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Vikings Cutting QB J.J. McCarthy Today? Fuhgeddaboudit

Posted on August 30, 2026August 30, 2026 by David Shama

Enjoy a Sunday notes column.

NFL rosters must be reduced to 53 men tonight (Sunday) by 5 p.m. Minneapolis time. Any speculation the Vikings will cut disappointing third year quarterback J.J. McCarthy from their roster is ludicrous.

McCarthy, who has won six regular-season games as the team’s starter and lost the No. 1 job to Kyler Murray in training camp this summer, could be traded over the weekend or later. Dismiss any speculation, though, the Vikings will give him up for a late round future draft choice, or cut him for the roster with nothing in return.

J.J. McCarthy, Vikings QB, image by David Shama — J.J. McCarthy

The likely scenario is the Vikings won’t receive trade offers that entice them, and it makes sense that decision makers Kevin O’Connell (head coach) and Nolan Teasley (general manager) aren’t giving up so soon on Minnesota’s 2024 first round draft choice. Even if the 23-year-old is going to be replaced for now by Carson Wentz as backup quarterback, it doesn’t mean McCarthy can’t follow a path where he emerges as at least a serviceable NFL starter.

Other predictions about today’s cutdown include a nod here to rookie Brett Thorson winning the punting job from veteran Johnny Hekker, and linebacker Ivan Pace and offensive tackle Walter Rouse, both veterans, being cut. Bubble RB Zavier Scott makes the team but second-year former Golden Gopher QB Max Brosmer does not.

It wouldn’t be surprising at all to see the Vikings add a player or two from the Seahawks roster after they make their cuts, partly because Teasley, as a former Seattle executive, worked for the organization for 13 seasons.

Promising Vikings rookie defensive lineman Domonique Orange has potential to have one of the better nicknames in franchise history. Known as “Big Citrus,” he is listed by the team at 6-2 and 322 pounds. If he becomes a mainstay his handle can be up there with “Harry the Hitman” (Harrison Smith), “All Day” Adrian Peterson, Randy “The Freak” Moss, and “Benchwarmer” Bob Lurtsema.

BTW, a source said word inside the Vikings organization is that it’s “highly doubtful” the 37-year-old Smith decides to play another season.

Former Twins general manager Thad Levine talks weekly with prominent sports newsmakers on his podcast Rosters to Rings. It’s the kind of in-depth content you’d expect from the cerebral Levine.

The presumptive sale of the Los Angeles Lakers for $12.5 billion this summer is a startling contrast to the historical purchase prices of the NBA franchise, per A.I. The Detroit Gems were purchased for $15,000 and moved to Minneapolis in 1947. Bob Short bought the club for $150,000 in 1957, moved the team to L.A. in 1960 and sold it for about $5 million in 1965.

With the addition of 23-year-old power forward Jonathan Kuminga, the Timberwolves now have a starting lineup that averages a youthful 26.4 years. Point guard LaMelo Ball, shooting guard Anthony Edwards and small forward Jaden McDaniels are all 25, and center Rudy Gobert is 34. Remove Gobert, and the Wolves have a foursome averaging 24.5 years.

With that youth, the Wolves may be positioned for a long time to compete against two other dominant and youthful teams in the Spurs and Thunder. Those franchises are wagering favorites to win the 2027 NBA title with the Wolves a top 10 bet.

Possibility that the NHL will add an expansion team in Texas (Houston or Austin) could prompt speculation the new team will play in the Western Conference’s Central Division and allow the Wild to join a less competitive division. Minnesota might jump at the chance to escape the Avalanche and Stars.

A big storyline to follow when the Wild heads into training camp and preseason next month will be who establishes himself as the team’s No. 1 goalie. Filip Gustavsson, 28, has the edge in experience but the NHL Network recently gave Jesper Wallstedt, 23, the No. 9 spot on its list of top 10 league goalies.

The Avalanche’s Cale Makar’s new contract extension is expected to prompt a new deal for the Wild’s Quinn Hughes. It’s believed the Hughes camp has been waiting for the Makar signing to set the market for defensemen as they are two of the best in the world.

Makar’s new compensation is reportedly at $20. 4 million in annual average value. Hughes may become the Wild’s highest compensated player, exceeding the $17 million annual average value reported deal of teammate Kirill Kaprizov.

