For the first time, I used Chat GPT....I know, we're late to the party. 

In this case, to address questions my wife and I have while dealing with Covid and taking Paxlovid over the holidays. 

To say the interaction was deep would be an understatement. The perspectives, the follow-up questions it suggested and answered back with? I have never experienced something like that. At least with a software/computer/screen.

Its way beyond google on steroids. I am both impressed as hell and terrified...

Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s haters just got handed a fresh talking point
Story by Adam Patrick • 2h •


Despite the fact that the Minnesota Vikings just rewarded Kwesi Adofo-Mensah with a contract extension earlier this year, some would still like the team to move on from their current general manager after the 2025 season.

One of the biggest reasons why some Vikings fans are unhappy with Adofo-Mensah as the team's general manager has to do with the poor track record he's had with the selections he's made in the NFL Draft.

Well, the Minnesota general manager's critics are only about to get louder after zero members of the team's 2025 rookie class were among those selected by ESPN as part of their 2025 NFL All-Rookie Team.

Sure, people are probably just standing in shock that Vikings rookie quarterback Max Brosmer wasn't one of the players selected, but finishing with three net passing yards in a game doesn't actually take as much talent to do as one might assume.

Drafting well continues to be the Kryptonite of Minnesota Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah
Minnesota only made five picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, but it's still disappointing that none of them were selected to ESPN's All-Rookie Team.

Of the five players the Vikings drafted in 2025, an argument could definitely be made for rookie left guard Donovan Jackson. Instead of Jackson, ESPN selected Grey Zabel of the Seattle Seahawks as the left guard on its All-Rookie First Team and Cincinnati Bengals rookie left guard Dylan Fairchild on their All-Rookie Second Team.

Compared to Zabel and Fairchild this season, Jackson has a higher PFF offensive grade, run-blocking grade, and pass-blocking grade than Zabel and a higher run-blocking grade than Fairchild. So, if anything, it could be argued that Minnesota's rookie left guard has played as well in 2025, if not better, than Zabel.

Despite Jackson's solid performance, the rest of the Vikings' 2025 rookie class has left plenty to be desired this season.

Minnesota rookie wide receiver Tai Felton (third-round pick, 102nd overall) has been mostly a gunner on special teams this year, as he only has three catches for 25 yards in 16 appearances.

Vikings rookie defensive lineman Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins (fifth-round pick, 139th overall) has had some notable moments, but he's only appeared in 28 percent of the defense's snaps this season.

Those are the only three players from Minnesota's 2025 draft class that have even appeared in at least one matchup this season, as neither of the team's two selections in the sixth round, linebacker Kobe King and tight end Gavin Bartholomew, have been on the field for a single snap this year.

It's fair to believe that Jackson got snubbed from ESPN's 2025 All-Rookie Team, but it's also fair to believe that Adofo-Mensah didn't deliver, once again, with the majority of the Vikings' draft picks he made earlier this year.

This article was originally published on thevikingage.com as Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s haters just got handed a fresh talking point.


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The Viking Age

RUMORS: Lamar Jackson to Minnesota?

According to Mike Sando (@TheAthletic), a prominent NFL agent said: “The biggest story of the offseason is going to be Lamar. That is going to be crazy.”

The agent specifically mentioned the Minnesota Vikings as an “under-the-radar” destination. The Vikings would send JJ McCarthy to the Ravens as part of the deal.

“Jackson on artificial turf, in a dome? Look out.
McCarthy with a Harbaugh? Worked well at Michigan, where his coach was Jim, not John.”

There are similarities between the Luka Doncic situation and Lamar Jackson: “The Mavericks were complaining about Luka's toughness, taking care of his body, work ethic. Luka gets moved, he loses all that weight, he gets in great shape and he's got a new lease on life. Lamar might be the same.”

https://twitter.com/vikesinsider/status/...66557?s=20

...

Of course it probably won't happen and Lamar is probably just going to get more money from the Ravens, but there are parts of it that make sense. I do think the Vikings will kick the tires on a clear QB upgrade before they go after guys like Mac Jones, Jameis. McCarthy has shown enough to me that if healthy, we can go places with him. Some fans will disagree but I think the team believes they can win with him too.

But if they can make a clear upgrade-- Jackson, Burrow, I had thrown out Lawrence but he's probably out now-- I think the Vikings would be aggressive in pursuing it. Maybe even the most aggressive, to the point where they do pull off a blockbuster. The pieces just seem to be in place with the roster, the coaching, and maybe most importantly: The GM who can't afford to flub the QB spot next year OR another slew of bad draft picks. Trading the farm for a QB kills two birds with one stone for said GM. Am I crazy?

SI LINK

And this is probably stating the obvious, but.....if Minnesota does not get another 'substantial' QB into Minnesota this offseason, and trust me, there'll be a few decent vets available via trade or even a guy like Malik Willis, the staff has seen enough of JJM to feel strongly about his ability to improve in 2026 and beyond. They've seen the warts, the inconsistency, etc. and even more internally to know better than fans do. KOC has been through the ringer this season with QB injuries and injuries overall and I can't see him NOT doing something if felt seriously concerned. No way the passing offense will look like it looked this season next year, whether thats with JJM starting or another QB. 

