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Vikings Rookies, Blake Brandel, NFC North Chances

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Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell signals a play from the sideline during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium.
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell signals a play from the sideline during the third quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio, Dec. 16, 2023. O’Connell watches the field while directing Minnesota’s offense during the late-season interconference matchup as the Vikings manage the game plan from the sideline. Mandatory Credit: Kareem Elgazzar-The Enquirer-USA TODAY Sports.

VikingsTerritory is here to answer your questions, publishing them weekly in a single article. The timing is opportune, with training camp getting off the ground in approximately four days.

We have selected the primary questions from the email inbox, and our responses are provided below.

Vikings’ Summer Questions Stretch from Rookies to the Division Race

NCAA Football: Big 12 Media Days. Vikings training camp questions
Jul 8, 2025; Frisco, TX, USA; Iowa State defensive lineman Domonique Orange answers questions from the media during 2025 Big 12 Football Media Days at The Star. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

Question: If you had to guess one single rookie who will make the most impact for the Vikings in 2026, who would that be?

Answer: DT Domonique Orange.

The Vikings found Orange in Round 3 from Iowa State, and because nose tackles are often asked to “only stop the run,” they get up to NFL speed quicker than other rookies. We don’t believe Orange will be different.

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The Vikings didn’t have an official general manager during the draft, leading us to assume that defensive coordinator Brian Flores had more input than usual during the process. It’s unlikely that he was forced to pick Orange.

And because Levi Drake Rodriguez — who is decent, not great — is the only NT standing in Orange’s way, VikingsTerritory thinks Orange will see the field as early as September.

Caleb Banks and Jake Golday will get snaps as rookies, but pencil us in for fans falling in love with Orange and his run-stopping ways.

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Question: What do you expect from Demond Claiborne as a rookie?

Answer: Enough to wet your whistle for 2027.

Sadly, Claiborne probably won’t see gobs of touches in the Vikings’ offense; Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason are ahead of him on the depth chart, and the Vikings’ coaches value the dependability of those men.

Demond Claiborne holds a football during Vikings OTAs in Eagan.
Minnesota Vikings rookie running back Demond Claiborne holds a football during the first day of OTAs at TCO Performance Center as the team begins offseason work in Eagan. On May 26, 2026, Claiborne moved through early practice reps while trying to establish his role in Kevin O’Connell’s offense before training camp later that summer. Mandatory Credit: YouTube.

But Claiborne has speed to die for (4.37), which Jones and Mason do not possess. We estimate around 75 touches for Claiborne and more if Jones rides the injury train, which usually happens. It’s unclear if Claiborne has the tackle-breaking gene to become an RB1 or elite RB vision, but we trust that new assistant head coach Frank Smith will guide him in the right direction.

When we get to the 2027 offseason, fans will wonder which running back the Vikings will find to pair with Claiborne as a one-two punch.

Question: Why did Minnesota settle on Blake Brandel at center?

Answer: He improved every game at center during Ryan Kelly’s absence in 2025.

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Offensive coordinator Wes Phillips said about Brandel last season, “The way Blake handled this game, I think we might be looking at a situation where this could be his best position of all five across the line. And getting Jurgens back into practice is just a plus for us. And we’ll see where all those guys are at throughout the week as we assess.”

“Going back to years past, Blake hasn’t played a lot of center, but they’re always working those guys because of these situations, the interior backups particularly, have to at least be swing guards. Having some center flex centers that are only centers, kind of limit you with your roster. Generally, they have to at least function at guard. So those guys get worked in throughout the offseason.”

The Vikings could’ve signed about five different veteran centers in free agency or drafted Logan Jones, Sam Hecht, Jake Slaughter, or Connor Lew in April.

But nope — they trust Brandel. Perhaps the guy deserves a fair shake.

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Question: Are the Vikings capable of winning the NFC North?

Answer: Of course.

Minnesota can win the NFC North if they do one thing: protect the football.

MInnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell after a Week 4 game.
Sep 28, 2025; Dublin, Ireland; Minnesota Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell at a press conference after an NFL International Series game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Croke Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

In 2024, the Vikings ranked third-best via turnover differential. In 2025, they ranked third-worst in the same metric. Kevin O’Connell’s Vikings follow one strict script: when his team protects the football and wins the turnover battle, it wins 90% of games. When it loses the turnover battle, that win percentage drops to 27%.

The rest will take care of itself if Minnesota’s offense protects the ball while Flores’s defense does Flores defense things.


