The Viking Age Podcast: A Minnesota Vikings Podcast from FanSided

The Vikings’ QB Competition Might Already Be Over

The Minnesota Vikings’ quarterback competition is heating up at training camp. TVA's Adam Patrick and Chris Schad break down Kyler Murray’s strong start, what the first-team reps are telling us, where J.J. McCarthy stands, and whether the Vikings’ QB battle might already be taking shape.

Plus, they discuss other standouts and storylines from Vikings training camp and what to watch as the preseason approaches.

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TVA's Chris Schad and guest Nick Marty break down everything Minnesota Vikings fans need to know as training camp officially begins.

They discuss the Kyler Murray vs. J.J. McCarthy quarterback battle, the biggest storylines to watch, expectations for Kevin O'Connell's offense, concerns about the offensive and defensive lines, Harrison Smith's future, and much more as the Vikings prepare for the 2026 season.

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We Built the Worst Minnesota Vikings Team of the Last 20 Years

Who belongs on the all-time worst Minnesota Vikings team of the last 20 years? TVA's Chris Schad and Adam Patrick each build their own roster by picking the biggest disappointments, draft busts, free-agent flops, and fan frustrations from 2006-2025 before debating who deserves a spot on the final team.

From Christian Ponder and Troy Williamson to Matt Kalil, Laquon Treadwell, and more, no position is safe in this offseason exercise.

Who would you add (or remove) from the roster?

The Minnesota Vikings are still weeks away from training camp, so The Viking Age's Chris Schad and Adam Patrick decided to clear the air with the latest version of the Vikings Take Purge.

From whether the Vikings should consider trading Justin Jefferson to Kevin O'Connell's future, the Wilfs' ownership philosophy, and why some unpopular opinions might actually make sense, nothing is off limits in this episode.

Matthew Coller of Purple Insider joins The Viking Age Podcast to break down the Minnesota Vikings' biggest storylines heading into the 2026 season. 

Chris Schad and Matthew discuss the quarterback battle between Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy, the early impact of new general manager Nolan Teasley, expectations for the Vikings' rookie class, Harrison Smith's future, and whether this roster has what it takes to contend in the NFC.

Subscribe for more Minnesota Vikings coverage, analysis, and interviews throughout the season.

The Minnesota Vikings have wrapped up mandatory mini-camp, and now it's time to separate the real storylines from the offseason hype.

On this episode of The Viking Age Podcast, Chris Schad and Adam Patrick play Buy or Sell with some of the biggest Vikings topics coming out of mini-camp, including:

🔹 Is there really a quarterback competition between Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy?

🔹 Are the Vikings already set on their Week 1 starter?

🔹 Will the revamped offensive line finally take a step forward?

🔹 Is Harrison Smith actually coming back...

Is the J.J. McCarthy era with the Minnesota Vikings already coming to an end before it truly begins?

The Viking Age's Chris Schad and Adam Patrick break down the latest Minnesota Vikings quarterback drama after recent comments from NFL insider Tom Pelissero sparked speculation that the Vikings may already be preparing to move on from J.J. McCarthy in favor of veteran quarterback Kyler Murray.

Could the Vikings actually trade McCarthy? Has the QB competition already been decided before minicamp? And what does all of this say about...

The Viking Age's Chris Schad and Adam Patrick break down the surprising decision by the Minnesota Vikings to hire Nolan Teasley as the franchise's new general manager and what the move means for the future of the organization.

The guys discuss why the Vikings passed on Rob Brzezinski, how Teasley's background with the Seattle Seahawks could impact Minnesota's roster-building strategy, and what expectations fans should have moving forward.

Plus, Chris and Adam dive into the latest Vikings OTA storylines, including the quarterback "competition" between J.J. McCarthy and Kyler...

The NFL Draft is officially coming to Minnesota in 2028! TVA's Chris Schad and Adam Patrick react to the huge news, discuss what it means for Minnesota Vikings fans, and why Minneapolis could be the perfect host city.

The guys also break down Kevin O’Connell’s growing influence in the Vikings’ ongoing GM search, debate whether the Kyler Murray vs. J.J. McCarthy “QB competition” is actually real, and go game-by-game predicting Minnesota’s 2026 schedule.

Plus:

Vikings GM search updates

Kyler Murray expectations...

The Minnesota Vikings are officially honoring Adrian Peterson with a spot in the team’s Ring of Honor... but should they?

