The Boston Celtics accepted a criminally low trade package for Jaylen Brown, the Los Angeles Lakers spent the farm on Walter Kessler, the Minnesota Timberwolves sent the expected price to the Charlotte Hornets for LaMelo Ball, and Giannis Antetokounmpo is a member of the Miami Heat after a landmark trade.

So, we ask — what if the Minnesota Vikings splash in this manner? It’s probably unlikely because new general manager Nolan Teasley will want to preserve draft picks, but let’s take a look at the outlandish possibilities.

Why even bother with this list? Because, for example, the Philadelphia 76ers were 100-to-1 odds to land Brown, and look what happened. Anything is possible in sports.

Vikings Might Have Enough Roster Flexibility for One Massive Swing

1. Maxx Crosby (OLB) to MIN for Two 1st-Rounders

Thanks to the Baltimore Ravens’ shenanigans, we already know the price for Crosby, who will evidently just return to the Las Vegas Raiders as if nothing happened.

The Vikings already traded Jonathan Greenard this offseason, paving the way for Dallas Turner to start without impediment, but don’t forget that Andrew Van Ginkel, the other main EDGE rusher, is scheduled to test free agency in March 2027. Theoretically, Teasley could donate his next two 1st-Rounders for a sure thing in Crosby and extend the team’s Super Bowl window.

Crosby ranks sixth in sacks (69.5) leaguewide since turning pro in 2019. Like every trade on this list, this one is a long shot. Teasley probably won’t get rid of his 1st-Rounders unless he embraces the Los Angeles Rams’ longstanding team-building philosophy.

2. J.J. McCarthy (QB) to IND for Anthony Richardson (QB)

Minnesota drafted McCarthy in April 2024, and through two seasons, it’s safe to say the experiment has not panned out as planned, mainly because of McCarthy’s injury woes. He’s missed 73% of all eligible games due to injuries.

The Vikings were reportedly high on Richardson during the 2023 NFL Draft, so in this scenario, they swap quarterbacks with similar modus operandi. Neither the Vikings nor the Colts know whether their quarterbacks will blossom into starters, as their first few years in the league have been marred by injuries.

3. Garrett Bradbury (C) Back to MIN for a 6th-Rounder

The New England Patriots decided that 2025 3rd-Rounder Jared Wilson will start at center in 2026, trading Bradbury to the Chicago Bears for a 5th-Round pick a few months ago. Bradbury would start for the Bears and face the Vikings twice annually, right? Probably not. Chicago then drafted Iowa’s Logan Jones in Round 2 two months ago; teams don’t spend 2nd-Round draft capital and redshirt them, at least not frequently.

Therefore, barring a bench assignment for Bradbury, he could be on the trade block, and Minnesota is scheduled to start Blake Brandel at center. Bradbury certainly wasn’t loved by all during his six seasons with the Vikings, but he might be better than Brandel.

A 6th-Rounder would likely get the trade across the finish line. The trade would be considered “outlandish” because Bradbury left the team not long ago, and the Bears and Vikings rarely engage in trade business.

4. Riley Moss (CB) to MIN for a 4th-Rounder

Jahdae Barron is itching for playing time in Denver after the Broncos drafted him in Round 1 of the 2025 NFL Draft, while Sean Payton and friends already employ Patrick Surtain II and Ja’Quan McMillian at cornerback.

These are Moss’s passer rating allowed marks over the last two years:

And his Pro Football Focus grades:

Moss played nearly 1,100 snaps on defense last year — a workhorse — and his contract will run out after this season. It’s worth noting that the Vikings have enjoyed some luck with guys named Moss.

5. Budda Baker (S) to MIN for a 4th-Rounder

Pretend Harrison Smith doesn’t return for Year No. 15. Minnesota would embark on the 2026 campaign with Josh Metellus, Jay Ward, Theo Jackson, and rookie Jakobe Thomas at safety. Is that enough firepower? Maybe, maybe not.

Baker is a proven commodity and an eight-time Pro Bowler. The Arizona Cardinals will set sail on 2026 with Jacoby Brissett, Gardner Minshew, or Carson Beck at quarterback, proving that they’re not overly serious about contending and probably biding their time for a new signal-caller from the 2027 NFL Draft. Baker may want to play for a contender, and in theory, he could wind down his career in Minnesota.

New Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray was a teammate of Baker for seven seasons in the desert. Baker has visited the postseason just once in nine seasons. Perhaps his fortunes could change in Minnesota.

Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker

Chad Schofield and Zac Lloyd, who typically share the Sydney jockeys’ room, will be competing against each other this weekend in South Africa’s premier racing event, the Durban July.

The talented cousins are both set to participate in the prestigious 2200m race. Schofield will partner King Pelles for trainer Gareth van Zyl, while Lloyd is aboard Regulation, trained by Justin Snaith.

“It will be kind of funny sitting with him in the rooms in South Africa,” Schofield commented. “Obviously, we do it here every week, but to be over there together is sentimental.”

Their venture to South Africa is somewhat of a homecoming for both. Schofield and Lloyd are sons of former leading South African jockeys, Glyn Schofield and Jeff Lloyd respectively, both of whom achieved significant success in Australia.

Chad Schofield, who spent his childhood in South Africa and still has family there, will be making his second appearance in the feature race. He previously rode The Conglomerate in the 2015 Durban July when he was still an apprentice.

“My family came to Australia when I was about fourteen, and I have been back once, but it’s going to be really cool to get back again,” Schofield stated. “I’ve got a gran and aunt there, so I’ll be able to see them too. I used to go to that racecourse often when Dad was riding there. Even this particular race meeting, it’s a big deal over there, and to be able to go back and be amongst it is pretty cool.”

Schofield is scheduled to arrive in South Africa late on Thursday, with a chance to test King Pelles in a track workout the following day.

King Pelles, a proven stayer with a victory over 3200m, is listed at double-figure odds for Saturday’s 2200m Grade 1 event. However, Schofield has been encouraged by positive reports from his trainer.

“He’s a really good stayer. His form over the staying trips is the best in the country,” Schofield said. “He is running over a distance that looks to be too short for him, but I know the stable has freshened him right up and kept him as sharp as they could. It’s a handicap, and he’s got 59 (kilos). He is a 20-1 chance, but he’s got the class.”

King Pelles is one of seven rides for Schofield on the 12-race Greyville card. Lloyd, who recently notched his first winner at Royal Ascot during their June carnival, has eight mounts.

Both jockeys will be aiming to better their fathers’ performances, as neither Glyn Schofield nor Jeff Lloyd managed to win the Durban July during their successful racing careers. The Durban July is a major event, and punters can find competitive betting sites for the race.

Defending champions Argentina narrowly avoided one of the biggest upsets in FIFA World Cup history after defeating heroic debutants Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time in a thrilling Round of 32 encounter in Miami.

The South American giants, ranked second in the world, were pushed to the limit by Cape Verde, who are ranked 64th by FIFA and were making their first appearance in a World Cup knockout match.

After the match ended 1-1 in regulation time, Argentina appeared to have secured victory when defender Lisandro Martínez scored just two minutes into extra time.

However, Cape Verde refused to give up. In the 103rd minute, Sidny Lopes Cabral produced one of the goals of the tournament, cutting inside from the left before curling a stunning effort into the top corner beyond Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez to level the score at 2-2.

With penalties looming, Argentina were handed a dramatic lifeline in the 111th minute when Cape Verde defender Diney Borges accidentally turned the ball into his own net, sending the reigning world champions through to the last 16.

Argentina had taken the lead in the 29th minute thanks to another moment of brilliance from captain Lionel Messi. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner expertly controlled a long pass from Lisandro Martínez before firing home his 20th World Cup goal.

Despite falling behind, Cape Verde continued to fight and deservedly equalised in the second half through Deroy Duarte, who finished brilliantly from a tight angle after making a late run into the penalty area.

Just two minutes into extra time, Lisandro Martínez restored Argentina’s lead after reacting quickest to a flick-on from Alexis Mac Allister following a corner kick.

But Cape Verde stunned the thousands of Argentina supporters inside the stadium when Cabral produced his sensational equaliser. The Cape Verde forward nearly completed an unforgettable comeback moments later, forcing a superb save from Emiliano Martínez with only minutes remaining.

Although Cape Verde could not force a third equaliser and a penalty shootout, they exited the tournament with their heads held high after one of the greatest debut campaigns in World Cup history.

The African nation went unbeaten in regulation time throughout the tournament and earned draws against Spain, Uruguay and Argentina before eventually bowing out after extra time.