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Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker
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Man United ‘make transfer enquiry’ for 25-goal forward in fresh attempt at sealing deal

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Manchester United are eyeing up a move for Crystal Palace’s Ismaila Sarr this summer as the Reds look to add more firepower in the attacking department

Manchester United have made an enquiry for Crystal Palace winger Ismaila Sarr, it has been claimed. The Senegal international is thought to be on Michael Carrick’s radar as the Reds look to strengthen out wide.

While he is not United’s top target, Sarr is the type of profile being considered by United’s recruitment team, according to Foot Mercato. The Reds are expected to explore several options before advancing with one.

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Sarr is a boyhood United fan and is likely to be attracted by the prospect of a move to Old Trafford, despite helping Palace qualify for the Europa League through winning the Conference League last season.

Speaking to Senegalese media earlier this month, Sarr described United as his “dream club”, leaving the door wide open for a potential summer move to the Reds.

“My dream club? Honestly, there is only one club. I love Manchester United with all my heart, and I am one of its biggest fans”, he said, laying bare his desire for the switch.

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The 28-year-old scored 21 goals in 45 appearances for Palace in 2025/26 and followed that up with netting four times in four matches for Senegal at this summer’s World Cup.

But it was his performances in Palace’s Conference League triumph that stood out as Sarr scored NINE times and was named the Player of the Tournament in the process.

And while he has been linked with United in the past, this could be the summer for Sarr to seal his dream move given his form for Palace last season and for Senegal at the World Cup.

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A switch to United doesn’t look that simple, however, with Marcus Rashford’s long-term future in doubt after Barcelona opted against signing him on a permanent deal.

United’s move for a new winger could depend on Rashford, who has been linked with a move to Arsenal and Bayern Munich among others. But Michael Carrick is keen to reintroduce him into his first-team squad.

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The Reds have returned to pre-season training but Rashford is yet to return due to his involvement with England at this year’s World Cup.

The 28-year-old is expected to enjoy some time away on holiday before teaming up with his United teammates ahead of the new Premier League season.

As well as Sarr, United have expressed an interest in West Ham’s Crysencio Summerville. But it appears that Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal have won the race to sign the Dutchman in a blockbuster £69million deal.

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Spain’s Fabian Ruiz, Gavi Get Their Weight In Tomatoes After World Cup Win

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Getting showered with tomatoes after a performance is usually a bad thing. But in Spain, it’s a sign of ultimate respect for two players in its World Cup-winning squad. 

Fabián Ruiz and Gavi were presented with their weight in tomatoes by their hometown of Los Palacios y Villafranca in the Andalusia region, located in the south of Spain. 

The two players joined former Spain great Jesus Navas (part of the 2010 World Cup squad) at the town’s city hall as part of the ongoing revelry to celebrate La Roja’s victory over Argentina in the final on Sunday. 

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Photo by Joaquin Corchero/Europa Press via Getty Images)

Photo by Joaquin Corchero/Europa Press via Getty Images)

Andalusia is known for its agriculture and production of tomatoes. As such, Paris Saint-Germain’s Ruiz received at 84 kilograms (185 pounds) of tomatoes, while Barcelona’s Gavi was awarded 68 kilograms (150 pounds).

In addition, both players were given banners adorned with Tomatito, the mascot of the World Cup tournament that was hosted by the country in 1982. Spain will return to co-hosting duties alongside Portugal and Morocco in 2030, which will also see opening matches in three South American countries (Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay) as part of the tournament’s centenary. 

This is the second major title (and thus second haul of tomatoes) for Ruiz after winning the 2024 European Championship with Spain. It’s the first such honor for Gavi. 

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Man United latest: Manu Kone battle emerges as club in ‘pole position’ after bid knocked back

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Manchester United have sealed several transfers this summer and continue to be linked with targets, including Manu Kone

Manchester United’s summer transfer window is in full swing as the club continue to work on strengthening the squad. Michael Carrick has already welcomed four new faces to Old Trafford as he looks to continue the momentum his side began building last season.

Refreshing their midfield options has been United’s primary focus this summer. Chelsea’s Andrey Santos and Aston Villa icon Youri Tielemans have both been signed to help transform the engine room at Old Trafford.

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However, the club continue to be linked with further midfield targets, including Manu Kone. Following his impressive World Cup performances for France, United have entered talks with Roma over a potential move for the 25-year-old.

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Meanwhile, the Reds are also reported to have an eye on Bournemouth’s Alex Scott, who has recently turned down a fresh contract with the Cherries. Here’s a closer look at some of the most significant transfer stories surrounding the club.

Manu Kone transfer twist

United reportedly face a new obstacle in their pursuit of Roma’s Manu Kone. Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Ahli are said to be eyeing the midfielder, which could deal a blow to United’s transfer plans.

