NFL free agency will begin in about three weeks, and after the Minnesota Vikings presumably clear a ton of cap space, the club can sign new players. In the meantime, a handful of men from the 2025 roster could, in theory, be in line to start for the 2026 Vikings.

The Vikings’ roster will change significantly in the next few months, and a few non-starters from 2025 already look positioned to climb into bigger 2026 roles.

Here’s a look at the players who could command promotions by default if no replacements are signed or drafted this offseason.

Three Vikings Perhaps Positioned for Starting Roles in 2026

A quick peek at the 2026 depth chart.

1. Michael Jurgens | Center

In Jurgens’s final four appearances of 2025 — when Ryan Kelly missed time — he fired up these pass-blocking grades from Pro Football Focus:

• vs. GB: 71.6
• vs DET: 83.7
• at NYG: 14.6
• at SEA: 78.2

Generally speaking, it’s unlikely for the Vikings to roll with Jurgens, a 7th-Rounder from the 2024 NFL Draft, but he did enough to stay attached to the roster for the duration of his rookie contract and be the backup center. There’s also a world where the Vikings’ coaching staff is impressed enough to give him a starting audition.

Star Tribune’s Ben Goessling wrote about Kelly, the starting center for 2026, at least on paper, last week: “The Vikings would save $8.75 million by releasing Kelly this spring; he has no guaranteed money left in his deal, so they could take their time if they wanted to gauge the market.”

“Kelly’s concussion history could also lead him to consider retirement. The Vikings will likely be thinking about their future at the position even if Kelly, who turns 33 in May, decides he wants to return in 2026.”

If Kelly walks away, Minnesota must decide between Jurgens, Blake Brandel, a free agent, or a rookie from the draft. Jurgens is in the mix.

2. Jordan Mason | Running Back

Lions writer Al Karsten posted this statistic to social media last week:

Explosive Rush Rate Leaders since 2023 (min. 300 rushes):
1 — De’Von Achane (MIA) — 12.3%
2 — Jahmyr Gibbs (DET) — 11.4%
3 — J.K. Dobbins (BAL, LAC, DEN) — 10.7%
4 — Jordan Mason (SF, MIN) — 10.5%
5 — Raheem Mostert (MIA, LVR) — 10.1%
6 — James Conner (ARZ) — 9.7%
7 — Derrick Henry (BAL) — 9.4%
8 — Christian McCaffrey (SF) — 9.3%
9 — Bijan Robinson (ATL) — 9.1%
10 — James Cook (BUF) — 8.6%

Mason also led the Vikings in rushing last season, banking 758 yards and 6 touchdowns. His 4.8 yards per carry outshone Aaron Jones’s 4.2.

While Minnesota should probably find a game-changing RB1 — they haven’t employed one since Dalvin Cook’s 2021 campaign — the club may cut ties with Aaron Jones, roll with Mason as RB1, and draft a rookie runner like Penn State’s Nick Singleton or Washington’s Jonah Coleman.

At least for a few weeks, Mason would start while the new guy gets acclimated to the NFL.

The Viking Age‘s Brad Berreman opined on Mason last month, “Mason had the seventh-best rushing success rate (minimum 100 carries), he was 10th in yards after contact per attempt (3.41, also minimum 100 carries), and he had 22 rushes of 10-plus yards.

“When Aaron Jones was out early in the season (Week 3-7), Mason was the RB16 in fantasy. From there to the end of the season (Week 8-18), he was RB48 in 0.5-point PPR. From Week 10-15, before he was injured early in Week 16 and missed the following game, Mason averaged 5.3 yards per carry but had double-digit carries just twice in that span. Then he finished the season with 94 yards on 14 carries in Week 18.”

Mason will carry a $5.8 million cap number into 2026 — more than reasonable.

Berreman continued, “The Vikings may move on from the 31-year-old Jones this offseason. That would open up more carries for Mason next season, which, even during his downturn in workload this season, he proved deserving of based on how efficient he was. If Jones is gone and a notable addition is made in free agency or the draft, that would be a huge fly in the Mason fantasy breakout ointment for next season.”

