Inside The Vikings
Joe Nelson

Joe Nelson

Joined: Jun 1, 2024

Joe Nelson has more than 20 years of experience in Minnesota sports journalism. Nelson began his career in sports radio, working at smaller stations in Marshall and St. Cloud before moving to the highly-rated KFAN-FM 100.3 in the Twin Cities. While there, he produced the popular mid-morning show hosted by Minnesota Vikings play-by-play announcer Paul Allen. His time in radio laid the groundwork for his transition to sports writing in 2011. He covers the Vikings, Timberwolves, Gophers and Twins for On SI.

Aug 10, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) warms up before the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
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Is J.J. McCarthy the Vikings' No. 1 QB? 'Um, they haven't told me'

McCarthy is presumed to be the No. 1 quarterback for the Vikings in 2025 after numerous insiders reported last week that the Vikings are no longer pursuing Rodgers.

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A scene from the Vikings' TCO Stadium during a flag football event.
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51 Minnesota high schools involved in girls flag football league launched by the Vikings

A new era of girls flag football is coming to Minnesota, and the Vikings are helping make it happen.

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Dec 24, 2023; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) warms up before the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images
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Rapoport: Vikings 'hope they don't need' Ryan Tannehill at QB

Tannehill didn't play in the NFL in 2024 but he remains a possibility for QB-needy teams in 2025.

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Sep 29, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) on the sidelines after theh Jets failed to score on the Denver Broncos late in the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images
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Why are so many insiders keeping the Aaron Rodgers-to-Vikings door open?

Why are so many insiders saying the Minnesota Vikings are going with J.J. McCarthy at quarterback while at the same time suggesting McCarthy has more to prove in spring practices before the Vikings will close the door on Aaron Rodgers?

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Jan 5, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) celebrates his touchdown pass to New York Jets wide receiver Davante Adams (17) (not pictured) during the fourth quarter of their game against the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images
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Russini says Aaron Rodgers is still on Vikings' radar, guesses he'll end up in Minnesota

Before being pressed to guess, Russini said the Vikings are not out on Rodgers, they've just tabled the discussion for the time being.

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Sep 10, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison (3) reacts with wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) after scoring his first career touchdown pass from quarterback Kirk Cousins (not pictured) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
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Does any NFL team have a better quartet of pass-catchers than the Vikings?

We've gone team-by-team to find out if any team can stack up to the Vikings in the pass-catching department.

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Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy works during Minnesota's offseason OTAs on June 12, 2024.
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Report: Vikings so high on J.J. McCarthy that Aaron Rodgers wasn't a must

Vikings reportedly optimistic about 22-year-old J.J. McCarthy leading the team into the future.

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Aug 10, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) under center against the Las Vegas Raiders in the third quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images
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Cam Bynum calls Vikings' J.J. McCarthy a football 'maniac' and 'gunslinger'

One day after news broke that the Minnesota Vikings are allegedly not pursuing Aaron Rodgers, it appears to be full steam ahead on the J.J. McCarthy train. Sa

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Sep 19, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) is introduced before a game against the New England Patriots at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
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Clashing sources: Paul Allen and Alec Lewis debate Vikings’ interest in Aaron Rodgers

"There is the truth that the team wants you to hear and wants you to know, and then there's the actual truth," Lewis said.

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Dec 8, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) and Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) talk after the game at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
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Did Netflix ever stop rolling? Kirk Cousins set for ‘Quarterback’ Season 2

Netflix has had a camera crew following Cousins around for the past season and we're assuming the cameras are still rolling ahead of Season 2, which will feature Cousins, Joe Burrow and Jared Goff.

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New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) calls a play against the Tennessee Titans during their game at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024.
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Russini: Vikings aren't 'in' or 'out' on Aaron Rodgers, simply 'not ready to commit'

The Vikings appear to be out on Aaron Rodgers, but Dianna Russini isn't quite ready to put the idea six feet under and bury it.

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J.J. McCarthy
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Pelissero: Vikings not pursuing Aaron Rodgers; rejected J.J. McCarthy trade offers

Is the Aaron Rodgers drama over? Not for the New York Giants and Pittsburgh Steelers, but according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, the Vikings are out.

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