HOW J.J. MCCARTHY PLANS TO USE "AVAILABILITY AS A SKILL" TO WIN BACK QB1
The Minnesota Vikings are refusing to commit to J.J. McCarthy for 2026. Discover their plan to build a competitive QB room.
This past season, Minnesota Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah had some sleepless nights wondering where he went wrong. Why were quarterback issues causing so many losses, and what could he do to fix it for 2026?
It's easy to look back and judge based on results, Adofo-Mensah said. But thinking about what we knew then, I still understand our decisions. The results might not have been what we hoped for. Ultimately, we could have done a better job with player acquisitions.
Not pointing fingers at specific players, but we could have better matched the room's playstyle and experience. Putting together a better group overall – that's what I'm focusing on.
This explains why the Vikings plan to repeat a similar process for their quarterback situation this offseason, but with a stronger focus on getting better results. Adofo-Mensah and coach Kevin O'Connell both emphasised the depth they want around J.J. McCarthy. Neither is committed to McCarthy as the starter for 2026, but they also haven't given up on him after his rocky rookie season with injuries.
Basically, the Vikings are in a similar position to last year: hoping to pair McCarthy with a capable quarterback who can compete for the starting role and provide insurance against injuries or slow development.
Last year, they thought Daniel Jones would be that guy, but he signed with the Indianapolis Colts. McCarthy then became the default starter after the team put together a depth chart that included Sam Howell, Brett Rypien, and Max Brosmer. The Vikings ended up ranking 29th in the NFL in team QBR (34.9).
Late in the season, ESPN questioned whether the Vikings might pursue a quarterback with the credentials to immediately take over from McCarthy as the starter in 2026. No one ruled it out. At the very least, the Vikings will likely target a quarterback similar to Jones in 2025, who won the Colts' job in training camp and started 13 games before getting injured.
'I definitely want a competitive situation,' O'Connell said.
Just as they weren't sure if McCarthy was ready to start in 2025, the Vikings didn't see enough last season to be sure he'll progress enough to lead them to the playoffs in 2026. When asked if he wanted McCarthy to be the starter, Adofo-Mensah paused before saying, I want the Vikings to reach our goals.
And making playoff runs is one of those goals, Adofo-Mensah added. I think he has the character and skill to be that person for our team. But saying that for 2026 kind of limits us; I need to build a deep, competitive quarterback room for the Vikings.
This means the Vikings will again walk a tightrope that failed them last season. The limited number of starting-calibre quarterbacks in the NFL means that players like Jones have options. Jones chose the Colts because he saw a clearer path to the starting job. By the time he made that decision, the Vikings couldn't use their franchise tag to keep 2024 starter Sam Darnold. The remaining quarterbacks weren't as good, leading the Vikings to acquire Howell.
Can the Vikings find someone better in 2026? Jones is again a free agent, but the Colts want to re-sign him. Unless the Vikings make a major trade for someone like Joe Burrow, the available options will have flaws.
Backup Malik Willis is a free agent and likely to have interest from other teams. The Falcons might release Kirk Cousins. Aaron Rodgers and Joe Flacco will be free agents. So will Jimmy Garoppolo and Russell Wilson.
Mac Jones and Geno Smith could be traded, and the Dolphins might move on from Tua Tagovailoa. Jones has been a backup for two seasons, Smith ranked 27th in NFL QBR this season, and Tagovailoa ranked 26th.
The best scenario for the Vikings is for McCarthy to improve this offseason quickly and learn how to avoid injuries. McCarthy said his performance and health are connected: 'I feel like the injuries will slowly fade away with just more awareness,' and Adofo-Mensah agreed that being available is a skill.
Adofo-Mensah and O'Connell made it clear that they can't rely on that progress. It's understandable, but finding a quarterback is tough. The Vikings had a good plan in 2025, but couldn't make it happen. Can they do better this time? Their 2026 season likely depends on it.
LAKERS ON THE BRINK: LEBRON JAMES ADMITS DISAPPOINTMENT AFTER 3-0 SERIES DEFICIT
"We still have life." LeBron James remains defiant despite a brutal 131-108 loss to OKC at the Crypto.com Arena on Saturday.
The Los Angeles Lakers find themselves just one loss away from elimination after a tough 131-108 defeat to the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinals at Crypto.com Arena on Saturday night. Although the Lakers held a halftime lead for the second consecutive game, they again fell apart in the second half, allowing Oklahoma City to cruise to a 3-0 series lead.
LeBron James spoke after the game, highlighting the Thunder’s depth and relentless energy while emphasising that the Lakers still believe they have a chance to push the series further. The Thunder outscored Los Angeles 74-49 after halftime and once more dominated the third quarter, continuing a pattern that has largely defined this series.
“They’re solid from top to bottom,” James said after the game. “And they never take their foot off the gas.”
