 spot behind McCarthy in Minnesota. That changed when the Vikings traded for Sam Howell, later sent Howell to Philadelphia, and signed Wentz. The sequence of events sums up Rypien’s time with the Vikings: useful for a short period, then quickly replaced.
4. John Wolford
Similar to Ridder, Wolford joined the Vikings in 2025 as an emergency quarterback.
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He entered the league in 2018 as an undrafted free agent with the Jets, though his time there was short. In 2019, he played for the Arizona Hotshots in the short-lived Alliance of American Football before securing a role with the Los Angeles Rams.
Los Angeles Rams quarterback John Wolford participates in a postgame media session following a division victory at home. After the contest on Jan. 3, 2021, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, Wolford wore headphones during interviews as the Rams celebrated an 18-7 win over the Arizona Cardinals. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports.
With the Rams, Wolford established himself as Jared Goff’s backup, even earning a Super Bowl ring as a reserve passer during the 2021 season. Across nine NFL seasons, Wolford has played in seven games, starting four, with his teams achieving a 2-2 record in those starts. His statistics are modest: 626 passing yards, 1 touchdown, and 5 interceptions.
By now, he’s a practice squad guy, too.
Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker
The NBA announced the punishment they issued to the fan who ran through the court in Game 1 of the Finals. The incident happened with 6:28 remaining in the fourth quarter, with the New York Knicks leading 92-86 against the San Antonio Spurs.
One fan ran into the court holding a phone and tried to get a selfie with Spurs star Victor Wembanyama. The play had to be stopped as security got hold of him and dragged him out of the Frost Bank Center.
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According to the league, the fan who ran onto the court was handed a lifetime ban from all arenas. Additionally, a second fan who had involvement with the incident will also receive a lifetime ban, according to an NBA spokesperson.
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After it was confirmed that the league would ban two fans, most people were split about the decision. Here are some of what the other fans said about the punishment.
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“Stupid kid, no other way to put it,” a fan said.
“Wonder how much he bet on Kalshi beforehand that somebody would rush the court in Game 1,” another fan commented.
“the way one impulsive decision can create a lifetime consequence will never stop being wild to me,” one fan said.
Others believed that since he did not actually inflict any harm, the sentence was excessive.
“This is ridiculous at least he didnt hurt nobody why needed to be banned for good? Smh,” someone commented.
“I get the protocols and standards but it ain’t like he brought a 🔫 or something 🤧🤧,” a comment read.
“The NBA banning a dude for life over a blurry selfie is soft as hell. Fans built this league, not suits scared of a tall French guy. Free him,” one fan commented.
Victor Wembanyama Addressed the Fan Incident at the NBA Finals
One of the goals of the fan who ran onto the court was to get Victor Wembanyama’s attention and a selfie. When it happened, the replay on the broadcast showed Wembanyama’s delighted reaction to the fan.
The NBA star was asked about his thoughts after the game.
“I’ve never been in that situation,” Wembanyama said. “I didn’t know how to act. It really surprised me, almost as much as that time (when) a bat crossed the court.”
Wembanyama referred to an incident that happened in 2009, during a Halloween game between the Spurs and the Sacramento Kings. A bat flew inside the arena, and the game had to be stopped. Hall of Fame star Manu Ginobili swatted the bat with his hand before the game could carry on.
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Ginobili also had to receive vaccination shots for potential rabies.
May 31, 2026; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; J.J. Spaun plays his shot from the sixth tee during the final round of the Charles Schwab Challenge golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images
Former U.S. Open winners Wyndham Clark and J.J. Spaun share the first-round lead of the Memorial Tournament with Ryan Gerard and Englishman Tommy Fleetwood after they each shot 5-under-par 67 on Thursday in Dublin, Ohio.
Two weeks out from the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills, Clark and Spaun showed where their games stood as they prepare to contend for a second major title. Clark won the U.S. Open in 2023 and Spaun is the reigning champion.
Clark putted from off the green to convert a 45 1/2-foot eagle at the par-5 15th hole Thursday. That got him to 6 under par, but he bogeyed the penultimate hole at Muirfield Village Golf Club to drop back.
