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FastBrak24, Dhaka (2025)

29/05/2025

Vikings Offseason Winners and Losers: OTAs and J.J. McCarthy

Winners:
• Kevin O'Connell: New contract extension, keeping the Vikings' NFL coach of the year in Minnesota for the next half-decade.
• Curtis Modkins: Maintains the Vikings' running backs coach and run game coordinator, improving the team's run game.
• Theo Jackson: Signed a three-year deal this offseason, attracting attention from defensive coordinator Brian Flores and teammates.
• Jonathan Greenard, Andrew Van Ginkel, and Dallas Turner: Offensive line coaches prepare to help where their line is weak, especially on the edge.
• Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen: Signed to the Vikings, they will be susceptible inside, giving Greenard, Van Ginkel, and Turner more one-on-one pass-rush reps.
• Harrison Smith’s and Josh Metellus’ blitz abilities: This catch-22 approach could benefit any defense, but might mean more for a system as creative as Flores’.

19/02/2025

Vikings Offseason Preview: Key Decisions on Franchise Tag and Darnold's Future

With the franchise/transition tag period beginning from February 18 through March 4, the 2025 NFL contract season gets up this week. Beginning March 10, free agency is just around the horizon; yet, tampering will start in earnest at the Combine next week.

Although most NFL teams will steer clear of the expensive franchise/transition tags that exceed their wage limit at the one-year tender rate, certain teams have prospective free agency talents they want to retain and tagging them is the ideal approach until they can maybe negotiate long-term agreements. Using the tag also maintains the chance to trade a player alive.

One such club where there is much conjecture about the likelihood of quarterback Sam Darnold bearing a franchise tag is the Minnesota Vikings. Until he failed in the two biggest games—the regular season finale against Detroit with the division championship and No. 1 NFC seed on the line and in the wild card playoff defeat to the Los Angeles Rams—he was among the league's top success stories for 16 games.

The Vikings will most likely make use of their franchise or transition tag within the next two weeks. Still, I doubt it will find expression on Darnold. I believe Pro Bowl corner Byron Murphy Jr. will get tagged. More about Murphy later as Darnold's fate determines the whole plot.

Former New York Jets flop, 27-year-old third overall selection in 2018, followed by a poor two years in Carolina before a year as the backup in San Francisco.

Darnold found career rebirth in Minnesota. He was chosen for his first Pro Bowl during a season best of career. With their 6.5 win estimate, he shockingly guided the Vikings to 14 wins—twice as much as anybody would have imagined including Vegas. With a 102.5 passer rating (sixth-ranked among starts), 4,319 passing yards and 35 touchdowns (both fifth-ranked), he achieved career-highs. Along with running for 212 yards and 23 first downs.

J.J. McCarthy, reportedly healed from knee meniscus surgery that cut off his rookie season after the first preseason game, has 2024 first-round selection from the Vikings. Redshirting McCarthy for at least one more year using the franchise tag on Darnold seemed a clear option as a prelude to a two or three year contract until midnight struck on Darnold's Cinderella season. In Week 18 he just completed 18 of 41 passes against a dubious Lions defense. He followed with two costly mistakes (including a fumble recovered for a TD) and nine sacks in the playoff defeat.

While Darnold held the ball too long, was indecisive and inaccurate as he missed too many open targets (including his all-pro wide out Justin Jefferson twice in the end zone against Detroit), it was not all his fault as the offensive line performed terribly the previous two weeks. The Rams pass rush had him so disoriented that he could not even complete swing or screen throws to his backs a few times.

Last season Darnold benefited from a superb supporting group of skill position players (Jefferson, WR Jordan Addison, TE T.J. Hockenson, RB Aaron Jones). And he received instruction from one of the league's best QB-whisperers in head coach and play caller Kevin O'Connell (named NFL Coach of the Year with his efforts in upgrading Darnold's performance a big component). With a league-high 33 takeaways, the Vikings' defense supported their offense.

