Minnesota Vikings: Breaking News, Rumors & Highlights

Harrison Smith News / Minnesota Vikings on SI / December 31

Harrison Smith wins NFC defensive player of the week for gem vs. Lions

Harrison Smith's outstanding game against the Lions last week has earned him NFC defensive player of the week honors from the NFL. Smith was simply incredible in what could be the penultimate game of his career if he decides to hang up the cleats this offseason.

Minnesota Vikings News / Minnesota Vikings on SI / December 31

Underrated nationally, Kevin Williams deserves real HOF consideration

In overdue news, former Vikings star defensive tackle Kevin Williams has been named a first-time finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He's one of 15 modern-era players to reach that stage this year, and up to five will be inducted in the Class of 2026 if they receive at least 80 percent positive votes.

Derrick Henry News / Yardbarker Quizzes

The 'Top-50 all-time NFL rushers' quiz

How many of the 50 NFL players with the most career rushing yards can you name in six minutes?

The '100-rushing-yard NFL games' quiz

The 'NFL TD-catch leaders by season' quiz

The 'Most 1K-rushing-yard NFL seasons' quiz

NFL News / Minnesota Vikings on SI / December 31

How realistic are the Lamar Jackson-Vikings rumors?

Whether it's Kyler Murray, Joe Burrow, Aaron Rodgers, or now Lamar Jackson, the Minnesota Vikings' unstable quarterback situation in 2025 has set the tone for what could be another offseason filled with rumors and drama.

NFL News / Yardbarker

The best passing performances from one NFL playoff run

Rule changes have made passing numbers easier to compile in the modern era, and the game's top quarterbacks have taken full advantage. While the heaviest hitters are represented here, some storied postseasons by slightly lesser-celebrated QBs remain entrenched in playoff annals as well.

Minnesota Vikings News / Yardbarker / December 31

Brian Flores knows he might be leaving the Vikings soon

The Minnesota Vikings have the privilege of having the most overqualified defensive coordinator in all of football. That could change this offseason, however.

Possible replacements for Matt Eberflus as the Cowboys DC in 2026

The 25 best NFL head coaches who never won a Super Bowl

The '2024-25 NFL interceptions leaders' quiz

Brian Flores News / The Spun / December 30

Brian Flores Responds To Rumors About His Future With Vikings

With the end of the Vikings' season just five days away, much has been made about the future of Brian Flores and whether or not he'll return as Minnesota's defensive coordinator in 2026.

Minnesota Vikings News / A to Z Sports / December 30

Minnesota Vikings legend takes crucial step forward toward the Pro Football Hall of Fame

Former Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Kevin Williams was named a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame for the first time on Tuesday morning. The Vikings have five defensive linemen already enshrined in Canton, Ohio, among their 21 players and 26 individuals.

Minnesota Vikings News / NFL on ClutchPoints / December 30

Exclusive: Terry Crews calls Justin Jefferson a ‘superstar' football player AND actor, says today’s NFL players 'better' than when he played

Terry Crews is one of the most recognizable faces in Hollywood. Whether it’s Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Everybody Hates Chris (a personal favorite), White Chicks, or his current role as host of America’s Got Talent, you’d be hard-pressed not to find Crews on your TV screen—or in a movie theater.

NFL News / Yardbarker

Looking back at every NFL Christmas Day game

For years, Thanksgiving belonged to the NFL, but Christmas belonged to the NBA. Occasionally, an NFL game would fall on Christmas, but it was anomalous, even avoided if possible.

Minnesota Vikings News / A to Z Sports / December 30

6 Vikings could be playing their final game at U.S. Bank Stadium Sunday led by expensive weapon and future Hall of Famer

The Minnesota Vkings will play their final game of the 2025 season on Sunday afternoon when they take on the Green Bay Packers on Sunday afternoon. While the game won't have stakes other than pride, the Vikings are still going to be working hard to get a win to earn the third winning record in four seasons under head coach Kevin O'Connell.

Minnesota Vikings News / A to Z Sports / December 30

'We've learned a lot about that' -- Kevin O'Connell addresses winning meaningless games vs. improving NFL Draft position

The Minnesota Vikings went from being 4-8 and projected to have a top-10 pick in the NFL Draft to 8-8 after a four-game winning streak and selecting 17th overall.

Click here to get Yardbarker's Quiz of the Day emailed to you!

The 'CFP appearances' quiz

The 'Top-50 all-time NFL rushers' quiz

The 'Most NFL pass completions' quiz

The 'NBA Christmas Day triple-doubles' quiz

J.J. McCarthy News / Field Level Media / December 29

Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy (hand) ‘progressing,’ Week 18 status TBD

The Minnesota Vikings are undecided on whether quarterback J.J. McCarthy will play the season finale Sunday against the Green Bay Packers as he returns from a hairline fracture in his throwing hand.

Minnesota Vikings News / Minnesota Vikings on SI / December 29

3 young Vikings defenders whose arrows are pointing up entering 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.

Brian Flores News / Pro Football Rumors / December 29

Vikings Discussing New Deal With DC Brian Flores

With Brian Flores on an expiring contract, Week 18 could mark the end of his time with the Vikings. If the team has its way, though, that will not be the case.

Zemaiah Vaughn News / NFLTradeRumors.co / December 29

Vikings Sign CB Zemaiah Vaughn To Active Roster

The Minnesota Vikings announced they have signed CB Zemaiah Vaughn to the 53-man roster from the practice squad. In correspondence, the Vikings have placed DL Elijah Williams on injured reserve.

Minnesota Vikings News / Minnesota Vikings on SI / December 29

Vikings are once again victims of the NFL's flawed playoff format

From 13-4 in 2022 to 7-10 in 2023, back to 14-3 in 2024 and possibly 9-8 in 2025, the Minnesota Vikings have been on a roller coaster since Kevin O'Connell was hired as head coach.

Minnesota Vikings News / Minnesota Vikings on SI / December 29

Vikings-Packers play at noon with Minnesota's draft position at stake

The National Football League has finalized its Week 18 schedule, and to no one's surprise, the Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers will not be featured in any of the marquee time slots on Saturday and Sunday.

Jalen Nailor News / Pro Football Rumors / December 27

Vikings, WR Jalen Nailor Have Not Discussed Extension

The Vikings have one massive receiver contract on their books already in the form of Justin Jefferson. Keeping Jordan Addison in the fold over the long term will also require a lucrative commitment.

Minnesota Vikings News / Total Apex Sports / December 26

Minnesota Vikings Justin Jefferson Breaks Record Held By Franchise Legend Randy Moss

In a league defined by passing milestones, Minnesota Vikings superstar Justin Jefferson has etched his name above one of the greatest to ever play the game.