Minnesota Vikings defensive lineman Jalen Redmond lines up against the Los Angeles Rams during the NFC wild card playoff game on Jan. 13, 2025, at State Farm Stadium, preparing for a high-stakes postseason snap as Minnesota’s defensive front battles for leverage and momentum in a tightly contested playoff showdown. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.
Fullback C.J. Ham retired from the NFL a couple of weeks ago, shrinking the Minnesota Vikings’ list of internal free agents from an even 20 to 19. And with free agency just two weeks away, here’s a look at who the club should prioritize in ascending order.
Minnesota’s list is big, yet the real pressure sits on a few names at the top.
It’s actually a very quiet internal free agency for Minnesota compared to recent years, mainly because former general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s four draft classes turned out so poorly. So, that’s a perk, right? Sarcasm.
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The Short List That Is Minnesota’s Free Agency
Counting down the Vikings’ top free agents of 2026.
Minnesota Vikings tight end Ben Sims (89) celebrates with fans along the sideline after the final whistle, sharing the moment with traveling supporters following a road matchup. On Dec 14, 2025, Sims greeted Vikings fans at AT&T Stadium after Minnesota’s contest against the Dallas Cowboys, highlighting the young tight end’s growing presence within the offense and special teams. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images.
Nos. 19 thru 14
19 — Matt Nelson (LT) 18 — Brett Rypien (QB) 17 — John Wolford (QB) 16 — Tavierre Thomas (CB) 15 — Carson Wentz (QB) 14 — Ben Sims (TE)
Nelson: Do you know who Matt Nelson is? Exactly.
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Rypien: This guy was the Vikings’ QB2 fix for about two months of the 2025 offseason. Now, he’s a footnote.
Wolford: Wolford served as the emergency plan behind J.J. McCarthy and Max Brosmer last year. He might’ve even played better than Brosmer if given a chance. Regardless, with the Vikings emphasizing a deep quarterback room in 2026, Wolford is expendable.
Wentz: The veteran passer did his damndest to keep the enterprise afloat during McCarthy’s absence, but Wentz was just too on-and-off to be considered a QB2 solution going forward. Perhaps a QB3 job title would look great on him.
Sims: If Minnesota makes all the release rumors about T.J. Hockenson come true, it will need TE depth. And that’s Sims.
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Thomas: A penalty machine at times in 2025, Thomas stabilized down the stretch of 2025.
Nos. 13 thru 9
13 — Taki Taimani (DT) 12 — Zavier Scott (RB) 11 — Jeff Okudah (CB) 10 — Ty Chandler (RB) 9 — Fabian Moreau (CB)
Taimani: The Vikings suddenly have a crowded DT room. It’s so rare in recent years for the club to employ DTs with nose tackle size. Perhaps keeping Taimani aboard for his size (6’1″ and 330 pounds) would be wise.
Scott: Minnesota gave Scott a whiff at RB2 and RB3 jobs in 2025. The man was serivceable. He should be retained on the practice squad at the very least.
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Okudah: The former third overall pick experienced a horrid year in 2025, between poor play and two concussions. As a CB4, he might be intriguing. Brian Flores seems to like him.
Chandler: This Adofo-Mensah draft pick scripted a game from heaven in 2023 at the Cincinnati Bengals. And then that was about it. Unbelievably, Chandler will turn 28 this offseason. His career is on the back nine, believe it or not.
Moreau: Moreau did not get enough credit from Vikings fans last year. He held down the fort at CB3, banking a sweet 54.2 passer-rating-against. If your phone buzzes in March and says, “The Vikings have re-signed Fabian Moreau,” you should smile. The guy can ball.
Nos. 8 thru 5
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8 — Ryan Wright (P) 7 — Bo Richter (EDGE) 6 — Justin Skule (LT) 5 — Ivan Pace Jr. (LB) 4 — Harrison Smith (S)
Wright: The Vikings’ punter was a machine as a rookie, returned to earth in 2023 and 2024, and resurged in 2025. He’ll likely be the punter again in 2026. Kicker Will Reichard also trusts him as his holder. Sign us up for more.
Minnesota Vikings tight end Ben Sims (89) interacts with fans near the stands after the game, acknowledging supporters who made the trip for a late-season road contest. On Dec 14, 2025, Sims celebrated with Minnesota followers at AT&T Stadium following the Vikings’ matchup against the Dallas Cowboys, capturing a postgame moment between players and fans after a competitive afternoon. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images.
