Pete Prisco of CBS Sports has launched his annual checklist of the 100 best players in the NFL, and solely one Minnesota Viking made the 2026 version. You can most likely guess who it’s.
Wide receiver Justin Jefferson landed at No. 8 — the second-highest cross catcher behind Ja’Marr Chase of the Cincinnati Bengals, although Prisco notes Jefferson “remains the most talented receiver in the game.”
“He was hurt by poor quarterback play last year,” Prisco wrote. “Kyler Murray should help his numbers this year.”
Indeed, Jefferson posted profession lows in yards (1,048) and touchdowns (two) final season, regardless of enjoying all 17 video games. Jefferson was No. 5 on Prisco’s 2025 checklist, so the down season did not drop his inventory all that a lot.
The Vikings noticed three totally different quarterbacks begin video games final 12 months — J.J. McCarthy, Carson Wentz and Max Brosmer — and none of them impressed.
Murray and McCarthy are now competing for the beginning job. Jefferson has stated publicly he supports both QBs, however at this level of their careers, Murray is clearly the extra proficient possibility, even when McCarthy carries tantalizing however intangible potential. The Vikings aren’t more likely to title a starter till the preseason, although if one of the passers clearly separates himself during training camp, it may occur earlier.
Vikings kick off camp Aug. 1, and their first preseason recreation is Aug. 15 on the street in opposition to the New York Giants.
Note: The video above initially aired June 9, 2026.