Argentina will now face Egypt in the Round of 16 on Tuesday, July 7, as they continue their defence of the World Cup title.

Progressive Lindsay Park stayer The Western Front is set to continue his demanding campaign in Saturday’s $150,000 Banjo Paterson Series Final at Flemington.

This 2600-metre event marks the tenth start of a preparation that began with a fourth placing in a benchmark 70 over 1600m at Flemington on January 10.

The five-year-old gelding has since achieved four victories, notably the Listed Sandown Cup (3200m), and while co-trainer Ben Hayes expressed surprise at the campaign’s longevity, he remains pleased with the horse’s condition and believes there are more goals to pursue.

“When you get them fit you keep them happy and in a rhythm and these days, with technology, trainers are able to keep horses up for longer,” he said.

“It’s good for them, they enjoy being in work. Some don’t, so you put them in the paddock.

“He’s a horse we’d like to get his rating up a bit more to target maybe the back-end of spring with him.

“He could bob up over Cup Week running in one of those staying races.”

Hayes confirmed that the Group 3 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2600m) on Champions Day is a more probable target this year than the $10m Melbourne Cup (3200m).

The Western Front enters the race following a second-place finish to Vegas Jack at Flemington on June 20, a run where he experienced a difficult passage from the outside barrier. Hayes is confident the gelding can improve his placing with more favourable racing luck.

“He probably had the hardest run in the race,” Hayes, who trains in partnership with brother Will and JD, said of the 1-1/4-length defeat.

“He had no luck at all. He was wide the whole trip, had to work in the middle stages, hit the front early and just got run over late.

“But he’s come through the run well.”

The Western Front, to be ridden by Daniel Stackhouse, will meet Vegas Jack 1.5kg better at the weights from their last start and will break from barrier six, while Vegas Jack is drawn in barrier nine.

The gelding is currently the $4.20 favourite, with Vegas Jack at $7. Wuddzz is rated at $5.

Consider placing a bet on The Western Front with leading online bookmakers for the Banjo Paterson Series Final.

Lionel Messi has once again rewritten FIFA World Cup history, surpassing Kylian Mbappe and Pele to set a new record. The Argentina captain netted the first goal against tournament debutants Cabo Verde to set the record in the ongoing round of 32 clash in Miami (July 3, ET).

The strike gave him 12 goal contributions in World Cup knockout rounds, the most in the history of the competition. That number puts the 39-year-old ahead of both Kylian Mbappe and Pele, who had previously been tied for the top spot on 11 each.

He scored in the 29th minute to break a tense stalemate that had frustrated the reigning champions early on. The goal itself was a signature of his genius: Lisandro Martinez’s inviting pass over the top sent Messi gliding past the Cabo Verde defense with a perfect run. He controlled the ball beautifully in his stride before lifting a composed effort over Vozinha to put Argentina 1-0 up.

The strike also took his run to eight consecutive FIFA World Cup matches on the scoresheet, a streak which has not been equaled by anyone. And on top of that, Lionel Messi has now scored against 14 different teams. It is the most by any player, surpassing the likes of Miroslav Klose, Ronaldo Nazario, and Jurgen Klinsmann, all of whom have 10.

Lionel Messi at the FIFA World Cup so Far

Lionel Messi arrived at a record sixth FIFA World Cup with question marks over his fitness after nursing a minor hamstring issue in the build-up. But any lingering doubts were quickly dispelled in Argentina’s Group J opener against Algeria in Kansas City.

His terrific hat-trick in the 3-0 triumph pulled him level with Miroslav Klose as the tournament’s all-time leading goalscorer. He didn’t wait long before making that record his own in the next match, against Austria. He scored twice to surpass Klose’s tally and increase his overall total. His influence went beyond the goals and ensured his team dominated the group stage with maximum points.

Lionel Messi rounded off the group stage against Jordan, coming off the bench to curl in a trademark free-kick. That gave him six goals in the group stage, level with Mbappe at the top of the scoring charts going into the knockout rounds. His goal against Cabo Verde was his 20th goal at the FIFA World Cup.

If Argentina can survive this tie, they’ll meet Egypt in the round of 16 in Atlanta on July 7. For a country dreaming of back-to-back trophies, their talisman appears far from finished.