Richter: Behind Jonathan Greenard, Andrew Van Ginkel, and Dallas Turner next season, Minnesota will need an OLB4. Why not Richter to battle for the job?
Skule: Christian Darrisaw’s ACL recovery is as mysterious as it is scary. Brian O’Neill is also starting to get “up there” in age. The Vikings need dependable OT depth; Skule is accordingly a priority.
Pace Jr.: Flores benched Pace Jr. for poor tackling in 2025. Is he eternally doomed? Purple fans just watched a season where Sam Darnold felt eternally doomed for ruining the Vikings’ 2024 season with two dastardly quarterback performances. He later redeemed himself in Seattle to the tune of a Super Bowl. Like Darnold, perhaps a few poor games from Pace Jr. won’t define his career forever.
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Smith: With every day that passes and Smith has not announced his retirement, the odds climb on his return for Year No. 15. Why not come back with Flores still in the mix and use Smith as a situation safety? No one would be mad about it.
Nos. 3 thru 1
3 — Jalen Nailor (WR) 2 — Eric Wilson (LB) 1 — Jalen Redmond
Nailor: Some reports say Nailor’s next contract will fetch $5 million per season. Some reports say $12 million. The Vikings have the cash for Nailor at $5 million; they do not have the cash for Nailor at $12 million. It’s pretty simple.
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Minnesota Vikings linebacker Eric Wilson (55) reacts after a defensive play, celebrating with visible energy during an early-season matchup at home. On Sep 14, 2025, Wilson responded to a successful stop at U.S. Bank Stadium as Minnesota faced the Atlanta Falcons, contributing to the defensive effort while working in a rotational role within the Vikings’ linebacker group. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.
Wilson: Wilson will turn 32 in September. He’s not the long-term fix at ILB. But wouldn’t it be criminal to let him leave after his 2025 campaign damn near earned the man a Pro Bowl appearance? The Vikings should do both — re-sign Wilson for a year or two and draft a rookie ILB in the middle rounds of April’s draft. Flores should be able to scout the best option.
Redmond: Minnesota owns Redmond’s rights of free agency. Behind Justin Jefferson last season, Redmond was arguably the Vikings’ best player. He’ll be back, and he deserves it. He’s one of the coolest Vikings stories of the last decade. From UFL obscurity to NFL stardom.
Apr 10, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics forward Sam Hauser (30) and center Neemias Queta (88) celebrate during the second half against the New Orleans Pelicans at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images
The Boston Celtics tied an NBA record by making 29 3-point field goals and secured the No. 2 seed for the Eastern Conference playoffs by beating the visiting New Orleans Pelicans 144-118 Friday night.
Boston (55-26) took 59 3-point shots but didn’t put up a shot on its final possession. The record for made 3-pointers in a game is also shared by the 2020 Milwaukee Bucks, the 2024 Celtics and the 2026 Memphis Grizzlies.
The Celtics received 24 points from Sam Hauser, who was 8 of 12 from 3-point territory. Jaylen Brown scored 23 and Payton Pritchard finished with 21 points and 10 assists.
Jeremiah Fears led New Orleans (26-55) with 36. Derik Queen added 25 points and 11 rebounds, and Jordan Hawkins contributed 20 points.
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Jayson Tatum (right Achilles repair management) didn’t suit up for Boston, which was playing its second game in as many nights.
The New Orleans injury report listed the following players as out: Bryce McGowens (toe fracture), Yves Missi (finger), Trey Murphy III (ankle), Dejounte Murray (hand), Zion Williamson (knee), Saddiq Bey (rest), Herbert Jones (rest) and Karlo Matkovic (back). Murphy (21.5 ppg), Williamson (21.0), Bey (17.7) and Murray (16.7) are the team’s top four scorers.
Boston made 10 3-pointers in the opening quarter and had a 44-25 lead entering the second. Five players made at least one 3-pointer for the Celtics in the first 12 minutes.
The Celtics stretched their lead to 82-46 on a Jordan Walsh 3-pointer with 1:05 left in the first half. Boston hit 61.7% from the field, including 56.7% (17 of 30) from long distance, in the first two quarters and had an 82-51 halftime lead.
