MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - JANUARY 4: Fans cheer as Harrison Smith #22 of the Minnesota Vikings checks out of the game for the final time against the Green Bay Packers in the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium on January 4, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images) | Getty ImagesNot much going on right now as we await the first OTAs and minicamp.The current Cap Space (per OverTheCap) without the Jennings signing reflected is : $12,267,125One June 2nd it will increase due to the Post-June 1 release savings: +$12,500,000 (combined from Harrison Smith and Jonathan Allen)Adjusted Total Cap Space: $24,767,125I imagine Jennings will have some void years and his cap hit will be around 4M. I am hoping they can bring back the Hotman with a one year 7.5M deal (or so).They can make that the entire amount if they want.That would still leave about 13.2M to do any more signings and take care of the rookies.They still are hopefully working on an ONeill extension that should lower his cap hit some (5-8M or so).What else does the team need? Another veteran EDGE rusher is on my list. I could see them bringing back Moreau on a 2M deal as well.I suppose you can put in your prediction for the season based on the schedule. I wont do it. I save my prematurity for mock drafts!Minnesota Vikings News and LinksPredicting Every Vikings Game Score and Final Record in 2026Minnesota Vikings 2026 Schedule TakeawaysThe Vikings Mexico Game Is A Big Win For EverybodyVikings Sign Former D2 WR Star Who Exploded After Late Switch to FootballVikings might have stolen a future defensive star without anyone noticingMinnesota Vikings GM Candidate Turns Down InterviewMinnesota Vikings quarterback competition has an early leaderVikings Justin Jefferson eager for QB competition between J.J. McCarthy, Kyler Murray: Whos gonna be that dawg?Its been a while since Justin Jefferson was last asked about the Vikings dysfunctional quarterback situation.Thanks to the arrival of Kyler Murray via free agency, the room is in a better place now. But its far from sorted out.Jefferson cant wait to watch it unfold, especially from his perspective as the teammate on the receiving end of Murrays and J.J. McCarthys passes.Just competition, for real, Jefferson said when asked what he wanted to see from Murray and McCarthy during an appearance on Good Morning Football. Just to see, whos gonna be that last man standing? Whos gonna be that dawg? Whos gonna be that leader to carry us throughout the season? Because that is definitely a missing piece that were looking for and something that is very important to our team, which is the quarterback spot.Just seeing that competition battle, seeing those guys come in every day leading the team and try to spark especially the offense, its definitely something Im looking forward to. And just going out there and connecting with any quarterback thats throwing the ball, thats the main important thing this training camp.McCarthy, quickly moving to sign Murray shortly after the Cardinals released the former No. 1 overall pick. It was an addition that was largely without risk and offers the potential for significant upside if Murray can connect with coach Kevin OConnell and get back on the franchise quarterback track.If Murray can accomplish that, its safe to expect Jefferson to be quite content.Thats definitely something that is I want that, for sure, Jefferson said of having a franchise quarterback in Minnesota. Its definitely difficult for those types of things to happen. But just like me being with Kirk (Cousins) for those first four years of my career, just building on that connection, building on that relationship, thats something that is unbroken, thats something you just dont find just anywhere.It definitely will be great to have a quarterback, the same quarterback for these next couple years going down the line, but you already know thats something difficult to do in this league. But for sure, to keep knowing that quarterback for these next couple years and build that relationship and create that spark, thats definitely the plan.NFL analyst highlights key reason Kyler Murray will elevate Minnesota Vikings offense and its been underdiscussedCBS Sports Calls Out Vikings Massive UpgradeOn ESPNs Get Up on Wednesday morning, the Vikings were discussed in terms of who will win the NFC North. Bart Scott made a really interesting point about Murray that hasnt been discussed enough: his mobility.I think at the end of this season, I think we may say that Kyler Murray is the most talented quarterback within that division. You play here with Kevin OConnell, with the weapons that he has a tight end and TJ Hockinson, you have [Justin] Jefferson, you have [Jordan] Addison, go out and get a gritty guy like Jauan Jennings. I think the skys the limit for Kyler Murray. When youre doing all that, youre going to have little Mandalorian running around here for 25 seconds with guys just one on one down the field.ESPNs Bart ScottWhen could the Vikings make a quarterback change in 2026?https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/could-vikings-quarterback-change-2026-132451526.htmlWe predicted the Vikings to finish the season with a record of 7-10. Based on those predictions, the part of the schedule we believe they could make a quarterback change would be after Week 9. At that point, we predict the Vikings will be 3-5 ahead of a tough two-game stretch with the Green Bay Packers on the road and in Mexico City against the San Francisco 49ers.This is not to say that a change will happen, but if there was a time to make it, Week 9 makes the most sense given where they could be.Note: They did not say who was going in and who was coming outVegas Has Spoken on the Vikings QB CompetitionBuilding the Case for J.J. McCarthy as the Vikings QB1Contract negotiations for one Minnesota Vikings NFL Draft pick just got more complicatedThe Vikings have yet to agree to a contract with 51st overall pick, linebacker Jake Golday. Last week, things were looking good for a contract after 50th overall pick, cornerback DAngelo Ponds, didnt receive a fully guaranteed contract. However, things potentially took a turn on Thursday when cornerback Avieon Terrell, the 48th overall pick, signed a fully guaranteed contract.Last year for the first time, the top-40 selections were all fully guaranteed. That ended up being a major factor in players in the second round waiting so long to sign. With Terrell now getting a fully guaranteed contract, there could be more of a discussion. SKOR Norths Darren Wolfson confirmed that on Thursday.Second round pick Jake Golday, the linebacker from Cincinnati, is the one draft pick that hasnt signed yet. My understanding is they are working through language on the fourth year. What that means: guarantees through the fourth [final] year of his rookie contract. Nothing that I think will take a really long time.SKOR Norths Darren WolfsonVikings Longtime $92 Million Starter Put on Notice Ahead of 2026Offensive tackle Brian ONeill has been a mainstay for the Minnesota Vikings lineup practically since he arrived in 2018. But that could be ending relatively soon.Thats what Vikings Territorys Adam New suggested Friday when he included ONeill on a list of six Vikings who may be playing their final season in Minnesota.ONeill was No. 1 on the list.I dont expect ONeills play to drop off a cliff suddenly, but he will be 32 next September, and recent activity shows the Vikings have been parting ways with expensive veterans and getting younger on the roster, wrote New.With that in mind, do the Vikings offer ONeill another big, multi-year contract? An extension to help solve the teams salary cap problems was an option early in the offseason, but that wasnt taken.ONeill could still get one before this season starts, or they could wait and see how his ninth season with the team pans out.The Vikings waiting on an ONeill extension is likely the smartest move. What that would mean, though, is the offensive tackle potentially being out in Minnesota before 2027.This fall, ONeill is entering the final year of his 5-year, $92.5 million contract. He will be a free agent next March.Last season, ONeill earned an 81.6 overall grade at Pro Football Focus. He excelled at both run and pass blocking for the fourth consecutive season.ONeill has posted good to great grades overall (along in both run and pass blocking) every season since 2019.So unless ONeill has a sudden downturn in 2026, the right tackle has earned another extension with the Vikings.An injury might be the biggest concern for ONeill actually getting the extension. Last season, the right tackle did miss three games because of an MCL sprain. ONeill also dealt with an Achilles issue at the end of the 2023 season.Other than that, though, ONeill has been quite durable. He has only missed seven contests dating back to the start of 2020.Can Frank Smith Help Unlock Demond Claiborne?Domonique Orange Can Be A Jerry Ball-Like Run StopperThank You, Jauan JenningsJauan Jennings Throws Shade at 49ers Days After Signing With VikingsOne NFL trade target for every team after the draft and deep in the offseasonBaltimore Ravens: Olu Oluwatimi, C, Seattle SeahawksIndianapolis Colts: Jordan Addison, WR, Minnesota VikingsKansas City Chiefs: Kyle Pitts, TE, Atlanta FalconsMinnesota Vikings: Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, New York GiantsPhiladelphia Eagles: Grant Delpit, S, BrownsNote: I do not think Oluwatimi is a fit in the KOC offense. Pitts is likely not going anywhere. Thibodeaux is interesting but probably not worth it since he is in the last year of his deal. Delpit is the most intriguing. He is in the last year of his deal. The Browns traded up to get Emmanuel Smith-Warren. They have Ronnie Hickman starting opposite Delpit. I would offer a 2027 3rd for Delpit and a 2027 5th or 6th. Of course, if the Hitman comes back then there is no need.Yore MockTrade with BucsSent: Pick #13Received: Pick #19, Pick #83Trade with RaidersReceived: Pick #37, Pick #143Sent: Pick #45, Pick #86Pick 19: Kewan Lacy (RB, Ole Miss) 511, 210 lbsPick 37: Iapani Laloulu (OC, Oregon) 62, 329 lbsPick 77: Elijah Green (CB, Tulsa) 62, 195 lbsPick 83: Yhonzae Pierre (EDGE, Alabama) 63, 253 lbsPick 143: Ty Benefield (S, LSU) 63, 208 lbsPick 146: Kemari Copeland (DT, Virginia Tech) 63, 283 lbsPick 151: Raylen Wilson (LB, Georgia) 61, 235 lbsPick 182: Devin McCuin (WR, Ohio State) 60, 189 lbsPick 212: Isaac Smith (S, Mississippi State) 60, 220 lbsPick 239: Darius Taylor (RB, Minnesota) 60, 215 lbsAgain, we all know the rules, but in case someone is new:While navigating the open thread, just assume its sarcasmNo discussion of politics or religionNo feeding of the trollsLeave the gender hatred at the doorKeep the bad language to a minimum (using the spoiler tags, if you must)Speaking of which, if discussing a newer show or movie, please use spoiler tagsNo pictures that could get someone fired or in serious trouble with their employerIf you cant disagree in a civil manner, feel free to go away