The spotlight shifts to Ahmedabad as the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 final between the India national cricket team and the New Zealand national cricket team is set to take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday. With anticipation building for the title clash, the Indian Railways has stepped in to help fans reach the venue by introducing a special train service from New Delhi to Ahmedabad.On Saturday, the official handle of Northern Railway announced that the train had been arranged to assist supporters eager to witness the final in person. The move comes amid soaring flight fares and limited ticket availability for travel to Ahmedabad.
T20 World Cup Final: Greenstone Lobo predicts India vs New Zealand winner | Astrological analysis
The special train is scheduled to depart from New Delhi at 11:45 PM on Saturday. Fans have been encouraged to secure their seats quickly to avoid missing the opportunity to travel.“A Special Gift from Indian Railways for Cricket Lovers! Considering the increased flight ticket prices and unavailability of tickets, Indian Railways has announced a special train from New Delhi to Sabarmati for passengers’ convenience, departing today, March 7, 2026, at 11:45 PM. Book your seat in this 19-coach train featuring 3rd AC and 2nd AC coaches.”Earlier, Western Railway had also revealed plans to run another special train for the final. This service will operate between Mumbai and Ahmedabad, offering fans an affordable and convenient way to travel for the highly anticipated contest.The Narendra Modi Stadium is expected to witness a packed house for the tournament decider. India sealed their place in the final after edging past the England cricket team by seven runs in the semi-final, while New Zealand secured their berth by comfortably defeating the South Africa national cricket team.Before the first ball of the final is bowled, spectators will also be treated to a vibrant closing ceremony. Puerto Rican Grammy-winning star Ricky Martin will headline the event alongside renowned Gujarati folk singer Falguni Pathak and Bollywood playback singer Sukhwinder Singh.The International Cricket Council has also planned a musical entertainment segment before the toss, where the crowd of nearly 1,32,000 spectators is expected to dance to Martin’s iconic hit Un Dos Tres (Maria).This will mark the second time that Ahmedabad hosts India in a World Cup final. The previous instance came during the 2023 Cricket World Cup, when Australia national cricket team stunned the hosts to lift the 50-over title.
The date, time, and other vital details of the T20 World Cup 2026 closing ceremony have been announced. India and New Zealand will face off in the final on Sunday, March 8, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Notably, the closing ceremony of the T20 World Cup 2026 will take place on the same day at the same venue. The gates will open at 3:30 PM IST, while the performances are set to begin at 5:30 PM IST. Renowned Puerto Rican singer Ricky Martin is among the stars who are set to perform at the closing ceremony.
New Zealand beat South Africa in the semifinal by nine wickets, whereas India pulled off a close seven-run victory over England in the second semifinal. The Kiwis have never won the T20 World Cup trophy. On the other hand, the Men in Blue have won it twice and are also the defending champions, having won the previous edition in 2024.
Advertisement
New Zealand will aim to win their first-ever trophy in the history of the tournament, while India will look to create history by defending their title. No team has ever won back-to-back trophies before.
When is the T20 World Cup 2026 Closing Ceremony?
The closing ceremony of the marquee event will take place on Sunday, March 8. While the gates will open at 3:30 PM IST, the performances will begin at 5:30 PM IST.
Where is the T20 World Cup 2026 Closing Ceremony?
The closing ceremony of the tournament will take place in Ahmedabad. The Narendra Modi Stadium is the venue for the same.
Advertisement
Who will perform at T20 World Cup 2026 Closing Ceremony?
The crowd are set to witness blockbuster performances at the closing ceremony. Famous Puerto Rican singer Ricky Martin will set the stage on fire. Along with him, popular Indian singer Sukhbir, often referred to as the “Prince of Bhangra”, will also be performing.
Further, famous Gujarati folk singer, performing artist and composer, Falguni Pathak, will also entertain the crowd with her mesmerising music.
Where to watch T20 World Cup 2026 Closing Ceremony live?