“But if he can get to 200 carries, leaving aside his lack of a role in the passing game, there could be significant value in what’s lined up to be a depressed Average Draft Position (ADP) come July and August.”

3. Jay Ward | Safety

Turning 26 this summer, Ward’s contract situation comes at an ideal time for the Vikings. Entering the final year of his rookie deal after being drafted in 2023, Minnesota faces a decision: whether to consider a second contract now, before Ward gains the upper hand and his price tag potentially rises.

His on-field performance already warrants consideration. Last season, Ward excelled when given significant snaps, playing with an undeniable edge, delivering mean hits, and injecting the youthful energy that the defense needed.

Late in 2025, defensive coordinator Brian Flores increasingly relied on Ward, even favoring him over Theo Jackson in crucial situations — a clear indication of internal trust, which Ward validated by consistently delivering.

He banked a 70.9 Pro Football Focus grade last year while playing about 250 snaps. That’s a building block for 2026.

Tottenham did fierce rival Arsenal a huge favor in the Premier League title race. Dominik Solanke scored a second-half double – including one from an outrageous scorpion kick – as Spurs came from two goals down to salvage a 2-2 draw with second-place Manchester City on Sunday, leaving Arsenal with a six-point lead with 14 games left.

It was almost the perfect day for the leaders, with Aston Villa – the other title contender – losing 1-0 at home to 10-man Brentford.

Villa stayed seven points adrift of Arsenal and was in danger of being reeled in by fourth-place Manchester United, which scored a stoppage-time winner through Benjamin Sesko to beat Fulham 3-2 for a third straight league win under new manager Michael Carrick.

Having already overseen victories over City and Arsenal in his short tenure, Carrick appears to have the magic touch at revitalized United.

The same cannot be said of Pep Guardiola at the moment.

Missed opportunity for City 
This was a huge wasted opportunity for Guardiola’s City, which was up against a heavily depleted Tottenham team and was cruising 2-0 ahead at halftime thanks to goals by Rayan Cherki and Antoine Semenyo. At times, it was almost too easy for City in front of an apathetic home crowd at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

City then collapsed as a revitalized Tottenham fought back. Solanke bundled in Spurs’ first goal – appearing to kick the back of Marc Guehi’s leg, resulting in the ball dribbling over the line – and then grabbed the equalizer with a deft, flying back-flick that looped over City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma and into the corner.

“The first half was difficult – we couldn’t get near them at times,” Solanke said.

“The second half was a different story. In the second half, we were great and grew with confidence and belief.” 
In the last five games, City has looked vulnerable in losing twice – to United and tiny Bodo/Glimt in the Champions League – and now spluttering against an injury-hit Tottenham.

“It is a setback but we are still there,” Guardiola said.

“There are 14 games to go and a lot of points. We will see.” 
Arsenal, a 4-0 winner at Leeds on Saturday, might not have a better chance to end its league title drought stretching back to 2004.

Villa loses to 10 men 
Villa played for more than half the match with an extra man after Brentford winger Kevin Schade’s straight red card for kicking out at Matty Cash in the 42nd minute after they had challenged for the ball.

In the first minute of first-half stoppage time, Dango Ouattara escaped down the right and scored at the second attempt for what proved to be only goal as Brentford weathered a second-half onslaught.

United fans protest 
United squandered a two-goal lead earned by goals from Casemiro and Matheus Cunha, with Raul Jimenez – via a penalty – and Kevin scoring to bring Fulham briefly level at Old Trafford.

There was still time for Bruno Fernandes to send over a cross that was controlled by Sesko before he swiveled to curl home a finish in front of the Stretford End.

“It’s the best feeling, I have to say,” Carrick said about the kind of late winners United scored so often under his old manager, Alex Ferguson.

“People leave here with more than just, United won today.’ It’s layers on top of that, the emotion and the feeling, and it’s why we all love it so much.” 
The match took place after a protest by around 500-600 United fans unhappy at the ownership of the 20-time champions, but the team is finally in a decent league position – fourth place – in its bid to return to the Champions League.

