Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones watches from the sideline during the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Falcons on Dec. 8, 2024, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Jones observed late-game action as Minnesota managed the closing stages of the contest during the regular season matchup. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images.
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones will turn 32 during the 2026 regular season, and hypothetically speaking, if the club released him this offseason, it would save about $8 million on the salary cap. Many expect Minnesota to drop Jones in favor of a younger option, so here’s a look at where Jones may land if he hits open free agency.
Atlanta, Houston, Washington, and a few others could view Jones as a short-term RB1/RB2 jolt.
SI.com‘s Will Ragatz noted on Jones this week, “If this is it for Jones in Minnesota, his two-year tenure will be remembered fondly. Despite his age and a reputation for picking up bumps and bruises, he played in 29 of a possible 34 regular season games over the past two seasons.”
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“During that time, Jones ran for 1,686 yards on 387 carries (4.4 YPC) and added 79 catches for 607 yards. He scored 10 touchdowns. Off the field, his infectiously joyous personality quickly made him a favorite of teammates, coaches, fans, and media members. The reasons why Jones is a logical cap casualty are fairly obvious.”
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones Sr. (33) lines up during NFC Wild Card action against the Los Angeles Rams at State Farm Stadium. The veteran runner handled a key offensive role during Minnesota’s postseason push, providing steady production on the ground and as a receiver. Jan 13, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA: Jones carried the workload in playoff competition. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.
If Jones returns to Minnesota, it will be because of his locker room leadership role.
Ragatz added, “As currently constructed, his $14.55 million cap hit for 2026 is the third-highest among all NFL running backs, behind only Alvin Kamara and Jonathan Taylor.”
“Jones is 31 years old, he missed five games last season, and his yards per carry mark in 2025 was a career-low 4.2. He’s still a good player, but the Vikings might be able to get more explosive at RB while also saving some money by parting ways.”
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But let’s pretend Minnesota moves on. The following list ranks Jones’s landing spots from least to most realistic (No. 1 = most realistic landing spot).
Seven Realistic Team Fits for Aaron Jones
Jones will have a market if Minnesota cuts ties.
7. Atlanta Falcons
Jones was born in Savannah, Georgia, and although there are no coaching or general manager ties to Jones in Atlanta, the Falcons are probably on the cusp of losing Tyler Allgeier to free agency.
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Sliding in next to Bijan Robinson, the RB1, as a dependable RB2, Jones would make sense in Atlanta to wind down his illustrious career.
6. Houston Texans
As a kid, Jones lived all over the place with his parents in the military, but for high school, he eventually settled in West Texas, playing at Burges High School. He knows Texas.
The Texans are about to lose Nick Chubb in free agency, as well as Dare Ogunbowale. Meanwhile, no one is too sure about Joe Mixon’s long-term health trajectory. Houston featured rookie Woody Marks in 2025, who performed decently, but as an RB1 or RB2, Jones in Houston would make sense next to Marks.
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5. Washington Commanders
Jones plays offense, and former Vikings defensive passing game coordinator Daronte Jones coaches defense, but the two know each other. Daronte Jones accepted a promotion to run the Commanders’ defense this offseason; he could put in a good word for his RB-needy team.
Washington Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt (22) celebrates in the end zone after reaching the goal line during first-half action against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. The young runner flashed scoring ability while competing for offensive snaps in Washington’s backfield rotation. Oct 5, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA: Croskey-Merritt finished the drive with a touchdown run. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images.
Washington waltzes into free agency with just one running back under contract: the hot-and-cold Jacory Croskey-Merritt. From somewhere, the Commanders will need more running backs — probably about three or four more by the time training camp rolls around.
The Joneses can reunite in Washington.
4. Arizona Cardinals
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The Cardinals hired a new offensive coordinator last week, and that man’s name is Nathaniel Hackett. He’s most famous for flaming out as the Denver Broncos’ head coach, but before that, he led the Green Bay Packers’ offense from 2019 to 2021. These are also known as the glory years for Jones — the final two of which Aaron Rodgers won MVP.