Fans can agree or not, get upset about doing nothing but pushing forward with JJM, but the actions will speak for what the org. believes in. If they want to go into another direction OR have a REAL QB competition in '26, they'll be able to do it. If they don't, its a massive statement in their belief of McCarthy. Pretty simple. This is basically the careers in Minnesota of both KOC and KAM hanging in the balance....so the action or inaction will be quite loud. Everyone knows my opinion and how I feel about McCarthy, so I won't belabor it other than to say I expect JJM to look much better next season. JMO. But if they make a loud action contrary to continuing unencumbered with him, then we'll have our answer as fans.

Happy New Year, everyone! One of these days......

The Vikings lost a member of their defensive staff before the season’s conclusion.

Safeties coach Michael Hutchings was announced as the University of California, Berkeley’s new defensive coordinator Dec. 26, the day after the Vikings defense forced six turnovers in their win over Detroit.

Hutchings, 30, was in his third year with the Vikings and second as safeties coach. He had started as an assistant defensive backs coach in 2023.

“That’s a great accomplishment for him,” defensive coordinator Brian Flores said Dec. 30. “I’m gonna go off on a tangent here, but three years ago when we met Mike — Hutch, as we call him — it was pretty easy to see this guy, he’s going places, as some would say. I would call him a rising star in this league, in college and NFL."

Hutchings will join new Cal head coach Tosh Lupoi’s staff. Lupoi is a defensive coach, most recently serving as defensive coordinator at Oregon under Dan Lanning.

The Vikings defense catapulted back to just inside the NFL’s top 10 in turnovers this season with a standout performance against the Lions. Safeties Harrison Smith and Josh Metellus are tied with cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. to lead the group in interceptions this season with two apiece.

In 2024, Hutchings coached Cal alum Cam Bynum to a season that netted him a four-year, $60 million deal with Indianapolis during free agency. Bynum has built on his three interceptions last season with a career-best four for the Colts this season.

Before joining the Vikings staff, Hutchings coached in defensive position and analyst roles at Western Kentucky (2022), Oregon (2021) and USC (2018-20). Hutchings is a USC alum and played linebacker for the Trojans.

Members of the Vikings defensive staff, including Flores, have been targeted in recent hiring cycles because of the success the group has created.

Flores interviewed for three head coaching positions after the 2024 season. Defensive backs coach and passing game coordinator Daronte Jones talked with at least two teams about coordinator jobs in that same cycle.

Flores said he believes multiple staffers are future coordinators, including Jones and inside linebackers coach Mike Siravo.

“I know a lot of people kind of think it’s all me,” Flores said. “It certainly isn’t. Those guys, they put a lot of work in. I tell ‘em all the time: I don’t care where a good idea comes from. They present them, and we go out there and coach it and the players execute it. I can’t give those guys enough credit.”

Daniels believes dynamic kickoff will stick

Vikings special teams coordinator Matt Daniels said he believes the NFL’s updated dynamic kickoff rules implemented this season are “for sure here to stay.”

“If you kind of look at the numbers, what the play has done in terms of adding more plays from a special teams standpoint, how it’s been able to change games in a positive and negative way as well,” Daniels said. “I think it’s really exactly what the league wants.”

The new rule requires a kicked ball to fall in a “landing zone” between the goal line and 20-yard line. Otherwise, it’s a touchback to the 35-yard line.

Through Week 14, 77.3% of kickoffs leaguewide were returned, an increase of over two times compared with last season’s total.

The Vikings have returned 66 kickoffs this year, with undrafted rookie Myles Price doing the majority of that work. The team had only 14 returns in 2024.

Daniels said he expects there to be some dissection of how the rule change has affected injury numbers — specifically concussions and ligament tears — though the increase in plays because of the rule inherently means more injuries.

Price suffered a season-ending ankle injury on the opening kick return against the Lions on Dec. 25. Daniels said he initially feared it was a knee ligament or Achilles tear.

Overall, though, Daniels said he’s happy with how the rule has changed special teams play. Next, he said, he wants to see it implemented at the college level to add some action there, too.

“It’s kind of starting to get a little boring,” Daniels said. “When you get into the offseason and you’re watching college football and it’s a fair catch happening at the 7-yard line, it’s just really odd.”

Strib

Kevin Williams is a Pro Football Hall of Fame finalist.

Finally.

One of only five eligible players in NFL history with an All-Decade honor and five first-team All-Pro selections who is not in the Hall of Fame, Williams is among the 15 modern-era finalists that will be considered for the Class of 2026, the Hall announced Dec. 30.

“It’s disbelief, excitement, honored to make it this far, all of the above,” said the former Vikings defensive tackle. “I didn’t know about the All-Pros and the All-Decade and all that. But when you put it that way, man, what are they waiting on, right?”

