Five Vikings Who Are Entering a Make-Or-Break Season in 2026

J.J. McCarthy, Jordan Mason, Tai Felton, Myles Price, and Theo Jackson face critical years ahead.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The Minnesota Vikings have several key players who could be entering a make-or-break season in 2026-27. Quarterback J.J. McCarthy, running back Jordan Mason, wide receivers Tai Felton and Myles Price, and safety Theo Jackson are all facing pivotal years that could determine their futures with the team.

Why it matters

The Vikings are on the cusp of being a Super Bowl contender, but they need strong contributions from these players to solidify their roster. Their performances this upcoming season will be crucial in shaping the team's direction and roster decisions moving forward.

The details

J.J. McCarthy, the Vikings' 10th overall pick in 2024, has just 10 starts under his belt and needs to prove he can be the team's long-term answer at quarterback. Running back Jordan Mason had a promising 2025 season but must show he can handle a larger workload as the lead back. Wide receivers Tai Felton and Myles Price were 2025 draft picks who struggled to make an impact as rookies and will need to step up. Safety Theo Jackson was expected to take on a bigger role in 2025 but had an underwhelming season and must improve with Harrison Smith likely retiring.

  • The 2026-27 NFL season will be a critical year for these five Vikings players.

The players

J.J. McCarthy

The Vikings' 10th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, McCarthy is entering his third season and needs to prove he can be the team's long-term answer at quarterback.

Jordan Mason

The Vikings' running back had a promising 2025 season, rushing for 758 yards and 6 touchdowns, but must show he can handle a larger workload as the lead back.

Tai Felton

A 2025 third-round draft pick, Felton had just 3 receptions for 25 yards as a rookie and will need to earn a larger role in the Vikings' receiving corps.

Myles Price

An undrafted rookie in 2025, Price provided some value as a returner but must prove he can contribute on offense to secure a roster spot.

Theo Jackson

With Harrison Smith likely retiring, Jackson is expected to take on a larger role in the Vikings' secondary after an underwhelming 2025 season.

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The takeaway

The Vikings are on the cusp of being a Super Bowl contender, but they need strong contributions from these five players to solidify their roster. Their performances in the 2026-27 season will be crucial in determining the team's direction and roster decisions moving forward.