The live streaming of the closing ceremony will be telecast across the Star Sports Network channels. It will also be available on the JioHotstar website and app for online viewers.
It will be interesting to see whether India retains their title or a new champion will emerge.
Mar 2, 2026; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Arizona Wildcats head coach Tommy Lloyd looks out to fans after they defeat the Iowa State Cyclones at McKale Memorial Center. Mandatory Credit: Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images
No. 2 Arizona, which has clinched the Big 12 regular-season title, will try to guard against a letdown at Boulder, Colo., on Saturday night when the Wildcats play the Buffaloes.
Colorado (17-13, 7-10 Big 12) has won three of its past four games, with the victories coming against lower-tier Big 12 teams Oklahoma State, Kansas State and Utah.
Arizona (28-2, 15-2) has won five consecutive games, including victories against ranked opponents BYU, Houston, Kansas and Iowa State.
“We are excited to play at Colorado,” Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd said. “I’ve went up there with a good team before and got smacked. I know how tough it is to play there, so trust me, it’s got my full attention.
“Obviously after that we get a few days off, and then we’ll see how that Big 12 tournament shakes out. So that’s kind of next on the horizon, that’ll be our focus.”
Advertisement
In Lloyd’s first season at Arizona in 2021-22, the Wildcats were ranked No. 2 when they lost 79-63 in Boulder.
Colorado will play for positioning in next week’s Big 12 tournament, which it will need to win to earn an NCAA Tournament berth.
The Buffaloes, 13-4 at home this season, will celebrate Senior Night.
They rely heavily on the scoring of freshman guard Isaiah Johnson, who averages 16.6 points per game.
Advertisement
A freshman counterpart at Arizona, Brayden Burries, leads the Wildcats at 15.5 points a game.
The interior length of Colorado’s Sebastian Rancik (6-foot-11, 220 pounds) and Bangot Dak (7 feet, 203) will go against Arizona’s frontcourt of Motiejus Krivas (7-2 and 260) and Tobe Awaka (6-8, 255).
The Wildcats lead the Big 12 in rebounding at 43.2 a game while Colorado is 13th at 34.4.
Advertisement
Awaka averages 9.6 rebounds a game and Krivas 8.2. Dak is at 6.5 a game and Rancik 5.6.
“Arizona is very good, well-coached, and they play hard,” Colorado coach Tad Boyle said. “Our execution has to be better. We can’t give away possessions on offense and fail to rebound on defense. The possession is never over until you get that board.”
Dak achieved his fifth career double-double with a career-high 22 points and 10 rebounds in the Buffaloes’ 92-78 win at Utah on Tuesday.
Johnson also had 22 points, putting him at 498 points, 14 from Alec Burks’ Colorado freshman scoring record set in 2009-10.
Advertisement
Reserve center Elijah Malone is the lone Colorado senior who will be honored on Senior Night.
Arizona celebrated its seniors on Monday during its last home game of the season, a 73-57 win over No. 6 Iowa State.
Awaka was one of the seniors honored, as well as Jaden Bradley, Anthony Dell’Orso, Evan Nelson and Jackson Francois.
Awaka mentioned Arizona will stay focused while preparing to face Colorado after a net-cutting celebration for the Big 12 regular-season title following the victory over the Cyclones.
Advertisement
“Obviously, we get a ring, we get to cut nets down, we get to do it on our home floor, but don’t get drunk off the feeling,” Awaka said. “You still want the big one, but this is one of the milestones you’ve been looking forward to since the beginning of the season.
“I think we should give ourselves a pat on the back, but don’t get stuck in the moment.”
England’s women’s cricket team has moved its T20 World Cup preparatory camp to South Africa after cancelling plans to train in Abu Dhabi due to security concerns linked to the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
Around 30 players will now gather in Pretoria for the camp. They will be split into two squads of 15 each for a five-match intra-squad series scheduled from March 10 to 27.