Oklahoma City converted at a 56 per cent clip and spread the scoring load, even though reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was only 7-of-20 from the field with 23 points. The Thunder’s supporting players reinforced the effort alongside Chet Holmgren, Ajay Mitchell, Jared McCain, and Alex Caruso.
LeBron pointed directly to the third quarter as the turning point for Game 3.
“Obviously, the third quarter is where it starts,” he noted. “We lacked the energy and effort, and they dropped over 30 points on us.”
Despite strong first-half performances from Rui Hachimura and Luke Kennard, giving Los Angeles a one-point lead at halftime, Oklahoma City seized control right after the break, forcing turnovers and capitalising on easy transition baskets.
“In that third quarter, we couldn’t hit shots,” James admitted. “We defended but didn’t get stops, which let them take control.”
The Lakers were outscored 33-20 in that quarter alone. James managed just one field goal, while Austin Reaves went scoreless in the period.
James finished the night with 19 points, eight assists, and six rebounds, but his shooting was off at 7-for-19, and he posted a minus-24 plus-minus rating.
Los Angeles also turned the ball over 17 times, which led to 30 points for the Thunder. Oklahoma City outscored the Lakers 64-44 in the paint as well.
When pressed about the frustration of falling behind 3-0, James kept his response measured.
“I can’t say I’m not disappointed or angry,” he said. “You’re obviously disappointed being down 3-0, but we still have life. That’s all you can ask for. We have to be much better on Monday.”
Lakers coach JJ Redick backed up James’ take, describing Oklahoma City as an elite team in the NBA.
“They’ve beaten us three straight games,” Redick said. “They’re a really impressive basketball team.”
Redick previously drew comparisons between the Thunder and dominant teams like the 1990s Chicago Bulls and the 2017-18 Golden State Warriors. James acknowledged Oklahoma City’s versatility and depth, which have caused significant matchup problems.
“They have the right personnel to adapt to whatever you throw out there,” James said. “And they stay productive no matter who’s on the floor.”
Even with Gilgeous-Alexander’s uneven scoring, the Thunder have continued to win comfortably. Holmgren’s inside presence has been dominant, and Mitchell once again put up a strong stat line with 24 points and 10 assists.
James wasn’t surprised by the Thunder’s sustained pressure, given their roster makeup.
“You’ve seen them develop over the years,” he said. “They have a lot of players who can do multiple things, and that depth really helps.”
The Lakers are still without Luka Doncic, sidelined with a Grade 2 hamstring strain from April, which has hampered their offensive rhythm, especially late in games.
Facing elimination now, James insisted the team’s focus remains squarely on Game 4 rather than any bigger questions about the group’s future.
"No", James said when asked if they considered this might be their last run together. “We’re just concentrating on the moment and moving forward from there.”
Game 4 is set for Monday night in Los Angeles, where the Lakers will fight to avoid a sweep and keep the series alive before heading back to Oklahoma City.
MAX HOLLOWAY BREAKS SILENCE ON PARAMOUNT REGARDING CONOR MCGREGOR UFC 329 RUMORS
Relive the 13-year history between Holloway and McGregor as the Hawaiian star targets International Fight Week for ultimate revenge.
Max Holloway is hungry for payback against Conor McGregor as rumours swirl about a rematch.
McGregor hasn’t stepped inside the octagon since that quick loss to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in 2021. His last win was way back in 2020 when he steamrolled Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone in under a minute. He was supposed to fight Michael Chandler in 2024, but that fell through after he got injured.
Now, at 37, McGregor’s back in training and eyeing a return for UFC 329 on July 11, right as International Fight Week rolls around. Before that, he missed out on a shot at the White House card, so this July date is shaping up to be his next window.
Dana White has flip-flopped a bit on McGregor’s comeback, but now he sounds confident: “It’s looking good. Believe me, you know once we get a deal done with him, we will announce it.” And right now, Holloway looks like the top pick for the fight, 13 years after they first went at it.
Back then, McGregor beat Holloway by decision. Since then, Holloway’s had his own ups and downs; he lost the BMF belt to Charles Oliveira in March and hasn’t fought since. Still, he’s eager to get back, especially if it means a shot at Conor.
Talking to Paramount, Holloway laid it out: “We have history. We fought a long time ago. If someone’s got a win over me, I want that back. If he really is serious about returning, and it looks like he is, then this is an exciting fight. He looks hungry. He even did a boxing exhibition not too long ago, so it looks like he’s really coming back. I just want another shot. Any fight with Conor is huge, but with our past? It means even more. If I can knock a few names off my list, that’s great.”
For now, Holloway hasn’t heard anything official from the UFC about July. "Maybe we'll see what happens,” he said. “I’m seeing all the same talk you are. I haven’t heard anything yet, but July would work for me. They say you’re only as good as your last fight, and I want people to forget about that one as soon as possible.”