Williams is the only first-time finalist for 2026 who is not in his first year of eligibility. He has been eligible for six years but had not even been a semifinalist until this year.

“This is freaking awesome,” said Jared Allen, Williams’ former Vikings teammate and a member of the Hall’s Class of 2025. “This is a massive step for Kevin. He deserves it.”

Williams is joined by four who are finalists in their first year of eligibility. Two are considered heavy favorites to become first-ballot Hall of Famers: quarterback Drew Brees and receiver Larry Fitzgerald Jr., the Minneapolis native and Holy Angels graduate who played all 17 seasons with the Cardinals and ranks second in NFL history in receptions (1,432) and receiving yards (17,492), and sixth in receiving touchdowns (121).

The other first-year finalists are tight end Jason Witten and running back Frank Gore. The rest of the modern-era finalists and their years as a finalist are: receiver Reggie Wayne (7), receiver Torry Holt (7), offensive tackle Willie Anderson (5), safety Darren Woodson (4), guard Jahri Evans (3), linebacker Luke Kuechly (2), quarterback Eli Manning (2), edge rusher and Twin Cities native Terrell Suggs (2), kicker Adam Vinatieri (2) and guard Marshal Yanda (2).

The 50-member selection committee, which includes this reporter, may elect up to five modern-era players for the Class of 2026. Each player must receive 80% of the vote.

The selection committee will vote separately on five others in the seniors category (quarterback Ken Anderson, running back Roger Craig and defensive end L.C. Greenwood), coaches category (Bill Belichick) and contributor category (owner Robert Kraft). A minimum of one and a maximum of three can be elected from these combined categories.

Williams’ case gained momentum this year as Allen reached the Hall in his fifth year of eligibility. Being one of only five players not in the Hall of Fame that made All-Decade and five All-Pros helped sway selectors. Williams made All-Decade in the 2000s and earned five first-team All-Pros in his first seven seasons after the Vikings selected him ninth overall in 2003.

STRIB

https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootbal...evon-diggs

https://www.si.com/nfl/vikings/onsi/news...ering-2026

Despite this week's Vikings-Packers regular season finale not having any postseason stakes, there are still plenty of reasons to tune in. One of those is to watch three young Vikings defenders whose arrows are pointing directly upward heading into the 2026 season.

OLB Dallas Turner (22 years old)
Much has been made of Turner's second NFL season, which has been largely a positive for the former first-round pick. With one game left, he's already more than doubled his playing time from his rookie campaign and has seen the statistical results follow. Turner has 60 tackles, 40 pressures, 6 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, and 3 pass breakups through 16 games. He's coming off one of the best games of his career last week against the Lions, when he had five pressures, a half-sack forced fumble, and a tackle for loss.

Turner has spent much of this season showing flashes but searching for consistency and play-to-play impact. Lately, he's found that more and more often. The splash plays have been there as a pass rusher, and Turner has also impressed as an edge-setting run defender. The raw talent is off the charts for a guy who hasn't even hit his 23rd birthday. Turner's ceiling remains extremely high heading into 2026, and that'll be true even if Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel remain on the roster next year.


DT Jalen Redmond (26)
Redmond stretches the definition of "young player" a bit, as he'll be 27 and in the heart of his athletic prime next season. He also stretches the idea of being an ascending player, as he fully put together a breakout 2025 campaign. But it's worth talking more about him here anyways. Redmond is sixth among all Vikings defensive players with 766 snaps and is tied with Turner for third on the team with 6 sacks, one behind clubhouse leader Andrew Van Ginkel. The former undrafted free agent and UFL standout has had a remarkably great year, ranking 14th out of 55 NFL DTs (min. 500 snaps) in PFF grade.

And while it's possible this is the ceiling for Redmond, it's also not crazy to think that he could reach another level from a statistical standpoint, considering this was just his second season in the league. He's looked unblockable at times, most notably in his nine-pressure game against the Chargers in October. Redmond has established himself as a critical building block in this defense and earned a major pay raise on his next contract.


S Jay Ward (25)
Whereas Turner and Redmond are wrapping up year two, Ward is in his third season and will enter the final year of his rookie deal in 2026. But after spending most of his career on special teams, stuck behind three excellent safeties, Ward has finally gotten a real shot to play in recent weeks due to Josh Metellus landing on IR — and the talent has been evident. He saw a career-high 44 snaps against the Giants and chipped in six tackles and two pressures in a strong outing. Ward then played 39 more snaps against the Lions and have five more tackles, earning an outstanding 84.2 PFF run defense grade.

There's a lot to like about Ward heading into a contract year. He's a versatile athlete who can line up at a variety of spots in Brian Flores' defense. He's currently handling the Metellus role as a blitzing, run defending box safety, but he can play as a deep safety or line up in the slot as well. And with Harrison Smith potentially retiring, Ward could be in line for a major 2026 role. Even if Smith elects to play one more year, Ward may have surpassed Theo Jackson on the organizational depth chart at safety.