The two teams are named after former England players Jan Brittin and Rachael Heyhoe-Flint, who were part of World Cup-winning sides on home soil.
England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt will lead Team Brittin. The side will be coached by former Durham batter and England Women assistant coach Jon Lewis. Vice-captain Charlie Dean will captain Team Heyhoe-Flint, with assistant coach Luke Williams in charge of the team.
Advertisement
Head coach Charlotte Edwards will oversee both squads during the camp. She said the series will help players compete for places in the squad ahead of the T20 World Cup at home.
“This is a big opportunity for every player involved to put their hand up and demonstrate that they’re an invaluable part of our World Cup plans,” Edwards said in a release, as cited by news agency PTI.
“It’s the same chance for every player, whether they’re new to the team or they’ve played 100 games. We want to use this series as a chance to stretch ourselves and put ourselves under pressure in competitive match situations.
“We’ve had two training camps this year, in Oman and Stellenbosch, which focused on skills. Adding a more competitive element is our next step and I’m really pleased with how the group is coming along ahead of a massive summer.”
Advertisement
This will be England’s second training camp in South Africa this year after skill-focused camps in Oman in January and Stellenbosch last month.
England are scheduled to host New Zealand and India in white-ball series before the T20 World Cup, which will be held from June 12 to July 5. They will then play India in a women’s Test at Lord’s.
Team Heyhoe-Flint: Em Arlott, Tammy Beaumont, Tilly Corteen-Coleman, Charlie Dean (capt), Sophie Ecclestone, Mahika Gaur, Dani Gibson, Jodi Grewcock, Amy Jones, Heather Knight, Emma Lamb, Grace Potts, Grace Scrivens, Alexa Stonehouse, Danni Wyatt-Hodge.
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Michael Soroka sat up on the dais as Josh Naylor and Tyler O’Neill heaped praise upon him and felt compelled to interject once they were done.
“They forgot to mention that they both have pumps off me,” the Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander said with a grin. “So that’s worth noting, too.”
Technically, Naylor’s actually gotten him twice, part of a gaudy 6-for-9 career mark against Soroka, while O’Neill’s drive came in the single time the two have faced off.
Duly noted, as requested.
Advertisement
Nonetheless, the compliments from his national squad teammates still stand, and their insights explain why he’s getting the ball in Canada’s opener at the World Baseball Classic on Saturday versus Colombia (11 a.m. ET on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+).
“I played with Mike growing up, seen him grow as a player, also as a human, too, then seen him evolve into the all-star-calibre pitcher he is,” said Naylor. “He’s relentless on the mound. He has a never-give-up attitude. He has a specific plan for each hitter he’s going to face and he attacks that game plan through and through. He doesn’t cave in.”
Added O’Neill: “He’s a bulldog on the mound. He’s got really good stuff, trusts his stuff in the zone, attacks hitters, trusts his game plan. It’s always a pleasure to play against Canadians like that, and this is the first time that we’re playing together. Getting to know Mike as a teammate and more as a friend lately has been a great experience.”
The experience of playing in the WBC has been a long time coming for Soroka, who was just emerging from A-ball during the 2017 edition, while in 2023, he was working his way back from the two Achilles’ injuries suffered in 2020 and ’21 that stunted his career.
Advertisement
This time around, there were no complications, not even from the Diamondbacks, who in the winter signed the free agent to a $7.5-million, one-year deal.
“It’s the first time in my career where everything has kind of lined up and I’ve been able to put on this jersey again,” said Soroka, who last played for a national team in 2015 with the juniors. “It’s always an honour and something that you look at when you’re a kid as an incredible opportunity.”
Such opportunities are especially meaningful to Soroka after all he’s been through since his breakout 2019 season, when he logged 174.2 innings over 29 starts while posting a 2.68 ERA with Atlanta. The performance earned him an all-star nod at the age of 21.
