By the second or third week of March, the Minnesota Vikings will likely reveal their offseason quarterback addition, either via trade or free agency. The team’s leaders have expressed a desire for a deep quarterback room this offseason, and the only way to do that is add at least one more passer. Two weeks before free agency, our writers have official predictions for that transaction.

The common thread: keep the floor high while still betting on McCarthy as the long-term answer.

The question to each of our writers: “With free agency about two weeks away, I ask you to predict the three main guys in the Vikings’ quarterback room when Week 1 rolls around.”

Veteran Quarterback Options Loom for Minnesota

Here’s how the panel replied.

1. Geno Smith

Predictor: Wesley Johnson

The plan is to add a vet who will push J.J. McCarthy and ultimately be able to supplant him should he falter. Geno Smith should be just that guy, especially coming off a down year in Vegas.

Prediction for the Week 1 QB Room:

QB1: J.J. McCarthy
QB2: Geno Smith
QB3: Rookie

2. Aaron Rodgers

Predictor: Sean Borman

Rodgers coming to Minnesota, as unlikely as it is, would be very much in the Vikings’ spirit. With Brzezinski running the show, it would be the ultimate “all-in” move for a front office that just hit the reset button on their GM, essentially betting that a one-year rental of a legend is the best way for Kevin O’Connell to retain his job and keep Justin Jefferson from demanding a trade while J.J. McCarthy finds his footing.

Prediction for the Week 1 QB Room:

QB1: Aaron Rodgers
QB2: J.J. McCarthy
QB3: Max Brosmer

3. Marcus Mariota

Predictor: Josh Frey

Maybe the Vikings are done with J.J. McCarthy, but I just don’t think Kevin O’Connell wants to get rid of the young QB just yet. Regardless, some competition is needed from the QB2 spot, and Marcus Mariota fits into a sweet spot of being a competent quarterback while not being an imminent threat to take over the starting role.

Prediction for the Week 1 QB Room:

QB1: J.J. McCarthy
QB2: Marcus Mariota
QB3: Max Brosmer

4. Jimmy Garoppolo

Predictor: Steve Hoikkala

I don’t see the Vikings making a trade for Mac Jones or Kyler Murray. I think they stick with J.J. McCarthy in hopes he continues to develop, and if he doesn’t, better quarterback options will be available in 2027.

Garoppolo is a cheap veteran option who is a system quarterback who would fit right in as a mentor to McCarthy. I expect the Vikings to pick up a quarterback in the draft as a project at QB3 in the mid-to-late rounds.

Prediction for the Week 1 QB Room:

QB1: J.J. McCarthy
QB2: Jimmy Garoppolo
QB3: Drew Allar

5. Justin Fields

Predictor: Kyle Joudry

In this formulation, the Vikings have solidified the position’s floor. What remains to be seen is how high the ceiling is with a top twosome of McCarthy alongside Fields.

Prediction for the Week 1 QB Room:

QB1: J.J. McCarthy
QB2: Justin Fields
QB3: Carson Wentz

6. Anthony Richardson

Predictor: Ali Siddiqui

Kevin O’Connell likes Richardson. Many think that’s who the Vikings will go after, and it is not surprising why. Richardson could all benefit from a change of scenery, and he is in the final year of his rookie contract, so he isn’t very expensive, and the Vikings wouldn’t have to give up much to get him.

Prediction for the Week 1 QB Room:

QB1: J.J. McCarthy
QB2: Anthony Richardson
QB3: Max Brosmer

t7. Kyler Murray

Predictor: Adam New

With Kevin O’Connell’s future potentially on the line in 2026, I just can’t see him throwing all of his eggs in the J.J. McCarthy basket. As far as a veteran addition goes, Kyler Murray just makes the most sense.

Prediction for the Week 1 QB Room:

QB1: Kyler Murray
QB2: J.J. McCarthy
QB3: Max Brosmer

t7. Kyler Murray

Predictor: Brevan Bane

I’ve been saying that Kevin O’Connell should sleep in the bed he helped make with the selection of J.J. McCarthy in 2024. Regardless, it feels like KOC is coaching for his job this year. Everyone knows that Minnesota has a roster good enough to make a “run,” and QB play was a major reason why they couldn’t last season.

Head coaches are humans at the end of the day, trying to save their own behind when their back is against the wall. A change of scenery for Murray and a marriage with one of the best offensive minds in the NFL could mean fireworks in U.S. Bank Stadium.

