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Is Tai Felton Ready for the Spotlight?

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2 hours ago

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Minnesota Vikings new wide receiver Tai Felton during 2025 Rookie Minicamp in May 2025. Minnesota used a 3rd-Round pick on Felton from the University of Marylan, and he’ll be attached to the roster through the end of the 2028 season.

This offseason, the Minnesota Vikings have plenty of roster decisions they need to work through. The most imperative is figuring out the quarterback situation. Beyond that, though, several critical aspects of the team will be scrutinized.

Outside of the quarterback position, the running back room and its depth could be the Vikings’ greatest cause for concern on offense. Maybe that transitions to the tight end room if T.J. Hockenson doesn’t restructure his current deal. It’s also possible that wide receiver depth is seen as questionable with Jalen Nailor headed to free agency.

Path Opens in the Vikings’ Wide Receiver Rotation

The Minnesota Vikings will have both of their top wide receivers, Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, back. Are they ready to let 2025 third-round pick Tai Felton settle in, though?

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Tai Felton warms up before the Vikings’ preseason game against the Texans at U.S. Bank Stadium. Vikings WR depth chart.
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Tai Felton (13) goes through warmups at U.S. Bank Stadium prior to the preseason matchup with the Houston Texans. The scene on Aug. 9, 2025, in Minneapolis highlighted the rookie wideout’s preparation as he settled into the atmosphere, giving fans a first look at his game-day routine while competing for a role in Minnesota’s offensive rotation. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.

Last season, Felton played in all 17 games, but the rookie logged just 46 total offensive snaps. He played heavily on special teams, but contributed only three catches (on three targets) for 25 yards. There is a serious level of uncertainty regarding his development and readiness for the next step.

The third wide receiver role is wide open after the departure of Nailor. Felton is the straightforward answer as to how the position should be filled, but that comes down to Kevin O’Connell’s belief in where he currently stands.

A decade ago, the Vikings had another former Maryland wide receiver they were breaking in. Stefon Diggs, who the New England Patriots just released, was a fifth-round pick in 2015. He played in just 13 games as a rookie, but started nine and had 720 yards with four touchdowns.

Tai Felton catches a pass while defended by Deonte Banks at MetLife Stadium.
Vikings wide receiver Tai Felton secures a catch while Giants cornerback Deonte Banks closes in during game action at MetLife Stadium, Dec 21, 2025, in East Rutherford. The contested reception highlighted Felton’s route timing and hands as Minnesota evaluated young receivers in live reps against starting-caliber defensive backs. Mandatory Credit: Yannick Peterhans / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.

Both Diggs and Felton have similar size and body chemistry. However, Diggs was vaulted into a prominent role much more quickly. It would be the best-case scenario for Minnesota to see Felton blossom into that sort of talent. Of course, they could also do without the headache that Diggs became synonymous with.

If Felton isn’t ready, though, then the franchise will need to explore options in free agency or that draft. Jefferson and Addison may be among the best in the league. Having nothing behind them is a problem, though.

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Ted Schwerzler is a Minneapolis based blogger that covers the Minnesota Twins and Vikings. Sharing thoughts constantly on Twitter, … More about Ted Schwerzler

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Sports

Free emblems, new cosmetics, and more

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12 minutes ago

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7 March 2026

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Diablo 4 is collaborating with yet another major franchise in Season 12: Season of Slaughter. This time, the crossover is with Doom: The Dark Ages, bringing the Slayer’s aesthetic to Sanctuary through thematic rewards, premium cosmetics, and free emblems during a limited-time event.

This event will begin on March 11, 2026, at 10 am PT and is set to run until 10 am PT on March 18, 2026.

Everything we know about the Doom: The Dark Ages collaboration

Season 12 of Diablo 4 is also known as the Season of Slaughter (Image via Blizzard Entertainment)Season 12 of Diablo 4 is also known as the Season of Slaughter (Image via Blizzard Entertainment)
Season 12 of Diablo 4 is also known as the Season of Slaughter (Image via Blizzard Entertainment)

This crossover introduces the “most expansive earnable Reliquary yet” to Diablo 4 Season 12. During its run, players can battle enemies to earn Dark Ages Currency, a new currency tied to the Doom: The Dark Ages event.

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To earn Dark Ages Currency, players must slay Elite and Champion enemies. The currency can then be spent on Doom: The Dark Ages-themed cosmetics from the event reliquary.

The reliquary contains 10 unique transmogs inspired by the Doom Slayer’s arsenal. Each cosmetic costs 100x Dark Ages Currency. Examples include:

  • Shield Saw cosmetic skin
  • Doom Slayer’s Flail weapon cosmetic

These items give your character a Doom-inspired makeover, perfect for facing Sanctuary’s demons.

Once you have acquired all the rewards, you will be able to claim the bonus Forsaken Gates Town Portal.

Players can get Doom: The Dark Ages-themed cosmetics from the reliquary (Image via Blizzard Entertainment)Players can get Doom: The Dark Ages-themed cosmetics from the reliquary (Image via Blizzard Entertainment)
Players can get Doom: The Dark Ages-themed cosmetics from the reliquary (Image via Blizzard Entertainment)

Doom Chests: Boss drops

In addition to the reliquary rewards, players can earn loot by engaging bosses. Lair Bosses in Season 12 have a chance of dropping Doom Chests, which contain Unique items with Doom Crucible-themed transmogs. This provides players with special cosmetic versions of gear and an incentive to challenge high-tier bosses in the Season of Slaughter.

Also read – Diablo 4 Season 12: The strongest builds, based on PTR meta

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Free Doom: The Dark Ages emblems in Diablo 4 Season 12

Players can fight Elite enemies, collect Dark Ages Currency, and purchase these cosmetics (Image via Blizzard Entertainment)Players can fight Elite enemies, collect Dark Ages Currency, and purchase these cosmetics (Image via Blizzard Entertainment)
Players can fight Elite enemies, collect Dark Ages Currency, and purchase these cosmetics (Image via Blizzard Entertainment)

Blizzard Entertainment is also giving away multiple free emblems during the event period via the in-game shop. You can claim them on the following dates and timings:

  • March 11, 12 pm PT – Dark Before the Dawn
  • March 13, 12 pm PT – Grandeur of the Gutted
  • March 15, 12 pm PT – Rip and Tear

These emblems are completely free; you only need to log in to the game in order to claim them.

Also read – Diablo 4 Season 12 PTR: Best builds for every class

Paid premium cosmetics

Alongside free rewards, you can also obtain optional paid cosmetics from the in-game shop starting from March 12, 2026, at 12 pm PT. The items include:

  • Doom Slayer Armor (cross-class armor set)
  • Mecha Dragon Serrat cat mount skin
  • Cacodemon pet

Blizzard has not yet confirmed the prices of these cosmetics. However, based on previous crossover cosmetics, they may range between $20 and $30 each.

Also read – D4 Lord of Hatred will bring back iconic crafting item from D2

The Doom: The Dark Ages collaboration will launch with Season 12: Season of Slaughter, which also introduces Bloodied Items, the Killstreak system, and the player ability to temporarily transform into The Butcher, complete with unique skills and gameplay mechanics.

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Players will also be able to check out the new Paladin Class (from the upcoming Lord of Hatred expansion) up to level 25. With free reliquary items, Doom cosmetics, and a Paladin class trial, Season 12 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting seasons yet in Diablo 4.

For more details on Diablo 4 Season 12, visit the game’s official website.

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