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Boston surpassed the 100-point mark on a Brown layup that put the Celtics in front 101-61 with 7:09 remaining in the third. New Orleans cut the deficit to 26 points in the fourth, but an 11-0 run gave Boston a 137-97 edge.
For the 100th and potentially final time in their careers — including the playoffs — Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin will go head-to-head on Saturday before facing off again on Sunday. With Ovechkin on the final year of his contract and undecided about his future, the second half of the home-and-home may also be the final time fans get to witness one of the greatest individual rivalries hockey has ever seen.
In 2005-06, the NHL was coming out of a lockout year and desperately needed something to make the league relevant on the national stage again. As luck would have it, Crosby and Ovechkin would both take the ice for their rookie seasons for the Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals, respectively, sparking an epic rivalry that has now spanned two decades.
The two young superstars immediately delivered on the hype, combining for 91 goals and 208 points in that 2005-06 campaign. Ovechkin beat out Crosby for the Calder Trophy, but Crosby would score his fair share of blows in the 20 years that followed.
Throughout the years, the two living legends have rewritten the history books, racked up awards, met in the playoffs four times and combined to win the Stanley Cup four times. It’s been an incredible run for two players who have strong arguments to be among the top 10 players of all-time.
Ovechkin is now the undisputed goal-scoring king, and Crosby has been a playmaking wizard in all three zones throughout his career. They’ve taken different paths to reach their respective places in hockey history, but longevity is a trait they share in common, and it has allowed Crosby and Ovechkin to land among the greatest to take the ice in every statistical category.
Goals
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654 (15th)
928 (1st)
Assists
1,107 (8th)
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756 (49th)
Points
1,761 (7th)
1,684 (10th)
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Playoff goals
71 (T-17th)
77 (12th)
Playoff assists
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130 (5th)
70 (T-75th)
Playoff points
201 (T-5th)
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147 (T-35th)
Hart Trophy
2
3
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Rocket Richard Trophy
2
9
Art Ross Trophy
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2
1
Conn Smythe Trophy
2
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1
Stanley Cup
3
1
In their previous 99 head-to-head matchups, Crosby has the edge in wins (56-43), assists (79-50) and points (127-103). However, as is only appropriate, Ovechkin has Crosby beaten in goals, 53-48.
As Crosby and Ovechkin get set to do battle for the 100th (and possibly final) time, let’s not dwell on the idea that this great rivalry may be coming to an end — or how old that makes us feel. Instead, let’s look back at the best moments from the two greatest players of their generation.
Top Ovechkin vs. Crosby moments
5. All-Star weekend team-up
After 18 years of being pitted against one another, Crosby and Ovechkin teamed up for a more heartfelt moment at the 2023 All-Star Skills Competition. The rivals took the ice together and helped Ovechkin’s son, Sergei, beat Roberto Luongo on a breakaway.
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Rivalries can’t be all hatred all the time, right? There have to be moments of respect and admiration for one another’s accomplishments. That’s happened more often in recent years, including Crosby and Penguins teammate Evgeni Malkin gifting Ovechkin a Rolex for breaking Wayne Gretzky’s goal record. The moment above just really signaled the thawing of their relationship in the latter years of their careers.
4. Ovi vs. Crosby: Episode 1
On Nov. 22, 2005, Crosby and Ovechkin met on the ice for the very first time, and they didn’t disappoint. Crosby’s Penguins won the game 5-4, and he was the more productive player, but both of them put on a show. Crosby scored a gorgeous goal when he split the Capitals’ defense and roofed a backhand shot that created a bottle pop you no longer see in today’s game. Crosby also added a stylish spin-o-rama assist from one knee.
Ovechkin tallied a nice assist on a goal by Matt Pettinger, but he could’ve had a much bigger game. Ovechkin walked Penguins defenseman Ryan Whitney with a brilliant move, but the post and goaltender Sebastien Caron combined to keep the puck out of the net.
3. Crosby strikes first in the playoffs
The first of many playoff battles between Crosby and Ovechkin occurred in 2009, and as always, it was a long series. In Game 7, Crosby simply took over. He opened the scoring midway through the first period, and he led Pittsburgh to an emphatic 6-2 victory with two goals and one assist. Crosby would go on to capture his first of three Stanley Cup rings that year.
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Ovechkin did score for the Capitals, but it was an overall disappointing performance that foreshadowed what this rivalry would look like in the postseason for many years.
