Vikings Win Over Texans: J.J. McCarthy & Adam Thielen Trade?

For Minnesota Vikings fans, the 2025 NFL preseason is more than a warm-up—it’s a window into the team’s Super Bowl aspirations. In this episode of Two Old Bloggers on Vikings 1st & SKOL, partnered with the Fans First Sports Network, hosts Darren Campbell and Dave Stefano dissect the Vikings’ preseason victory over the Houston Texans, J.J. McCarthy’s first game action in nearly a year, the battle for backup quarterback roles, and the swirling speculation about trading for former Viking Adam Thielen to address wide receiver depth issues. Why should you care? Because with the regular season looming—kicking off against the Bears on September 8—understanding McCarthy’s progress, the team’s response to Jordan Addison’s three-game suspension, and the long-term outlook at key positions like running back and quarterback is critical for fans invested in a championship run. Campbell and Stefano’s seasoned analysis delivers actionable insights, blending immediate reactions with strategic foresight, resolving questions about the team’s readiness and future potential.

Preseason Game Recap: McCarthy’s Return Sparks Optimism

The episode opens with jubilation over the end of a nine-month football drought. “We made it folks,” Campbell declares, celebrating the Vikings’ win over the Texans in a game he calls “pretty boring overall” but packed with individual storylines. The spotlight falls on J.J. McCarthy, the 2024 first-round pick, who took his first snaps in 364 days after a limited rookie season, likely due to injury or coaching decisions.

McCarthy’s performance is a focal point, described as “solid” by Campbell: “He led a 14-play drive, made a nice throw under duress to Jordan Addison, scrambled for a first down on fourth-and-four recognizing man coverage.” He avoided turnovers and sacks, showing command, though a missed pass to Lucky Jackson drew scrutiny: “That would’ve been an easy first down… these are throws McCarthy needs to make consistently in the NFL.” Stefano praises McCarthy’s decision-making: “His leadership was locked on.” He cites McCarthy’s post-game comments about being “too fast” due to practicing against Brian Flores’ aggressive defense, adding, “He’s got to slow down.”

Backup quarterbacks steal attention too. Sam Howell, despite a rough training camp, shone brightly. “He looked very good… showed the arm strength we’ve heard about,” Campbell says, noting Howell’s 10-for-11 performance and touchdown drive. Stefano attributes camp struggles to facing Flores’ first-team defense: “Flores’s ones are brutal.”

Max Brosmer, an undrafted free agent from Minnesota, surprised with a crisp showing. “I was really impressed… good zip on the ball, quick decisions,” Campbell says, highlighting Brosmer’s 5-for-8, 49-yard, one-touchdown performance despite receiver drops. In contrast, Brett Rypien struggled: “If you’re Brett Rypien, you’re probably a little worried about your spot,” Campbell warns.

Offensively, the running back competition intensified. Zavier Scott impressed with decisive runs and pass-blocking, while Ty Chandler struggled with poor blocking, managing five yards on five carries. “The battle for the third running back spot is competitive,” Campbell notes, expecting clarity from joint practices and upcoming games against the Patriots and Titans.

The tight end No. 3 race remains unresolved, with Ben Yurosek, Nick Vannett, and Giovani Ricci untargeted. Bryson Nesbitt caught passes but is seen as a tall wide receiver, not a true tight end. Wide receiver Lucky Jackson validated training camp buzz with three catches for 30 yards, but Rondale Moore’s “very significant” knee injury, per coach Kevin O’Connell, and Addison’s suspension raise depth concerns.

Defensively, edge rusher Gabe Murphy dominated with 1.5 sacks, four pressures, and five quarterback hits. “This is the way backups make the roster,” Campbell emphasizes. Rookie Elijah Williams nearly notched two sacks, while Levi Drake Rodriguez and Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins disappointed. Cornerback Mekhi Blackmon, playing with second-teamers, faces a reduced role: “He’s got some work to do to earn playing time,” Campbell observes.

Special teams saw Will Reichard go perfect on kicks, dispelling concerns. With Moore sidelined, punt returners Tai Felton and Silas Bolden failed to stand out, leaving the role open.

Stefano summarizes the game as a success: “They executed and won… everything seemed on time, on schedule.”