But he blew out his Achilles tendon during his third start of 2020 and didn’t pitch in the majors again until an up-and-down 2023. Atlanta traded him to the Chicago White Sox after the season, he logged 79.2 innings with them, mostly out of the bullpen, and signed with the Washington Nationals last year as a starter, delivering 81.1 innings over 16 outings before finishing the season with the Cubs after a deadline deal, mostly as a reliever.
Advertisement
The year-to-year progress was substantial as Soroka said he spent last year cleaning up a delivery that “took a couple steps backwards in ’24, for a couple of different reasons.” A focus on adjusting his site points helped improve his command, which is vital “because at the end of the day, we see stuff every day in baseball from pitchers that rivals as good as ever, but it is about commanding it within the strike zone.”
He also spent this past off-season refining his repertoire, continuing the work he started while with the Cubs. Soroka basically used two pitches last year, his fastball and his curveball, which, analytically, were his best offerings but made him more predictable during his third and fourth times through a lineup, eating away at his efficiency.
Tyler Zombro, Chicago’s vice president of pitching, “brought things forward to me pretty immediately that, hey, you could throw a sweeper and a cutter and a slider and not really do anything different,” and Soroka began to experiment with the pitches, which he didn’t have a chance to deploy in games once he ended up in the bullpen.
Soroka was a good candidate to add the three pitches because he “supinates through release and is able to make the ball move left quite easily,” an element the Cubs helped him identify.
Advertisement
“They basically said, if you can vary the shape on a cutter or a sweeper to protect your four-seam and (on a slider for) your curveball, you’re going to have a lot more success deeper in games, deeper in at-bats when you can give a hitter different looks,” he explained. “The way baseball is going with things like Trajekt and how hitters are able to basically practice the pitches that they think they’re going to see, if they know they’re going to see one of those two, they only have to eliminate one, right? Eventually, they’re going to get it.”
Soroka grew more comfortable with his expanded repertoire over the winter and “I think it’s going to be a lot more fun” working with a bigger mix.
“I feel like more of a complete pitcher,” he said. “If you look around baseball, we get someone like Max Fried, who’s constantly adding. I got to see him add a pitch pretty well every spring training for about four years in a row and turn himself into the stud that he is today, and he posts. You have things to turn to when one’s not working. These last couple of years have been a lot of learning and just trial and error and I think we’re now getting to a point where it’s all kind of falling into place.”
All of which has him back in a Canada jersey, ready to face a Colombian team that starts Julio Teheran some 14 hours after an opening 5-0 loss to Puerto Rico ended.
Advertisement
Colombia manager Jose Mosquera said the day after night factored into their planning and “that’s why we scheduled some rest, going back to the hotel. Really, the mindset is competing in every aspect. I know it’s tough, but this is something that we prepared for.”
Seth Lugo held them to three hits and two walks over four shutout innings with a similar pitch mix to the one Soroka is aiming to utilize this year.
The Canadians would gladly take a result along those lines, too.
“I love facing him because, as a hitter, you like facing incredible arms,” said Naylor. “It challenges to be super-disciplined, be ready to attack maybe something you’re not comfortable attacking to scare him away from it the next time. So I grow as a player facing Mike.”
Ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 final between the India national cricket team and the New Zealand national cricket team, former Australia captain Michael Clarke has showered praise on star Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah, describing him as the most crucial bowler in world cricket at the moment. Clarke also suggested that Bumrah could play a decisive role in the title clash and even emerge as the Player of the Match.Bumrah has been one of India’s standout performers in the ongoing tournament. He currently sits second on the team’s wicket-taking charts with 10 scalps from seven matches, only behind Varun Chakaravarthy, who has 13 wickets. The fast bowler has also maintained an impressive economy rate of 6.63, the best among Indian bowlers in this edition.