2. Ovechkin, Capitals finally break through
In 2018, Ovechkin and the Capitals had lost three consecutive playoff series to Crosby and the Penguins, including back-to-back defeats in 2016 and 2017. What made the two most recent defeats especially painful was that Pittsburgh had gone on to win the Cup in each of the previous two postseasons.
So, when Game 6 of the second-round series rolled around in 2018, everyone knew the Penguins would force a Game 7 and break the Capitals’ hearts. Except, for once, the story ended differently. Game 6 was a tight checking game, and the teams went to overtime tied at 1-1. Crosby had assisted on the Penguins’ lone goal, and Ovechkin hadn’t gotten on the scoresheet yet.
Then, in overtime, Ovechkin sprung teammate Evgeny Kuznetsov on a breakaway for the game-winning goal. Washington slayed the dragon and went on to win the first Stanley Cup in franchise history.
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1. Dueling hat tricks
Hands down, the most memorable moment in this rivalry came in Game 2 of that 2009 playoff series. Crosby and Ovechkin traded the first three goals of the game, with Crosby giving the Penguins a 2-1 lead in the second period. Ovechkin responded with two goals in the third period, including the eventual game-winner.
Ovechkin’s hat-trick goal was a missile at the top of the circles that plunged the Verizon Center into chaos.
Crosby notched his hat trick as he pulled Pittsburgh within one with 30 seconds left, but he couldn’t find a fourth to tie the game. He just had to settle for an eventual series win and Stanley Cup — not a bad consolation prize.
Apr 10, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves first baseman Matt Olson (28) celebrates with catcher Drake Baldwin (30) after a two-run home run against the Cleveland Guardians in the sixth inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Ronald Acuna Jr., Matt Olson and Michael Harris II each hit home runs in the sixth inning as the Atlanta Braves picked up an 11-5 win over the visiting Cleveland Guardians on Friday.
Atlanta sent 10 batters to the plate, pounded out seven hits and scored six runs in the decisive sixth inning.
Acuna’s first home run of the season came on a hanging curve ball and tied the game at 2-2. Drake Baldwin singled to center before Olson launched a 3-0 pitch to right field for a two-run homer and the put the Braves up 4-2.
Austin Riley singled to left field and scored on Dominic Smith’s RBI single for a 5-2 lead. Harris’ two-run shot scored Smith as the Braves opened up a 7-2 lead.
Ozzie Albies and Smith notched two-out RBI singles in the bottom of the seventh and Atlanta led 9-2.
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The Guardians loaded the bases in the top of the eighth and a Rhys Hoskins’ RBI single scored Chase DeLauter. Angel Martinez’s RBI bloop single drove in Juan Brito and Hoskins as Cleveland cut its deficit to 9-5.
An RBI double by Baldwin gave the Braves a 10-5 lead in the top of the ninth. He scored on an error two hitters later as Atlanta closed out the scoring.
Cleveland starting pitcher Slade Cecconi (0-2) took the loss as he threw 5 1/3 innings, yielded seven hits, five runs (four earned), walked one and struck out three. Reliever Tyler Kinley (2-0) picked up the win in with a scoreless sixth inning. Starter Bryce Elder lasted 4 2/3 innings, allowing five hits, two runs, three walks, while recording three strikeouts.
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Acuna’s broken-bat RBI single up the middle snuck past a drawn-in infield and plated Smith as Atlanta seized a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the third inning.
Kyle Manzardo’s solo home run tied the game at 1-1 in the top of the fourth inning.
In the top of the fifth, Martinez followed up an opposite field single with a steal of second base. Steven Kwan also lined an opposite field single to left and Martinez scored on an error by Braves left fielder Mike Yastrzemski as the Guardians took a 2-1 lead.
Kwan and Martinez each went 2-for-4 for the visitors.
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Atlanta pounded out 15 hits, led by a 3-for-4 effort by Smith. He scored twice, drove in a pair and raised his batting average to .357. All nine Braves either scored or drove in at least one run.
WBC welterweight champion Ryan Garcia appears to have had a change of plan when it comes to his future, seemingly looking elsewhere after previously announcing his next opponent.
‘King Ry’ dominated his clash against Mario Barrios back in February, utilising the right-hook, rather than his trademark left, to catch ‘El Azteca’ by surprise and comfortably claim a unanimous decision win to finally get his hands on world honours.
