Minnesota Vikings followers, dive into this must-listen episode of Two Old Bloggers the place Darren Campbell and Dave Stefano break down the staff’s 2026 outlook after a 9-8 playoff miss in 2025. Some key subjects coated like Vikings quarterback disaster, J.J. McCarthy future, 2026 wage cap, Vikings draft choose 18, and veteran QB trades optimize this recap for searches on Vikings offseason evaluation. 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 points 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 discover imperfect veteran choices like Kirk Cousins’ potential return—”Would the Vikings need him? I don’t know”—or Kyler Murray because 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 might yield aid, as “the salary cap goes up every year.”
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The Discussion Expands:
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QB Positional Analysis: McCarthy’s 2025 stats dissected; potential trades for Joe Burrow or Lamar Jackson unlikely, however Kyler Murray might elevate the offense; backups like Max Brosmer present promise however want growth.
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Salary Cap Myths Debunked: Projected $46M overage not a shock; cap rise to ~$295M, veteran releases (Hargrave, Kelly, Aaron Jones, probably T.J. Hockenson), and restructures for gamers like Justin Jefferson and Jonathan Greenard will create area; Darren quips, “The salary cap is a myth” however acknowledges onerous decisions like letting Cam Bynum go.
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Draft Insights at #18: Historical picks embrace stars like Jaire Alexander and Maurkice Pouncey; candy spot for corners/safeties and facilities—Vikings want each; five-game win streak value a top-10 slot, however first-round expertise stays.
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Jordan Addison’s Struggles: Down 12 months with 42 catches, 610 yards, 3 TDs—a 67% TD drop; 14.6% drop price eighth-worst; off-field points and fifth-year choice determination loom.
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McCarthy’s Maturity and Futures Signings: High-energy character below 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.
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SKOL Nation, should you’re pondering the Vikings’ path again to NFC North dominance, this episode is your playbook—filled with knowledgeable breakdowns, quotes, and hope for 2026 competition. Stream Two Old Bloggers on Vikings 1st & SKOL for extra uncooked, fan-driven Vikings podcast content material that retains the purple fireplace burning. Don’t miss out; subscribe now and be a part of the dialog!
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We have your Minnesota Vikings discuss amongst the Two Old Bloggers, Darren @KickassblogVike, and Dave @Luft_Krigare together with our numbers man, Drew Bunting. Join the dialog! Fan with us at Vikings 1st & SKOL @Vikings1stSKOL and with our podcast companion Fans First Sports Network @FansFirstSN.
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Question:
What veteran QB ought to the Vikings pursue to problem J.J. McCarthy in 2026, and why?