Fordy Leipold, son of Craig Leipold, is director of marketing of his dad’s new Minnesota Forge pro volleyball team based in St. Paul.

New gameday food items will be available at Huntington Bank Stadium for Golden Gophers football and include Papa Pete’s Mini Donuts (Section 121), Cold Stone Creamery (Sections 131, 121), Sushi Flip Pops (Section 143), Salads & Sides (Section 127) and Original Fried Chicken Tenders in the West Plaza. Mini Sloppy Joe’s will be featured at the Game Day Cart (Section 143).

New Spam-inspired offerings include Spam Corn Dogs at Curds & Cakes (Section 123), the Spam Stadium Dog at the Sizzle Stand (Section 135) and Spam Fries in Club Cambria. Dominos Pizza, BBQ Cabin, Maui Wowi, Minnesota’s Original Brat Dog, The Lotus Vietnamese and Parlour Burger locations return this season. Proceeds from Parlour Burger benefit Dinkytown Athletes.

Gophers starting center Ashton Beers attended a media gathering for food sampling at the stadium. Asked what’s the best food option in small town Slinger, Wisconsin, he replied: “Culver’s.”

Linemate Tony Nelson, the right guard who was raised on a family farm near Tracy, got married recently to Amber Findlay.

University of Minnesota athletics lost two extraordinary boosters with the deaths this summer of Kay McReavy and Lee Sundet, both of whom passed away in their 90s. Condolences to friends and family.

Probably safe to say there will be more than a little grumbling among Gopher football fans that want to watch the opener in their homes Thursday night against Eastern Illinois; they need the Peacock platform.

The Gophers are the only Big Ten football program returning their head coach, offensive and defensive coordinators, and starting quarterback.

Pickle ball sources say former Gopher basketball player Andre Hollins, 2011-2015, is outstanding at the game.

No details announced yet, but big names are expected for signings at the Minnesota Card Show September 17-20 at the St. Paul RiverCentre. Over 600 vendor tables will feature sports cards and other memorabilia.

Quarterback Anthony Policare, the first- year starter who threw the winning touchdown pass in the last minute of the St. Thomas 15-9 season opening win against Winona State last week, is a transfer from Buffalo University where he spent three years.

A certain online sports columnist celebrates 20 years this month!

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Wild Owner: Tone of Hughes Contract Talks ‘Very Positive’

Posted on July 18, 2026July 18, 2026 by David Shama

Last season the Minnesota Wild played like a team that could compete with the best clubs in the NHL. The Wild isn’t a heavy favorite (Hurricanes and Avs) to win the Stanley Cup next year, but Minnesota is keeping company with the top six or so NHL elites.

The Wild’s “window” for the next few seasons looks like the best in franchise history. To keep the “windowpane” clear, the Wild need to retain Quinn Hughes whose contract expires next July.

Wild owner Craig Leipold spoke with Sports Headliners earlier this week and said talks between Hughes’ agent and Wild general manager Bill Guerin began a couple of weeks ago.

“We’re making progress,” Leipold said. “I don’t think there’s anything imminent, but we all know we want to sign him, and we believe he wants to stay here. So, I feel good that there’s going to be a resolution and hopefully he’ll be happy and we’ll be happy but…until it’s done you never know.”

What’s the tone of the conversations?

“Positive. Very positive,” Leipold said. “I mean we are not discouraged at all with the way the conversation has gone. We feel like he wants to play here. He has said that. He liked it here. He likes our team. I mean everybody on the team loves him.

“I really do feel like we’re going to get something done. It’s just a question of how many years will it be. And that will probably be really up to Quinn. How long does he want to stay here?”

Substance of the talks?

“They haven’t really homed in on anything,” Leipold said. “So, I’ve kind of asked the same question of Billy and it’s like: You know, we’re just everything is a brainstorm right now. …Is it eight years? If it’s five years. If it’s three years. So, until they lock into the length of the contract and the amount, Billy and the agent are still talking.”

The 26-year-old Orlando, Florida born Hughes is among the best defensemen in the NHL. His next contract could be a three-year deal at $16 to $18 million average annual value (salary and bonuses). That could move him ahead of Wild superstar forward Kirill Kaprizov’s reported $17 million.

For years the Wild has been searching for a star centerman who could further increase the team’s chances of bringing the Stanley Cup to Minnesota. Leipold said the commitment is ongoing.

