We call them the Nopedy Nopes, and we reveal a new batch each weekend at VikingsTerritory — takes and happenings from the Minnesota Vikings orbit that did work out, are too far-fetched for believability, or were flat-out wrong.
Three rumors. Three verdicts. One more offseason reality check.
This week tackles two false theories and one WR theory that won’t come to fruition.
Noise Patrol Tackles the Latest Vikings Rumor Cycle
It’s the Vikings Nopedy Nopes for May 10th, 2026.
The Nopedy Nope: The Vikings didn’t spend much in free agency, so they will probably be sold by ownership.
Pioneer Press‘ Charley Walter unloaded the idea last weekend, claiming, “It’s beginning to look as if Vikings ownership now could be mirroring Twins ownership, which has sought to sell its team. Figuring they were championship worthy, the Vikings a year ago spent more money on player payroll in the offseason ($350 million) than any of the NFL’s other 31 teams.”
“This offseason, the Vikings have spent just $226 million, second lowest in the league. It appears Vikings owners Mark and Zygi Wilf have decided on a significant payroll slash this year. The Vikings won’t admit it, but this sure looks like a rebuilding year. This is the 21st year the Wilfs have owned the Vikings. Until this year, they have made a commendable attempt at winning the Lombardi Trophy.”
On the pursuit of a Super Bowl in 2026, it is unclear why Walters believes the Vikings have said “no thanks.” Minnesota featured a Top 3 defense last year and signed Kyler Murray two months ago.
Walters continued, “Meanwhile, the Twins’ Pohlad ownership isn’t unlike what Red McCombs did with the Vikings in 2005 before selling to the Wilfs. McCombs, who bought the Vikings for $246 million in 1998, cut player and coaching staff payroll to a bare minimum and waited until he got his price ($600 million) from the Wilfs.”
“If the Wilfs, who curiously still haven’t named a permanent general manager since firing Kwesi Adofo-Mensah last January, were to sell the Vikings today, they could get between $8 billion and $9 billion.”
The Verdict: Teams that spend big in free agency — like the Vikings from 2022 to 2024 — are forced to reset because the money runs out. Suggesting a sale of the team is on the way can be construed as the grandaddy of all “nopey nopes.” Credible Vikings sources have since smacked down the reporting. The franchise is not for sale.
The Nopedy Nope: Stefon Diggs is a WR option for Minnesota.
Days after the 2026 NFL Draft, Bleacher Report’s Joseph Zucker analyzed Diggs’s employment options in 2026, and the Vikings got the nod.
He wrote, “The Kansas City Chiefs are in a much different spot organizationally. They’re aiming to contend despite quarterback Patrick Mahomes recovering from a torn ACL. Like the Raiders, the Chiefs didn’t take a receiver until Day 3. Cincinnati’s Cyrus Allen went in the fifth round, so signing Diggs to a short-term contract makes sense for Kansas City.”
“Would one of Diggs’ old teams consider a reunion? Jordan Addison has yet to make a true breakthrough with the Minnesota Vikings. The team’s depth really falls off once you get past him and Justin Jefferson as well. The Vikings have one quarterback on a one-year contract (Kyler Murray) and another who may be heading into a make-or-break season (J.J. McCarthy). Bringing Diggs back to Minneapolis has some merit.”
Fast forward a week, and Minnesota added Jauan Jennings, not Diggs.
The Verdict: Nopedy nope on Diggs to Minnesota. The choice was Jennings instead.
The Nopedy Nope: The Vikings have one of the league’s worst quarterback rooms entering 2026.
Naming the Vikings’ quarterback situation the NFL’s eight-worst, CBS Sports‘ Garrett Podell wrote, “One would think the Minnesota Vikings’ signing of two-time Pro Bowl quarterback Kyler Murray would keep them off this list, but that’s not the case. Murray earned his Pro Bowl selections in 2020 and 2021. That’s a lifetime ago in NFL years. From 2022 to 2025, Murray missed 30 of his possible 68 games.”
“In the five games Murray played for the Cardinals in 2025, he averaged a career low 227.0 total yards per game. Recent first-round pick J.J. McCarthy was the worst quarterback in the NFL in 2025, which sparked the signing of Murray. McCarthy’s performance was simply incredible considering the offensive ecosystem under 2024 Coach of the Year Kevin O’Connell.”
Murray may not be in the elite tier of NFL quarterbacks, but eighth-worst is pretty bold.
He added, “Despite an electrifying supporting cast, McCarthy ranked dead last in the league in completion percentage (57.6%), touchdown-to-interception ratio (11-12), and passer rating (72.6). Murray could rediscover his early career form with Minnesota.”
The Verdict: Nopedy nope on Murray as the league’s eighth-worst signal-caller. That doesn’t make sense.