Arizona drafted Trey Benson two years ago. His injury resume is a bit spooky. James Conner is recovering from a season-ending injury in 2025.
Jones getting back together with Hackett checks some boxes, with Benson and Jones headlining the Cardinals’ rushing offense.
3. Green Bay Packers
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This one isn’t too mysterious; Jones worked in Green Bay for seven seasons. He was beloved by fans. If he needs a new team, the Packers could easily re-up with Jones as the RB2 behind Josh Jacobs.
Not much explanation needed.
2. Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars’ RB1, Travis Etienne, is probably on the brink of signing with a new team next month. Jacksonville will presumably hand the RB1 baton to speedster Bhayshul Tuten, who flashed at times as a rookie in 2025. After Tuten on the depth chart, it’s LeQuint Allen Jr.
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Former Vikings assistant quarterback coach Grant Udinski runs the Jaguars’ offense. He crossed paths with Jones in Minnesota in 2024.
The Jaguars need a running back, and Jones might need a job. A partnership with Tuten might work.
1. Pittsburgh Steelers
These men work for the Steelers or may work for the Steelers in 2026:
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Mike McCarthy: Jones’s former head coach
Aaron Rodgers: Jones’s former QB1
Brian Angelichio: Vikings TE coach turned Steelers OC
Frank Cignetti Jr.: A Packers QB coach in 2018
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) talks with Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (33) following an international matchup at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. The veteran players shared a brief postgame exchange after a closely contested contest overseas. Oct 6, 2024; Tottenham, ENG: Rodgers and Jones met on the field after Minnesota’s loss in the NFL Global Series. Mandatory Credit: Shaun Brooks-Imagn Images.
What’s more, Pittsburgh tailback Kenneth Gainwell will test free agency in two weeks.
The Steelers are dripping with ties to Jones. If Minnesota cuts him loose, circle Pittsburgh as his top destination, especially if Rodgers returns for Year No. 22.
Streisand has been absent from the track since the Blue Diamond, but post-race occurrences have reinforced her position for this Saturday’s Golden Slipper, Clinton McDonald notes.
The trainer out of Cranbourne expressed particular joy at Chayan confirming the Blue Diamond form with an impressive triumph in the Group 2 Reisling Stakes held at Randwick March 7.
Chayan placed second behind Streisand in the Group 2 Blue Diamond Prelude before fading behind her and others in the Group 1 Blue Diamond February 21, fueling McDonald’s optimism for Rosehill’s $5 million Group 1.
He considers the Magnus-sired filly the standout of her age group among fillies and relishes her shot at proving it across 1200 metres this weekend.
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“We’ve met her twice and beaten her twice,” McDonald said of Chayan.
“I feel my filly is the best filly in the land at the moment and she’s probably the best two-year-old, because she’s been the most consistent from the spring to the autumn.
“She’s had five starts for two seconds, two wins and an unlucky fifth on the track where you couldn’t make ground. She’s been consistently good the whole way through.”
Streisand and Shiki stand as the only pair in this year’s Golden Slipper with five outings, a factor McDonald deems advantageous for the four-week rest.
Just three horses in 40 years have taken the Slipper after four or more weeks off, Courtza included – trained by Ross McDonald for the 1989 Diamond/Slipper double.
Five two-year-olds total have doubled up on Blue Diamond and Golden Slipper wins, colt Sepoy managing it in 2011 as the latest.
Bon Hoysted, McDonald’s grandfather via his mother, prepped Manikato for the achievement in 1978.
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“I followed a bit of the same path as dad did with Courtza and we’re going straight to the Slipper (from the Blue Diamond), but we feel that she’s got the race smarts and the race sense to be able to do that,” he said.
Barrier 11 is Streisand’s spot in the Slipper, potentially becoming nine without the third and fourth emergencies, with her gate 10 Diamond win instilling McDonald with barrier confidence.
“It was a slow tempo, but she still sat wide and sprinted off it, so I think she’s in it right up to her ears,” he said.
“She can race on speed, she can race back, she goes on wet and dry. She’s got no chinks in her armour.”