United is five points behind Villa with 14 rounds remaining.

Also Sunday, Crystal Palace – without star striker Jean-Philippe Mateta ahead of his possible move to AC Milan – drew 1-1 at 10-man Nottingham Forest, which had Neco Williams sent off in the 45th minute for a handball on the line.

Unified world champion Xander Zayas has responded to Devin Haney and his father, Bill, who said during an interview last week that the Puerto Rican is merely “food to us.”

Zayas unified the super-welterweight division last month, claiming a split decision victory against Abass Baraou to come away with the WBO and WBA titles.

Immediately after his career-best victory, the 23-year-old called out Josh Kelly who, earlier that evening, had dethroned Bakhram Murtazaliev to become the IBF world champion at 154lbs.

Since then, both fighters have expressed an interest in their potential unification match, though Kelly has not entirely welcomed Zayas’ offer of a clash in Puerto Rico or New York.

Instead, ‘Pretty Boy’ is eager to headline a card at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light this summer, but would likely agree to fight overseas if the money makes sense.

As for Zayas, who is fiercely pursuing a showdown with Kelly, a possible opportunity to defend his titles against Haney has suddenly presented him with an alternative option.

The 27-year-old comes off a dominant points victory over Brian Norman Jr in November, when he claimed his WBO welterweight title, but is now flirting with the idea of becoming a four-division world champion.

And after Bill Haney labelled Zayas as “food” in an interview with thaboxingvoice, the unified super-welterweight champion simply had no choice but to respond. Haney caught win of a video with the translation, which refers to Haney’s lawsuit against Ryan Garcia in 2024, ‘The Dream’ threw down his gauntlet on X.

“They say everything but let’s fight” https://t.co/ceToThwgco

— Devin Haney (@Realdevinhaney) February 13, 2026

Zayas, meanwhile, was quick to fire back.

“Relax ‘Diva’ my focus is getting the third belt from Kelly but we already told your DADDY if that doesn’t happen we will be happy to put the 1 [loss] back on your record.”

Haney’s majority decision defeat, which Zayas refers to, came against Garcia in 2024, but was later overturned to a no-contest after ‘King Ry’ tested positive for ostarine.

Suryakumar Yadav and Salman Agha (ICC Photo)

NEW DELHI: Defending champions India sent a strong message to the cricketing world with a 61-run demolition of Pakistan in their high-stakes Group A clash at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Sunday, securing their spot in the Super Eights. “I think this is for India,” said captain Suryakumar Yadav after India’s big win.

“We played the same brand of cricket we wanted to play. Batting first was the better option on this wicket. Ishan thought something out of the box. After 0/1, someone had to take responsibility and the way he took it was amazing.”The defining moment came at the top as Ishan Kishan unleashed a breathtaking 77 off 40 balls, including 10 fours and three sixes, to put India firmly in control. Tilak Varma (25) and Suryakumar Yadav (32) added crucial support, ensuring India reached 175/7 despite a challenging surface. Shivam Dube’s quickfire 27 in the death overs pushed the total to a competitive 176.Pakistan’s reply never gained momentum. Hardik Pandya struck in the first over, dismissing Sahibzada Farhan for a four-ball duck. Jasprit Bumrah then tore through the top order, sending Saim Ayub and captain Salman Agha back to the pavilion inside two overs. Usman Khan offered resistance with a fluent 44, stitching minor partnerships with Babar Azam and Shadab Khan, but his stumping to Axar Patel ended any faint hopes of a comeback.The Indian bowlers were ruthless in unison. Kuldeep Yadav trapped Mohammad Nawaz, Tilak Varma removed Shadab Khan, and Varun Chakaravarthy added two late wickets. Pandya, after seeing a couple of catches go down off his bowling, ensured the finale by knocking back Usman Tariq’s middle stump. Pakistan’s innings folded for 114 in just 18 overs, their third-lowest T20 World Cup total.“It was great to see everyone contributing with the ball,” Surya said. “We’ll go back, have a good time together as a team and then think about the other games when we take the flight to Ahmedabad,” he said.

