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Vikings May Strike Early on These Contract Extensions

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Blake Cashman celebrates after a defensive play against the Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Minnesota Vikings linebacker Blake Cashman (51) reacts after a defensive stop during fourth-quarter action against the Detroit Lions on Dec. 25, 2025 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. Cashman celebrated as the crowd roared late in the divisional matchup. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images.

Every offseason, the Minnesota Vikings extend at least one player’s contract earlier than expected. For example, Minnesota handed outside linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel an extra $23 million in 2025. That will happen again in 2026. The following is a list of candidates.

Vikings extension talks could heat up quickly, because a few core starters already sit at the intersection of timing and roster need.

Free agency will get underway in three weeks, so between now and the end of May, expect these four men to be in line for possible extensions.

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Early Extension Candidates for the Vikings in 2026

Who’s due for more years and money a bit early? These are the candidates in alphabetical order.

Blake Cashman reacts after a play against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Vikings contract extensions.
Minnesota Vikings linebacker Blake Cashman (51) reacts following a snap on Dec 22, 2024, at Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington, during a fourth-quarter sequence against the Seahawks. Cashman turns toward the sideline as the play finishes, emotion visible in a tight late-game moment. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images.

1. Blake Cashman (LB)

If Cashman hadn’t missed four games due to injury in 2025, his 11.07 tackles per game pace would’ve translated to 188 in a full season, which would be the eighth-most in a season in NFL history. Somehow, Cashman’s 2025 campaign flew under the radar, even for the most ardent Vikings fans.

Now, he has one year left on his contract. The Eden Prairie just feels like a guy who will spend the rest of his career in Minnesota, and the fantastic production does little to refute that theory.

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Cashman earns $7.5 million per season. Before too long, interim general manager Rob Brzezinski will probably extend his contract by two years and $20 million or so.

2. Jonathan Greenard (OLB)

The Vikings signed Greenard to a four-year contract during the 2024 offseason, which is wonderful — but his guaranteed money ran out last season. Seeking to restructure some players’ contracts to ease the salary cap pain, Minnesota will probably extend Greenard, pay him fair market value, and let him continue his run in Minnesota.

Some have floated Greenard in fancy trade theories to Cincinnati for Joe Burrow, but in reality, Burrow probably isn’t for sale, and the Vikings value Greenard. It’s not wise to get rid of EDGE rushers when a team is plotting a path back to the postseason.

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Greenard was the butt of “almost sack” jokes in 2025 because so many of his pressures failed to bring down the quarterback; he’ll seek a bounce-back campaign in 2026, at least for the sack numbers. All the rest of the stats for Greenard were top-notch.

Look for Minnesota to add $23 million to $25 million to Greenard’s deal, likely spreading the money out over future years.

Star Tribune‘s Ben Goessling wrote about Greenard’s contract this week, “Greenard is coming off shoulder surgery, and given how important he’s been to the Vikings’ defense, it seems unlikely the team would release him when he’s still only 28.”

“They’d save $12.25 million if they released him before a $4 million base salary guarantee on March 13. Given the fact he’s got two void years on his deal, it’s possible the Vikings would convert part of his $18.39 million base salary into a signing bonus to lower his cap hit for 2026. Doing so would save them up to $12.96 million.”

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3. Brian O’Neill (RT)

O’Neill will probably encounter a similar fate to Greenard.

Minnesota may restructure his contract and add $20 million per year in guaranteed money. Considering performance and durability, O’Neill is the Vikings’ single-most effective lineman and has arguably held that title for seven seasons.

Brian O'Neill speaks to children at a community football clinic.
Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Brian O’Neill addresses young athletes on June 13, 2025, during the annual TITUS Free Community Football Clinic, sharing advice and encouragement with campers in attendance. The Salesianum alum spent time engaging with children and promoting fundamentals and sportsmanship. © Damian Giletto/Delaware News Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.

He’s 31, so he’s not bursting with youth. But the league’s best offensive tackles can play well into their 30s, and fans should expect that for O’Neill.

Minnesota will almost assuredly re-do O’Neill’s deal; adding more money only seems fair, as O’Neill is tentatively slated to test free agency in 2027.

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4. Jay Ward (S)

Ward balled out when afforded the opportunity last year. He was a rookie in 2023, meaning the upcoming season will be the final year of his deal. He’s done enough to merit a modest extension. He hits hard and represents youthful pop that Minnesota needs.