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Sky Sports Switzerland reports that Al-Ahli have approached Roma to establish Kone’s valuation. The club are said to have “concrete interest” in Kone, whose displays at the World Cup prompted Al-Ahli to pursue a possible deal.

The report mentions that United are “monitoring” the Roma star, while Atletico Madrid have also kept tabs on him previously. Although Kone is said to prefer a Premier League switch over a move to La Liga, he is “not ruling out” a transfer to Saudi Arabia.

The news emerges shortly after fellow Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal struck a deal for West Ham winger Crysencio Summerville. The Netherlands international had been on United’s radar and the club may be concerned about history repeating itself following Al-Ahli’s reported interest in Kone.

United in ‘pole position’ for midfielder

United are among the frontrunners to sign Bournemouth’s Alex Scott. The 22-year-old has attracted attention from numerous clubs, with Arsenal representing United’s primary competition for his signature.

The Mirror reports that Carrick’s side are “in pole position”, alongside the Gunners, to finalise a deal for Scott. It is claimed that Scott’s representatives have held discussions with both clubs and the player will reach his final decision within the next fortnight.

Scott is said to favour a move to Arsenal but harbours reservations over his prospects of securing regular first-team football, which could work in United’s favour. He would become the club’s third midfield acquisition of the summer, following the arrivals of Santos and Tielemans. Chelsea had a bid for Scott knocked back on Wednesday.

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Tony Farmer uncovers “huge” breakthrough in Matt Miller scandal amid investigation into fantasy scams

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The Missouri Attorney General’s Office is currently investigating ESPN’s Matt Miller following accusations of scamming people out of money. These accusations came to light after his horrific accident last month that resulted in the amputation of his left arm.

Miller had created a GoFundMe campaign to help with expenses. However, the focus was shifted to a Reddit thread where several of his alleged victims came forward with their accounts of being scammed by him.

On Wednesday, Tony Farmer came forward with a new piece of evidence as the investigation continues. He shared a post highlighting how Matt Miller’s brother, Marshal, is linked to the situation.

“Holy crap, I found it,” Farmer wrote. “Matt Miller’s brother Marshal acknowleding on tape he goes by ‘EmmandEmm.’ This is huge!! Why it matters:

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“1–Now 2 different nicknames he goes by (also ‘mellosquire’) often registered in the SAME Matt Miller charity fantasy leagues. Unless someone else was controlling these accounts with his alias, it appears Marshal Miller secretly controlled TWO teams in some of Miller’s leagues. Miller played in each league too so it appears the brothers sometimes controlled 3 of the 12 teams in the league!

“2–EmmandEmm registered for 19 Matt Miller fantasy leagues between 2024-2025. 12 times these two usernames (EmmandEmm and MelloEsquire) were in the same league. Melloesquire registered for 38 in 2025 and 14 in 2024. 3– Remember that each owner was expected to pay $100 and half that money was promised to Matt for charity.

“Do you think Marshal was paying registration fees? If the answer is no, then it raises questions about the actual amount of money that went to charity vs. what was promised.”

Farmer also revealed how he found this information on an episode of the “Mic’d Up” podcast, which aired back in Nov. 2021.

According to a tweet from analyst Tommy Challahan, Miller did not pay the winners of his charity leagues and also took 50% as admin cuts. In addition, other accusations include him not showing up for paid scouting lessons and also annual subscription charges to his newsletters and scouting sites despite no regular updates.


ALSO READ: “Perhaps it’s personal”: Tony Farmer links Dalvin Cook to Matt Miller’s investigation amid former RB’s X activity about ESPN analyst

ALSO READ: “Patrick Mahomes is indirectly supplying these materials”: Tony Farmer makes bombshell claim on Chiefs QB “helping” Matt Miller with “charity” scams

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Matt Miller shares a health update amid ongoing investigation

Earlier this month, Miller provided an update regarding his health.

In a tweet posted on X, he said that he had a successful surgery, highlighting the possibility of utilizing a prosthetic arm in the future. Miller also said he’s stepping down from his role at ESPN indefinitely while continuing his recovery journey.

“A quick update: The surgery to remove my left arm was successful with hopes of an eventual prosthetic replacement,” Miller said. “Similarly, the femur and patella surgeries were also successful and the fantastic surgery team was able to save my left leg.

“To best focus on my healing and recovery, I’m stepping away indefinitely and will be placed on leave from ESPN. Thank you all for the prayers and thoughts; please keep them coming.”

Miller’s GoFundMe campaign raised approximately $51,000. Pat McAfee is one of the highest donors with a contribution of $5,525.