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For the Blue Diamond, as before, Ben Melham partners Streisand while aiming for a repeat Golden Slipper glory after She Will Reign in 2017.
Visit premier betting sites to check the latest racing betting markets for the Golden Slipper.
Linus Sebastian, host and founder of the popular YouTube channel Linus Tech Tips, recently criticized the platform over its introduction of 30-second unskippable ads. During Linus Tech Tips’ The WAN Show podcast on March 13, 2026, Linus questioned the platform directly, asking, “Will 30 seconds be enough for you?” For context, Google had rolled out these longer unskippable ads on YouTube for TV in early March 2026.
Speaking on the YouTube podcast, Sebastian stated:
“My only question for YouTube is when will it be enough and can you stop inupifying the service? Because I heard they just added 30 second unskippable ads to TVs. Will 30 seconds be enough for you?” (Timestamp – 2:34:23)
Linus Sebastian further questioned YouTube’s motive behind introducing 30-second unskippable ads, stating:
“Are we just going to go all the way back to cable TV with like 3 minute ad breaks? Can we not?”
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Linus Tech Tips highlights YouTube’s massive ad revenue, surpassing major media giants combined
In the same podcast, highlighting the scale of YouTube’s ad-driven business model, Linus Sebastian stated that “YouTube makes more money from ads than Disney, Paramount, and Warner Bros. combined.” Citing data from research firm Moffett Nathanson, he noted:
“It turns out YouTube makes more money from ads than Disney, Paramount, and Warner Bros. combined. According to research firm Moffett Nathanson, YouTube earned 40.4 billion in ad revenue, while Disney, NBC, Paramount, and Warner Bros. earned 36.1 billion combined.” (Timestamp – 2:32:58)
He further added that, according to its parent company, Alphabet, YouTube had generated 60 billion dollars in ad revenue in 2025:
“Parent company Alphabet confirmed last month that in 2025 YouTube generated 60 billion with a B in revenue which still trails behind Meta which generated 196.2 billion in ad revenue.”
After No. 12 High Point pulled off a major upset in March Madness, faith was the only thing on one Panther’s mind.
High Point came back from double digits to take down No. 5 Wisconsin in the tournament’s first upset in a thrilling 83-82 victory for its first victory in the tournament ever.
High Point guard Chase Johnston scored the game-winning basket with 11.7 seconds left, and he delivered a faithful message after the game.
High Point Panthers guard Chase Johnston (99) reacts after defeating the Wisconsin Badgers in a first round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center.(Craig Strobeck/Imagn Images)
“First and foremost, I wanna give all glory to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ,” he said. “It’s been an unbelievable season. This is a group of guys that’s built on John 15:13. We serve each other, we love each other, and we’d die for each other. I’m so grateful.”
Johnston’s bucket came on a breakaway layup after Wisconsin guard Nick Boyd missed a layup that would have put the Badgers up 84-81. High Point guard Rob Martin hauled in the rebound and fired downcourt to the streaking Johnston — a 3-point specialist, the bucket was Johnston’s first two-point basket of the season.
High Point Panthers guard Chase Johnston (99) is interviewed after defeating the Wisconsin Badgers during the second half of a first round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center.(Troy Wayrynen/Imagn Images)
After Johnston’s bucket gave High Point the lead, Owen Aquino blocked a driving layup by Boyd. Panthers’ Cam’Ron Fletcher was fouled and missed a free throw, giving the Badgers a chance with 1.8 seconds left, but Andrew Rohde’s long pass was stolen by Terry Anderson, and the celebration was on for High Point and first-year coach Flynn Clayman.
High Point earned a spot in the tournament by winning the Big South title for the second straight season. Last year was its first ever appearance in the tournament, but it lost as a 13-seed to No. 4 Purdue.
Head coach Flynn Clayman of the High Point Panthers is embraced by guard Scotty Washington and forward Terry Anderson after upsetting the Wisconsin Badgers in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament held at Moda Center on March 19, 2026, in Portland, Oregon.(C. Morgan Engel/NCAA Photos via Getty Images)
The Panthers have another tough task on their hands against No. 4 Arkansas on Saturday, but after Clayman called out major schools for avoiding mid-majors throughout the season, he obviously feels pretty confident in his squad.