T20 World Cup Final: Greenstone Lobo predicts India vs New Zealand winner | Astrological analysis
Speaking on the Beyond23 cricket podcast, Clarke highlighted Bumrah’s exceptional ability to deliver under pressure, saying his execution sets him apart from the rest.“One thing is having so many options (variations), but most importantly, having the skills to execute under pressure. This is what makes him the best in the world. He has been a defining factor for India. I wouldn’t be surprised if he is Man of the Match in the final. He’s just so dominant.”Clarke further emphasised Bumrah’s value across all formats of the game, calling him a rare match-winner who consistently delivers in high-pressure situations.“India are the standout team in this tournament. They have been absolutely brilliant. We probably haven’t spoken much about him throughout this World Cup campaign, because we now just expect it. Bumrah. He is just a freak. All three formats, he is, by a distance, the most important player in the world in all three formats. He is a match-winner. He bowls the most difficult overs. Run-saving machine, wicket-taker, execution under pressure is better than anybody in world cricket.“The former Australian skipper also reflected on the challenge of managing a bowler like Bumrah if he were leading a team. According to Clarke, deciding when to use the pacer during an innings would be the biggest tactical decision for any captain.“He’s got so many different skills. It’s like when you see the best batters, we always talk about how they make runs under pressure, but they do it in different conditions around the world. Bumrah does that. He wins games in all different conditions and at different stages of the game. If I was captaining him, my biggest challenge would be when to use him. That’s why they don’t look to open the bowling with him and you want two overs from him at the death.“
Wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. entered his second NFL season with high expectations for the Jacksonville Jaguars after an impressive rookie campaign in 2024. The first-round pick delivered 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns in his first year, but he couldn’t match that level of production in his second season.
Playing under first-year coach Liam Coen, Thomas finished 2025 with just 707 yards and two touchdowns on 47 catches. Due to that dip in performance, there have been speculation that his long-term future might not be in Jacksonville.
Thanks for the submission!
Advertisement
The Jags’ crowded receiver group, which includes Jakobi Meyers, Travis Hunter and Parker Washington, has only added fuel to Thomas Jr.’s potential trade discussion.
•
Advertisement
Former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III has suggested a potential landing spot for Brian Thomas Jr. if the Jaguars decide to entertain trade offers for the young receiver. He believes the Washington Commanders would be an ideal fit, largely because it would reunite Thomas with his former LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels.
Advertisement
Looking to predict NFL playoff Scenarios? Try our NFL Playoff Predictor for real-time simulations and stay ahead of the game!
“The Washington Commanders need to trade for Brian Thomas Jr. if the Jaguars make him available via trade. Washington needs to reunite him with his college QB Jayden Daniels. Together at LSU, they were SPECIAL,” Griffin III tweeted on Friday.
The Commanders could be in the market for additional help at wide receiver this offseason, especially with Deebo Samuel entering free agency. That need makes the team a logical landing spot for Thomas if the Jaguars decide to explore trade offers.
The potential reunion with Daniels only strengthens the case. The two built strong on-field chemistry during their time at LSU, and bringing Thomas to Washington could provide Daniels with a familiar target under offensive coordinator David Blough.
Thomas and Daniels spent two seasons together at LSU. In 2022, they connected 31 times for 361 yards and five touchdowns, but their production surged in 2023, when they combined for 68 receptions, 1,177 yards, and 17 touchdowns.
Advertisement
That level of production helped both players become first-rounders during the 2024 NFL draft. Considering the circumstances, the Commanders, valued at $7.6 billion by Forbes in 2025, would likely be wise to at least explore a trade if Thomas becomes available.
Breaking down a possible trade package for Brian Thomas Jr.
Any team looking to acquire Brian Thomas Jr. will likely need to offer significant draft compensation. As a former first-round pick who has already shown flashes of being a WR1, the Jacksonville Jaguars could require at least Day 2 draft capital in return.
The Buffalo Bills acquired veteran receiver D.J. Moore from the Chicago Bears on Thursday in exchange for a second-round pick, and a similar price tag could be necessary for any team hoping to land Thomas.