The Adam Thielen Trade Debate: A Nostalgic Fix or Risky Move?

The episode’s second theme tackles a fan-driven question: Should the Vikings trade for Adam Thielen to address wide receiver depth during Addison’s three-game suspension for an alcohol-related arrest? The suspension covers games against the Giants, 49ers, and Texans, straining a receiving corps already hit by Moore’s injury.

Campbell outlines the challenge: “Jalen Nailor is expected to be the No. 2 opposite Justin Jefferson, but he had just 28 catches last year.” Nailor’s 14% drop rate (per PFF) and unproven backups like rookie Tai Felton, Moore, Lucky Jackson, and others raise concerns for a Super Bowl contender.

Thielen, turning 35 on August 22, remains productive: 151 catches for over 1,600 yards and nine touchdowns in 27 games with Carolina. “His yards per catch average was the highest since 2019,” Campbell notes. Pros include his familiarity with O’Connell’s 2022 offense, slot versatility, and mentorship potential: “He could be a great sounding board for Felton and Addison.” Stefano pushes further: “He’s Young’s security blanket… J.J. already knows Thielen; they get along great.” He suggests a low trade cost (6th or 7th-round pick) and cites Jerry Rice’s post-35 production to argue Thielen’s viability in a win-now scenario.

Cons include Thielen’s age: “That’s ancient for a wide receiver, and his skills could erode quickly,” Campbell warns. Building chemistry with McCarthy in weeks is uncertain, and his $10.1 million cap hit, while manageable with the Vikings’ $25.3 million cap space, reduces flexibility. The Panthers may resist trading Young’s top target, and Thielen might bristle at a reduced role post-Addison’s return: “Is he going to be happy as the No. 4 WR?” Campbell asks.

Stefano counters: “It would take Carolina agreeing… but it would be cool.” Free agents like Amari Cooper or Gabe Davis are alternatives, but lack Thielen’s Vikings ties. Campbell remains skeptical: “His age and arriving late make me skeptical,” though Moore’s injury keeps the door open for a veteran addition.

Long-Term Outlook: Cloudy at RB, McCarthy-Centric at QB

The final segment reviews the long-term outlook for running backs and quarterbacks, considering age, contracts, and performance.

Running backs face uncertainty. Aaron Jones (30, through 2026) is unlikely to stay beyond: “At 32, running backs don’t age well,” Campbell says. Jordan Mason (26, through 2026) has low mileage but faces decline risks at 28. Ty Chandler (27, free agent after 2025) may not make the roster, while C.J. Ham (32) is a short-term fullback. Zavier Scott and Tre Stewart are practice-squad long shots. The Vikings’ decision to skip a deep 2025 running back draft class raises concerns, but Campbell sees hope: “If Mason plays well, they can draft a running back in 2026 or 2027.”

Quarterbacks rest on McCarthy: “The long-term outlook is about J.J. McCarthy alone,” Campbell states. At 22, with control through 2028 (plus a fifth-year option), success means a long-term extension: “If he proves he’s the franchise guy, we’re set.” Failure risks a return to bridge quarterbacks and draft searches. Howell (24, free agent after 2025) may seek starting roles; Rypien (29) is depth. Brosmer’s promise—under control through 2028—offers backup potential: “If he develops, he could be trade bait,” Campbell notes, citing Packers’ past successes.

Listen:

Watch:

The episode resolves why these topics matter: McCarthy’s progress, depth decisions, and positional planning shape the Vikings’ championship path, giving fans clarity on a pivotal season.

Fan With Us!

We have your Minnesota Vikings talk amongst the Two Old Bloggers, Darren @KickassblogVike, and Dave @Luft_Krigare. Join the conversation! Fan with us at Vikings 1st & SKOL @Vikings1stSKOL and with our podcast partner Fans First Sports Network @FansFirstSN and the network’s NFL feed over at Pro Football Insiders @Pro_FB_Insiders. Your ultimate source for NFL insights, breaking news, and expert analysis. From draft prospects to game-day strategies, we’ve got the inside scoop!

Question:

Should the Vikings trade for Adam Thielen to bolster their receiving corps, or trust young talents like Nailor and Felton during Addison’s suspension? Share your thoughts below!