Our Kyle Joudry recently noted on Ward, “Lining up directly across from a shifty, explosive receiver isn’t for the faint of heart. Making a mistake is incredibly easy to see, even for an untrained eye. Ward’s capacity to get over the top of a receiver’s toes before then traveling with the receiver down the field is to be valued even if he’s not a shutdown option out there.”

“Consider, as well, being the deep safety. Being tall and having long arms helps — game of inches, right? — since there’s a greater chance of swatting deep passes away. Again, though, there’s the blatantly-obvious possibility of losing the rep. Any deep safety who gets beat deep is bound to get an earful from a coach (or two) alongside the scorn from onlookers.”

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Jay Ward lines up in coverage during a game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Minnesota Vikings safety Jay Ward aligns near the sideline on Sep 14, 2023, at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as the defense prepares for the snap in a primetime contest. Ward tracks the formation and settles into coverage responsibilities against the Eagles’ motion. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports.

Too, down the stretch of 2025, defensive coordinator Brian Flores seemed to prefer Ward in the lineup over fellow safety Theo Jackson.

Joudry added, “Seeing Ward prove capable of doing both — being a corner and a safety — is encouraging, especially within a Brian Flores defense that’s predicated on disguise, chaos, and being unpredictable.”

Ward will turn 26 this summer. Now’s the time to explore his second contract. He won’t break the bank.


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NFL Players from Heritage H.S. (Littleton, CO)

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NFL Players from Heritage H.S. (Littleton, CO) | SuperWest Sports




















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Here’s an up-to-date list of all NFL Players from Heritage High School in Littleton, Colorado.

The list includes only those players who have played in an NFL game.

See where it ranks among other schools in the state here.

NFL Players from Heritage HS
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Adam New’s Post Super Bowl 2026 Vikings Mock Draft

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Jul 16, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Florida State Gators defensive lineman Caleb Banks answers questions from the media during the SEC Media Days at Omni Atlanta Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images

Nearly a month after my first Vikings mock draft of 2026, and with the curtain pulled on the 2025 season and the Seattle Seahawks reigning supreme. It’s time to look again with my 2026 Vikings mock draft 2.0.

Adam New’s Post-Super Bowl Blueprint for the Vikings’ 2026 Draft

In my first mock draft, I concentrated on the defensive side of the ball early, and that trend remains. I firmly believe that’s how the Vikings should attack this draft, while making room for an RB, TE, and C at some point, depending on how the board falls on draft day. I have gone for a different position in round one this team, looking to add beef up front first, rather than boosting the secondary — that comes on Day 2. Here is my Vikings mock draft 2.0.

Round 1: Pick 18 – Caleb Banks (DI), Florida

There are a few areas of the Vikings’ defense that need to be addressed in this draft, and I start by finding a long-term partner for Jalen Redmond in the center of the Vikings’ defensive line. At 6’6″, 325 pounds, with arms over 35″, Caleb Banks has overwhelming size, length, and forklift power, to pair with inhuman burst and quickness at that size.

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Florida defesive tackle Caleb Banks in 2023. Vikings mock draft 2026.
Florida Gators defensive lineman Caleb Banks (88) hypes the crowd during the first half against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Steve Spurrier Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, October 7, 2023. © Matt Pendleton/Gainesville Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK.

The only concern is a longer-than-ideal injury history, but the raw talent is there, and Banks can be the final piece to a completely dominant Vikings defensive line.

Round 2: Pick 49 – Keionte Scott (CB), Miami (FL)

Keionte Scott is a nickel CB who can have a big impact on a game. During Miami’s run to the national championship game in 2025, he amassed 13 tackles for loss, five sacks, and two pick-sixes. An explosive long-striding closer, with springy coverage and an elite processor with a fast-flowing style and relentless physicality, Scott should be a great fit in the Brian Flores defense.

Round 3: Pick 82 – Genesis Smith (S), Arizona

The Vikings need to replace Harrison Smith and never really replaced Camryn Bynum last season. Genesis Smith would be the Bynum replacement with rare range and long-strider speed as a center-fielder and single-high safety, and his playmaking instincts are elite. Smith is one of the best coverage safeties in this draft class, which is just what the Vikings need in their secondary.