The trade for Moore gives a clear sense of the market. While their 2025 production is comparable, Thomas is younger and on a lower-cost contract.
Advertisement
Moore, 28, caught 50 passes for 682 yards and six scores last season. Thomas, 23, recorded 48 receptions for 707 yards and two touchdowns, with his rookie contract still in place and the fifth-year option available.
For teams looking to land Brian Thomas Jr., a trade package would almost certainly need to include a third-round pick at least, along with other draft assets or players to make it appealing to the Jaguars.
Jai Opetaia is set to lose his IBF cruiserweight title if he goes ahead with a fight against Brandon Glanton on Sunday.
Opetaia is scheduled to fight Glanton for the inaugural Zuffa Boxing World Cruiserweight title but the IBF said it has “withdrawn sanction of the optional defence” for its belt.
The IBF said that it had initially approved the bout as Opetaia’s team had told them the Zuffa Boxing fight in Las Vegas would not be a unification bout and that any belt awarded would be “characterised as a trophy or token of recognition”.
However, it added that following a news conference on Friday, it was “made it clear that the Zuffa World Cruiserweight title would still be contested” and, as the IBF does not recognise Zuffa Boxing, it was now an unsanctioned fight.
Advertisement
“For the purpose of unification of titles, the preeminent champions of the World Boxing Association (WBA), the World Boxing Council (WBC), and the World Boxing Organization (WBO) may be designated as ‘elite contenders’ and may be permitted to fight for the unified title,” said the IBF in a statement.
It added: “An unsanctioned contest is a fight which the IBF has not formally approved for sanction or where sanction has been formally withdrawn.
“If a champion participates in an unsanctioned contest within his prescribed weight limit, the title will be declared vacant whether the champion wins or loses the bout.”
Australian Opetaia, 30, also holds the Ring cruiserweight title.
Nov 29, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; Clemson Tigers cornerback Avieon Terrell (8) celebrates a play against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the first quarter at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
We are well into NFL mock draft season, with the 2026 draft now under eight weeks away. It’s still fairly early, but it’s worth noting what the various media outlets think when it comes to Vikings mock drafts.
Mock drafts usually focus on the first round, but some go as far as the third round. When looking at the popular choices for the Vikings, I want to focus only on the 18th overall pick the Vikings own in the first round.
The Prospects Most Often Slotted to Minnesota at Pick No. 18
The Vikings’ choices at 18 have almost exclusively been on the offensive side of the ball. There have been a few exceptions: Oregon TE Kenyon Sidiq’s name popping up in early drafts, and Notre Dame RB Jeremiah Love, but he is almost a consensus top-10 pick at this point and out of the Vikings’ range.
Advertisement
Clemson Tigers cornerback Avieon Terrell (8) celebrates after stopping a fake punt attempt by Troy Trojans Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025 during the NCAA football game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina.
For the most part, the analysts have looked to improve the Vikings’ secondary, though some have looked to strengthen up front with an interior defensive lineman. Their story is the same here at Vikings Territory, where a CB has been selected three times and a DT twice in our mock drafts to date.
Two names have been very popular to date, and they are Toledo S Emmanuel McNeill-Warren and Clemson CB Aveion Terrell. Around the 18th pick has the range for Terrell in mock drafts, and he was the early favourite for the latest first-round pick to land in Minnesota. Terrell to the Vikings has cooled off a bit in recent weeks, with many experts turning to safety as the Vikings’ route. McNeill-Warren has been a big favorite in recent mocks, with his draft stock rising, but there is a contender to take his place.
Dillon Thieneman’s draft stock is taking a huge boost from an impressive display at the combine. I suspect there will be a lot of sending him to Minnesota in mocks between now and the draft, as many see him as the perfect Harrison Smith replacement. Thienemen, McNeill-Warren, and Terrell are all for the bill of a Brian Flores-type player in the secondary, so it’s not a great surprise that these are the names mostly linked with the Vikings.