Clark only qualified for the signature event after he won the Charles Schwab Challenge on Sunday in Fort Worth, Texas, which earned him enough points via the “Aon Swing 5” pathway.
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Spaun birdied his final hole to get to 5 under, while Fleetwood posted the only bogey-free card among the leaders.
Gerard had a much wilder afternoon and finished with only five pars on his card. He went out in even-par 36 with two bogeys, two bounce-back birdies, then an eagle and a double bogey at Nos. 7 and 8. But he caught fire on the back nine with six birdies, including five straight at Nos. 12-16, before a bogey at No. 17 knocked him back to 5 under.
Canada’s Nick Taylor is alone in fifth at 4-under 68, and Sam Burns and England’s Justin Rose are tied at 3-under 69.
Two-time defending champion Scottie Scheffler had a number of mistakes on the back nine, including a tee shot into the water at the par-3 16th that led to a double bogey. The World No. 1 settled for a 1-over 73 and isn’t a lock to make Friday’s 36-hole cut (top 50 and ties, plus anyone within 10 shots of the lead).
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World No. 2 Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland, seeking his first victory at Jack Nicklaus’ tournament, opened with a 1-under 71.
Australia captain Pat Cummins was one of many star bowlers who faced the wrath of 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi‘s bat during the recently-concluded IPL 2026. Cummins was part of the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) bowling attack against which Rajasthan Royals’ (RR) Sooryavanshi smashed the fastest century of the season, and later a spectacular 29-ball 97. Cummins has since made it clear that the margin of error in bowling to Sooryavanshi is miniscule, and has joked that he wishes the 15-year-old was still in school.
“He’s a talent. He hits the ball a long way, he hits very hard. Margins for error are very small. He’s a real talent, pretty tough to bowl to,” Cummins said on Sooryavanshi, speaking on Fox Cricket.
“Wishing he was in high school, so I didn’t have to bowl at him. It’s just incredible. Like, I don’t think I’ve seen batting like that, let alone from a 15-year-old kid. Whether he’s 30 or 15, he’s just a very good hitter of the ball,” Cummins added.
After missing the first half of IPL 2026, Cummins got a taste of Sooryavanshi-mania in his very first game back. Much like Jasprit Bumrah or compatriot Mitchell Starc, Cummins’ first ball to Sooryavanshi was also hammered for six. Sooryavanshi slammed a 36-ball hundred in that game.
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Sooryavanshi was arguably even more devastating when SRH and RR faced off in the Eliminator of the IPL 2026 playoffs. He smashed 97 off 29 balls, narrowly missing out on registering the record for the fastest-ever IPL century.
On that night, Cummins went wicketless, getting hit for 64 runs in his four overs, at an economy-rate of 16. Sooryavanshi did the bulk of the early damage, guiding Rajasthan Royals to a total of 243 in 20 overs. Sunrisers were ultimately unable to chase it down, bringing the curtains on their IPL 2026 season.
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Delhi vs Mumbai IPL 2026: Fans Flood Arun Jaitley Stadium for High-Voltage Clash
A teenaged Canadian phenom made some noise Thursday during the first round of the U.S. Women’s Open at the Riviera Country Club in the Pacific Palisades, Calif.
Sixteen-year-old Aphrodite Deng shot an opening-round 70 to sit just four strokes back of the lead at the major championship, good for a tie for 15th place.
The Calgary, Alta., native joined fellow amateurs Maria José Marin of Colombia and Spain’s Paula Francisco Liaño at 1-under for the championship after the first round.
American Jennifer Kupcho leads sitting at 5-under after shooting a 66. South Korea’s Kim Sei-young is just behind Kupcho after a first-round 67 and four others are in a tie for third at 3-under each.
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Deng started her round on the back nine, playing bogey-less golf and birdying holes 12, 13 and 16 on her way to a first-half 33. She then opened her first nine with a birdie to move to 4-under for the championship where she held steady until disaster struck as she bogeyed No. 4, then double-bogeyed 7 and followed that up with another bogey on 8. Thankfully, she managed to salvage an otherwise stellar round with a birdie on No. 9.