Derek Chisora has offered his thoughts on Oleksandr Usyk’s lack of interest in fighting Moses Itauma, for whom he has suggested an alternative dance partner.
By highlighting his age, the Ukrainian made it clear that the prodigy should instead focus on gaining experience and refining his skills, before jumping into the deep end against a generational great such as himself.
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Usyk has, after all, outlined his preferred strategy – which includes facing kickboxer Rico Verhoeven on May 23 – and having two more fights before calling time on his illustrious career.
After his next outing, the 39-year-old wants the winner of Fabio Wardley vs Daniel Dubois, which takes place for his old WBO world title on May 9.
Then, a potential trilogy showdown with Tyson Fury, who he twice outpointed in 2024, appears to be his ideal swansong, granted they both remain in the win column between now and then.
“Why should he fight Itauma? Has Itauma won the British title? Has he won a European title? Has he won an English title?
“Everybody got steps to do. I think Moses Itauma should go and win the European title, British title and other belts.
“He should fight Fabio [as he’s ranked No.2 with the WBO]. That’s a good fight for Fabio.”
While Itauma has not won any of the above-mentioned titles, he is nonetheless widely regarded as a world heavyweight champion in waiting.
Before being presented with the opportunity to prove his title-winning ability, though, the prolific knockout artist must first come through Jermaine Franklin on March 28.
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Chisora’s suggestion of Wardley presents an issue, with both men sharing a trainer in Ben Davison. Though Itauma has not ruled it out, he has recognised a fight with Dubois, should he manage to dethrone Wardley in May, is a much simpler way to a belt.
Ronnie O’Sullivan has created history by making the highest break in professional snooker after hitting a 153 at the World Open.
The 50-year-old is preparing for next month’s World Snooker Championship, where he will attempt to win a record eighth crown in the modern era by breaking a tie for seven with Stephen Hendry.
And in his last tournament before heading to Sheffield, O’Sullivan achieved the record feat after leaving quarter-final opponent Ryan Day in a snooker at the start of the opening frame.
After the Welshman’s failed attempt to get out of it, O’Sullivan was given a free ball.
The seven-time world champion started his break with the green before pocketing the opening black to leave him on eight points before starting to target the reds.
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O’Sullivan then reeled off the 15 reds, accompanied by 13 further blacks and two pinks before clearing up the colours to land a record-breaking 153.
His rapid start paved the way for a dominant 5-0 victory as O’Sullivan stormed into the semi-finals in China.
“Big shout out to all the people who have messaged me and congratulated me on the 153,” O’Sullivan said in a video posted on X.
“It was a pretty cool moment, really happy to do it. Thank you to everyone out there who has supported me.”
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“A privilege to be here to watch that. To speak over it,” former world No. 3 Neal Foulds said during commentary for TNT Sports.
“That was an incredible moment for me just to watch O’Sullivan do what he did there. A break of 153, it’s almost like: ‘Did it really happen? Have I dreamt it?’ Incredible stuff.”
O’Sullivan will play Yize Wu for a place in the final after the Chinese star defeated Mark Allen in the quarter-finals.
The 2026 NCAA Tournament continues on Friday with 16 more first-round games that will determine the 32 teams in contention to cut down the nets next month in Indianapolis. With the madness fully underway, plenty of storylines are worth pondering.
The first game of the day features No. 10 seed Santa Clara against No. 7 seed Kentucky (12:15 p.m. ET, CBS), with the winner advancing to face the winner of No. 2 seed Iowa State and No. 15 seed Tennessee State. Another intriguing early matchup has No. 4 seed Alabama facing No. 13 seed Hofstra (3:15 p.m. ET, truTV).
Alabama will be without star guard Aden Holloway for that game after he was arrested earlier in the week on felony drug charges.
No. 1 seed Florida begins its quest to repeat as national champions against No. 16 seed Prairie View A&M (9:25 p.m. ET, TNT). Another game to keep an eye on during the late window is Darryn Peterson, the potential No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, making his NCAA Tournament debut with Kansas when the No. 4 seed Jayhawks face No. 13 seed Cal Baptist (9:45 p.m. ET, CBS).