Prediction for the Week 1 QB Room:

QB1: Kyler Murray
QB2: J.J. McCarthy
QB3: Max Brosmer

t7. Kyler Murray

Predictor: Dustin Baker

It feels increasingly likely the Cardinals will release Murray; wouldn’t they have traded him by now if quarterback-needy teams had known he wouldn’t be released?

If Minnesota had to trade for Murray, the prediction here would’ve been a Vikings deal for Mac Jones — probably a 2nd-Rounder and 5th-Rounder to San Francisco for Jones and a 3rd-Round pick. But Murray, if released, will basically be free for a year, and that’s just perfect for a cash-strapped team like the Vikings.

Because Arizona will drop him and move on, Minnesota won’t be available to ignore the value of a free Kyler Murray. As a kid, he cheered for Adrian Peterson’s Vikings, so everything comes full circle.

Prediction for the Week 1 QB Room:

QB1: Kyler Murray
QB2: J.J. McCarthy
QB3: Carson Wentz

t10. Kirk Cousins

Predictor: Cole Smith

The depth chart that no one wants but everyone knows is coming. Cousins brings a level of professionalism to the room that gives the team a much higher floor.

Prediction for the Week 1 QB Room:

QB1: Kirk Cousins
QB2: J.J. McCarthy
QB3: Max Brosmer

t10. Kirk Cousins

Predictor: Janik Eckardt

It feels inevitable, doesn’t it? The Vikings are reportedly in the market for a veteran quarterback to challenge McCarthy, and Cousins is expected to be in the market for a team with a quarterback vacancy. McCarthy and Cousins will compete for the QB1 gig, while Brosmer remains a developmental QB3 on the roster.

Prediction for the Week 1 QB Room:

QB1: Kirk Cousins
QB2: J.J. McCarthy
QB3: Max Brosmer

t10. Kirk Cousins

Predictor: Tony Schultz

I still think the team sticks with McCarthy as their starter. If you wanted the team to keep Sam Darnold after everyone had given up on him, isn’t that why you keep McCarthy? To develop him? To not let him go? To get there with your own guy? That’s how I see it staying, whether you think it’s the staff’s process or their ego.

We’re still a ways out, and bringing back Kirk Cousins as a veteran presence and good competition, or Malik Willis as young competition to push McCarthy, are both good strategies. Brosmer may bring up the rear unless the team finds another wayward soul in need of reclamation. One thing’s for sure, we’ll see the direction this team is heading in shortly.

Prediction for the Week 1 QB Room:

QB1: J.J. McCarthy
QB2: Kirk Cousins or Malik Willis
QB3: Max Brosmer or Developmental Prospect

The “Hail Mary” strategy from trainer Michael Freedman struck gold as his mare Cinsault in tremendous shape notched her initial stakes win in the Millie Fox Stakes (1300m) at Rosehill Gardens last Saturday.

Cinsault, under Godolphin colours, had dominated with three victories from four summer appearances in non-black-type races before being aimed at the headline mares’ feature by Freedman.

“It just goes to show what can happen when you have a mare in form like she is at the moment,” Freedman said.

“On facts and figures, I didn’t think she could beat Lazzura but she is in such a purple patch of form.

“This is a massive jump from a benchmark 78 race to a Group 2 but with a mare going as well as her, sometimes you just have to roll with it.

“I had a good chat with the Godolphin team early in the week and I told them I know this is a bit of a ‘Hail Mary’ but I thought it was worth having a go at some black type with Cinsault.

“Godolphin are very easy to train for and they said we will go with what you think.”

Priced at $6, Cinsault clawed back ground after Lazzura ($2.05 favourite) surged ahead, holding on by a long head as Dark Glitter ($9.50) ended up 2-1/2 lengths adrift in third.

Lazzura looked the probable victor halfway through the run home, but with trainer Chris Waller and jockey James McDonald on the cusp of their 500th mutual winner, Cinsault produced a valiant response to pip the frontrunner.

Schofield earned riding accolades with a treble, boosted by earlier wins on Stretan Ruler in the Silver Slipper Stakes and Starphisticated in the Midway, and praised Cinsault’s display as “very gutsy.”

“She (Cinsault) actually beat me in a ding-dong finish last start and I can see why, she’s very gutsy, she just wants to give you everything she has,” Schofield said.

“There was probably a bit more pace on early than ideal, but we were positioned nicely throughout.

“I waited until we straightened to come off the leader’s back and when Lazzura didn’t put me away early I thought “right, we’re the fit horse, we’ll get you later.” She was the stronger of the two late.”

