The Minnesota Vikings are less than 12 weeks from training camp, when roster battles will take center stage. Meanwhile, the rumor mill remains active, and we highlight the most significant stories each weekend.
The latest round of rumors focuses on quarterback depth, rookie patience, and a wide receiver idea that quickly fizzled. This week’s edition covers a range of positional importance.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz scans the field during second-quarter action against the Pittsburgh Steelers in an NFL International Series game at Croke Park. On Sep. 28, 2025, Wentz operated Minnesota’s offense during the overseas matchup as the Vikings continued expanding the NFL’s global presence with another showcase event in Dublin. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.
**The Wentz Update Leads a Practical May Rumor Batch**
The Purple Rumor Mill for May 10th, 2026.
Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Khalil Mack wraps up Minnesota Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz during first-half action on Oct. 23, 2025, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. Wentz later returned to Minnesota in a familiar backup role, providing veteran quarterback insurance behind the Vikings’ revamped depth chart entering 2026. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images.
**Rumor:** Carson Wentz’s shoulder is healed, and he’s 100% ready to go.
Speaking to KFRY-TV’s Luke Gamble on Tuesday, Wentz said he was all set for 2026: “Physically, I feel great. Shoulder’s more or less behind me now. It wasn’t fun by any means, but surgery went well, and rehab’s gone really well too. So for me, it’s behind me. I’m healthy, and I’ll be ready to roll.”
Wentz’s October shoulder injury made a May return seem realistic, and he is now back.
Should the Vikings need Wentz in 2026 — ideally, they won’t — he is healthy enough to step in. That is the primary purpose of his deal. Minnesota doesn’t require him to threaten anyone’s job or spark a quarterback controversy; they need him prepared in case unforeseen circumstances affect the depth chart.
Following Wentz’s re-signing, some fans speculated he could displace J.J. McCarthy or lead to a trade. Such notions never really made sense, as there is ample room for all three quarterbacks on the current depth chart: Kyler Murray as QB1, McCarthy as QB2, and Wentz as QB3. McCarthy has not been traded, and Wentz was never re-signed to create such drama.
Overall, Vikings fans praised Wentz for his toughness. When he returned this offseason, the reaction was largely positive because his role was clear: a proven veteran securing the QB3 spot, remaining ready, and providing the Vikings with an additional layer of protection at quarterback. Can’t go wrong.
**Rumor:** Caleb Banks could be a dark horse to win Defensive Rookie of the Year.
ESPN’s Ben Solak sized up the Rookie of the Year stakes last week, and regarding Banks, he wrote: “No defensive tackle has won Rookie of the Year since Aaron Donald in 2014, and the only other tackle to do it this century was Ndamukong Suh. Banks is that sort of talent and an enticing bet accordingly. But he has a foot injury that’s impossible to overlook.”
“He also plays in a Brian Flores defense that doesn’t allow defensive tackles to play the sort of unhinged, penetration-oriented style that leads to sacks. Sure, the Vikings spent an early pick on Banks — but as head coach of the Dolphins in 2019, Flores used the No. 13 pick on Christian Wilkins, and he had two sacks as a rookie. It’s hard to see the path for Banks.”
Florida Gators defensive tackle Caleb Banks celebrates after recovering a fumble against the Florida State Seminoles on Nov. 29, 2025, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Florida. Banks later climbed the draft boards and was selected by the Vikings, but his rookie season expectations remain tempered due to scheme fit and injury history.
**Rumor:** The Vikings were briefly linked to a trade for Deebo Samuel, but the idea faded fast.
According to league sources, Minnesota explored the possibility of acquiring the San Francisco 49ers wide receiver earlier this offseason. However, the team decided to prioritize other positions and maintain its current receiver corps,