Wild owner Craig Leipold — Craig Leipold

“Absolutely. We have recognized for 10 years that a No. 1 centerman is what we need and we’ve needed it for a long time. We have such a great team and to get a No. 1 centerman is very hard to do and usually you have to draft that person. So, we’d love to fill that position. It would be an important move on our team if we could.”

Red Wings standout center Dylan Larkin wants out in Detroit. He is 29, has a favorable contract at a reported $8.7 million annually and his name has been linked to Minnesota.

“We really can’t comment on it because he’s under contract,” Leipold said. “And honestly, I really know (only) what’s happening based on what I read in the newspaper. I am sure Billy has been talking to (outgoing Detroit boss) Steve Yzerman, but we don’t really discuss that. …He’s under contract and we need to respect that.”

Guerin isn’t reluctant to trade as he’s shown in the past, including the deal that brought Hughes from the Canucks to Minnesota last December. Who might be considered untouchable on the Wild roster regarding a trade?

“Billy and I have never had that conversation,” Leipold answered. “But I could bet…if I were to ask Billy, I think he and I would probably be in agreement with who they would be. Your next question would be, well, who would that be and I wouldn’t answer that.”

Whatever happens this offseason, Wild fans are eager to see more of their team. Leipold said about 95 percent of season tickets have been renewed, right in line with the best percentages in franchise history dating back to the 2000-2001 season. The recent renewal happened even though there was, Leipold said, an increase in all ticket price categories.

Asked about a summer message to fans, the owner said: “…We’re working hard to not just be better but to be elite. That is our goal. We have a really, really great core of players. And as good as the players we have, we want to get better, and if we do get better than we are today, then that makes us an elite team if we can do that. And that’s what we’re trying to do.”

Leipold purchased a minority stake in the Twins last year. Does he see that expanding?

“I don’t see it right now. I am having a lot of fun in the investment that I have right now—which we’re not publicizing what the investment is, or how much it is.

“But I’ve been to six games. We need more people out there.

“This (team) depth is so exciting right now. It’s fun to go to the games. They’re fast, they’re two hours and 35 minutes on average…about the same as a hockey game. It moves quickly. So, the rule changes they have had, I think have been very positively received.

“But I am really enjoying the experience with (the Pohlad family Twins leader) Tom Pohlad, and what the Twins are doing, and I am excited about baseball. I think it’s a good sport right now to be involved in from an investment standpoint.”

Does Leipold rule out acquiring more of the baseball franchise in the future?

“I wouldn’t rule out anything. We all want to see how the collective bargaining agreement turns out (current agreement ends December 1).”

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Kyler Murray Mystery Maybe Decided Prior to Training Camp

Posted on May 16, 2026May 16, 2026 by David Shama

There is no off-season for Vikings fans. Speculation swirls now on who the Vikings starting quarterback will be in 2026. And when will that be known.

J.J. McCarthy’s disappointing 2025 season and the acquisition in March of Kyler Murray has caused a buzz from Vikings fans. Head coach Kevin O’Connell is on record as wanting competition for the starting job, but it seems reasonable that before Murray signed on as a free agent he was assured of a sold (or better than that) opportunity to be No.1.

After all, the 28-year-old Murray is a seven seasons NFL veteran, while the 23-year-old McCarthy’s pro experience totals one season. Although the Cardinals gave up on Murray, his resume and profile instill optimism among those who want to feel it. In 2019 he was the Pro Football Offensive Rookie of the Year. Twice in his career he was a Pro Bowler.

As the Vikings go through meetings and on field practices prior to the start of training camp (expected in late July) it’s certain O’Connell will learn a lot about what he has in Murray who has underwhelmed as a pro with inconsistent play and injuries.

The coach will see how quickly and effectively his new quarterback picks up the complex Viking offense. That’s no small adjustment for a quarterback who drew past criticism for his study habits with the Cardinals.

Murray will also need to learn how to play more under center than in Arizona where he was in the shotgun formation. O’Connell likes to use his quarterback under center at times to promote play-action as part of his West Coast offense.

That’s not to suggest the head coach and quarterback whisperer won’t tailor some of the offense around his new player. Listed at 5-10 and 207 pounds, Murray has quickness of foot and running ability that can bedevil opponents. Murray will need to show he can become adept with whatever new offensive wrinkles are put in place.