Placing the projected $41 million franchise tag on Darnold (or $35 million via the transition tag to retain a right of first refusal without the draft choice compensation that comes with the franchise tag) would tie up that amount entering free agency, given an estimated $61 million in salary cap room as of right now. Given that Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and O'Connell have so many important players they want to re-sign, it is an improbable route for them to pick. Starting with a vet QB in the $10 million bracket (Darnold, Jones or another QB), Murphy as a top corner and Aaron Jones probably form that list.

19/02/2025

Is Sam Darnold the Future of Minnesota? A Viking Legend Weighs In!

Last year's Minnesota Vikings season was among the NFL's most unexpected developments. With a startling 14-3 record, Minnesota tied the Super Bowl-winning Philadelphia Eagles for the third-most victories in the regular season (the Detroit Lions and Kansas City Chiefs all had records of 15-2). Kirk Cousins left.

Seemed destined to be a journeyman, Sam Darnold stepped up and guided the Vikings to their finest regular season in years while also supporting his head coach, Kevin O'Connell, in earning the NFL Coach of the Year. Minnesota's postseason hopes fell apart with a 27-9 defeat to the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Divisional Round, notwithstanding the regular season success.

At quarterback, the organization now has to make a pivotal choice: do they choose youngster J.J. McCarthy or Darnold as the long-term solution? One Vikings legend was unreserved in his opinions on the topic.

Vikings Legend: Does Sam Darnold Possess Super Bowl Winning Ability?
Former NFL player Jared Alle discussed Minnesota's quarterback dilemma before the 2025 season on a recent "Up & Adams" episode with Kay Adams. Although he praised Darnold's efforts, he made it very clear that he questions whether the experienced quarterback can guide the club toward a title.

You have to choose if J.J. [McCarthy is your man]. if as a fan I became tense the final two weeks, even if Sam had a fantastic year. He stated, "I don't think he's played in a lot of big games in his career; in the two biggest games this season, it wasn't great."

Kevin received Coach of the Year as he offered the Vikings' supporters a season many would not have imagined we would have. Still, at the end of the day we are vying for Super Bowl trophies. And if I'm really honest, I'm not sure whether he will be the one bringing us to a Super Bowl.

For Minnesota at QB, what is next?

The Vikings find themselves at a crossroads these days. With 4,319 passing yards 35 touchdowns and a 66.2% completion rate, Darnold enjoyed a stellar year concluding with all-time highs. Ranked in the top third of the league with his PFSN's QB+ score of 79.0 (B), he

Minnesota, on the other hand, made a first-round choice in McCarthy in hopes of finally having a franchise quarterback. Although McCarthy did not see any play as a rookie (out for the year with a preseason meniscus damage), his talent and big-game experience at Michigan make him an interesting candidate moving into 2025.

Now O'Connell and the front office of the Vikings have to make a big choice. Do they pass the keys to McCarthy and build for the future, or do they stay with Darnold and hope he advances still?

19/02/2025

Justin Jefferson offers honest opinions on Vikings' continuous quarterback dilemma.

Whether Sam Darnold or J.J. McCarthy is the starting quarterback the Vikings choose for 2025 is still under debate.

For the 2025 season, the Minnesota Vikings still have to sort out their quarterback strategy. Either the club could bring back Sam Darnold, who guided them to a 14-3 record last season, on a new deal, or they could keep with J.J. McCarthy, the first round selection who missed the full season with a knee injury needing two surgeries.

Like most of us, Justin Jefferson is waiting for the Vikings' choice. Whoever Minnesota chooses will be tossing the ball to Jefferson, the team's top receiver since his 2020 draft.

Long as he keeps having the ball thrown to him, the four-time Pro Bowler doesn't really care whichever way the Vikings decide to identify their starting quarterback.

" Luckily, that ain't my decision," Jefferson remarked via Athlon Sports' Doug Farrar. "I'm waiting for all of these choices to be decided upon while seated back. I'm just turning up and being myself, creating the plays I produce. If we are bringing Sam back, I am most excited about what we could accomplish with him. J.J. will naturally have chances to make some plays and find out if he will be the starter.