Deng is looking to become the first amateur competitor to win a women’s major gold championship since France’s Catherine Lacoste won the U.S. Women’s Open in 1967.
Deng won the U.S. Girls’ Junior Championship last year.
Fellow Canadians Brooke Henderson, Anna Huang and amateur Lauren Kim didn’t fare as well as Deng did Thursday, with Henderson shooting a 73 and Huang and Kim both at 4-over through 16 holes.
After overcoming the fallout from a serious crash at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, Matt Bostock arrives at the City of London Nocturne with renewed confidence
Matt Bostock is hoping a friendly rivalry with teammate Ollie Wood at the City of London Nocturne will supercharge an extraordinary summer on the bike.
The City of London criterium race is a new event developed by the founder of the original Smithfield Nocturne, bringing a fast-paced, urban feel to elite cycling, as food stalls and street music grace the event.
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As a crit race specialist, Bostock is delighted to see world class racing back in the capital, especially with the bulk of the crit season and Commonwealth Games to come after. He said: “I’ve seen a lot of things obviously in the past about how good it was, so the fact a new event is coming back while I’m still racing is amazing.
“I spoke to [2017 winner] Brenton Jones and Ed Clancy. I saw how good it looks and the atmosphere obviously factors in Nocturne.”
Three-time Olympic gold medallist Clancy claimed victory in 2015 and 2018 before the event’s hiatus, but Bostock will have to tussle with RCC Racing teammate Ollie Wood if he wants to claim the title. He said: “It’s a friendly rivalry. In an ideal world, we’d share the wins out, but obviously that’s not as simple as it would seem. We can’t let it slip so if it does fall to one of us we have to win. It is a healthy bit of pushing each other on.
“You don’t really get a chance to properly take it in, when you’re racing but maybe we can watch a bit of the women’s race and soak it in that way.”
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The 28-year-old has endured a difficult few years since a terrible crash at the 2022 Commonwealth Games put him in hospital, but after a strong showing at the UCI Track World Cup, he seems in good form. And with a potential Commonwealth Games return for the Isle of Man coming up this summer, it’s not hard to guess who his idol is.
He said: “It has been one of my biggest goals throughout my life. I watched Mark Cavendish win the scratch race gold when I was about 10 years old with my dad. It’s the first memory I have of watching professional cycling and I was just screaming at the telly and couldn’t really believe that this Manx cyclist was going to win the Commonwealth Games.
“I’m not going to be anywhere near the level of Cav, but it would be nice to get a medal and replicate him in that way. In 2022, I had a good year. I was doing really well and then I had concussion that lasted six months. Through the whole thing, I have thought that the potential was there.
“It’s kind of like a stone left unturned and I never wanted to stop without giving up my all.”
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Beyond the Games, Bostock is targeting the Tour of Britain as well as domination across the crit season and already has the elimination and scratch race National Championships under his belt in 2026. He said: “The main chunk for me is always the crits. I made a career winning crit so that’ll be the aim again.”
Defenceman Brayden McNabb exited in the first period of Game 2 against the Carolina Hurricanes and did not return for the second period.
McNabb was injured midway through the opening frame after a shot from Hurricanes forward Nikolas Ehlers hit McNabb on the face. He immediately went down in pain and quickly skated off the ice on his own power.
In 16 playoff games through the Golden Knights’ run, the Davidson, Sask., native has one goal and seven points while averaging 20:53 on ice per game.
McNabb has missed one game this post-season after he was suspended for injuring Anaheim Ducks’ Ryan Poehling in Round 2.
Technogym has announced the launch of the Run X World Treadmill Championship, the first
world championship for running on connected treadmills over five kilometres.
Manchester City and Real Madrid have been at the centre of some of football’s biggest transfer stories in recent years, but the latest controversy has little to do with an actual transfer negotiation.
