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Here Comes a Massive Week for J.J. McCarthy

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J.J. McCarthy warming up before a Vikings preseason game against the Raiders at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) loosens up on the field before Minnesota’s preseason matchup with the Las Vegas Raiders, Aug. 10, 2024, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. The rookie first-round pick went through warmups as fans watched their first in-stadium glimpse of the young passer preparing for NFL action. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports.

The Minnesota Vikings will begin signing new players next week, along with retaining ones they want back from the 2025 squad. At the top of the ticket, this process will have massive implications for quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who watched in late January as the man who drafted him was fired.

Minnesota’s free agency decisions could quickly change McCarthy’s role this spring.

In short, McCarthy will better understand whether he’s on the brink of a summer quarterback competition or the new QB2 for the Vikings.

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Why Minnesota’s Next QB Move Matters So Much for McCarthy

Entering Year No. 3, the stakes couldn’t be higher this week for McCarthy.

Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy scrambles against the Las Vegas Raiders. J.J. McCarthy.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) escapes pressure and scrambles during the second quarter as Minnesota faced the Las Vegas Raiders on Aug 10, 2024 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota, showing his mobility while extending the play during preseason action in front of the home crowd. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports.

A Demoted Youngster?

All the momentum right now points to Kyler Murray signing with the Vikings. Minnesota is the betting market frontrunner; Murray grew up as an unabashed Vikings fan; and the Vikings’ leaders have stated their primary goal this offseason is to build a deep quarterback room.

Regarding McCarthy, the (eventual?) Murray signing will represent an instant demotion. The team’s leaders may try to sell the general public on a “quarterback battle” between McCarthy and Murray, but your 89-year-old grandma, who doesn’t watch sports, knows who will win that competition.

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The acquisition of Murray (or someone like Aaron Rodgers) puts McCarthy on the back burner — a rough spot to bounce back from, historically speaking, at least with the same franchise.

A 2025 Colts-Like Battle on the Way?

Let’s pretend the Vikings sign Geno Smith or Jimmy Garoppolo. Well, that’s a different story. It would be “game on” for McCarthy, who faces a realistic chance of slaying either combatant in Eagan this summer. The non-Murray and non-Rodgers tier of quarterback options would set up a true competition, which McCarthy probably should have faced last summer. Instead, McCarthy “duked it out” with Sam Howell, a trainwreck that was later traded to the Philadelphia Eagles.

If McCarthy wants to keep his QB1 job — he probably does — he basically has to cheer for a signing not named Kyler Murray or Aaron Rodgers.

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McCarthy can, in theory, take down Smith or Garoppolo at training camp if he has worked on his mechanics all offseason.

League Seems to Think Kyler Murray Is on the Way

Murray to Minneapolis has gained steam in recent days since the Cardinals dropped him.

Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray lines up before the snap against the Houston Texans.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) stands at the line of scrimmage directing the offense before the snap during a matchup with the Houston Texans on Oct 24, 2021 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, surveying the defense while preparing to begin the play during the regular-season contest. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports.

For example, NFL reporter Connor Hughes tweeted, “The Jets might not target just one quarterback in free agency. Belief from agents who met with them at the NFL Combine is that they prefer to add two — if they can. It’s similar to what the Giants did a year ago (Russell Wilson, Jameis Winston). Kyler Murray was discussed, but he is expected to sign with the Vikings, per sources.”

“No Kirk Cousins, but watch Geno Smith & Carson Wentz. There is interest there. Jacoby Brissett, too, if Cardinals can be convinced to part. Was told that’s “doubtful,” with Jimmy Garoppolo expected to stay in LA. JG signing with the Cardinals would change that. Wentz might surprise some, because of the notion Frank Reich/Wentz relationship fell apart in Indianapolis. From my understanding, that was more GM/owner, not coach. The two remain very close.”

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Many are acting like Murray-MIN is a done deal. If so, McCarthy will have an awkward spring and summer.

Our Brevan Bane wrote this week, “After what we saw from McCarthy, and not doing any projecting, every single option can at least compete with McCarthy, if not beat him, for the starting job. It’s not to say that he can’t get better; he probably will. However, you have to put yourself in the shoes of Kevin O’Connell.”

“Is he going to triple down on McCarthy? He tied his job to the QB when he approved drafting him in 2024. His commitment was doubled down in 2025 when Sam Darnold walked. Now, GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah is gone and O’Connell is likely on the hot seat. If you’re KOC, are you pushing all your chips in on McCarthy taking a major leap? Or are you taking the more likely option that Kyler Murray absolutely electrifies U.S. Bank Stadium?”

Probably Sticking Around No Matter What

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The refreshing part for McCarthy is that outside of a trade for Joe Burow, for example, he’s not going anywhere. The Vikings have no reason to quit on McCarthy. He’s affordable, and he still has ample upside.

Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy hugs head coach Kevin O’Connell before a game at MetLife Stadium.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) shares a pregame embrace with head coach Kevin O’Connell before Minnesota’s matchup with the New York Giants on Dec 21, 2025 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, as the quarterback and coach connect moments before kickoff during the late-season road game. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images.

The fact of the matter is that Murray will likely sign with the Vikings, leaving McCarthy as the QB2 in 2026.

If Murray gets hurt, McCarthy would have his chance to reemerge and shine.


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Erling Haaland reveals X-rated message from Man City team-mate after stunning Liverpool win

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Haaland scored a hat-trick as Manchester City beat Liverpool 4-0 in the FA Cup quarter-finals on Saturday

Erling Haaland received an X-rated message from one of his Manchester City teammates following his hat-trick against Liverpool. The Norwegian striker added yet another match ball to his remarkable collection as Pep Guardiola’s side tore apart the Reds 4-0 to secure their place in the FA Cup semi-final.