This result delivered Freedman a stakes treble, following Ninja’s win in the Hobartville Stakes and Pallaton’s in the Zeditave Stakes at Caulfield.

If Cinsault comes through the race in excellent shape, Freedman will contemplate the Coolmore Classic (1500m) at Rosehill Gardens on March 14.

Visit premier betting sites to access betting markets for the race like the Millie Fox Stakes.

Rory McIlroy lies six shots off the lead after Jacob Bridgeman’s stunning seven-under-par 64 cemented his place at the top of leaderboard after round three of the Genesis Invitational.

Northern Ireland’s McIlroy started the day one shot behind America’s Bridgeman but carded a two-under-par 69 to lie in second place on 13 under in Los Angeles.

Bridgeman, who also shot a 64 in round two, holed seven birdies and one eagle, on the 11th hole, in a fine display as he took control at the Riviera Country Club.

The 26-year-old, ranked 52 in the world, is enjoying a good start to the year having had two top-10 finishes in his opening four events, including last week’s eighth place at Pebble Beach.

England’s Marco Penge, who started the day tied for the lead with Bridgeman, shot a three-over-par 74 as he slipped to joint-seventh on the leaderboard.

Penge’s compatriot Aaron Rai is fourth and eight shots off the lead on 11 under after carding a 66, with South Africa’s Aldrich Potgieter one shot ahead of him in third.

World number one Scottie Scheffler, who holed a seven-foot putt on Friday to make it to the weekend, is joint 22nd on five under after shooting a 66.

Wide receiver is one of the under-the-radar positions for the Vikings when it comes to big decisions this offseason. However, decisions need to be made across the whole position group.

The NFL world will once again be full of trade proposals for Justin Jefferson. That’s not going to happen, not this year. Another season like 2025, and the Vikings’ star player might start to kick up a fuss and want out. Kevin O’Connell will likely have also been fired, and a new leadership group might consider trading Jefferson for a haul.

Nailor, the Draft, and Minnesota’s WR Depth Questions

For now, Jefferson will stay in Minnesota as the Vikings’ star player. 2026 needs to provide a season that makes Jefferson believe staying is the right move for him.

The Vikings’ other first-round WR draftee, Jordan Addison, is entering the fourth year of his rookie contract – a decision on his fifth-year option is looming. If the decision were based purely on talent, then it would be fairly simple, but Addison’s history of indiscretions away from football, which cost him three games of the 2025 season through a ban, muddies the waters. Do the Vikings want to take on Addison to a long-term, expensive contract?

I expect the Vikings to take their time with the Addison decision; there won’t be an early contract extension, but they’ll likely commit to the fifth-year option.

What to Do at WR3?

For the past couple of seasons, Jalen Nailor has filled the WR3 role in Minnesota and has done a solid job, hitting over 400 receiving yards in both seasons and scoring 10 touchdowns. Nailor hits free agency and should garner plenty of interest. His contract projection ranges from $4 million to $12 million a year — even the lower end might be too much for Minnesota in its current position.

Nailor showed a good rapport with J.J. McCarthy last season, and it would be nice to bring him back, but a more needy team at WR should be looking to give him the opportunity for a bigger role and potentially a true breakout season.

The Vikings could look to pick up a WR in this year’s draft, but their third-round pick from last season, Tai Felton, has had no real opportunity yet. Felton got three targets across his entire rookie season. He flashed ability, catching all three targets for 25 yards and two first downs, but in a season where the Vikings’ offense struggled, he wasn’t able to make much impact.

He deserves a fair shot at showcasing his talents, but what do the Vikings think of him as a potential WR3? It’s hard to guess at this point. Myles Price rounded out the WR room in 2025 but was used exclusively as a returner.

Minnesota could look for a veteran to come in and fill out the depth chart. A big name became available recently: Tyreek Hill was cut by the Miami Dolphins, and a multi-time Pro Bowler who has repeatedly talked about his Vikings fandom as a kid is immediately linked to Minnesota.

Hill turns 32 at the beginning of March and is recovering from a gruesome leg injury, but that’s what might make him affordable. Still, it’s probably a long shot, and the Vikings will have to find a bargain player while hoping Felton leaps in Year 2.

Proud UK Viking. Family Man. Enjoy writing about my team. Away from football an advocate for autism acceptance.

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Pakistan’s captain Salman Ali Agha, right, shakes hands with New Zealand’s captain Mitchel Santner after toss (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)

NEW DELHI: Rain spoiled the Pakistan vs New Zealand Super 8 clash in Colombo, and the match was completely washed out without a ball being bowled. As a result, both teams shared one point, which has made the race for the T20 World Cup 2026 semi-finals much more complicated.