The Viking Age's Chris Schad and Adam Patrick break down Peterson’s legendary Vikings career, the controversy surrounding his off-field history, and whether the franchise made the right decision.

The guys also react to the Vikings' recent decision to sign veteran WR Jauan Jennings, discuss what his arrival means for Jordan Addison and the offense, and debate whether Jennings is truly just a WR3.

Pl...

NFL.com’s Eric Edholm joins The Viking Age Podcast to explain why he ranked the Minnesota Vikings 28th in his post-draft power rankings. TVA's Chris Schad asks Edholm about Minnesota’s outlook, the uncertainty around the NFC North, and whether the Vikings are being underestimated heading into the 2026 season.

They also break down the Vikings’ 2026 NFL Draft class, including first-round pick Caleb Banks, Jake Golday, Caleb Tiernan, Jakobe Thomas, Charles Demmings, Max Bredeson, Domonique “Big Citrus” Orange, and Demond Claiborne.

Subscribe to The Viking Age for more Vikings news, draf...

The Minnesota Vikings are officially kicking off their GM search, but is Rob Brzezinski already the favorite?

Plus, the Vikings trade Jonathan Greenard to the Eagles, Dallas Turner’s future gets even more interesting, and the 2026 NFL Draft may have revealed some major clues about where this franchise is headed next.

Chris Schad and Adam Patrick break down the latest Vikings news, including the GM search, Greenard trade reaction, Jordan Addison concerns, draft takeaways, and what it all says about Kevin O’Connell, Brian Flores, and the team’s long-t...

FanSided's Chris Schad is joined by SKOR North's Jason Harmon to discuss his thoughts about everything the Minnesota Vikings have (and haven't) done this offseason and what to possibly expect from them heading into the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft.

Don't worry, we made sure to talk with Jason about the greatest athlete on the Vikings' current roster, kicker Will Reichard.

The Minnesota Vikings offseason continues to get… weird.

On this episode of The Viking Age Podcast, we dive into the latest buzz surrounding the Vikings’ ongoing GM search and what the team really means when they say they want a “leader.” Is Minnesota looking for a true decision-maker — or just someone to align with Kevin O’Connell?

Plus, we break down the growing “Thiene-Mania” taking over mock drafts. Why does it feel like everyone is projecting Dylan Thieneman to the Vikings? Is there actually something there, or is this just classic dra...

FanSided's Chris Schad and The Viking Age's Adam Patrick discuss the recent comments from Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell about Kyler Murray and Jonathan Greenard at this year's NFL Annual League Meeting.

Then Chris and Adam go over the news about how the Vikings are expected to exercise the 5th-year option for WR Jordan Addison and finish the episode by talking about how former Minnesota QB Kirk Cousins has a way to get paid AGAIN.

FanSided's Chris Schad and The Viking Age's Adam Patrick discuss a recent take about the Minnesota Vikings having the worst offseason in the NFL in 2026. Then, the duo talks about the Vikings still having faith in JJ McCarthy and the possibility of Minnesota hosting the 2028 NFL Draft.

Support Jessi Pierce’s husband and family here:

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FanSided's Chris Schad and The Viking Age's Adam Patrick discuss whether or not the Minnesota Vikings are planning to trade JJ McCarthy after the team's recent decision to re-sign Carson Wentz.

Chris and Adam also chat about why the Vikings should consider trading for Miami Dolphins RB De'Von Achane.

FanSided's Chris Schad and The Viking Age's Adam Patrick break down why the Minnesota Vikings signed Kyler Murray and what it means for JJ McCarthy’s future in Minnesota. Is this the start of a real QB competition, or is Murray already the clear favorite to start in 2026? They also discuss Jonathan Greenard trade buzz and what’s next for the Vikings this offseason.

Episode originally recorded on 3/12/2026

To watch and listen to our episodes when they immediately come out, head on over to our YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@thev...

FanSided’s Chris Schad and The Viking Age’s Adam Patrick go over all the Minnesota Vikings QB rumors that came out of this year's NFL Scouting Combine and discuss what it all means for J.J. McCarthy's future with the team.

FanSided’s Chris Schad and The Viking Age’s Adam Patrick react to the latest Minnesota Vikings QB rumors about Derek Carr, Kyler Murray, Mac Jones, Kirk Cousins, and more.

(Episode recorded on 2/17/26)



FanSided’s Chris Schad and The Viking Age’s Adam Patrick react to Sam Darnold making the Minnesota Vikings look like fools by leading the Seattle Seahawks to a win over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl 60.

