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Head coach Kevin O'Connell of the Minnesota Vikings watches action during a game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on September 29, 2024 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
The Minnesota Vikings are rolling into the 2026 season with Kyler Murray, J.J. McCarthy, and Carson Wentz. Ghosts of their past, like Kirk Cousins, now call Las Vegas home.
Additionlly, former Vikings QB Desmond Ridder was just released by the Packers. QBs with ties to Minnesota have been making a lot of the noise this offseason. Now, there’s even more.
GettyLANDOVER, MARYLAND – NOVEMBER 06: Taylor Heinicke #4 of the Washington Commanders is tackled by Danielle Hunter #99 of the Minnesota Vikings during the fourth quarter of the game at FedExField on November 06, 2022 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images)
The former Vikings and ODU Monarch Taylor Heinicke took to social media to announce he is stepping away from the game.
“For 25 years, I had the pleasure to play this great sport of football… It has taught me a lot, not only about myself, but about life as well. Many ups and downs throughout the years, but the ups outweigh the downs tenfold. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would’ve been able to live this life.
Thank you to all who have supported me in this journey. Thank you all who have believed in me. And thank you to those who gave me the opportunity to live out my childhood dream.
Excited for this next chapter of my life!”
Heinicke joined the Vikings as a UDFA in 2015 and was there until 2017. He also spent time with the Patriots, Texans, Panthers, Commanders, Falcons, and Chargers. Heinicke also spent time in the XFL with the St. Louis Battlehawks in 2020.
GettyARLINGTON, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 23: Jadeveon Clowney #42 of the Dallas Cowboys participates in warmups prior to a game against the Philadelphia Eagles at AT&T Stadium on November 23, 2025 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
AtoZ Sports contributor Tyler Forness recently threw an idea into the hat for the Vikings in Jadeveon Clowney.
“Right now, the Vikings don’t have a replacement for Dallas Turner. While Turner is going to be taking over for Jonathan Greenard, they don’t have anyone to replace the EDGE3 role. 500 snaps, 30-35 pressures, and 4-6 sacks per year. That’s something you can realistically get from an EDGE3.
Clowney is the exact type of player to give you that kind of production, and he can possibly give you even more. Having turned 33 on Valentine’s Day, Clowney played just 372 snaps for the Dallas Cowboys and earned 40 pressures and 8.5 sacks. His size, length, power, and explosiveness are plenty good enough to be a starter, let alone the first guy off the bench.
Having made less than $3.5 million in 2025, the Vikings may be able to get him at a reasonable price.”
Brevan Bane Brevan Bane is a sports scribe covering the NFL for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Minnesota Vikings and Cincinnati Bengals. Brevan began his writing career by making a platform on Twitter and leveraging his presence into writing and content creation opportunities for outlets like PurplePTSD, Vikings Territory, The Noise, Hockey Wilderness, and the VikesNow YouTube channel. You can follow him on X @brevmanbane. More about Brevan Bane
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