"I'm not sure precisely what we're going to do with Sam and the moves that we're going to make, but I'm always confident in myself," Jefferson said. "It doesn't matter who's going to be throwing the ball; I'm going to make sure I'm ready."

Though McCarthy hasn't yet participated in a regular season game, Jefferson earlier said he connected with the rookie quarterback due of their lockers being close by one other. He has grown to know the rookie without facing competition on the NFL field.

Jefferson ended his final season with Darnold with 103 catches for 1,533 yards and 10 touchdowns. By a significant margin, Darnold connected to Jefferson for the most touchdowns and yards on the squad. As Jefferson observed, the Vikings will be ready to play whichever choice they finally decide upon at quarterback.

29/01/2025

Super Bowl Commercials: Celebrities and Celebrities

• Celebrities to star in Super Bowl commercials include Meg Ryan, Billy Crystal, Hailee Steinfeld, Wanda Sykes, Walton Goggins, Shania Twain, Charli XCX, Martha Stewart, Timothy Simons, Antonio Banderas, Drew Barrymore, Orlando Bloom, Chris Hemsworth, Chris Pratt, Stella Artois, Bud Light, Michelob Ultra, Taco Bell, Adam Brody, Nick Offerman, James Harden, Tim Robinson, Sam Richardson, and Peyton and Eli Manning.
• The commercials are expected to air on Feb. 9, the most-watched event of the year.
• The commercials will feature celebrities in spots sold out in August.
• The commercials will also feature celebrities in the first Big Game spot for General Mills in over a decade.

29/01/2025

Super Bowl 30-second Ad Slots Selling for $8m-plus in US

• Brands like Budweiser, Pepsi, Frito-Lay, Taco Bell, and Uber Eats are competing for over 120 million US viewers.
• The Super Bowl, between the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles, will be broadcasted on Fox and livestreamed on Tubi in the US.
• High demand for ad space has led to prices reaching a record, with a few ad spots reportedly selling for $8m-plus for 30 seconds.
• The Super Bowl is a popular event for advertisers in the US due to its consistent draw in large audiences.
• The mix of ad categories includes drinks, snacks, tech companies, AI, and pharmaceutical companies.
• Movie trailers and streaming services are down, while car companies are mainly avoiding the Super Bowl due to tough year.
• Advertisers are expected to release their ads in the days before the game, with Budweiser's ad featuring a Clydesdale foal and Michelob Ultra's pickleball hustlers.

29/01/2025

Jake Paul and KSI's Future Fight

• YouTube boxer Jake Paul and YouTuber KSI have been unable to secure a fight due to weight differences.
• KSI's business partner, M**s Taylor, suggested both parties compromise by reducing their weight to 180 lbs.
• Paul's business partner, Nakisa Bidarian, proposed a weight reduction to 185 lbs and a $100 million investment.
• Taylor argued that KSI's potential loss would damage Paul's career and that Paul is more focused on simple fights.
• Taylor also mentioned that Paul would be open to fighting Canelo Alvarez, as losing to Canelo wouldn't affect his chances of facing other simpler opponents.
• Bidarian named the condition for Paul to fight KSI as the only condition.

29/01/2025

Minnesota Vikings' Free Agent Dreams for 2025

• Trey Smith, Chiefs' right guard, is a potential free agent for the Vikings.
• Smith would be an immediate starter for the Vikings and a valuable asset in 2025.
• D.J. Reed, New York Jets' cornerback, is a potential addition to Minnesota's roster. Reed seeks a "stable organization" in free agency.
• Drew Dalman, C - Atlanta Falcons, is a center who can handle bigger, stronger defenders.
• Javon Holland, S - Miami Dolphins, could help Minnesota's defense by filling the gaps left by last season's starting safeties.
• Tee Higgins, WR - Cincinatti Bengals, could be a third wide receiver to strike fear into opposing defenses.
• Charvarius Ward, CB - San Francisco 49ers, could be a top defender for Minnesota's defensive backs room in 2025.

