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.

Dec 14, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Minnesota Vikings place kicker Will Reichard (16) celebrates with fans after a game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

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Kwesi Adofo-Mensah acknowledged missteps in Daniel Jones’ free agency and said the Vikings gave J.J. McCarthy QB1 with limited information, leaving the door open for quarterback competition.

Jordan Addison's booking photo at the Hillsborough County Jail in Tampa, Florida.

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Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison was arrested and booked into a Florida jail on Monday.

Dec 28, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Adam Thielen (16) runs with the ball after a catch in the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images

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Thielen played for the Panthers, Vikings, and Steelers in his final season. What he missed out on was overshadowed by a chance to play.

Sep 14, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) runs the ball during the second half against the Atlanta Falcons at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-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.

Joe Nelson

Joined: Jun 1, 2024

Baby-faced Vikings kicker Will Reichard has trouble getting past NFL security

Insider can’t find anyone willing to say Vikings won't chase a superstar QB

Police say Jordan Addison 'repeatedly' had to be asked to leave casino restaurant

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

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

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Vikings' Jordan Addison arrested in Florida for probable cause trespassing

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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?

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

Vikings will reportedly 'explore established options' at quarterback

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