Minnesota Vikings fans, dive into this must-listen episode of Two Old Bloggers where Darren Campbell and Dave Stefano break down the team’s 2026 outlook after a 9-8 playoff miss in 2025. Some key topics covered like Vikings quarterback crisis, J.J. McCarthy future, 2026 salary cap, Vikings draft pick 18, and veteran QB trades optimize this recap for searches on Vikings offseason analysis. As Darren notes, “I really misjudged how ready JJ McCarthy was to be a starting quarterback in the NFL,” highlighting the first-time starter’s accuracy issues and Kurt Warner’s skepticism: “Fixing accuracy in the pros takes years.” Dave pondering, “Is the McCarthy era already in jeopardy? Could we see a trade for Kyler Murray?”
The hosts emphasize the urgency for GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and coach Kevin O’Connell, with Darren stating, “Kevin O’Connell doesn’t have two or three seasons to wait for McCarthy to get it.” They explore imperfect veteran options like Kirk Cousins’ potential return—“Would the Vikings want him? I don’t know”—or Kyler Murray as the “most talented guy” for elite play. Salary cap fears are dismissed, with Darren explaining, “The Vikings didn’t just wake up after they spent all that money last year and go, ‘Holy crap, we’re gonna be 46 million over the cap.’” Obvious cuts like Javon Hargrave and Ryan Kelly could yield relief, as “the salary cap goes up every year.”
The Discussion Expands:
- QB Positional Analysis: McCarthy’s 2025 stats dissected; potential trades for Joe Burrow or Lamar Jackson unlikely, but Kyler Murray could elevate the offense; backups like Max Brosmer show promise but need development.
- Salary Cap Myths Debunked: Projected $46M overage not a surprise; cap rise to ~$295M, veteran releases (Hargrave, Kelly, Aaron Jones, possibly T.J. Hockenson), and restructures for players like Justin Jefferson and Jonathan Greenard will create space; Darren quips, “The salary cap is a myth” but acknowledges hard choices like letting Cam Bynum go.
- Draft Insights at #18: Historical picks include stars like Jaire Alexander and Maurkice Pouncey; sweet spot for corners/safeties and centers—Vikings need both; five-game win streak cost a top-10 slot, but first-round talent remains.
- Jordan Addison’s Struggles: Down year with 42 catches, 610 yards, 3 TDs—a 67% TD drop; 14.6% drop rate eighth-worst; off-field issues and fifth-year option decision loom.
- McCarthy’s Maturity and Futures Signings: High-energy personality under scrutiny, like post-injury theatrics; Darren warns, “If McCarthy keeps playing like 2025, there will be a lot more criticism”; CFL standout Jaylon Hutchings eyed as potential Jalen Redmond 2.0.
Listen:
Watch:
SKOL Nation, if you’re pondering the Vikings’ path back to NFC North dominance, this episode is your playbook—packed with expert breakdowns, quotes, and hope for 2026 contention. Stream Two Old Bloggers on Vikings 1st & SKOL for more raw, fan-driven Vikings podcast content that keeps the purple fire burning. Don’t miss out; subscribe now and join the conversation!
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We have your Minnesota Vikings talk amongst the Two Old Bloggers, Darren @KickassblogVike, and Dave @Luft_Krigare along with our numbers guy, Drew Bunting. Join the conversation! Fan with us at Vikings 1st & SKOL @Vikings1stSKOL and with our podcast partner Fans First Sports Network @FansFirstSN.
Question:
What veteran QB should the Vikings pursue to challenge J.J. McCarthy in 2026, and why?
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