That triumph seemed to tee up a grudge match rematch and now title unification against fierce rival and WBO welterweight champion Devin Haney, but the latter was instead targeting an alternate champion in Rolando Romero (WBA).
Instead, on a Kick stream, Garcia told UFC lightweight title hopeful Arman Tsarukyan that he is currently hoping that the Haney rematch can happen next.
“Hopefully, [it is Devin Haney next]. He doesn’t really want to call me out, I put a lot of fear into him last time.”
Haney-Garcia II was previously touted for September, with Haney wanting a fight beforehand, seeking to give himself the optimal chance to right the wrongs of their initial encounter.
LSU Tigers star Flau’jae Johnson has been widely projected to be a lottery pick in the 2026 WNBA draft. Johnson’s collegiate career ended last month, and she has her eyes set on Monday’s draft.
In her interview with NBC Sports on Thursday, Johnson was asked by hosts Natalie Esquire and Terrika Foster-Brasby about her preferred destinations in the WNBA.
“My mindset right now is really just like, I can’t control none of that,” Johnson said. “I’m not even thinking about that. Honestly, I’m like, whoever picks me, I’m grateful, you know, to even have the opportunity to play in the WNBA. Like that sounds crazy. And whoever doesn’t pick me, like I get to see them all the time. I get to play them.
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So for me, it’s a win-win situation. For whoever drafts me is a win-win situation. I’ll be very thankful to bring my talents to that city and represent how I do. But I can’t control any of it. It’s not like I could be like, ‘I wanna go there.’ So I’m just thankful for where I’m at right now. I just wanna hear my name get called.”
In her final collegiate season with the Tigers, Johnson averaged 14.2 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.5 assists on 46.5% shooting, including 39.3% from 3-point range. She was a finalist for the John R. Wooden Award as the National Player of the Year this year and ranks No. 6 in LSU history with 2,050 career points.
Johnson was part of LSU’s 2023 championship team. Following that, she led the team to two Elite Eight appearances and a Sweet 16 berth this season.
In ESPN analyst Michael Voepel’s mock draft on Wednesday, Flau’jae Johnson is projected to be selected by the Chicago Sky with the No. 5 pick.
Flau’jae Johnson is part of the official WNBA draft invitees
On Friday, the WNBA released a list of 15 prospects who will attend Monday’s draft day at The Shed at Hudson Yards in New York City. The list notably includes LSU Tigers star Flau’jae Johnson, Spain’s Awa Fam, UCLA’s Lauren Betts, Connecticut’s Azzi Fudd and TCU’s Olivia Miles.
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Before the traditional “orange carpet,” the invited prospects will visit the Empire State Building for a lighting ceremony to celebrate the draft. Also invited are Nell Angloma, Angela Dugalić, Gabriela Jaquez, Raven Johnson, Gianna Kneepkens, Ta’Niya Latson, Cotie McMahon, Madina Okot, Kiki Rice and Marta Suárez.
The Dallas Wings have the top pick in the WNBA draft for the second straight season. The Minnesota Lynx have the No. 2 pick, followed by the Seattle Storm, Washington Mystics and Chicago Sky. The expansions teams, Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire, will have the No. 6 and No. 7 picks, respectively.
Jan 8, 2026; Glendale, AZ, USA; Mississippi Rebels wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling (1) against the Miami Hurricanes during the 2026 Fiesta Bowl and semifinal game of the College Football Playoff at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.
The Minnesota Vikings are currently stacking quite a few pre-draft visits with the event two weeks away, and among the names, Ole Miss wideout De’Zhaun Stribling is on Kevin O’Connell’s team’s radar.
Minnesota keeps checking on receiver options as the middle rounds draw closer.
O’Connell is apparently in the market for another wide receiver, one year after his club drafted Maryland’s Tai Felton in Round 3.
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Stribling Offers Size and Developmental Upside at Wide Receiver
Minnesota has 9 picks this year, and Stribling might be one of them.
Mississippi Rebels wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling (1) reacts following the College Football Playoff semifinal against the Miami Hurricanes, with Jan 8, 2026 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona capturing the postgame moment as players processed the outcome of a high-stakes Fiesta Bowl matchup. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
Vikings to Meet with Stribling
Get to know Stribling because he’s on Minnesota’s radar.
