![\"NCAA](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/NCAA-Football-Villanova-at-Maryland-24291557.jpg\")
Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCredit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n
As we enter the portion of the year when Vikings rumors still linger, we\u2019ll be highlighting some of the purple rumblings.<\/p>\n
The \u201cVikings Rumor Wrangle\u201d is a series that keeps readers informed on what\u2019s being whispered about in Vikings Land. In this iteration, we discuss the Vikings receiver with \u201csmooth body control,\u201d a linebacker getting some love from Minnesota, and the QB twist that could play out in the Twin Cities.<\/p>\n
Vikings Rumors: 05.28.2025<\/p>\n
Vikings Rumor #1 \u2014 A New Playmaker Showed Off His \u201cSmooth\u201d Wheels <\/p>\n
Opting for a wide receiver at the end of the 3rd was a minor surprise. Justin Jefferson, of course, is the otherwordly talent who is anchoring the offense \u2014 and, indeed, the team more broadly. Behind him is the promising Jordan Addison, the improving Jalen Nailor, and the unlucky Rondale Moore. Oh, and T.J. Hockenson as well as Aaron Jones happen to have some silky mitts, too.<\/p>\n
So, the Tai Felton selection may have raised a few eyebrows. <\/p>\n
Consider an initial word from Craig Peters about the rookie wideout impressing early<\/a>: \u201cThird-round pick Tai Felton showed elements of his game that piqued Minnesota\u2019s interest, even if the action was limited to individual receiver drills and 7-on-7 work.\u201d<\/p>\n Peters continues: \u201cFelton showed a smooth body control that accompanies his high-speed potential (he was previously clocked in the 40-yard dash at 4.37 seconds) and natural catch ability. He calmly throttled down for an adjustment on one pass and accelerated into another.\u201d<\/p>\n Being able to win a route in different ways is key to success in the NFL. Very few players are fast enough to only rely on speed. Being able to adjust one\u2019s speed up and down is a central way that receivers can create separation, the needed room to make a play of the ball. So, too, does it help to be able to elevate, time the jump well, shift directions with suddenness, and fight through contact for a catch (among other abilities).<\/p>\n Early on, Tai Felton may find success as a burner who finds room due to his speed and Jefferson\u2019s magnetic pull on the secondary. Maturing in his craft is going to involve finding different ways to win, though. <\/p>\n Vikings Rumor #2 \u2014 Minnesota Showed Some Love to a Young Linebacker <\/p>\n Certainly did. The guaranteed money proves as much. <\/p>\n Austin Keys is a \u2018backer coming out of Auburn. With $249,000 of his contract guaranteed, Keys is sitting in a tie for third for the most locked-in compensation among the Vikings\u2019 well-paid UDFA haul<\/a>. The simplest takeaway is merely that he was a coveted player following the 2025 NFL Draft and Minnesota made it a priority to get him to the Twin Cities.<\/p>\n The linebacker offers good size at 6\u20192\u2033 and 247 pounds. He\u2019s coming off a season where he got involved in a dozen games, picking up modest statistics: 39 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, and 2 passes defended. He is, however, an explosive athlete<\/a>. <\/p>\n Up top, Blake Cashman is holding down the LB1 spot for at least another season. Next up are Ivan Pace Jr. and Eric Wilson, both of whom originally entered the NFL as UDFA linebackers but who are at different ends of their respective careers (Pace is a youngster, Wilson an old fella). The competition then shifts toward Brian Asamoah, Kobe King, and Keys (among others) to battle for what could be just a single remaining spot. <\/p>\n Vikings Rumor #3 \u2014 Max Brosmer Could be the Vikings\u2019 Surprise QB<\/p>\n Quite possibly, yes. <\/p>\n Already, the new passer is talking a bit of trash<\/a>, a sign that he\u2019s settling in nicely at TCO Performance Center. Consider, as well, that he comes across as being quite similar to J.J. McCarthy<\/a>, further indication that Brosmer could be given a chance to stick around for a bit. The basic thinking is merely that having a backup with a similar set of skills to the starter means the offense doesn\u2019t need a radical change in strategy if the backup is needed. <\/p>\n Unless injury or disastrous play make an appearance in the summer, J.J. McCarthy is going to be the top option with Sam Howell as the next arm up. The remaining QB competition is one that\u2019s taking place at QB3. More specifically, that\u2019s Brett Rypien going toe-to-toe with Brosmer. <\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/1746247511_729_USATSI_24291690.jpg\")
Sep 21, 2024; College Park, Maryland, USA; Maryland Terrapins wide receiver Tai Felton (10) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Villanova Wildcats during the third quarter at SECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images<\/p>\n![\"NCAA](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/NCAA-Football-Music-City-Bowl-Auburn-at-Maryland-22196151.jpg\")
Steve Roberts-Imagn Images<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/USATSI_24420662.jpg\")
Oct 5, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers quarterback Max Brosmer (16) celebrates with his dad and head coach P.J. Fleck after the game against the USC Trojans at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images<\/p>\n
![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/USATSI_24576457.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n