Sep 27, 2025; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive back Dillon Thieneman (31) reacts after defeating the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-Imagn Images
Another name that has cropped up a lot is Tennessee CB Jerod McCoy. A fully healthy McCoy is being selected right near the top of the draft, such is the ability he has shown. However, after missing the 2025 season due to a torn ACL, he didn’t perform on-field drills at the combine. The doubts over his health could lead him to slide to the Vikings at 18.
My Personal Favorite
Advertisement
While many are looking to the secondary, I am a big advocate of strengthening the trenches first. My personal favorite pick is Florida DT Caleb Banks, and he has shown up on a few mock drafts to date. He is another who had an impressive combine, helping boost his mock draft.
If there were doubts about Banks being a good value pick at 18, those were somewhat alleviated as he proved the foot injury that disrupted his 2025 season is behind him. Banks has the potential to be a game-wrecker for the Vikings on the interior, helping make all levels of the defense better.
The Other Names Being Sent to the Vikings
Some other names have popped up in mock drafts. Most notably, three cornerbacks, Colton Hood, Brandon Cisse, and Mansour Delane. All three have the potential to be a good fit in Minnesota, but most don’t see it happening at 18th overall. Delane is generally off the board well before 18, and that would be the expectation come draft day.
Advertisement
Aug 31, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies wide receiver Donavon Greene (3) tries to make a one handed catch behind South Carolina Gamecocks defensive back Brandon Cisse (15) during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
On the other hand, Hood and Cisse are generally looked at as late first and early second round options. Of course, there is always the potential for the Vikings to trade either up or down in the draft. After an impressive combine, Hood is another whose draft stock is on the rise and could come into play for the Vikings at 18.
Will it be one of these names for the Vikings at 18? There’s a good chance it will be, but the landscape of the Vikings’ roster will change as we head into the start of free agency, which can drastically alter perceived draft plans.
Proud UK Viking. Family Man. Enjoy writing about my team. Away from football an advocate for autism acceptance.
Most fans would say it’s the second most exciting time of the offseason — behind April’s draft — as free agency gets underway next week. The Minnesota Vikings won’t have much money to spend compared to the last two offseasons, but that doesn’t mean they’ll be silent. It’s time to get some predictions on record.
Our last pre-free-agency forecast touches quarterback, tight end, and bargain defensive help.
Minnesota is led by interim general manager Rob Brzezinski, who will hold the title indefinitely and perhaps permanently.
Advertisement
VikingsTerritory’s Main Predictions for the Roster Dominoes
Our final forecast for Vikings free agency.
Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson (87) celebrates after scoring a fourth-quarter touchdown against the Chicago Bears at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Nov 27, 2023. Hockenson pumped his arms and acknowledged the crowd following the scoring play that helped Minnesota extend its momentum late in the NFC North matchup. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports.
1. T.J. Hockenson Will Take a Pay Cut
Fans have wondered about Hockenson’s fate beyond 2025 from the moment it became apparent that his receiving production dipped. The Vikings used him as a blocking tight end last season because the offensive line couldn’t stay healthy, and when he did command passing targets, well, J.J. McCarthy didn’t really target him.
Minnesota won’t release Hockenson, nor will it trade him. It will rip up his current deal altogether and give Hockenson a new contract, reflecting an honest-to-goodness paycut.
Advertisement
He’ll be back as the TE1 in 2026.
2. Asante Samuel Jr. Is the Main CB Addition
Adding Asante Samuel Jr. alongside Byron Murphy Jr. and Isaiah Rodgers would give the Vikings the cornerback depth necessary to avoid feeling pressured to draft for the position this April.
Samuel Jr. almost signed with the Vikings last year, even meeting with the team before ultimately joining the Pittsburgh Steelers. While in Pittsburgh, he played under defensive backs coach Gerald Alexander, who recently replaced Daronte Jones in Minnesota.