NBC Sports‘ Josh Alper wrote Thursday, “The Vikings are spending some time with a potential addition to their wide receiver group on Thursday. Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports that former Ole Miss wideout De’Zhaun Stribling is visiting with the team. Stribling played at Washington State and Oklahoma State before moving to Oxford for his final college season.”
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“He had 55 catches for 811 yards and six touchdowns in his lone season with the Rebels and had 50-catch seasons at each of his first two stops as well. Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison are the top returning members of a receiving corps that also includes Myles Price, Tai Felton, Jeshaun Jones, Dontae Fleming, and Joaquin Davis.”
The Vikings also met with Miami wide receiver CJ Daniels this week.
The Scouting Report for Stribling
Stribling is 6’2″ and 210, which would instantly make him the Vikings’ biggest receiver of those expected to make the September roster. He also has tremendous speed, especially at his height, logging a 4.36 forty during the draft build-up. Stribling is known for getting vertical in the deep passing game, his willingness to block downfield, and his marked improvement throughout college.
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The drawbacks? Stribling isn’t a contested-catch demon, and he’ll be 24 years old as a rookie, a turn-off for some.
The Athletic‘s Dane Brugler on his skill set: “Stribling isn’t the most well-rounded in terms of his route success, but he is a big-bodied athlete with strong ball skills and a pro mindset. He has the talent and competitive toughness to settle into a WR2/3 role for an NFL offense.
“A one-year starter at Ole Miss (and a four-and-a-half-year starter overall), Stribling was an outside receiver, primarily to the left of the formation, in former offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr.’s scheme (also used on motions and in the backfield). The Hawaii native spent two years at Washington State and another two at Oklahoma State before helping Ole Miss to the College Football Playoff in 2025 (averaged 92.7 receiving yards in three Playoff games).”
The last player from Ole Miss drafted by the Vikings? A fellow wide receiver by the name of Laquon Treadwell in 2016.
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Mississippi Rebels wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling (1) lines up during Fiesta Bowl action against the Miami Hurricanes, with Jan 8, 2026 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona showing him working through routes in a College Football Playoff semifinal under bright stadium lights. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Brugler continued, “With his tall, muscular frame, Stribling quickly accelerates to his top speed and has quickness out of route breaks, even if he didn’t put the most versatile route inventory on film (hitches and go routes accounted for 57 percent of his route frequency in 2025).”
“He has dependable hands (1.9 percent drop rate in 2025) and plays strong to the football, but needs to do a better job with his positioning downfield to finish tight-window throws. His smarts and willingness to do the dirty work are coach-pleasing qualities.”
The WR3 Roster Concern
Jalen Nailor’s departure to the Raiders in free agency, reuniting him with Kirk Cousins and Klint Kubiak, created a void at WR3 for the Vikings. This prompts a key question for Minnesota: Is the solution already on the roster, or will they need to look elsewhere?
The aforementioned Felton now finds himself under the spotlight. Drafted in the third round last year — a selection that typically signals significant offensive intentions — Felton spent most of his rookie season on special teams with minimal impact on offense.
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Mississippi wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling (WO35) speaks with reporters during the NFL Combine, with Feb 27, 2026 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, Indiana highlighting his interaction with media and evaluators as he discussed his college career and draft preparation. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images
The central question is whether the Vikings believe Felton can effectively fill the WR3 role this season. If so, they can move forward with him. If not, they must find an alternative, either by drafting a rookie or signing a free agent. Stribling is a rookie route.
Other WRs in Stribling Territory
If the Vikings fancy a wide receiver from Round 2 or 3, but it’s not Stribling after all, the options would look like this on Friday, April 24th:
Minnesota has drafted just one WR from Rounds 2 or 3 in the last 19 years: Felton. It’s usually Round 1 or “wait until later” at wide receiver for the Vikings.
Will the Minnesota Vikings actually use their 1st-Round draft pick in two weeks on a wide receiver? Probably not. Can the selection of one, like Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson, be ruled out? Nope.
A first-round receiver for Minnesota still feels unlikely, but Tyson has entered the conversation.
Tyson has begun to inch onto Minnesota’s mock-draft radar, as he could blend the Vikings’ draft position — No. 18 — with the “best player available” mindset.
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Tyson Brings the Type of WR Talent That Can Shift Draft-Day Debate
Would you oppose another Round 1 wideout for Minnesota?
Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson (0) turns upfield after a reception during game action against Northern Arizona, with Aug. 30, 2025 in Tempe, Arizona capturing his acceleration and open-field vision at Mountain America Stadium as he created yardage following the catch early in the season. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Breen-The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Nick Wright Mock Draft: Tyson to MIN
For starters, The Tennessean‘s Nick Suss posted a mock draft this week, connecting Tyson to the purple team. He explained at No. 18, “A … less sensible pick. The Vikings have their top two receivers set with Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. But Tyson might just be the best talent available at this point, so it’s not as if it’s a reach and a bad fit.”
Meanwhile, on the same day, just hours apart, Fox Sports‘ Nick Wright followed suit, explaining Tyson to the Vikings in his mock, “I feel like Jordan Addison’s star has dimmed over the last couple of years for lack of on-field production and off-field stuff. It feels like the defense has people everywhere already. Odds that Vikings use first pick on a wide receiver: +1800.”
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And, incidentally, ESPN’s Adam Schefter tweeted Thursday, “Arizona St. WR Jordyn Tyson, a projected first-round pick, will hold his own individual workout day for NFL teams on Friday, April 17 at Arizona State.”
Folks will learn in about a week if the Vikings attend.
The Tyson Bio and Skill Set
Let’s just get this out of the way: Tyson is no joke. He’s 6’2″ and 205 pounds. His claim to fame? The son of a gun gets open because of his exquisite route-running, and his contested-catch rate is fantastic. Tyson is also known for his hands. The drawbacks? A lengthy injury history prevents him from being the top wideout in this draft, he isn’t a burner, and it’s a little weird that he skipped the NFL Combine and Arizona State’s Pro Day.
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NFL Draft Buzzon Tyson: “This is a receiver who wins with craft, body control, and competitive fire rather than overwhelming physical tools. His 4.5 speed is not going to scare anyone on paper, but his release package and route-running savvy create separation that stopwatches cannot measure.
“He thrives in the intermediate areas of the field, finding soft spots in zone coverage and working back to the quarterback on in-breaking routes. His basketball background is not just a fun biographical note; it genuinely shows up in how he plays the position, particularly in contested-catch situations where he boxes out defenders like he is working for position in the paint.”
Tyson tallied 61 catches for 711 yards and 8 touchdowns last year.
Oct 18, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils wide receiver Jordyn Tyson (0) lines up during a matchup with the Texas Tech Red Raiders, with the midseason contest at Mountain America Stadium highlighting his role in the offense as he worked routes against coverage throughout the game. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
TBD added, “The positional flexibility is a major selling point. Tyson has produced from the outside, from the slot, and in motion, giving offensive coordinators a movable chess piece who can be deployed in multiple alignments. He fits best in passing attacks that emphasize intermediate concepts, play-action designs, and timing routes where his precise stems and reliable hands can shine.”
“His willingness to block in the run game, a trait drilled into him by Hines Ward, will endear him to coaching staffs who value complete receivers rather than one-dimensional route runners. The medical questions are real and cannot be ignored.”
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The Departure of Jalen Nailor
If the Vikings had kept Nailor and hadn’t let him leave for the Las Vegas Raiders in free agency, Tyson may not even be found in mock drafts for Minnesota. But the reality is that Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, Tai Felton, and return man Myles Price are the only rosterable wide receivers on the current depth chart.
Unless Felton is sitting on a sophomore breakout, Minnesota will likely leave the 2026 NFL Draft with a wideout, whether it’s Tyson in Round 1 or a Round 5-7 sleeper.
Nov 9, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jalen Nailor (1) secures a catch while defended by Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey (44), with first-quarter action at U.S. Bank Stadium showing tight coverage as Nailor pulled in the pass during an early offensive drive. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images
Minnesota could also sign a free agent after the draft, as players like Deebo Samuel, Stefon Diggs, DeAndre Hopkins, and Tyreek Hill remain unemployed. Brandon Aiyuk, too, could be on the wire before too long.
