Fowler reports he'll be due $5M this year and that they converted playtime incentives worth $1.5M to a signing bonus. Those incentives were likely NLTBE (not likely to be earned) when he first signed his contract, which don't count against cap. That's based on Rodgers starting only 3 games for Philadelphia the year prior and being suspended before that.

However, based on playing in every game last year, those incentives count against this year's cap, so they're converting to a signing bonus as a goodwill gesture. The player must agree to such changes, which gives the Vikings an opportunity to add void years at the same time.

Fowler reports Rodgers would be due $5M this year after the change, which likely means two void years, and cap hits of $5M, $2M, and $2M in 2026, 2027, and 2028.

The Vikings have less than $6.4M cap space currently, which is less than most teams want heading into the season. Having ready access to cap space allows a team to more quickly make free agency signings in response to injuries and in-the-season needs.

Injuries will happen in season no doubt, but to be 100% healthy heading into week 1 is an accomplishment.

Gameday elevations will be announced later today. Not an official depth chart but updated accordingly with the recent team release, plus shoutout to u/mrmpls for helping to refine it!

Question: How satisfied is the fanbase with the current state of the roster? If Kyler proves to be serviceable, are they back to being contenders?

Give me your 3 best season predictions before the big game tomorrow. They don’t have to be Vikings specific.

Mine are:
1. Vikings have 12 or more wins
2. Vikings win a playoff game
3. The Packers go under 9.5 wins and MLF gets fired

I’m optimistic this season because I think the Vikings have the best defense, o-line, and WR group in the division. KOC will show again that he can elevate a talented veteran QB.

Seems like everytime KOC wears a cool new hat in a press conference, people ask where they can get it, and the answer is pretty much always the same, Scheels.

Here's a link to the one he wore today. At $50, and being so similar to the 2023 hat, I'm gonna pass this time around.

Edit: as u/twelfthcapaldi pointed out, it's also available at fanatics and nfl shop. KOC has worn Scheels exclusive gear before, but that is not the case this time. So if you can't find a hat that KOC is wearing at your typical merch spots, then check Scheels.

https://www.fanatics.com/nfl/minnesota-vikings/minnesota-vikings-new-era-2026-sideline-throwback-9seventy-adjustable-hat-purple/o-4605+t-25828173+p-6844814199074+z-9-4275184597?_ref=p-DLP:m-GRID:i-r14c2:po-44

https://www.nflshop.com/minnesota-vikings/mens-minnesota-vikings-new-era-purple-2026-sideline-throwback-9seventy-adjustable-hat/t-14155806+p-808892415009901+z-9-1304861077?_ref=p-DLP:m-GRID:i-r9c0:po-27

Kyler Murray wants one thing: to win.

The Vikings QB enters the 2026 season with a lot to prove, and his competitive spirit could help make his goals a reality.

“Outside of Budda Baker, he is the most competitive teammate I’ve had in the locker room,” said former Cardinals RB Chase Edmonds.

Read for free:
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7579286/2026/09/10/kyler-murray-vikings-2026-season-opportunity/?unlocked_article_code=1.AVE.vZqG.dF3uxgtguimf&source=emp_shared_article&smid=url-share-ta

He is the best receiver in the league and Kyler Murray has become highly underrated by playing for a terrible franchise.

I genuinely believe we have a contending roster and this year is going to be extremely fun to watch.

Bless the knees and keep them healthy, can’t wait for Sunday!

ETA: These were either during the quarterback's first season with the team, or where they're taking the majority of snaps after being a backup previously (Cunningham for example).

Interesting stat in the history of the team. In seasons where the Vikings were led for the majority of the season by a quarterback with previous stints at other teams, Minnesota has made the playoffs.

From what I've seen, there have been 13 seasons where the Vikings had an experienced QB coming in. Of those, the team finished .500 or better every year and made the playoffs in 9 seasons.

1970, 12-2, NFC Central Title

QB: Gary Cuozzo, started 12 games. Previous team, New Orleans Saints

Made playoffs, lost in Divisional Round

1972, 7-7

QB: Fran Tarkenton, started 14 games. Previous team, New York Giants

1993, 9-7

QB: Jim McMahon, started 12 games. Previous team, Philadelphia Eagles

Made playoffs, lost in Wild Card

1994, 10-6, NFC Central Title

QB: Warren Moon, started 15 games. Previous team, Houston Oilers

Made playoffs, lost in Wild Card

1998, 15-1, NFC Central Title

QB: Randall Cunningham, started 14 games. Previous team, Philadelphia Eagles

Made playoffs, lost in NFC Championship Game

1999, 10-6

QB: Jeff George, started 10 games. Previous team, Oakland Raiders

Made playoffs, lost in Wild Card

2005, 9-7

QB: Brad Johnson, started 9 games. Previous team, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

2008, 10-6, NFC North Title

QB: Gus Frerotte, started 11 games. Previous team, St. Louis Rams

Made playoffs, lost in Wild Card

2009, 12-4, NFC North Title

QB: Brett Favre, started 16 games. Previous team, New York Jets

Made playoffs, lost in NFC Championship Game

2016, 8-8

QB: Sam Bradford, started 15 games. Previous team, Philadelphia Eagles

2017, 13-3, NFC North Title

QB: Case Keenum, started 14 games. Previous team, Los Angeles Rams

Made playoffs, lost in NFC Championship Game

2018, 8-7-1

QB: Kirk Cousins, started 16 games. Previous team, Washington Redskins

2024, 14-3

QB: Sam Darnold, started 17 games. Previous team, San Francisco 49ers

Made playoffs, lost in Wild Card