Minnesota Vikings

Minnesota Vikings tight end Robert Tonyan is building chemistry with rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy at OTAs, according to Alec Lewis of The Athletic. The 30-year-old signed a one-year, $1.23 million deal to join the team this offseason, and he could compete for snaps while T.J. Hockenson (knee) works his way back from a late-season ACL tear. Tonyan spent five seasons with the Green Bay Packers and one year with the Chicago Bears and racked up 148 receptions for 1,549 yards and 17 touchdowns in 85 games. He led all tight ends with 11 touchdowns in 2020. Although his one season of fantasy upside looks to be an outlier and a result of playing with Aaron Rodgers, he should be slightly on the fantasy radar in deep tight-end premium leagues. He figured to compete with Josh Oliver, Johnny Mundt, and K'Neal Harry (recently moved to tight end) for early-season reps. Whoever earns the temporary TE1 job will likely have limited upside catching passes from Sam Darnold or McCarthy in 2024.

The Athletic's Alec Lewis points out that Minnesota Vikings running back Ty Chandler is turning heads at mandatory minicamp this week, and that fans should keep an eye on him heading into the 2024 season. "I see us as having a one-two punch at running back (alongside Aaron Jones)," defensive tackle Harrison Phillips said, "almost like they have in Detroit. I don't know if that's what's happening on the offensive side, but I know that we have two true No. 1 running backs. I'd buy stock in Ty Chandler if I could." Aaron Jones is the starter in Minnesota's backfield, but the 26-year-old Chandler should have an increased role off the bench after he started the last four games in 2023 and was very productive. Jones' history with injuries makes Chandler a very enticing handcuff pick in fantasy drafts this fall.

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold has looked calm, confident and prepared at the team's mandatory minicamp this week for what is likely to be another starting opportunity for him in the NFL to start the 2024 season. Darnold's consistency has stood out all week, and he's shown good chemistry with top receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. He also took every first-team repetition over rookie first-rounder J.J. McCarthy, who is being eased in while learning new concepts. "This is the best team he's been on. This is the best system for him. He's hopefully going to find the ceiling of his play this season for us," defensive tackle Harrison Phillips said. The 27-year-old former first-rounder is going to need to play well to hold off McCarthy in 2024, but if he's the starter, Darnold will have QB2 appeal in superflex leagues given the talent that he's working with on offense.

The Minnesota Vikings are taking it slow with rookie first-round quarterback J.J. McCarthy in offseason workouts to help him develop confidence. The Vikings want to allow him to try throws, make mistakes and learn. Head coach Kevin O'Connell and his staff think that's the best path to long-term success. Unsurprisingly, McCarthy was inconsistent in organized team activities this week, although Thursday's session was easily his best. The young signal-caller is practicing new concepts, throwing to new receivers and is using new footwork, so growing pains are to be expected. Veteran QB Sam Darnold has taken all of the first-team repetitions at OTAs and has shown good chemistry with receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. All signs are pointing to Darnold starting the year under center, making McCarthy more of a dynasty/keeper league asset in 2024.

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver N'Keal Harry is reportedly up to 240 pounds in preparation for his attempted move to tight end. The 2019 first-round pick by the New England Patriots out of Arizona State has not found success at receiver through his first five NFL campaigns, and there have been a few success stories of players moving to tight end. Harry said heard "whispers" during his career about moving to tight end, but the Vikings were the first team to broach it with him with the idea. With T.J. Hockenson (knee) likely out of action to begin 2024 after a late-season ACL tear last year, it will be interesting to see if Harry can carve out a role in the new-look Vikings offense led by Sam Darnold or J.J. McCarthy. He's not on the fantasy radar in regular leagues, but deep-league dynasty fantasy managers could take a flyer on him.