MAD GAINZ wrote:

I think we found ourselves a KR in Claiborne... Damn he has effortless speed.

KR Claiborne

PR Price

That works.

JustInTime wrote:

https://twitter.com/vikingzfanpage/status/2065150229389688989

I love this dude

JustInTime wrote:

https://twitter.com/vikingterritory/status/2065423529773080808

I take this with a grain of salt, since they were still in shorts, but I am liking what I'm hearing out of the Demmings camp so far. If we can hit on a small school, late round pick in the secondary, that would be amazing. It seems both Demmings and Jakobe Thomas have had some positive news since they've come to MN, so it'll be a fun TC/Preseason watching these guys getting their opportunity.

#Vikings UDFA WR Dillon Bell has impressed so far, and even played some snaps with the starters, @alec_lewis wrote via @TheAthletic:

“Receiver Dillon Bell, a premium undrafted free-agent signing, caught every pass thrown to him and ran routes with smoothness. The Vikings asked… pic.twitter.com/wUji7mHhuM

— VikingzFanPage (@vikingzfanpage) June 12, 2026

The top three are the best in the NFL. The next two—Felton and Bell—are showing promise as well. Even Price has been drawing praise.

Both Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison have praised Tai Felton for his development heading into year 2. Can’t wait to see what he has in store.

— VikingzFanPage @vikingzfanpage Jun 12, 2026

𝕏 X / Twitter — VikingzFanPage @vikingzfanpage

Both Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison have praised Tai Felton for his development heading into year 2. Can’t wait to see what he has in store.

View on X

Dirty Harry was missed....

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Vikings safeties still adjusting to Harrison Smith’s absence: ‘His presence is definitely missed’

Though Smith has yet to announce his retirement, the Vikings safety room is preparing to take over his duties in what Brian Flores said would be a collective effort.

Vikings safety Theo Jackson is still getting used to Harrison Smith not being around.

The two used to sit next to each other in meetings. Now, when Jackson looks over, Smith’s face isn’t there to greet him.

For the first time in more than a decade, Smith, the 2012 first-round draft pick who started 203 games through 14 seasons, was absent as the Vikings closed out their spring prep for the upcoming season at mandatory minicamp.

“I’m not gonna lie, it has been weird,” Jackson said Wednesday. “His presence is definitely missed.”

No official retirement announcement has come following fanfare celebrating Smith — and fullback C.J. Ham, who did officially retire — at the end of the Vikings’ 2025 season.

But Smith is not rostered with the Vikings, who designated him as a post-June 1 release back at the start of free agency in March. Though it was a procedural move by the team to free a roster spot and not an indication of a decision by Smith, it still means he and the Vikings would need to agree to a new contract for him to return.

The newest member of the Vikings’ safety room, fourth-round draft pick Jakobe Thomas, raised some eyebrows at rookie minicamp last month when he mentioned he was ready to meet Smith in person and “soak up as much as [he] can from him.”

Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell, after joking the rookie was “breaking news” on May 8, said there was no update regarding Smith. When asked again on June 4, O’Connell said that while Smith was recently in town, the coach didn’t see him — his request for a round of golf was “turned down.” O’Connell previously said when the two do talk, it’s not necessarily about football.

“Those conversations will take place respectfully for Harrison throughout the summer and where he’s at, and then as we get into training camp, where he’s at,” O’Connell said. “It could be an ongoing thing how our season goes and how he views it, and ultimately what that looks like. But he’s earned the respect of everybody in this building to have that type of dialogue and communication.”

While those conversations play out, Tavierre Thomas takes the mantle as the safety room’s most veteran player by age and seasons. He’s seven years younger than Smith but only two years older than the Vikings’ next two eldest in the room: Josh Metellus and Jackson.

Metellus is entering his fourth season as a starter in the secondary, and Jackson saw his role increase last year. Jay Ward figures to be next up in that group, maybe used interchangeably with Jackson depending on the package.

Smith played a unique role in defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ already unique scheme, and replacing him will require a collective effort, Flores said Tuesday. That’s reflected in the various mixes seen throughout 7-on-7 drills throughout OTAs and minicamp this spring.

Perhaps most critical of Smith’s former duties is communicating on-field checks. Smith was so trusted by Flores that he had authority to make some on his own.

“Harrison, he’s a great player, as we all know,” Flores said. “Everyone knows how special he’s always been to me. Our time here together was fantastic, so to lose a guy like that, it’s not easy. You don’t replace him easily.”

Metellus said while Smith let him take on more of the vocal leadership role in the locker room a few seasons back, he’s now “a little bit more involved” in the scheme than he has been previously. Jackson has been learning more of the communication side, too.

Every member of the Vikings who’s been asked this spring has said they would welcome Smith back in an instant. They’ve also said there’s been little talk of football when they’ve chatted with Smith.

Metellus said his family and Smith’s share a suite at U.S. Bank Stadium during games. At this point, the Vikings are preparing more for Smith to be watching the game from there rather than on the field.

Even if Smith were to return for a 15th season, the baton would still have to be passed eventually.

“At this point in his life and in my life, I’m just trying to be a good friend and not try to pressure anything for my own desires,” Metellus said. “He has a lot of things he wants to focus on right now. I’m kind of letting that be.”

Strib

You have to rip off the band aid with the Hitman at some point. The story above can be said again for next year.....or the year after. Plan and move it forward. I'm sure there might be some growing pains with the new player put in there, but such is life in the NFL.