This was an important game for both sides because a win would have given them a strong start in the Super 8 stage. Instead, Pakistan and New Zealand now have only two matches left to push for a top-two finish in their group.For Pakistan, the situation is simple but tough. They will next play England and Sri Lanka. If Pakistan manage to win both matches, they will reach five points, which should be enough to book a place in the semi-finals. However, if they lose even one game, their chances become tricky. One win and one loss would leave them on three points, and then they would have to depend on other teams’ results. If Pakistan lose both remaining matches, they will be knocked out of the tournament.New Zealand are in the same boat. The rain has given them a point, but they will still need wins in their upcoming matches to stay in control of their destiny. Any slip-up could pull them into a tight battle with the other teams in the group.Since this was the first Super 8 match for both Pakistan and New Zealand, the full picture will only become clear once all teams have played at least one game. Both sides were seen as favourites to reach the semi-finals, but the washout has made their path harder and kept the group wide open.

The boxing events at the 2nd Niger Delta Games on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, Edo State, produced thrilling and fierce contests, with a lot of talent on display from across the region.

In the preliminary rounds, the female 51kg bout saw Sarah Victory of Bayelsa State defeat Kelechi Anita Amarachi of Abia State, while in the female 60kg category, Naomi Alexander of Akwa Ibom beat Okugumi Destiny of Delta State. In the male 60kg preliminaries, Pender Victorious of Delta State overcame Oji Chibuike of Imo State, and in the male 70kg category, Christian Umoren of Akwa Ibom defeated Adu Kolawole of Ondo State.

The quarterfinals featured exciting battles across multiple weight classes. In the female 51kg category, Obaseki Esosa of Edo State beat Okorie Princess of Imo State, while Teniola Odunayo Buliyaminu of Ondo State defeated Okolo Victory of Delta State. Future David of Akwa Ibom also advanced, defeating Henshaw Baomi of Rivers State.

In the male 60kg category, Princewill Effiong of Akwa Ibom defeated Howells Emmanuel, while Akimusere Gbenga of Ondo State overcame Gabriel Asuquo of Cross River State.

The female 54kg category was also competitive. Ighomi Victory of Delta State defeated Osareti Victory of Edo State, Happiness Gift of Cross River State beat Abai Opeyemi of Ondo State, and Thompson Thiery of Imo State overcame Ejeje Emmanuela of Cross River State. Adoki Victoria of Rivers State defeated Uwakmfon Umoren of Akwa Ibom in another notable bout. In the male 65kg contest, Jedidiah Bassey of Akwa Ibom beat Solomon Destiny of Bayelsa State.

The day’s bouts highlighted the depth of boxing talent in the region, with close contests and impressive displays of skill, technique, and determination from all participating states.

The boxing competitions at the 2nd Niger Delta Games will continue on Sunday, with athletes aiming to progress further and add medals for their states.

The second Niger Delta Games is organised by Dunamis-Icon Limited and fully sponsored by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

Carlos Alcaraz defeated Arthur Fils 6-2, 6-1 to win the Doha title for the first time in his career.

The win marks the 26th title of his career at just 22 years old, improves him to 12–0 in 2026, and gives him his second title of the season, his best start to a year.

During the match, Alcaraz was also seen smiling at a fan’s sign that read:
“Carlos you have two options, you can adopt me, or you can sign this.”

After the match, Fils congratulated him with humor.

“Cabrón … you played very good. You made a hell of a job man. It’s a joke. Congrats to you and your team. I wish you many more. Keep going like this.”

Alcaraz responded warmly.

“Arthur, it’s a pleasure to share the court with you man. I told you that more than making results and everything, for me it makes me really happy seeing you on the court once again. I know you struggled physically. You struggled with injuries. I’ve been through that. To be able to forget that and start again, playing such great tennis… making finals, it makes me really happy to share the court, locker, and tournament with you. Great job with your team and family as well. Keep going. For sure we’re gonna share great moments.”

He also reflected on his strong start to the season.

“It’s been a great start of the year. It wasn’t easy to be honest. Because I had to be strong mentally with my team. I’m really happy and proud of everything I’ve done in the pre-season and the first tournaments of the year. Playing great tennis. Really really happy about this week. I think we’ve done a great week. Not only on the court, but off the court. It means a lot to me, this trophy. So I want to say thank you to my team over there who makes a great job every day. Every day I’m making myself even better. Thank you.”

Alcaraz leaves Doha unbeaten, confident, and building momentum early in the season.