Despite a lively opening from Arne Slot’s outfit, they fell apart against the Carabao Cup holders as the Dutchman’s troubles mounted with pressure growing considerably. For City, they became the first team through to the last four at Wembley later this month, with Antoine Semenyo also getting on the scoresheet in the victory over Liverpool.

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Haaland claimed his 28th career hat-trick match ball on Saturday afternoon. Posting his memento on social media, Haaland posed with the match ball, and one particular message stood out from the rest.

One of his teammates wrote: “Well done you big f****** weirdo!”

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Reflecting on the match, Haaland said: “This club has to win trophies on the biggest stage. It’s been some time since I have done it [scored a hat-trick] for City. It is special so I am super happy.”

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For the Norwegian, he has rediscovered his scoring form at precisely the right moment, with City locked in a Premier League title battle with Arsenal.

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Guardiola got the better of his former protégé, Mikel Arteta, on the eve of the international break as City defeated Arsenal 2-0 to clinch another Carabao Cup triumph. City trail the league leaders by nine points heading into next weekend’s fixtures as the Premier League resumes. They travel to Chelsea on April 12 (4.30pm) with Liam Rosenior hoping his team can build on their 7-0 victory over Port Vale in the FA Cup quarter-finals.

Arsenal resume their campaign following their clash with Championship outfit Southampton with a journey to Sporting CP in the Champions League. After their quarter-final meeting with Viktor Gyokeres’ previous club, they welcome Bournemouth on April 11 (12.30pm).

Pep Lijnders heaped praise on the City star following their triumph over his old side. The City assistant said: “I worked with a lot of good strikers, with a lot of goals, with a lot of finals and trophies.

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“Erling scored the 12th hat-trick today for Man City and the second goal was insane.

“He weighed the attack, he flies, the way he puts the ball into the corner. I love these old-school striker goals.

“I am not saying he carries Norway, but we all know how important he is for them, he feels that responsibility.

“It is clear then that not everything throughout a long season will go your way, but it shows character again and mentality that he comes back in this fashion.”

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Nigerians Shine as Onuachu and Nwaiwu Lead Trabzonspor to 2-1 Win Over Galatasaray

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Paul Onuachu scored his first goal against Galatasaray as Trabzonspor claimed a 2-1 win in the Turkish Super Lig on Saturday evening.

Onuachu gave Trabzonspor an early lead, marking a personal milestone for the Nigerian forward, who had previously failed to score against Galatasaray. His goal also emphasised his importance to the team this season, bringing his league tally to 22 goals and keeping him among the top scorers in Turkey.

Galatasaray equalised in the second half, creating a tense finish. However, Chibuike Nwaiwu restored Trabzonspor’s lead with his third league goal of the season, assisted by Anthony Nwakaeme. Nwakaeme’s creative delivery proved decisive in the match.

  • Werder Bremen defender, Felix Agu, has said he is open to playing for Nigeria. Born in Germany to a Nigerian father and a German mother.Werder Bremen defender, Felix Agu, has said he is open to playing for Nigeria. Born in Germany to a Nigerian father and a German mother.

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The combined efforts of Onuachu, Nwaiwu, and Nwakaeme secured the victory and all three points for Trabzonspor in a closely fought contest.

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Stephen A. Smith makes feelings known on Geno Auriemma apologizing to Dawn Staley over viral meltdown after UConn’s Final 4 loss vs. South Carolina

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Stephen A. Smith is waiting for the NFL draft to happen later this month, so he is giving his take on college basketball’s latest controversy.

On Friday, the University of Connecticut Huskies lost 48-62 against the University of South Carolina Gamecocks in the Final Four of the NCAA women’s basketball tournament. After the game, Huskies head coach Geno Auriemma had a verbal confrontation with Gamecocks counterpart Dawn Staley.

Minutes later, he posted this apology on social media:

“It’s unlike what I do and what our standard is here at Connecticut. I want to apologize to the staff and the team at South Carolina. It was uncalled for in how I reacted. The story should be how well South Carolina played, and I don’t want my actions to detract from that.”

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There was a great amount of blowback from fans, but Smith urged them to move on:

Damn Right! He should be sorry! We move on!


ALSO READ: Stephen A. Smith speaks out on Puka Nacua’s ulterior motive behind entering rehab over behavioral issues

ALSO READ: “I’m very disturbed by what Jerry Jones said”: Stephen A. Smith warns about calling Cowboys owner over George Pickens comments

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ALSO READ: “Wasn’t surprised”: Stephen A. Smith makes feelings clear about Kirk Cousins choosing Raiders despite Fernando Mendoza’s draft buzz


Stephen A. Smith quashes rumor surrounding Molly Qerim’s departure from “First Take”

For years, Stephen A. Smith has been considered the face of ESPN’s flagship program “First Take”. One of only a few other people who would be considered for that pedestal is Molly Qerim, who was its host from 2015 to September 2025.

At the time of her departure, there was much speculation that her working relationship with Smith had worsened in the buildup to the decision. However, Smith dismissed such notions when speaking on Wednesday’s episode of Brandon Tierney’s “Unleashed” podcast:

“I miss Molly because I love (her) as a person and as a friend. I know what kind of a person she is, so because of that I don’t look at her as just as a host, I don’t look at her as just a colleague. We worked together for 10 years. Nobody is ever going to come say something negative to me about (her). I will always support her because it’s beyond the professional.”

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As of October 2025, “First Take” is hosted by Shae Cornette.