T.J. Hockenson might be a cut candidate for the Minnesota Vikings if they don’t prefer to restructure his contract this offseason. He’s the NFL’s fourth-highest-paid tight end, and Minnesota barely used him as a pass-catcher in 2025. Suppose the Vikings pull the plug on Hockenson. Well, they’ll need a new tight end. Consider these options the most likely.

The Vikings could face a tight end pivot if Hockenson’s situation changes, and the shortlist of realistic replacements is forming quickly.

Of course, this will all be moot if Hockenson sticks around, but here’s a glance at contingency plans.

Top Tight End Alternatives for Minnesota if Hockenson Moves On

Ranked from good to great, these are the post-Hockenson TE options if applicable.

5. Oscar Delp + a Vet

Most of the rookie tight ends near the top of the 2026 draftboard don’t block very well. And one of Kevin O’Connell’s prerequisites for a TE1 seems to be decent-to-good pass-blocking.

Delp, a Georgia Bulldog, is a compromise. He blocks well compared to his draft classmates, but probably won’t be drafted until Round 4 or later. In this scenario, the Vikings might have to sign a veteran tight end like Cade Otton as insurance, while hoping Delp matures faster than most to flirt with a TE1 role.

Of course, Minnesota doesn’t have a 2026 4th-Rounder right now. That belongs to the Carolina Panthers. O’Connell would have to reach for Delp in Round 3, trade back into Round 4, or hope he slides to Round 5.

Bleacher Report‘s Daniel Harms on Delp: “Oscar Delp is a vertical, seam busting tight end with explosive speed and three down upside for an NFL offense. He’s become a versatile blocker for the Bulldogs offense, and springs multiple runs a game for their offense.”

“Underutilized as a pass catcher, the 6’5″ 245-pound prospect showcases his burst after the catch by reducing pursuit angles by linebackers and defensive backs, regularly.”

4. A Trade for Michael Mayer

The Las Vegas Raiders employ two TE1s: Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer. That doesn’t make sense. The Raiders should trade Mayer for a 5th-Round pick or so, enabling him to reach his fullest potential and getting a draft pick back for their troubles.

Mayer isn’t the best blocking tight end imaginable, but he’s also not abysmal. Between Mayer, Josh Oliver, Gavin Bartholomew, and Ben Yurosek, the Vikings’ TE room would be in good hands.

3. Isaiah Likely

Likely, on the other hand, does not run- or pass-block, which may present a problem in Vikings free-agent scouting circles.

Still, the man is sitting on a breakout season for his next team — probably not the Baltimore Ravens, his current employer, that just extended Mark Andrews’s contract.

Likely also splashes big in the clutch, and if Minnesota veers away from its blocking criteria, Likely would be a fantastic passing game target for J.J. McCarthy or the unnamed Vikings QB1 in 2026.

His next contract will likely pay him around $9 million or $10 million per season.

2. Kyle Pitts

Want to know why Pitts was drafted so damn high in 2021? He literally does it all. He’s a freak athlete who catches passes like a top-tier wide receiver and blocks as effectively as George Kittle.

Pitts is the dream for any offense; it’s just that he never took off in Atlanta as a certified killer. Until that night he ruined your night when you played in the fantasy football playoffs in December.

A geographical cure could fix him, however, and teams will line up to pay Pitts next month. The Vikings may not have the money to spend on another Top 10 tight end, but if they do, Pitts is by far the best free-agent option.

His next deal will pay him about $12 million annually.

1. Kenyon Sadiq

Sadiq is trending as the only tight end to fly off the board in Round 1 this April. A product of Oregon, he’s an outstanding pass-catching threat and should see his future NFL team’s lineup in Week 1 of 2026.