Round 3: Pick 97 – Jadarian Price (RB), Notre Dame

Jadarian Price has been living in the shadow of Jeremiyah Love in the Notre Dame backfield. While you might need to spend a top 10 pick to acquire Love’s services, Price may be the better value pick on Day 2. An exciting draft prospect in his own right,

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Price is an explosive vertical threat with a great blend of vision, spatial instincts, and foot speed. He has a smooth running style, and he goes 0-to-100 in the blink of an eye when he sees a gap to exploit.

Round 5: Pick 156 – Jake Slaughter (C), Florida

The first player to land on the Vikings with the same pick as in my first Vikings mock draft. With the future of Ryan Kelly uncertain after a series of concussions, and in the last year of his contract. The Vikings need to think about the future at center.

Florida offensive lineman Jake Slaughter (66) gets a hug after an NCAA football game against Tennessee at Steve Spurrier Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, November 22, 2025. Florida lost to Tennessee 31-11. © Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.

The free agency addition of Tyler Linderbaum would be the dream scenario, but Jake Slaughter would make a good plan B, especially if Kelly does try to play on. Minnesota will need some insurance at center.

Round 7: Pick 234 – Drew Allar (QB), Penn State

This isn’t the draft to try again for a top QB, but taking a punt on one in the later rounds is always worthwhile, even if it’s for a guy whose ceiling is career backup. Drew Allar has the tools to be that and more potentially.

A former five-star recruit, standing at 6’5 “, 235 pounds, he has a rocket arm, and he has the nimble mobility and arm elasticity to work off-platform — as well as goodpre-snap command and post-snap processing. So why might he be available this late? Accuracy issues and poor mechanics will need much work for Allar to have any success in the NFL. At this point in the draft, it’s worth a gamble.

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Round 7: Pick 235 – Jeff Caldwell (WR), Cincinnati

Jeff Caldwell transferred to Cincinnati for a step up in competition in the 2025 season and reeled in 32 receptions for 478 yards and six touchdowns.

Nov 29, 2025; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats wide receiver Jeff Caldwell (9) comes off the field after scoring against the TCU Horned Frogs during the first half at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

I seem to suggest every off-season that the Vikings need a big physical wide receiver, and Caldwell brings this (6’4, 208 lbs) while also having the speed to be a vertical threat. An explosive talent that comes in at No. 29 on Bruce Feldman’s annual Freaks list, Caldwell would be a great get on Day 3.

Round 7: Pick 244 – Riley Mahlman (OT), Wisconsin

As the 2025 season proved, good depth on the OL is always valuable. Picking up a well-rounded if unspectacular OT prospect like Wisconsin’s Riley Mahlman, who is strongest in pass protection, would be an excellent use of a seventh-round pick — especially if the Vikings get back to the explosive passing offense that Kevin O’Connell wants.

Round 7: Pick 244- Jack Velling (TE), Michigan State

The second player to make it onto both of my Vikings mock drafts to date, though a few spots lower in the seventh round this time. The Vikings went TE-heavy towards the end of last season to help out their QB. If that trend continues, then a fresh face at the position makes sense.


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

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Aniebiet Sunday’s Stoppage-Time Goal Secures Victory for Akwa United Over Rovers FC

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Akwa United FC claimed a 1–0 victory over Rovers FC in a Nigeria National League Matchday 10 clash at the Uyo Township Stadium on Sunday, February 15, 2026.

The match started with early drama. In the 7th minute, Aniebiet Sunday appeared to score from Etim Charles’ cross, but the goal was disallowed for offside. Akwa United continued to press, with Etim Charles seeing a curling corner fly just over the bar in the 38th minute.

The second half saw both sides create chances. Yannick’s curling free kick in the 47th minute was tipped over by Rovers goalkeeper Chibueze Lambert, while Akwa United goalkeeper Aloysius ThankGod produced a superb one-handed save in the 54th minute to keep his side level. Esonwanne Gift also came close with a header in the 82nd minute, but it went wide.

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The breakthrough finally came in the 88th minute. Aniebiet Sunday calmly converted a precise pass from fellow debutant Oladimeji Dada to fire home the stoppage-time winner. The goal sent the home fans into celebrations and handed Akwa United maximum points in the derby.

Aniebiet Sunday’s performance earned him the Player of the Match award, powered by Ibom Air. His composure, movement, and decisive finish made him a deserved winner of the accolade on his first appearance for the club.

The victory keeps Akwa United at the top of the NNL Conference B table with 22 points from ten games. With the second half of the season underway, Coach Paul Offor emphasised the need for consistency and focus as the team prepares to face Abeokuta Stormers FC in Matchday 11.

