JJ is playing which is fine. We hope that he is able to get through the game without any injury. Sadly, that is going to be the main worry going forward. At least for me. All the rest should come in time.
What will you be looking for in this game?
I am going to be looking for MOAR BEER!
Minnesota Vikings News and Links
NFL Expert Picks: Vikings Prepare for Packers to Close Out 2025 Regular Season
Minnesota Vikings 2025 game preview: Week 18 against the Packers
J.J. McCarthy logs full practice, but Vikings’ injury report filled with key players
Vikings’ Justin Jefferson Breaks Silence on JJ McCarthy’s Future
“I would love for him to be here,” Jefferson said. “Of course, I would love for him to be the quarterback, especially off of this year. I feel like he needs to show everybody and prove to everybody that he is that top-tier quarterback.”
“But I feel like it starts in the offseason, starts that offseason work and building that connection, eliminating those habits that he had that we felt hindered him throughout the season,” Jefferson said. “… But he’s still young. He still has learning to do and growing to do. That’s all part of the game. But it’s up to me to require more from him and to work with him more.”
Vikings Star Safety Harrison Smith Uncertain About Return for 15th Season
“I’ve been playing football a long time,” Smith said after Minnesota’s victory over the Detroit Lions on Christmas Day, “and I have not had fun like that in my whole career.”
“The fans here have never experienced a Super Bowl. They always show up, and for them to keep showing up … it just shows how much they love the team, how much they love everything that goes into it,” Smith said. “We’re out of the playoffs, and everybody shows up in white. They do their part, and one of these days they’ll get it.”
Could he envision himself returning for a 15th year?
“I can’t speak on that right now. I’m a very much in-the-moment type of guy,” Smith said.
Vikings Add Underutilized Playmaker to Roster Before Finale
Will the Vikings get another chance after missing the Aaron Rodgers boat?
2026 Financials: Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings have a lot of decisions to make to get under the cap and have a little room to add some free agents.
I am not sure if the -38M already includes the carry over amount.
2026 Cap : (-$38,288,060)
Trade Hockenson to Broncos for a 2026 5th
Trade Addison to the Patriots for a 2026 2nd and 2027 5th
…
Cut Jones
Cut Hargrave
Cut Kelly
…
Extend O’Neill 3 yr 69M
Restructure Jefferson (max)
Restructure Greenard (max)
Extend Cashman 3 yr 27M
Extend Nailor 2 yr 16M
Extend Redmond 2 yr 20M
Extend Ryan Wright 2 yr 6M
Give Zavier Scott & Bo Richter the ERFA tender
…
Updated 2026 Cap : $19,559,440 (44 players under contract only)
2027 Cap : $12,145,773
Possible 2027 moves … Cut Allen & Metellus would take 2027 cap to $37,990,773
Another move depending on the Hitman
Give Harrison Smith a 1 yr 5M deal (with 3M signing bonus)
With about 18M in cap space, the Vikings could sign a few decent free agents
Trade Partner: Patriots
Sent: Jordan Addison
Received: 2.62, 2027 5th
…
Trade Partner: Broncos
Sent: TJ Hockenson
Received: 5.170
…
Pick 17. Jeremiyah Love RB Notre Dame 6’0” 214
Pick 48. Lee Hunter DT Texas Tech 6’4” 330
Pick 62. Keionte Scott CB Miami (FL) 6’0” 194
Pick 79. Genesus Smith S Arizona 6’2” 204
Pick 97. Josiah Trotter LB Missouri 6’2” 237
Pick 164. Joe Royer TE Cincinnati 6’5” 250
Pick 170. Pat Coogan C Indiana 6’5” 311
Pick 198. Ted Hurst WR Georgia State 6’5” 315
Pick 231. Trinidad Chambliss QB Ole Miss 6’0” 200
Pick 243. Bud Clark S TCU 6’2” 190
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Sorry for the tardiness. Under the weather.