At 6’3″ and 245 pounds, Sadiq has a significant advantage in that he is young; he won’t turn 21 until after the season begins. In 42 games at Oregon, he tallied 80 receptions for 892 yards and 11 touchdowns. Further showcasing his athleticism, he also returned kicks for the Ducks in 2023 and 2024.

His complete skill set fuels all buzz surrounding him as a potential 1st-Round pick. Sadiq is a reliable pass-catcher and an effective blocker for both runners and quarterbacks — a rare combination for a young tight end.

While Minnesota has plenty of draft needs, particularly on defense, fans would not be too mad if they took the plunge with Sadiq at No. 18. Or, at the very least, it wouldn’t take very long to warm up to the pick.

Manchester City advanced to the fifth round of the FA Cup on Saturday afternoon but the performance against League Two Salford City was below par

Manchester City had a week to remember leading up to their FA Cup fourth-round tie against Salford City this weekend. It started at Anfield, a bogey ground for so long and with 15 minutes of normal time remaining, it looked like it would remain that way too.

But City dug deep and found a way to win as Bernardo Silva’s instinctive finish and an Erling Haaland penalty saw the Blues beat Liverpool on Merseyside, with fans, for the first time under Pep Guardiola. City then took that momentum and carried it into Wednesday night when Fulham were brushed aside before half-time.

The mood only got lighter on Thursday when Arsenal dropped points at Brentford to ensure the gap was cut to four with the two teams still set to meet each other in the Premier League at the Etihad Stadium in April. When Guardiola sat down for his pre-match press conference, he was understandably happy but he explained his team was mentally and physically tired.

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However, he also insisted the standards which they demand every day should not alter, regardless of the opposition. “I try to knuckle it in the minds of the players that nothing is taken for granted and everything is difficult,” Guardiola said.

After the full-time whistle, Guardiola was insistent on one thing. Those standards had not been reached. “The only good news [is] that we go through. That’s all,” the City boss insisted. “It would be nice for me to say mentally we’re exhausted, we’re tired. It has been a tough two or three weeks for many reasons but it’s our job.

“We have to do what we have to do. The calendar says to play every few days. We just didn’t read where the spaces were and that’s why everything was flat and slow and not good.”

Arguably it was only James Trafford who managed to come away with any form of credit having made a couple of good stops to avoid a potentially nervier afternoon. But while none of the outfield players came away with much credit, two have potentially missed a big chance to give Guardiola a headache as we head towards what will be a busy March.

The first was Tijjani Reijnders. In December and over the Christmas period, the Dutchman showed the sort of goalscoring form City were hoping he would bring when he arrived from AC Milan.

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But, with a host of players who can play in the 4-1-4-1 formation behind the centre-forward, you need to stand out when you get your chance. Unfortunately for Reijnders, he was too casual with the ball and he often saw the game breakdown when he chose the wrong option.

Where Reijnders can be forgiven is that he is still settling into English football, in his first season at a new club. Inconsistent performances can be expected.

More concerning, though, was Phil Foden’s display. City’s academy graduate was burnt out last season after a summer international tournament and there was signs earlier in the season, the midfielder could be returning to the lofty standards he sets himself.

However, the 25-year-old has not scored since December and his displays are more reminiscent of the Foden of 2024/25 rather than 2023/24. On Foden, Guardiola said after Salford: “I said many times, I have zero, zero, zero doubts, zero about Phil.

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“He has to recover himself good and just focus on playing football and going to fish. He loves fishing and that’s it.

“When he is that, Phil is back and will be back. It’s not 20 centuries ago when he was the best player in the Premier League. It was around the corner. It was not many seasons ago.”

But while Guardiola does not doubt Foden, it is hard to see a scenario where he starts against Newcastle United next weekend. Bernardo, Rayan Cherki and perhaps even Nico O’Reilly are ahead of both him and Reijnders at the moment.

Against Salford, those who do not play often had the chance to make a point to Guardiola. Especially the likes of Reijnders and Foden who provide an option in an area where the Blues are so well stocked.

Now they must wait for their next chance having missed a golden opportunity to give Guardiola something to think about.