Before training camp there will be minicamp next month where O’Connell will evaluate how the former Oklahoma Sooner quarterback performs with his receivers. That list of pass catchers, of course, includes superstar WR Justin Jefferson who seems to have the head coach’s “ear.”

Then, too, there will be an awareness by O’Connell and his coaches about how Murray is fitting in with his teammates. Does he have rapport with them? Is he emerging as a team leader?

It will be much clearer to the Vikings staff, even before spring turns to summer, what they have in Murray who has a career passing rating of 92.2 which is in the average range. Four times in his career he has thrown for over 3,500 yards. In 2,941 passing attempts he has totaled 121 TD passes with 60 interceptions.

O’Connell may well have a good handle in the next few weeks whether Murray will be his guy and build on his stats and resume in 2026.

Worth Noting

Anthony Edwards after his Timberwolves lost their playoff series in six games to the Spurs: “I mean, I just tip my hat to them. They were just a better team.”

In the 139-109 loss last night to the Spurs at Target Center, Edwards scored a team-high 24 points and had three steals. The 24-year-old’s 17 career playoff games with 20-plus points and 2-plus steals are the fifth most in NBA Playoff history by a player before the age of 25.

The Spurs had a 60-29 rebounding advantage in the blowout win.

Despite losing an overtime series ending game on Wednesday night, Wild fans can be elated about the team’s future. Minnesota lost a 3-1 lead with less than four minutes remaining in regulation against the Avs who went on to win 4-3 in OT in Game 5 of their Stanley Cup second round playoff match up.

Wild star forward Kirill Kaprizove — Kirill Kaprizov

The Wild’s roster is the most talented in franchise history. A quality center and better defensive depth are needed but there’s a lot to like including rookie goalie Jesper Wallstedt, and a pair of superstars in forward Kirill Kaprizov and defenseman Quinn Hughes (who ownership is determined to re-sign). This team is among the best in the NHL and a championship window is in place for several years.

The Wild lost to a team that is likely the best in the NHL. A Minnesota nemesis was Avs superstar forward Nathan MacKinnon. He scored the tying goal sending the game into overtime and it was a shot most mortals can’t make.

The Wild can enjoy advancing to the second round for the first time since 2015, defeating a Stars team that is outstanding and delivering a competitive series with the Avs.

Look for the University of Minnesota, including athletic director Mark Coyle and head football coach P.J. Fleck, to make a reasonable and fair decision regarding Drake Lindsey after things are sorted out with the starting quarterback’s reported recent arrest in Arkansas for underage drinking and possessing fake identification. Lindsey, BTW, turns 21 on August 5.

FOX 9 sports reporter and anchor Dawn Mitchell will have a feature on Minnesota sports icon Dick Jonckowski Tuesday with the segment scheduled to air about 10:15 p.m.

Ross Bernstein, the Minnesota-based sports author and nationally sought public speaker, announced good news on LinkedIn earlier this week. He recently had his last chemotherapy treatment and is upbeat about not having a cancer recurrence. He’s been through a 10-month ordeal after doctors discovered tennis ball size tumors in his colon and liver. In college he wanted to play for the hockey Gophers, but when that didn’t work, he became the team’s mascot, Goldy Gopher.

The Capital Club breakfast group will hear about “The Booming Business of Golf” on Wednesday, May 27 at Mendakota Country Club. The sport is experiencing a resurgence locally and nationally. Golf experts Laura Frick, Championship Director KMPG Women’s PGA Championship, Jon Mays, Executive Director Minnesota Golf Association; and Jennifer Hines, Assistant Tournament Director 3M Open, will discuss the trend. For more information, contact Patrick Klinger, patrick@agilemarketingco.com.

Longtime Creative Charters owner Steve Erban has been flying Golden Gophers fans to games for decades. He’s more than impressed with Niko Medved, who took over as men’s basketball coach about 14 months ago. He’s predicting 14 Minnesota wins on the 20-game regular season schedule for 2026-2027!

The company that started in 1993 will offer its first fan trip to see the football Gophers play Washington in Seattle on September 26. The trip has a lot to offer including a three-hour gameday “Sailgate” on the Spirit of Seattle, with the boat docking near Husky Stadium. The Gophers and Huskies haven’t played each other since 1977.

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