Joe Nelson

Joined: Jun 1, 2024

Joe Nelson has more than 20 years of experience in Minnesota sports journalism. Nelson began his career in sports radio, working at smaller stations in Marshall and St. Cloud before moving to the highly-rated KFAN-FM 100.3 in the Twin Cities. While there, he produced the popular mid-morning show hosted by Minnesota Vikings play-by-play announcer Paul Allen. His time in radio laid the groundwork for his transition to sports writing in 2011. He covers the Vikings, Timberwolves, Gophers and Twins for On SI.

Oct 23, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison (3) reacts after making a touchdown during the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

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Who knows what might've been had the Vikings not been hit so hard by injuries in the first eight quarters of the season.

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) stiff-arms Green Bay Packers linebacker Ty'Ron Hopper (59) after a seven yard run during the first quarter of their game Sunday, January 4, 2026 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

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J.J. McCarthy's Week 18 game check will be lighter than usual after the NFL fined him for an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty against the Green Bay Packers.

Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson (87) celebrates a touchdown against Detroit Lions during the first half at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, November 2, 2025.

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At an estimated $46 million over the 2026 NFL salary cap, the Minnesota Vikings have major roster decisions to make before free agency opens in March.

Jun 10, 2025; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores watches practices during minicamp at the Minnesota Vikings Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

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According to multiple reports, the Baltimore Ravens have requested to interview Flores for their head coaching job, and Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer is reporting that the interview will take place next week.

Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores.

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Could Brian Flores leave the Vikings due to behind-the-scenes drama?

August 9, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; Denver Broncos wide receiver Joaquin Davis (80) before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

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Roster construction for the 2026 season is already underway as the Minnesota Vikings have signed eight players to reserve/future contracts, just one day after the regular season ended with a 16-3 victory over the Green Bay Packers.

Dec 14, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) celebrates after a touchdown during the first half against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

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As the Vikings prepare to close the season, their murky QB situation has set the stage for another dramatic offseason.

Oregon quarterback Dante Moore throws a pass as the Oregon Ducks take on the Texas Tech Red Raiders in the Orange Bowl on Jan. 1, 2026, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida.

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In a world of hypotheticals, one that stands out in 2026 is whether the Minnesota Vikings would be better off with J.J. McCarthy or any of the top quarterbacks who might be entering the upcoming NFL Draft.

Dec 21, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) drops back to pass against the New York Giants during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

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McCarthy appears destined to start at quarterback after logging practice as a full participant on Thursday. That's an improvement after he was listed as a limited participant on Wednesday.

[US, Mexico, & Canada customers only] Sep 28, 2025; Dublin, IRELAND; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers reacts after playing against the Minnesota Vikings in a NFL International Series game at Croke Park. Mandatory Credit: Clodagh Kilcoyne/Reuters via Imagn Images

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Barring some sort of situation where Aaron Rodgers is wearing purple and gold in 2026, Minnesota Vikings fans and head coach Kevin O'Connell may forever regret not signing Rodgers when they had the chance.

Dec 14, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) throws a pass against the Cincinnati Bengals in the first half at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

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Whether it's Kyler Murray, Joe Burrow, Aaron Rodgers, or now Lamar Jackson, the Minnesota Vikings' unstable quarterback situation in 2025 has set the tone for what could be another offseason filled with rumors and drama.

Dec 25, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; A general view inside the stadium during player introductions before the game between the Minnesota Vikings and the Detroit Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

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If the playoff format this season were based on top records, the Vikings would be playing for a spot in the postseason against Green Bay on Sunday.

Joe Nelson

Joined: Jun 1, 2024

Jordan Addison's legal team 'confident' he'll be 'exonerated' after arrest

Vikings GM admits mistakes on Daniel Jones; J.J. McCarthy drafted on 'incomplete information'

Vikings' Jordan Addison arrested in Florida for probable cause trespassing

The complicated end to Adam Thielen's career left no storybook goodbye

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The moment everything unraveled for the 2025-26 Vikings

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NFL fine punctuates a season of maturity questions for J.J. McCarthy

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Four cuts the Vikings can make to save $44 million against the 2026 salary cap

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Brian Flores' possible Vikings exit takes another step with Ravens' interest

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Could Brian Flores leave the Vikings due to behind-the-scenes drama?

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Do any of the 8 players the Vikings signed to future contracts have a shot?

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Vikings will reportedly 'explore established options' at quarterback

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How many QBs in the 2026 draft would the Vikings prefer over J.J. McCarthy?

J.J. McCarthy logs full practice, but Vikings' injury report filled with key players

Will the Vikings get another chance after missing the Aaron Rodgers boat?

How realistic are the Lamar Jackson-Vikings rumors?

Vikings are once again victims of the NFL's flawed playoff format