Let’s get into some of the big storylines to know for Friday’s first-round action.
Peterson makes his NCAA Tournament debut
Peterson, who is a candidate to become the No. 1 overall pick in the draft this summer, has been one of the biggest stories in college basketball this season. The Kansas guard missed 11 games during the regular season due to hamstring/cramping issues. Peterson opened up about how the full-body cramping was a “traumatic experience,” which resulted in him having to go to the hospital at one point to receive intravenous fluids.
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When Peterson plays, he is one of the most dynamic scorers in the sport. Peterson has played in nine consecutive games since being ruled out less than an hour before tipoff against then-No. 1 Arizona at home last month. In the Big 12 quarterfinals against TCU, Peterson logged a season-high 37 minutes. Peterson is averaging 19.8 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 22 games this season. If Kansas is going to advance to the Sweet 16 and beyond, it will need Peterson’s best.
Alabama coach Nate Oats talks to his team at Thursday’s workout in Tampa.
Imagn Images
Is Alabama on upset alert?
One of the biggest and most unexpected storylines to land heading into the NCAA Tournament was the arrest of Holloway just days before Alabama’s matchup against Hofstra. According to Holloway’s attorney, Jeff Neff, Alabama’s second-leading scorer has requested several different types of hearings in the coming weeks to combat charges of first-degree marijuana possession and failure to affix a tax stamp, both of which are felonies in the state of Alabama.
If Holloway is indeed out, the Crimson Tide could be on upset alert against the CAA champions. The Pride boasts two dynamic scorers in Cruz Davis (20.2 points) and Preston Edmead (15.9 points). Hofstra ended the season by winning 11 of its last 12 games. Without Holloway, Alabama will rely even more on star guard Labaron Philon. The ceiling of this Crimson Tide roster is obviously lower if Holloway is out this weekend and beyond — if the Crimson Tide gets out of this quadrant without a loss.
Purdue star on the verge of NCAA history
Purdue star guard Braden Smith is close to breaking an NCAA record that has been held for over three decades. Smith needs just two assists to pass former Duke star Bobby Hurley for the most assists by a men’s Division I player. Smith enters the NCAA Tournament with 1,775 career assists and is just one away from tying the record Hurley set in the early 1990s.
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Smith, a four-year player at Purdue, has become a rarity in the modern landscape by staying at the same school for his entire career. He is averaging a career-high 9.0 assists per game this season, which surpassed his mark of 8.7 assists per game last year. He dished out 11 assists during Purdue’s win over Michigan in last weekend’s Big Ten title game. He will likely break it against Queens (NC) on Friday.
Friday’s NCAA Tournament streaming schedule
Games played at Benchmark International Arena (Tampa), Xfinity Mobile Arena (Philadelphia), Viejas Arena (San Diego) and Enterprise Center (St. Louis)
The 2026 NCAA Tournament begins on Thursday, and one of the late-night matchups will pit No. 3 seed Illinois against No. 14 seed Pennsylvania in the South Region. The Fighting Illini went 24-8 overall during the regular season, posted a 15-5 mark during Big Ten play and then lost in the Big Ten Tournament quarterfinals against Wisconsin. Meanwhile, the Quakers were 18-11 overall and 9-5 in the Ivy League before going on to win the conference tournament against Yale in an overtime thriller on Sunday.
Tipoff from Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, S.C., is at 9:25 p.m. ET. The Illini are 25.5-point favorites in the latest Illinois vs. Penn odds, with the over/under at 151.5. Both the spread and over/under have held steady since first opening. The Fighting Illini are at -11111 on the money line, with the Quakers listed at +2550. Before making any Penn vs. Illinois picks, check out the men’s college basketball predictions and betting advice from the SportsLine Projection Model.
The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every college basketball game 10,000 times. It entered the 2026 NCAA Tournament on a sizzling 11-1 run on its top-rated over/under college basketball picks dating back to last season, and is on a 28-22 run on top-rated CBB side picks. Anyone following its college basketball betting advice at sportsbooks and on betting apps could have seen strong returns.
