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.

Nov 25, 2018; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Former Minnesota Vikings Randy Moss accepts his hall of fame induction ring at halftime in a game against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

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It's never a good sign when a reputable insider compares J.J. McCarthy and the Vikings with dating partners who start seeing other people.

Dec 21, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA;Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) runs out of the tunnel before playing against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images

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It's never safe to fully commit to a rumor, but when multiple reputable NFL insiders are connecting the Minnesota Vikings to the same two soon-to-be free agent quarterbacks, it's wise to take it seriously.

Feb 27, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Nebraska running back Emmett Johnson (RB10) speaks to members of the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images

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Among the prayers the Vikings need answered this offseason is finding an explosive running back, and as fate might have it, they may be in position to draft a young man who grew up in Minneapolis and attended Academy of Holy Angels in nearby Richfield.

Nov 24, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) shakes hands with Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) following a Seahawks at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images

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Nobody is screaming "the Vikings aren't anywhere close to moving on from J.J. McCarthy!" louder than NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) walks off the field after their 23-20 loss to the Seattle Seahawks at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Sept. 25, 2025.

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As we continue seeking clarity about the direction the Vikings are going at quarterback this offseason, two prominent reporters seem to agree that Minnesota is looking at a second-tier quarterback to push J.J. McCarthy in a true competition.

Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah speaks to reporters at Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center.

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Kwesi Adofo-Mensah was fired 26 days after the season ended, and one of the league's top insiders has planted a flag on the reason he was dismissed.

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Can we reduce the chance of J.J. McCarthy being the Vikings' Week 1 starter in 2026 to about 10 percent? Based on a conversation between respected beat reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, that might be too high.

Jan 12, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) warms up before an AFC Wild Card Round game against the Houston Texans at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

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With a mid-March decision looming, Adam Schefter floated the Vikings as an “interesting” possibility for Rodgers, adding fuel to mounting offseason buzz.

Feb 28, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo Mensah speaks to the press at the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

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Less than a month after being fired, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has landed on his feet with the 49ers. Meanwhile, Kevin OConnell and Rob Brzezinski are turning over every stone to find a QB.

Feb 24, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; NFL Scouting Combine banners at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

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With the NFL Scouting Combine underway, all eyes are on what the Minnesota Vikings will do at the quarterback position — but that's only one area of focus for the purple and gold in Indianapolis.

Nov 2, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell speaks with Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) in the first quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images

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When the Bills whiffed on E.J. Manuel, they eventually set a winning plan into motion ahead of the 2018 NFL Draft. Minnesota should mimic that strategy.

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Rondale Moore during 2025 training camp.

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Tragedy has struck the Minnesota Vikings with news breaking Saturday night that wide receiver Rondale Moore has died at 25 years old. His cause of death is under investigation.

Joe Nelson

Joined: Jun 1, 2024

Randy Moss Says He'd Return to NFL for the 'Right Opportunity'

Aaron Rodgers Awaiting Free Agency Could Complicate Vikings' QB Decision

Why Signing Kyler Murray Likely Means J.J. McCarthy is Done in Minnesota

What a Realistic Vikings Supporting Cast Looks Like with Kyler Murray

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Another Insider Suggests Vikings, J.J. McCarthy Breakup Is Brewing

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Vikings QB Rumors Gaining Momentum as Calendar Flips to March

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Emmett Johnson Compares Himself to Great RBs, Would Love Vikings to Bring Him Home

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J.J. McCarthy Could Compete with Kyler Murray or Geno Smith, Pelissero Says

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Insiders Link Vikings to Veteran QBs Who'd Push McCarthy

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Report: Choosing McCarthy Over Darnold, Rodgers Led to Vikings GM's Firing

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NFL Combine Buzz Suggests J.J. McCarthy May Already Be Out as Vikings' 2026 Starter

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Schefter's 'Interesting' Comment Adds to Growing List of Rodgers-Vikings Speculation

Kwesi Lands 49ers Job as Vikings Leaders Praise Him, Address QB Plan

7 Combine Questions That Will Shape the Vikings' NFL Draft Board

Vikings Must Stockpile Draft Picks, Not Trade Them, in Crucial QB Decision

Vikings Wide Receiver Rondale Moore Dead at 25