More Realistic Draft Selections at No. 18
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As a Tyson pick is unlikely on the whole, the more realistic draft options for the Vikings look like this:
Keldric Faulk (EDGE, Auburn)
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (S, Toledo)
Kayden McDonald (DL, Ohio State)
Jermod McCoy (CB, Tennessee)
Akheem Mesidor (EDGE, Miami (FL))
Kenyon Sadiq (TE, Oregon)
Avieon Terrell (CB, Clemson)
Dillon Thieneman (S, Oregon)
Peter Woods (DL, Clemson)
Most pundits and sportsbooks expect the Vikings to draft a defensive player in Round 1, with Thieneman, a safety from Oregon, leading the way in the court of public opinion.
Jun 7, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell looks on during mandatory mini camp at TCO Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports.
The Minnesota Vikings have needed an infusion of young talent at the running back position since the departure of Dalvin Cook. There was a belief that Alexander Mattison could be the answer, but that flopped. Ty Chandler was a long shot, and he never panned out either.
Rather than run things back with Aaron Jones last year, the Vikings opted to bring in Jordan Mason from the San Francisco 49ers. Having filled in plenty previously for the oft-injured Christian McCaffrey, Mason brought quite the track record to U.S. Bank Stadium.
Minnesota’s Backfield Outlook Faces Another Potential Shift
In 2026, the Vikings found a path to retain Jones, and they still have Mason under contract. There’s a real need to infuse young talent in the organization, but they could swing for even more. Fox Sports columnist Ralph Vacchiano recently suggested a trade for De’Von Achane.
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Dec 28, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins running back De’Von Achane (28) warms up before a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
There’s no denying that Achane would be a great fit in the Vikings offense, and he’d likely take over the top of the depth chart. The only question is whether there is room for three talents of that ilk as things stand currently.
Had the Vikings not brought back Jones, this seems like a much more straightforward fit. With Jones in tow, though, you have three running backs all worth of real reps, and there isn’t a path to playing time for them all. That’s before even considering that Kevin O’Connell hasn’t leaned into the running game at any point during his coaching career.
If the Dolphins were interested in taking Jones in a swap, then clearing some playing time would make a path forward much more tenable. It’s still going to cost a second or third round pick, and the assumption of a hefty contract extension down the line. Short of additional reps, though, there are better ways to utilize roster openings.
Nov 14, 2025; Madrid, Spain; Miami Dolphins running back De’Von Achane (28) during practice at Estadio Riyadh Air Metropolitano. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The Vikings haven’t taken a running back in the early rounds for quite some time. They could change that by using a top 100 pick this year, and Nebraska’s Emmett Johnson (who hails from Minnesota) would easily fall into that category.
Short of shedding Jones, which could have ripple effects in the locker room at this point, it’s hard to envision the addition of another starting-caliber contender.
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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
Canelo Alvarez is hoping to bounce back from a first super-middleweight defeat upon his ring return later this year and it is quickly becoming clear which belt he will target.
On Thursday, Mbilli’s promoter, Camille Estephan, watched on as another of his fighters, Osleys Iglesias, captured the IBF super-middleweight world title in style. During the post-fight interview, Estephan made it clear that Canelo ‘wants’ to win his WBC belt back, but vowed that Mbilli will overcome him.
“Canelo will hopefully fight Christian [Mbilli]. He seems to want the WBC title. We’re not gonna give it to him. We will beat him. We want to have all the titles in Quebec, all five, soon enough.
“We [Mbilli and Osleys Iglesias] are gonna get all the other titles, and then they’ll fight and we’ll have the superstar out of Quebec right here.”
Elsewhere, both the WBA and WBO super-middleweight titles are on the line next month, in separate bouts involving Jose Armando Resendiz and Jaime Munguia (May 2, for Resendiz’s WBA title), and then Hamzah Sheeraz and Alem Begic (May 23, for the vacant WBO).
“Look, I’m in a nice position. I played well today,” Lowry said. “I felt like I did a lot of good things, and my attitude was great. So I’m very, very happy. If you give me this position yesterday morning, I would have taken your hand off. To be kind of in the mix going into the weekend around here is nice, so I’m looking forward to it.”
Shane Lowry reacts after a putt on the 18th green during the second round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club.
This is Lowry’s eighth made cut in 11 Masters starts, his best finish coming in 2022 at T3. He finished his round Friday with birdies on the par-3 No. 16 and No. 18.
“I obviously had to stay patient, and I holed a couple of nice par putts kind of on 11 and 14,” he said. “Then, yeah, just kept trying to give myself chances and hit some great shots on the way in. I’m very happy.”
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