After 10,000 simulations of Penn vs. Illinois, SportsLine’s model is going Over on the total (151.5 points). The Fighting Illini were among the most prolific teams in college basketball this season, ranking 21st in the nation in scoring (84.4 ppg), second in KenPom adjusted offensive efficiency (131.2) and first in offensive rating (125.5). Freshman guard Keaton Wagler averaged 17.9 points per game to lead Illinois in scoring but was one of five players who averaged double-figures per game.
Meanwhile, Penn was one of the best shooting teams in the country in Fran McCaffery’s first season at the helm, shooting 38.1% from the 3-point line and ranking 19th nationally in that category. TJ Power poured in 44 points in the win over Yale on Sunday and averaged 15.8 points per game while shooting an Ivy League-leading 42.7% from beyond the arc. The model predicts that the Over hits in 54.1% of simulations as the teams combine for 153 points.
Logan Paul would surely be competing at WrestleMania 42, which is less than a month away now. The main events are set, and all world title matches are also locked in. What needs to be added are now the tag team title matches, mid-card title bouts, and some singles competitions. There seems to be a scope for Logan to shine and begin his in-ring rivalry with an NFL star.
The match being discussed here is Logan Paul and Austin Theory vs. Rob Gronkowski and Tom Brady. The idea of this match is put forward by former WWE Superstar Baron Corbin, now known as Tom Pestock. He posted on X about the possibility of The Vision vs. Gronk and Brady. This surely comes from Tom’s comments on WWE and its scripted nature.
Thanks for the submission!
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“What’s the over under we get a Logan Paul, Austin theory match against Gronk and Tom Brady at mania,” wrote Tom Pestock.
Even though it seems right for Logan and Brady to lock horns, there is still no build-up as such. Additionally, it would take more time for Austin and Logan to be out of The Usos’ vortex, considering their budding rivalry. However, a showcase match where the NFL legend would need to wrestle sounds befitting against The Maverick.
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Logan Paul is battling The Usos next week
The Vision has only two members right now who can compete. Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed are out due to injury. Thus, the active members, Logan and Austin, are looking out for their own glory now. Next week on RAW, they are battling The Usos, potentially for future major title implications.
This could again be made into a World Tag Team Championship match at WrestleMania 42. The Usos to put their title on the line against The Vision in their brewing rivalry over a long time.
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Dec 10, 2023; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell reacts on the sideline during a game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium, showing visible emotion as he responds to developments on the field in a tightly contested matchup. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The Minnesota Vikings made a momentous splash in free agency by getting quarterback Kyler Murray for the NFL’s version of free — and that was about it. Now, thanks to ESPN, clarity has emerged on the team’s offseason strategy. Interim general manager Rob Brzezinski is dialing back the budget to balance the books after back-to-back offseasons of massive spending.
Minnesota’s restrained spending looks far more calculated than passive.
The tactic makes sense for a team that wants to avoid salary cap hell.
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The Vikings Are Betting on Draft Volume and Kyler Murray
The Vikings’ quiet spending was deliberate.
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell speaks during a year-end press conference alongside general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah on January 18, 2022, in Eagan, Minnesota, outlining organizational direction and reflecting on leadership alignment as the franchise transitions into a new era with a unified vision for roster building and long-term competitiveness. Mandatory Credit: YouTube.
Kevin Seifert: Vikings Are Right-Sizing the Cap
Minnesota’s approach to 2026 free agency is overtly intentional. Seifert explained, “After talking to sources inside and outside the organization, the best way to think of the Vikings’ current approach is an aggressive right-sizing of their roster finances. The Wilfs did not order a lower cash payroll this season, multiple sources confirmed.”
“The NFL is not structured for teams to have indefinite annual spending at the rate the Vikings have in recent years, and essentially the Vikings decided that 2026 was the time to eat their vegetables. The cash spending of NFL teams can fluctuate over and under the league salary cap in any given year.”
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Most Vikings fans expected a quiet free agency, but perhaps not this quiet.