Advertisement
This connection, combined with Mike Tomlin’s departure from Pittsburgh, could lead to Samuel Jr. signing a two-year deal with the Vikings for around $11 million.
Steelers-themed media seems to want Samuel Jr. back in 2026, a sign that he’s the real deal.
SteelersDepot‘sMatthew Marzi noted on Samuel Jr. this week, “On paper, it would sure be nice if it all worked out. If the Steelers pair Asante Samuel with Joey Porter, they could have a strong pair that can grow together. Samuel is still 26 years old even with five seasons under his belt, so he could easily have another half a decade in him.”
“He may not be the best cornerback to which they might have access this offseason, but factoring in price, is Asante Samuel the Steelers’ most ideal option at cornerback? He did play over 200 snaps for them last year, so it’s not like they didn’t get a look. Even with a new coaching staff, the tape is still the tape. And Mike Tomlin is a phone call away if they need a second opinion.”
Advertisement
3. Harrison Smith Returns for Year No. 15
Why hasn’t Smith filed the retirement papers? C.J. Ham already did it. So did Adam Thielen.
Probably knowing that an efficient quarterback is on the way — more on that momentarily — Smith will once again return to Minnesota. He has a hard time walking away when he knows he can produce at a commendable clip. The Vikings can still pursue a safety of the future — like Oregon’s Dillon Thieneman — but Smith will ride again. One last time, though we’ve written “one last time” every year since the start of 2023.
4. Kyler Murray, It is
Advertisement
Murray’s somewhat unexpected release has significantly altered the NFL quarterback landscape. Following Arizona’s decision to release him (shortly after the Cardinals ranked last in the NFLPA ownership survey), teams should flood his agent with interest.
The opportunity to acquire a quarterback of his caliber for a minimal investment is enticing; quarterbacks with Murray’s credentials — a No. 1 overall draft selection and career efficiency statistics surpassing those of Trevor Lawrence and Baker Mayfield — rarely become free agents.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) surveys the field during second-half action against the Houston Texans at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, Oct 24, 2021. Murray moved around the pocket and prepared to throw while Arizona’s offense continued attacking downfield during the regular-season matchup. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports during the afternoon contest.
Minnesota emerges as a logical destination. Murray’s childhood allegiance to the Vikings, coupled with the team’s favorable environment — Kevin O’Connell’s quarterback-friendly system, talented receiving corps, and competitive defense — suggests a potentially appealing one-year agreement.
Given Murray’s recent injury history, the Vikings would likely retain McCarthy as a backup. If successful, the pairing of Murray and Minnesota could prove formidable, particularly if O’Connell tailors the offense to capitalize on Murray’s mobility and improvisational skills.
Murray’s a Viking — and he could be the new QB1 for the next half-decade.
Advertisement
5. Vikings Sign 3-4 Affordable New Defenders
The Vikings can’t offer Jonathan Allen or Javon Hargrave-style contracts during this free-agency period, but they can scour the wire for bargains.
New York Jets safety Andre Cisco (8) walks off the field following the game against the Buffalo Bills at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, Sep 14, 2025. Cisco reacted after the final whistle while players from both teams met near midfield following the AFC East matchup. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images after the contest concluded.
In addition to the Samuel Jr. prediction, Minnesota will sign a safety like Andre Cisco, a linebacker like Jerome Baker, and perhaps an EDGE defender like A.J. Epenesa (in the event a Jonathan Greenard trade comes to fruition).
The Vikings have only three off-ball linebackers under contract right now: Blake Cashman, Jacob Roberts (The Snake?), and Josh Ross. If they re-sign Wilson, they still need a couple more ILBs after releasing rookie Kobe King last year. Expect some movement at inside linebacker. The depth behind Cashman of only Roberts and Ross is downright comical.