FanSided’s Chris Schad reacts to the Minnesota Vikings firing GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and all the juicy details that have been shared about his tenure with the team since his departure.

FanSided’s Chris Schad and The Viking Age’s Adam Patrick react to Sam Darnold leading the Seattle Seahawks to the Super Bowl less than a year after leaving the Minnesota Vikings and Brian Flores officially staying put in Minnesota for at least one more season.

FanSided's Chris Schad and Purple Insider's Matthew Coller discuss which QBs could potentially be brought in by the Minnesota Vikings to replace JJ McCarthy as the starter for the 2026 season.

FanSided’s Chris Schad and The Viking Age’s Adam Patrick discuss the possibility of the Minnesota Vikings trading TJ Hockenson to the San Francisco 49ers after George Kittle's serious injury, and the two also react to the latest (positive?) report about Brian Flores.

FanSided’s Chris Schad and The Viking Age’s Adam Patrick give their initial reactions to the Minnesota Vikings ending their season with a 9-8 record after beating a Green Bay Packers team that was playing all of their backups and then they look back at JJ McCarthy's first season as a starter with the Vikings.

FanSided’s Chris Schad and The Viking Age’s Adam Patrick discuss all the recent speculation about where Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores will be in 2026 and also spend a few minutes on one of the most meaningless Vikings/Packers games in the history of both franchises.

FanSided’s Chris Schad and The Viking Age’s Adam Patrick discuss how JJ McCarthy’s latest injury has ruined Christmas for Minnesota Vikings fans. With frustration boiling over and uncertainty at quarterback, are Vikings fans reaching a breaking point?

FanSided's Chris Schad talks about what Minnesota Vikings QB JJ McCarthy could do in the team's final 3 games of the 2025 season, including Sunday's Week 16 matchup on the road against the New York Giants.

FanSided's Chris Schad and The Viking Age's Adam Patrick react to JJ McCarthy leading the Minnesota Vikings to a big Week 15 win over the Dallas Cowboys and decide what should be next for the purple and gold's offseason QB plans.

FanSided's Chris Schad and The Viking Age's Adam Patrick break down the Minnesota Vikings’ 31–0 win over the Washington Commanders and discuss whether JJ McCarthy finally showed real progress. What did Minnesota unlock, and can JJ keep it going against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 15?

FanSided's Chris Schad and Zone Coverage's Tom Schreier discuss if J.J. McCarthy is still going to be QB1 for the Minnesota Vikings when they return for the 2026 season, and then they look ahead to the team's upcoming Week 14 matchup against the Washington Commanders.

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FanSided's Chris Schad and The Viking Age's Adam Patrick attempt to figure out how everything has gone so wrong for the Minnesota Vikings in the 2025 season following the team's embarrassing loss to the Seattle Seahawks.

FanSided's Chris Schad and The Viking Age's Adam Patrick react to all of the negative coverage surrounding Minnesota Vikings QB JJ McCarthy after his struggles in the team's Week 11 loss to the Chicago Bears, and the two also look ahead to the Vikings' upcoming showdown on the road against the Green Bay Packers. 

FanSided's Chris Schad reacts to the Minnesota Vikings falling to 4-6 after a disappointing loss to the Chicago Bears in Week 11 and the underwhelming performance that JJ McCarthy delivered in the matchup.

FanSided's Chris Schad and The Viking Age's Adam Patrick look ahead to the big Week 11 matchup between the Minnesota Vikings and Chicago Bears and also attempt to figure out why JJ McCarthy and Justin Jefferson have been struggling recently.

Minnesota Vikings RB Aaron Jones joined The Viking Age's Adam Patrick to talk JJ McCarthy, the current status of his shoulder, bacon, hot sauce, and why the rest of the NFL shouldn't take the Vikings lightly for the remainder of the 2025 season.

FanSided's Chris Schad and The Viking Age's Adam Patrick react to JJ McCarthy returning and helping lead the Minnesota Vikings to a big win in Week 9 over the heavily favored Detroit Lions.

FanSided's Chris Schad and The Viking Age's Adam Patrick react to Minnesota Vikings QB JJ McCarthy returning to the starting lineup for the first time since Week 2 and look ahead to the team's gigantic Week 9 matchup on the road against the Detroit Lions.

FanSided's Chris Schad and The Viking Age's Adam Patrick react to the embarrassing performance delivered by the Minnesota Vikings in their Week 8 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers.