Which Roster Battles Are Over, Flipped, and Just Beginning?

The state of play.https://t.co/wx84kpTfpo

— VikesNow (@VikesNow) August 7, 2026

1. QB1 — Kyler Murray Has Created Separation

Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy are in the middle of the first real Vikings quarterback battle since 2014. While Murray has not yet run away with the QB1 title, the conversation has shifted to “when will the Vikings officially name him the starter?”

With Murray, Minnesota has driven the ball down the field more in the passing game at camp, and the longtime Arizona Cardinal simply has more experience than McCarthy. As recently as the 2024 season, our QBCS metric painted Murray as the NFL’s ninth-best quarterback.

Head coach Kevin O’Connell said in June, “It’s an open competition, and I want to see these guys in very unique and in many ways difficult circumstances elevate themselves.” That still rings true, but in all likelihood, Murray will be the QB1 under center when the regular season begins on September 13.

Verdict: Almost over – – Murray leads.

2. OLB3 — Nobody Has Claimed Job after Van Ginkel & Turner

Andrew Van Ginkel and Dallas Turner are solidified as the two main OLBs, but after them, the OLB3 remains a supreme mystery. Based on depth chart interpretations, Bo Richter, Tyler Batty, or Chaz Chambliss could fill the job, but none have emerged at training camp. Defensive tackle Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins has taken EDGE snaps, and rookie Jake Golday has been in the mix, too.

Yet, this one remains up in the air.

Jadeveon Clowney recently signed with the Houston Texans. He’s off the board. If Minnesota wants an outsider, free agents like Von Miller, Haason Reddick, and Leonard Floyd remain available.

Verdict: Just beginning.

3. Center — Blake Brandel Is the Starter

The Vikings’ official camp preview claimed Brandel received first-team center reps throughout OTAs and minicamp. That arrangement has carried into training camp, where Brandel continues to work as the starting center. Michael Jurgens and rookie Gavin Gerhardt will serve as backups.

In the end, this was never a battle.

Verdict: Over unless Brandel implodes.

4. Free Safety — Wide Open beside Josh Metellus

Harrison Smith has not decided on a return or retirement, leaving the starting safety job next to Josh Metellus up for grabs. When the Vikings play the Green Bay Packers in Week 1, that man will probably be Jay Ward, Theo Jackson – – or Smith.

Rookie Jakobe Thomas is also theoretically in the mix, but his name hasn’t been floated much at training camp.

Vikings linebacker Blake Cashman said about Smith, “We do miss him, and we’ve got to fill that void, but that’s what training camp is for.”

Perhaps Smith will just return when training camp wraps up and make this battle a nothingburger.

Verdict: Just beginning.

5. Nose Tackle — The Favorite Hasn’t Taken Control Yet

Rookie Domonique Orange is slated to be the Vikings’ natural long-term nose tackle, but he and Caleb Banks are still being ramped into full workloads. Meanwhile, Levi Drake Rodriguez has looked stronger at training camp.

If the regular season started tonight, Rodriguez would likely start, based on the training camp evidence. It’s important to remember, though, if Orange were to win this battle, he probably would not have done it by now. The preseason must unfold.

Verdict: Just beginning, but Orange still the long-term favorite.

6. Punter — Hekker Still Has to Beat the Rookie

The Vikings deliberately created a competition by signing four-time All-Pro Johnny Hekker and then adding Georgia rookie Brett Thorson. No credible camp report has established that either has decisively won it yet.

It’s worth noting that Thorson is honing his holding skills (field goals and extra points) at training camp, possibly an indicator that he’s seriously in the running to top Hekker.

If you’re big into special teams, this might be the top battle to monitor during the three preseason games.

Verdict: Just beginning.

7. RB3 — Flipping toward Demond Claiborne

Vikings fans have high hopes for Claiborne because they’re starved for a young running back, and he has not disappointed. His speed is on display in Eagan, and he has special teams versatility.

Zavier Scott played modestly – – good but not great – – as the RB3 in 2025, but you must ask yourself: would the Vikings really draft Claiborne in Round 6, cut him, and then put him on the practice squad? Probably not. Claiborne over Scott as the RB3 is the most likely outcome.

Minnesota could also keep four halfbacks and split the RB3 touches between Claiborne and Scott.

Verdict: Trending toward Claiborne.

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VikesNow Verdict: The Vikings still have three preseason games to sort out the margins, but several competitions already have direction. Murray and Brandel have separated, Claiborne is gaining momentum, and battles at safety, nose tackle, outside linebacker and punter remain unsettled.