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5 Bold Summer Predictions for the Vikings
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- 5 Bold Summer Predictions for the Vikings
Andrew Weber-US PRESSWIRE
Bold predictions, by design, are supposed to be headline-grabbing, outlandish, and a little weird. And with the Minnesota Vikings ' summer operations mere days away, it's time to get some of those on record.
Minnesota's summer will bring clarity, drama, and probably at least one roster move that feels uncomfortable.
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The Vikings will feature a new general manager and quarterback in 2026; here's a look at some predictions for the summer.
Early and Bold Vikings Predictions Are Here
Putting these hot takes on record.
Georgia Bulldogs punter Brett Thorson (92) punts the football against the Texas Longhorns during the first half of the SEC Championship game on Dec. 7, 2024, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. Thorson handled punting duties for Georgia during the high-profile conference title matchup while showcasing the powerful leg strength that later drew NFL attention. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
1. Brett Thorson Clears
Did Thorson hold field goals and extra points in college? He did not. Is that a problem? It is.
Still, Thorson might've been the best punter in college football last year, depending on the eye of the beholder, and the Vikings can't just cut a guy like that because they employ an old specialist ( Johnny Hekker ) who used to be really, really good.
Thorson will prove his punting talent supersedes Hekker at training camp, and special teams boss Matt Daniels will have all summer to figure out the holding situation.
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2. Vikings Sign Leonard Floyd
On April 24, the Vikings executed a trade, sending Jonathan Greenard and a 7th-round pick to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for two third-round selections (one in 2026 and one in 2027).
The deal rocked Minnesota's OLB setup. With Greenard, Minnesota's EDGE room boasted considerable talent. His departure leaves Andrew Van Ginkel and Dallas Turner as the primary pass rushers, but it also highlights a notable lack of depth. A single injury could quickly create a precarious situation at the position.
So, the Vikings likely need to acquire an OLB3, with free agency presenting the most apparent solution.
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Floyd emerges as a strong candidate, fitting the 'familiar face' profile. His existing connections with Minnesota's coaching staff are a significant advantage, particularly when pursuing free agents late in the spring. Kevin O'Connell could conceivably reach out to Floyd directly, bypassing the usual complexities of late-stage free agency negotiations.
O'Connell and Floyd won the Super Bow l together in Los Angeles five years ago.
3. Garrett Bradbury Arrives via Trade
The New England Patriots traded Bradbury to the Chicago Bears in March for a 5th-Round pick. Six weeks later, the Bears turned around and drafted Iowa center Logan Jones , who will be 25 during the regular season. Second-round centers should start sooner rather than later, and 25-year-old 2nd-Round centers should be ready Week 1.
Minnesota Vikings center Garrett Bradbury (56) stands on the sideline before facing the Buffalo Bills on Nov. 13, 2022, at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York. Bradbury prepared for another regular season start while continuing his role as the anchor of Minnesota's offensive line during Kevin O'Connell's first season as head coach. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
That puts Bradbury on the bench or on the trade block if Chicago doesn't get weird with its offensive line plan.
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Meanwhile, the Vikings are on track to start Blake Brandel at center, and while he might play just fine, converting a tackle turned guard turned center to a new spot rarely works out for the long haul, unless the guy is young.
Needing a better center solution, Minnesota will ship a 6th-Rounder to Chicago for Bradbury, even if trading with Chicago violates NFC North taboos.
4. The QB1 Camp Battle Is Window Dressing
Last summer, the Vikings hosted no quarterback battle at training camp. Months later, they regretted it and even fired their general manager in January as a result.
In 2026, the club is advertising a quarterback battle, but it will be abundantly clear through a few days of training camp that the QB1 job emphatically belongs to Murray. In fact, by September 1st, folks will look back and consider the possibility of McCarthy ousting Murray from the top spot as a laughable take.
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Murray is faster, more accurate, has a stronger arm, and has more experience than McCarthy. The quarterback competition won't be a sham, but Murray will prevail with the snap of two fingers.
5. Rookie Gavin Gerhardt Emerges
Gerhardt may not start Week 1 — that's reserved for Brandel — but by the time training camp ends, fans will have a warm and cozy feeling about Gerhardt.
Cincinnati offensive lineman Gavin Gerhardt speaks with reporters during Big 12 Football Media Days on Jul. 8, 2025, at The Star in Frisco, Texas. Gerhardt entered the spotlight as one of Cincinnati's experienced offensive linemen while discussing expectations for the upcoming season and his development within the Bearcats' offensive front. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images
Minnesota very vividly needed a center during the draft; the coaching staff even told reporters before the event that the draft had several intriguing options. Then, the Vikings drafted zero centers until Round 7.
They seem to have big plans for Gerhardt. When the regular season rolls around, Gerhardt will either be tapped on the shoulder to start or be the immediate backup center if Brandel misses a game or two.
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A to Z Sports ' Tyler Forness noted on Gerhardt after the draft, "This is an interesting pick. Gerhardt is a four-year starter who has played 3,374 snaps for the Bearcats. He's a decent athlete with experience at the position, and it offers the Vikings another option at center."