Seifert added, “If a team spends over the cap, it can account for the additional space in two ways: applying previous cap surpluses and/or pushing the remaining reconciliation into future years. Brzezinski made a point last month of noting that the Vikings spent more than $100 million in cash over the cap in 2024 and 2025.”
“Over that period, they signed a total of 24 unrestricted free agents from other teams during the month of March. That bill has now come due.”
Teensy Spending
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In 2024 and 2025, as former general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah completed his competitive rebuild process, he spent like a fiend on free agents, which is usually a decent plan, one that the 2025 New England Patriots can exalt as successful. But Minnesota picked the wrong free agents, while the Patriots apparently knew what they were doing.
In short, Minnesota’s money ran out, and per Seifert’s reporting, the front office is collectively hitting the pause button on spending, enabling the franchise to move more nimbly next offseason. For example, if the Murray experiment turns out fruitful in 2026, he’ll need a new contract, and the Vikings will undoubtedly want to load up around him. They’ll need money to do so.
Minnesota has ranked near the bottom among free agency spenders over the last week and a half, in a group that includes the Philadelphia Eagles and Detroit Lions, who also haven’t spent much.
Think of it this way: the Vikings, for now, are scheduled to have $67 million in cap space next offseason. If they had added 3-5 notable newcomers, they’d be right back in the situation that they’re in right now — unable to spend because they sacrificed the short term for the long term.
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Connecting on Draft Picks Is Mandatory
Everything about the Vikings’ 2026 draft screams pressure.
Over the past four years, the Vikings have struggled to develop their draft picks into impactful players. Under Adofo-Mensah, their draft hit rate has been only 15%–20%, resulting in a roster lacking successful selections. These misses have forced the coaching staff to fill gaps rather than build a strong foundation, prompting ownership to fire Adofo-Mensah seven weeks ago.
Minnesota’s most notable additions were Murray and James Pierre, with the team remaining largely inactive otherwise. This approach intensifies the focus on April’s draft, where nine selections now carry the burden of youth and roster improvement.
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Alabama linebacker Dallas Turner poses after being selected 17th overall by the Minnesota Vikings during the first round of the NFL Draft on Apr 25, 2024, at Campus Martius Park in Detroit, Michigan, celebrating a milestone moment as Minnesota adds a premier defensive prospect to strengthen its pass-rushing future. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports.
The early rounds will be crucial. The Vikings must find immediate contributors in Rounds 1 through 4; developmental depth alone will not suffice given the team’s current state. The recent front office changes further heighten the pressure. Another unproductive draft, similar to those in recent years, would likely trigger a complete franchise reset. The margin for error has shrunk considerably, rest assured.
Winning Nine Games Last Year with Similar Roster
By acquiring Murray and absorbing a minimal $1.3 million cap hit in 2026, Minnesota has significantly upgraded its most unstable position. Murray typically produces around 4,000 passing yards, 30 total touchdowns, and 600 rushing yards per season — a level of production that would immediately stabilize the offense. Considering that last year’s quarterback efficiency ranked fifth-worst in the NFL, even a modest improvement at the position could dramatically improve the team’s fortunes.
Furthermore, the supporting cast is strong. Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison remain one of the league’s most explosive receiving duos, providing Murray with reliable targets capable of stretching the field and creating opportunities after the catch. The infrastructure for a functional, and potentially dangerous, offense is already in place. Just drop Murray in the middle of it.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) lines up during game action against the Philadelphia Eagles on Dec 31, 2023, at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, surveying the defense pre-snap as he prepares to lead the offense in a late-season matchup on the road. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports.
Finally, there’s the defense. Over the last three seasons, Brian Flores has built one of the NFL’s most dependable defensive units. The Vikings have finished in the top three in EPA/Play for two consecutive years, a testament to their consistency. Even with a slight statistical regression, this group should remain among the league’s best.
The 2026 mission: spend frugally, finally connect on a draft, maintain a top-tier defense, and hope Murray lives up to his 2019 draft stock.
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It actually sounds a bit like the 2024 Vikings when the team signed Sam Darnold and later won 14 games.
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