Vikings Turmoil: Addison, Flores & 2026 Plans

In the latest episode of Two Old Bloggers, Darren Campbell and Dave Stefano dissect the Minnesota Vikings’ turbulent offseason following the 2025 season. As a Vikings 1st & SKOL production, the show explores critical topics like Jordan Addison’s repeated off-field issues, Brian Flores’ head coaching interviews, J.J. McCarthy’s uncertain starting role, offensive line coaching shakeups, Will Reichard’s All-Pro recognition, Adam Thielen’s retirement, and a thorough 2026 running backs positional analysis.

Campbell opens on Addison’s casino arrest: “That’s exactly the kind of news that the Vikings did not want to get from Jordan Addison… I think this is probably the last straw.” Stefano echoes, “It’s gonna be interesting to see how this plays out… Times have changed. It’s a big deal.” On Flores, Campbell notes, “If the Vikings were to lose Brian Flores to a head coaching position… that’s something that’s sort of inevitable when you have a really good coordinator.” Regarding McCarthy, he adds, “No commitment to JJ McCarthy to be the starter in 2026 was made… There has to be competition.” Stefano celebrates Chris Kuper’s departure: “I was quite happy over it.” On Reichard, Campbell advises, “Stick stay the course with Will the Thrill because he is the real deal at Kicker.” Thielen’s retirement draws praise: “I have a lot of respect for Adam Thielen… He was a very good player for us.” For RBs, Campbell predicts, “I don’t think there’s any question that Aaron Jones has also played his last game as a Viking,” while eyeing Breece Hall: “Breece Hall would be the guy that I’d be very interested in bringing to the Vikings.”

Key points from the episode include:

• Jordan Addison’s Problem: Third arrest (misdemeanor trespassing, possibly alcohol-related) risks 4-8 game suspension; trade value plummets to possibly to a late day 2 or even day 3 pick; hosts predict he’s played his last Vikings game, disrupting WR plans with Jefferson, Nailor, and Felton.
• End-of-Season Pressers: No endorsement for McCarthy as 2026 starter; emphasis on OL tackle depth after injuries to Darrisaw and O’Neill; Mike Pettine retires, Chris Kuper’s contract not renewed due to poor pass protection (25 line combos, highest interior pressure rate).
• Brian Flores’ Future: Interviews for Ravens/Steelers HC jobs and Washington DC role; lateral move would demand explanations from Vikings brass; hosts laud his defensive turnaround since 2023.
• Will Reichard and Kicker Stability: All-Pro season praised, but warn against quick release during slumps like Daniel Carlson; compare to Packers’ patience with Mason Crosby.
• Adam Thielen’s Retirement: Reflect on his revival of Vikings WR legacy with Stephon Diggs (2016-2019); second Vikings stint underwhelmed, but respected as competitor.
• 2026 RB Positional Analysis: Aaron Jones (31, $14.5M cap hit) likely cut for $7.7M savings; Jordan Mason as power back but weak in pass blocking/receiving; Ty Chandler gone, Zavier Scott competes; target explosive FAs like Breece Hall, Kenneth Walker, or draft prospects like Demond Claiborne; fullback options (Patrick Ricard, Reggie Gilliam) if needed for pass protection.

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