Instead, it stems from comments made by Real Madrid presidential candidate Enrique Riquelme during his election campaign, where he publicly claimed he could bring both Erling Haaland and Rodri to the Spanish club if elected president.
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What Exactly Happened?
During a television appearance in Spain, Riquelme held up a Real Madrid shirt bearing Erling Haaland’s name and suggested that the Norwegian striker wanted to join Los Blancos.
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He went a step further by claiming that Haaland’s Manchester City contract contains a release clause that could facilitate a move to Madrid.
The presidential hopeful also promised to sign Rodri, describing the Ballon d’Or winner as a player Real Madrid need in midfield. These statements quickly generated headlines across Europe, especially given Haaland’s status as one of the world’s biggest football stars and Rodri’s importance to City’s midfield.
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Why Are Manchester City Angry?
Manchester City’s frustration is not simply about transfer rumours. The club’s primary issue is that Riquelme presented his claims as fact during an official election campaign despite there being no evidence that either transfer is realistic.
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City have publicly denied that Haaland has a release clause that would allow Real Madrid to sign him and insist there is “no chance” of such a move under the circumstances described by Riquelme.
From City’s perspective, the comments risk creating a false narrative around one of their most valuable players while using his name to attract attention and votes during an election campaign.
Man City threaten legal action after Real Madrid presidential candidate claims Erling Haaland transfer is sealedhttps://t.co/sekL3NqWjk
A major reason City are considering legal action is the use of Haaland’s image and identity in a political context.
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Riquelme appeared with a Real Madrid shirt carrying Haaland’s name and used the striker as a centrepiece of his campaign promises.
Clubs and players often have commercial rights attached to their names, images, and likenesses. When those assets are used without permission, particularly for promotional, commercial, or political purposes—it can raise legal concerns.
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City’s statement specifically referenced the use of their player’s image, suggesting the club believes Haaland’s likeness was used without proper authorization.
What About Rodri?
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Rodri’s situation is slightly different. While his contract expires next summer and speculation about his future does exist, there is currently no indication that a move to Real Madrid is close.
Riquelme nevertheless included the Spanish midfielder in his election promises and even claimed he would personally compensate Real Madrid members if he failed to deliver the transfers.
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Those comments have added to the controversy because they transformed hypothetical transfer targets into campaign pledges.
How Have Haaland’s representatives responded?
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Haaland’s camp has backed Manchester City’s position.
His father, Alfie Haaland, and agent Rafaela Pimenta dismissed the reports and made it clear they do not reflect reality.
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Their response effectively reinforced City’s argument that the claims were speculative rather than based on genuine transfer discussions.
Could City Actually Take Legal Action?
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At this stage, City have only stated that they are considering legal action. Whether the club proceeds will likely depend on legal advice regarding the use of Haaland’s image, potential reputational damage, and whether the campaign continues to use the player as part of its messaging.
For now, the controversy appears less about a genuine transfer battle between Manchester City and Real Madrid and more about a football superstar being used as a campaign tool during one of the biggest elections in world football.
Members of the Minnesota Vikings defense, including Harrison Smith, participate in a postgame interview with WWE superstar Seth Rollins and NFL insider Dianna Russini after defeating the Detroit Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis on Dec. 25, 2025. The nationally televised Christmas matchup featured a festive atmosphere as Minnesota celebrated the division victory in front of the home crowd. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images.
The Minnesota Vikings have answered most of the questions asked over the last few months, including the identities of the QB reinforcement and the GM. One burning question remains, however: Harrison Smith’s future.
Smith, 37, has yet to make his retirement call. He received a standing ovation at the end of last season, as folks suspected a farewell could be on the horizon. In recent years, when the same mystery existed, he eventually returned for another campaign. Whether he does this year remains an unknown, but Kevin O’Connell appears to have an idea.
Kevin O’Connell greeted Harrison Smith before kickoff on Nov 27, 2023, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. The Minnesota Vikings head coach connected with the veteran safety, wearing number 22, ahead of the NFC North matchup against the Chicago Bears as the home team prepared for the divisional contest. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports.
Asked about the longest-tenured Viking, head coach Kevin O’Connell first joked: “The only update that I can give is he was in town and saw some folks. I didn’t get to see him. I was incredibly hurt by that. And then, in an attempt to play some golf with him, I was turned down. That’s the only update, kind of in an embarrassing fashion, I’m willing to give today.”
Of course, a follow-up question would come. Asked whether he still wants to play, O’Connell said, “You know what, I think Harrison Smith is going to want to play football until he’s old and gray, which, last time I checked, had not happened yet. It never quite goes away, I mean, shoot, I wish I could go play. I think it’s probably a deeper conversation than just the ‘want to’ at this point. Those conversations will take place, respectfully for Harrison, throughout the summer.”
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O’Connell added that it could be an “ongoing thing” and mentioned that how the season is going could play a role. In theory, a mid-season return is possible.
Regardless, that sounded a lot like O’Connell suspects Smith would love to keep playing, but the body has to play along.
Dec 7, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings free safety Harrison Smith (22) intercepts a pass against the Washington Commanders during the second half at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
Thankfully, Smith revealed in December, “I’m just enjoying day by day. You know how it is, when you’re getting towards your later years, it’s harder to go to practice, harder to get ready to go every time. On gameday, I always feel ready. I’ve always been on top of my body — my nutrition. Everything. It’s not fancy or anything, but you stay on top of it — it stacks up over the years.”
Picked in the first round of the 2012 draft, Smith has been the anchor of various iterations of the Vikings’ defenses over the last 14 years, playing under three head coaches and even more defensive coordinators.
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Over the years, he has played in a bunch of games. In 2025, Smith missed the first couple of matchups due to a mysterious illness but was able to suit up for the remaining 15 games. He started 12 of them, as the Vikings slowly inserted him back into the lineup rather than giving him the full workload.
Smith used his 793 defensive snaps to register 54 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 1 sack, and a pair of interceptions. Though he has certainly lost a step or two, he is still often in the right position because he has seen it all in 207 regular-season games.
Furthermore, defensive coordinator Brian Flores deployed him as his quarterback, who can make calls ahead of the snap to adjust the defense to the offensive looks. The Vikings once again field one of the best defenses in football, and Smith’s voice certainly played a role.
Miami Hurricanes defensive back Jakobe Thomas remains on the field after suffering an injury during second-quarter action against the SMU Mustangs at Gerald J. Ford Stadium. On Nov. 1, 2025, Thomas was hurt following a defensive stop as Miami’s defense battled through a physical road matchup in Dallas. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images.
Due to the uncertainty, the Vikings kept their safety room together, led by Joshua Metellus, followed by rotational pieces Jay Ward and Theo Jackson. In the draft, interim GM Rob Brzezinski used a third-rounder to acquire Jakobe Thomas out of Miami.
We haven’t heard from Smith since the end of last season. He’s generally a private person. In previous offseasons, he eventually just showed up, or a reporter said he would. The future Ring of Honor inductee is not a man for any flashy announcements.
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At this point, it’s just a guessing game, but reading between the lines, the Vikings might be cautiously optimistic that he’ll be back at some point.
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell speaks with reporters after an organized team activities session at team headquarters. Following OTA practice on June 4, 2026, at the TCO Performance Center in Eagan, Minnesota, O’Connell discussed roster developments, quarterback competition, and the club’s progress as preparations continued for the upcoming season. Mandatory Credit: YouTube.
NFL-themed media seized on J.J. McCarthy’s comments last week at organized team activities, noting that he didn’t provide a typical diplomatic answer about his role in the summer camp battle against Kyler Murray. In short, McCarthy spoke from the heart, while Murray provided a more customary example, as a seasoned veteran might.
And according to head coach Kevin O’Connell, the critique of McCarthy’s responses was overblown. Whoodathunkit?
O’Connell Keeps Vikings QB Room Calm
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy works through drills during training camp as preparations ramp up for the upcoming season. On July 29, 2025, at the Minnesota Vikings Training Facility in Eagan, Minnesota, McCarthy participated in quarterback exercises and team periods while continuing his development under head coach Kevin O’Connell. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images.
O’Connell on the Camp Battle
A day after the Vikings introduced O’Connell’s new boss, general manager Nolan Teasley, O’Connell took questions from the media. Right off the bat, he was asked about McCarthy’s comments and the state of the QB1 competition.
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He replied, “The interpretation of those comments will be what they are. I would just say, in the room, day to day, the dialogue between those guys, the interactions, have been very professional. And more than that, it’s been a positive room. I think Carson has a lot to do with that, as the veteran in the room.”
“And I would never discount Josh McCown’s extensive career as a player in those quarterback rooms and how he manages the room and everybody in there. So I didn’t make a lot out of it. I know there was some reaction to it. That’s probably not the first time there’s gonna be a reaction to those guys answering questions about the situation.”
O’Connell also noted that he doesn’t expect players locked in position battles to “smile at all times.”
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He continued, “That’s what the competition is all about. There’s no hiding anything. It’s going to be displayed on the field, and their teammates and coaching staff and the guys in this building have to feel a conviction about the direction we go, and you do that by your daily habits, and just improving.”
O’Connell added about McCarthy, “I think he’s handling it really well. He’s been great in the meeting rooms. As a captain and a guy that helps lead our team, he’s been phenomenal.”
Youth versus Experience
The Murray-McCarthy can be described rather easily: Murray has been around the block, knowing how to talk to reporters after living in the NFL for seven seasons and experiencing all the hype as a 1st-Round pick in 2019. McCarthy, on the other hand, told the truth.
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Rather than deliver a polished, canned answer that sounds team-friendly, McCarthy told media members how he felt — for real — about the camp battle. His words and facial expressions were the evidence.
If you could peek at a crystal ball in 2031, McCarthy would probably sound just like Murray, and McCarthy’s theoretical young teammate would not sound as polished.
Murray as a Heavy Favorite
It’s also worth noting that Murray is the overwhelming favorite to win the Vikings’ QB1 job. O’Connell, of course, did not advertise that, but oddsmakers paint a clear picture.
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Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray surveys the defense before the snap during a regular season contest at home. On Sept. 29, 2024, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, Murray directed the offense against the Washington Commanders while evaluating coverage and preparing for the next play. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.
Murray is the -1,000 moneyline favorite, which is similar to Stephen Curry hitting a free throw on a random weeknight. McCarthy can still score the upset, but it would take a gridiron miracle or a Murray injury. There’s a reason that Murray averages 30 touchdown passes and scampers every 17 starts — he’s tough to dethrone from the QB1 perch.
May the Best Man Win
Fans and national media erupted over Murray and McCarthy’s comments and throws — a reaction typical of late August, but this was only the first week of OTAs. Get ready: this battle will dominate the summer. Vikings fans can anticipate three months of clips, quotes, reactions, overreactions, and deep dives into quarterback body language.
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell celebrates with quarterback J.J. McCarthy following an early scoring play on the road. After a first-quarter touchdown on Nov. 2, 2025, at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan, O’Connell greeted McCarthy on the sideline as the Vikings built momentum during a challenging season. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images.
Some labeled McCarthy’s comments as immature; while that feels a bit strong, its validity depends on one’s perspective. Others, inexplicably, revisited Murray’s height as if it were a novel concern. The clear takeaway is this: if the initial OTA session generated this much buzz, the quarterback competition will be anything but boring.
Carson Wentz and Max Brosmer are also on hand to take snaps should Murray or McCarthy falter or get injured. That depth is important, as Minnesota has capable backups despite the intense focus on Murray and McCarthy.
The Vikings open their regular season on September 13 against the Green Bay Packers. If Murray starts, that game immediately gains an intriguing subplot: he would face his former Cardinals head coach, Jonathan Gannon, now Green Bay’s defensive coordinator. Murray and Gannon shared a close relationship in Arizona. Their next NFL chapter will begin on opposite sidelines in a Vikings-Packers matchup.
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Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker
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