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Olympic skaters Olivia Smart, Jean-Luc Baker engaged in Milan on Valentine’s Day

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Love is in the air at the 2026 Milan Cortina Games — even amongst rivals.

Spanish figure skater Olivia Smart and former United States Olympic ice dancer Jean-Luc Baker are engaged, as the latter popped the question on Valentine’s Day on Saturday.

Smart said “yes,” and shared the news on Instagram.

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Olivia Smart and Jean-Luc Baker celebrate engagement

Former Team USA Olympic ice dancer Jean-Luc Baker and ice dancer Olivia Smart of team Spain pose for a photograph after proposing in the streets of Milan on day eight of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games on Feb. 14, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Joosep Martinson/Getty Images)

“It’s always been you,” the couple captioned a video leading up to the proposal in the streets of Milan.

Smart was clearly shocked at the moment, while the video showed Baker holding up the ring as his new fiancée competed on the ice below.

ILIA MALININ POSTPONES PRESS CONFERENCE A DAY AFTER EIGHTH-PLACE OLYMPIC FINISH

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These two had been friends for quite some time, but on the ice, Team USA and Spain were obvious rivals as they competed for the same prize.

In the 2022 Beijing Games, as well as two World Championships, Baker and Smart competed against one another for gold.

Smart finished above Baker in the 2022 Games, as she finished eighth to his 11th place.

Jean-luc Baker proposes

Former Team USA Olympic ice dancer Jean-Luc Baker proposes to ice dancer Olivia Smart of team Spain in the streets of Milan on day eight of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games on Feb. 14, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Joosep Martinson/Getty Images)

Baker was in the stands this time for the Milan Cortina Games, while Smart was competing alongside partner Tim Dieck in the ice dance. They finished ninth in the competition.

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Smart may not have finished the way she hoped, but at least she didn’t leave Milan without some sort of hardware.

Read More About The 2026 Winter Olympics

Baker had won bronze in his Olympic career, taking it home during the 2018 Winter Games. He hasn’t been able to compete since 2023 due to injuries.

Olivia Smart finishes routine

Olivia Smart and partner Tim Dieck of Team Spain compete in the Ice Dance – Free Dance on day five of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Milano Ice Skating Arena on Feb. 11, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

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As the heat of competition continues in Milan, it’s hard not to enjoy a loving moment between these two.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

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NFL insider sees $5,900,000,000 team aggressively pursuing Bengals DE

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Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson is headed to free agency after an injury-riddled 2025 season, appearing in only seven games.

Hendrickson has been with the Bengals for the last five seasons. However, his stay in Cincinnati will likely end soon due to the franchise’s complicated salary cap situation.

NFL insider Cameron Wolfe said Hendrickson’s reunion with the Bengals is unlikely. He named the Indianapolis Colts, worth $5.9 billion (according to Forbes), as a potential landing spot for the four-time Pro Bowler.

“A source told me he figures it’s unlikely for these two sides to reunite going into next season,” Wolfe said on Saturday, via “The Wolfe of Ball Street.” “A difficult decision for Cincy because their relationship has not been great in recent weeks, and I’m told that if this deal does end up happening, free agency-wise, keep an eye on the Indianapolis Colts.

Looking to predict NFL playoff Scenarios? Try our NFL Playoff Predictor for real-time simulations and stay ahead of the game!

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“It’s a team that wants to be aggressive. They made the big splash move for Sauce Gardner mid-season. Lou Anarumo has a lot of familiarity with Trey Hendrickson. They just hired a D-line coach named Marion Hobby who coached Trey Hendrickson for four years in Cincinnati when they were all together.”

Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo spent six years with the Bengals in the same role. He helped Hendrickson record 57 sacks and earn four Pro Bowl honors before leaving at the end of the 2024 season.

Also Read: Joe Burrow shares honest feelings on future with Bengals 55 days after revealing frustrations with organization

Also Read: Caleb Williams takes shot at Ja’Marr Chase after Bengals WR forgets Bears QB’s name on Pat McAfee show

Bengals “unlikely” to give franchise tag to Trey Hendrickson

Trey Hendrickson posted 17.5 sacks in consecutive seasons before a hip injury restricted him to just four sacks in 2025. The veteran defensive end had lengthy negotiations with the Bengals last offseason and was expected to get a franchise tag this year.

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However, the Bengals are unlikely to tag him as it would cost them $30.2 million. The franchise tag window will open on Tuesday until March 3.