Concerns about 22-year-old J.J. McCarthy and whether he can pull his weight this fall in his first year as an NFL starting quarterback won’t be answered until at least after the first several games of the regular season. Even if he delivers, injuries could sideline him from leading an offense that is a vital part of a Minnesota Super Bowl contender.
Doubts are present now and could increase about whether newly acquired 24-year-old Sam Howell can be a quality replacement for McCarthy if needed. Before completing a deal with the Seahawks for Howell in April, the Vikings reportedly had conversations with 36-year-old Ryan Tannehill who sat out last season but is a former Pro Bowler.
A former front office executive with NFL clubs, speaking on condition of anonymity, offered perspective on Howell and Tannehill. “I thought they’d sign Tannehill who is more accomplished than Howell, but there’s a big cap savings as Howell costs $1.1 million this season. And Tannehill would’ve been at least at the $10 million they paid (Sam) Darnold last year.
“And they can perhaps put this cap savings toward re-signing Stephon Gilmore or another quality corner which would help the corner situation that wasn’t addressed in the draft, or a good vet safety to compete with Theo Jackson, with Cam Bynum gone.
“Howell at least is a decent and somewhat experienced QB with 18 starts in Washington in two years (2022-2023). In 2023 (17 starts) he threw 21 TD passes but also led the league with 21 interceptions. Also had five rushing TDs that season so he can run a bit.
“Kevin O’Connell will coach up Howell to be more careful with his throws. They only invested a swap of fifth round spots to get Howell so if he doesn’t perform well enough in training camp and preseason games, or if McCarthy gets re-injured or isn’t where they want him to be, they could still try to sign Tannehill during training camp or in regular season.”
Tannehill expressed desire last season to play for an NFL team but was selective about the opportunity that he would welcome. The Vikings, during the summer or season, with their loaded roster and superb coaching, might well be of interest to the veteran who last played for the Titans. But Minnesota could also need to be convinced he is the right guy to ride in on the white horse wearing a white hat.
It’s believed Aaron Rodgers and Kirk Cousins like horses, too.
Worth Noting
The prediction here is the Timberwolves will win their best of seven Western Conference semifinal playoff series against the Warriors in six games. The Wolves have more length, depth and a better blend of youth and experience. The Warriors are uber dependent on Steph Curry, 37, and 35-year-olds Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green.
Warrior fans should jump off the Golden Gate Bridge if any of three are injured and sidelined in the series that begins tomorrow night at Target Center.
The Wild need to extend star forward Kirill Kaprizov’s contract this offseason or the next. How important is the assignment?
“Oh (blank),” Lou Nanne told Sports Headliners. “It’s the franchise. How important is it to be in the league?”
The team’s offseason to-do list should also include adding two or three quality forwards, Nanne said. He believes the roster has a good core but can improve with help at the wing and center spots. The defense can get a boost too if young defenders David Jiricek and Zeev Buium come through, he added.
Nanne, the state of Minnesota hockey legend who turns 84 next month, predicts the Panthers and Stars will play in the 2025 Stanley Cup finals. The healthier team will win, he believes. “It should be a big series between those two, I would think.”
No doubt Twins fans are frustrated after last season’s 12-27 finish to the schedule and this year’s 15-20 start. Dave Mona, for example, posted this on Facebook recently: “I’ve been a Twins fan since they moved here in 1961, but it’s getting harder and harder. (Edouardo) Julien is a liability at second base. (Jorge) Alcala is (a) disaster in the bullpen. The offense is loaded with guys who can’t hit. …Their best prospects can’t seem to recover from sprained ankles and pulled hamstrings. Hard to watch.”
Don’t be surprised if the Vikings and the Minnesota Sports and Events group bring the NFL Draft to Minneapolis for the first time ever, perhaps in 2029. The host cities have been announced for the next two drafts, Pittsburgh in 2026 and Washington D.C. in 2027. The draft drew a record breaking 775,000 fans in Detroit about a year ago.
Congratulations to Sam Bruggers from Champlin Park for his film work on winning the annual Bob Marcus Award from the Football Film Federation. High school football film is a backbone of success for prep programs. The Marcus award is named after the successful former Gopher and Viking video expert.
Was Sam Bruggers related to Bob Bruggers, the former Danube HS/Gophers (football)?
I watched Danube/Bruggers play in the first MHHSL state basketball tourney I attended (1961).
Have been unable to confirm if Bob and Sam are related.