29/01/2025

Minnesota Vikings 7-Round Mock Draft

• Ohio State's Tyleik Williams is a potential addition to the Vikings' defense.
• Williams scored positively on 27.1% of run plays last season, a top-five rate in the nation.
• Georgia's Tate Ratledge is a pass protection specialist who has given up just two sacks and six quarterback hits in three seasons.
• CB Denzel Burke, who allowed just 48.8% of passes thrown into his coverage in his first three seasons at Ohio State, is a potential addition to the Vikings' defense.
• C Jake Majors, a four-year Texas starter, also excels in pass protection.
• Thor Griffith, a 6-foot-2, 320-pound defensive tackle, is a potential representation for the Vikings.

28/01/2025

Minnesota Vikings Free Agency Considerations

• The Vikings are targeting 25 players in free agency, including starting defensive linemen Jerry Tillery and Jonathan Bullard.
• Seven interior defensive linemen to consider for free agency are:

1. Poona Ford:
• Started all 17 games for the Chargers this season.
• More of a run-stuffer but not a struggle via pass rushing.

2. Javon Hargrave:
• Two-time Pro Bowler who could rekindle his stardom with Brian Flores.
• Does not defend the run well, specializing in rushing quarterbacks.

3. B.J. Hill:
• Started 15 games for the Bengals this year.
• Stops the run and pass fairly equitably.

4. Osa Odighizuwa:
• A pass-rush merchant, not a run-stopper.

5. Levi Onwuzurike:
• Started this season after three years of injuries and bench duty.
• Ran seventh among all iDL in quarterback hits this season.

6. Jarran Reed:
• Played about 60% of the time in 2024 and logged 4 sacks.

7. Milton Williams:
• Plays about half of all Eagles defensive snaps.
• His 90.4 pass-rush grade this year ranked second-best in the NFL among all defensive tackles.

28/01/2025

Minnesota Vikings' Dilemma in Retaining Star Player Aaron Jones

• The Minnesota Vikings are deciding whether to retain star player Aaron Jones or risk losing him to the Chicago Bears or Pittsburgh Steelers in free agency.
• Jones's significance to the team is undeniable, and a contract extension could solidify his allegiance. Retaining Jones at a reasonable rate of $7 million annually appears to be a strategic move.
• Potential suitors include the Chicago Bears and Pittsburgh Steelers, with a favorable three-year, $21 million deal aligning well with Jones's interests.
• The Bears' new head coach, Ben Johnson, has prior experience with Jones, which could play a pivotal role in his decision-making process.
• The competitive landscape of the NFL free agent market underscores the intense competition for top-tier talents like Jones.
• The Vikings prioritize an extension for Jones, as his proven track record and contentment in Minnesota position him as a cornerstone of their future plans.
• The Vikings stand at a crossroads in the high-stakes realm of NFL free agency, with the fate of Aaron Jones hanging in the balance.

28/01/2025

Minnesota Vikings as Potential Free Agent RB

• The Vikings, under previous general manager Rick Spielman, had a star running back in the backfield. Adrian Peterson won the MVP trophy in 2012.
• Dalvin Cook, the second-round rookie, was released in the 2023 offseason.
• The Vikings replaced long-term backup Alexander Mattison to RB1 last offseason.
• Former Packers runner Aaron Jones was signed last offseason, but his age and injuries limit his efficiency.
• The free agency pool is filled with intriguing contenders for an RB1 job.
• Denver’s Javonte Williams is a potential free-agent target for the Vikings.
• Williams entered the league in the second round of the 2021 draft and made an impression on the NFL.
• His second year was cut short due to a torn ACL and his workhorse status was lost with Sean Payton’s arrival in 2023.
• Williams' next contract hinges on whether teams believe he can recapture his 2021 form.
• He has a projected market value of $6.9 million annually, but a one- or two-year deal in the $3-4 million-per-year range is probably more realistic.
• Williams is a versatile skill set that could be a fit as a complementary back next to Jones and potentially the RB1 if Jones departs in free agency.

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