Everyone got the matchup they wanted for the men’s hockey Olympic gold medal game.

Sunday, the 46th anniversary of the “Miracle on Ice,” will feature the United States against Canada, which is without a doubt the fiercest international rivalry in all of sports, going for all the marbles.

Unfortunately for Americans, Canada has owned this rivalry since day one. 

This will be the eighth time the United States and Canada have played for Olympic gold, and the only time the Americans have won was back in 1960. They also faced off for gold in 1920, 1924, 1932, 1952, 2002 and 2010. In the best-on-best format, the U.S. is 5-15-1, and three of those victories came in the 1996 World Cup of Hockey.

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Canada’s Brandon Hagel, left, fights with United States’ Matthew Tkachuk during the first period of a 4 Nations Face-Off hockey game in Montreal on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025.  (Graham Hughes//The Canadian Press via AP)

The very first meeting between the two countries in a best-on-best format was back in the 1976 Canada Cup, which Team Canada won 4-2. The Americans did not earn their first win over their northern neighbors until 20 years later, after losing seven of their first eight meetings and tying in the other.

The U.S. won that year’s World Cup, taking home the best-of-three series against Canada, but since then, it’s mostly been Canadian dominance again.

Canada has gone 7-2 against the Americans since 1998, and four of those wins were absolute gut-punches to the United States. Canada took home the 2002 Olympic gold medal in Salt Lake City over the Americans, but more famously, Sidney Crosby’s golden goal eight years later also came at the expense of Team USA in front of a Vancouver crowd. Four years later, Canada again defeated the U.S. in the Olympic semifinals, and last year, Canada won the 4 Nations Face-Off with an overtime victory against the Stars and Stripes.

Matt Boldy of Team United States and Sidney Crosby of Team Canada shake hands after the 4 Nations Face-Off Championship game between Team Canada and Team United States at TD Garden on Feb. 20, 2025, in Boston, Massachusetts. (Chase Agnello-Dean/4NFO/World Cup of Hockey via Getty Images)

US SKIER’S QUEST FOR OLYMPIC GOLD COMES TO A CRUSHING HALT AFTER TERRIFYING CRASH

The United States’ only wins in the aforementioned span came during group play of both the 2010 Olympics and last year’s 4 Nations. So, it’s been quite a while since the Americans had true bragging rights. Overall, Canada leads the best-on-best series, 15-5-1.

These two teams are already very familiar with each other, as both rosters are largely composed of the same members as last year’s 4 Nations Face-Off, where three fights occurred in the first nine seconds in the countries’ first best-on-best game in nine years.

Tensions between both teams and the fans were sky-high in that tournament, as it was fresh off President Donald Trump‘s “51st state” comments and tariffs against the country.

Canada’s Sidney Crosby (87) is checked by United States’ Charlie McAvoy (25) as Vincent Trocheck (16) looks on during first period 4 Nations Face-Off hockey action in Montreal on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025.  (Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press via AP)

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But this is the true big stage, with revenge, bragging rights and Olympic gold on the line.

The gold medal game will take place Sunday at 8:10 a.m. ET.

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The Los Angeles Chargers have undergone a coaching overhaul this offseason, following a second consecutive postseason exit in the wild-card round in 2025.

The Chargers announced the hiring of eight new coaches on Friday with San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey‘s brother Max being hired as the running backs coach.

NFL fans reacted to the 49ers running back’s brother joining the Chargers’ coaching staff.

“Nepo hire.”

“How much help does Justin Herbert need?”

“Mccaffery at running backs coach !! Great signing. This year, running backs are having going to have a great year!”

“One polar bear but overall very positive outlook for the season so ill overlook it.”

“Nice overhaul of the offense. Now lets go see some improvement in the roster and on field play.”

Max, who was wide receiver for the 49ers during his brief playing career, was hired as the Miami Dolphins‘ offensive assistant in March 2023. Meanwhile, Christian is on a $38,000,000 contract with the 49ers.

The Chargers announced the following hires on Friday:

“Butch Barry (offensive line), Julian Campenni (assistant defensive line), Rob Everett (offensive assistant), Adam Gase (pass game specialist), Chandler Henley (tight ends), Denzel Martin (assistant outside linebackers), Max McCaffrey (running backs), and Sean Spence (linebackers).”

Also Read: “I’m a psychopath”: Christian McCaffrey spills the beans on his unique routine after “snitch” Fred Warner lets 49ers RB’s secret out

Also Read: Christian McCaffrey opens up about accepting Deebo Samuel back as star WR heads into free agency