When the Minnesota Vikings selected Michigan Wolverines fullback Max Bredeson in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, the headlines naturally focused on replacing a franchise icon. After all, C.J. Ham—a decade-long cornerstone at fullback—retired this offseason, leaving big shoes to fill in the Vikings' backfield. But dig a little deeper, and you'll find a secondary storyline that could be just as crucial for the team's long-term future: the reunion of Bredeson with quarterback J.J. McCarthy.
McCarthy is heading into his third NFL season, but it feels more like a second chance. Injuries and inconsistent play have kept him from replicating the magic he had at Michigan. Last year, he completed just 57.6 percent of his passes, throwing for 1,632 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. It's a far cry from the polished signal-caller who led the Wolverines to three straight College Football Playoff appearances.
Now, McCarthy faces a pivotal year—one that will determine whether the Vikings pick up his fifth-year option next offseason. The pressure is on, especially with former No. 1 overall pick Kyler Murray brought in to compete for the starting job. The battle will be fierce, and the loser could find themselves packing their bags. For McCarthy to win this job, everything needs to fall into place. And while it's early to call it a game-changer, having the front office bring in one of his closest friends and most trusted blockers certainly doesn't hurt.
Enter Bredeson. He was the lynchpin of Michigan's offense in recent seasons, a fullback who did the dirty work that made stars shine. Remember the Rose Bowl against Alabama? Bredeson delivered the lead block that sprung running back Blake Corum for the game-winning touchdown. Or the 2024 showdown at Ohio State, where he paved the way for Kalel Mullings to snag a crucial first down. And of course, he protected McCarthy time and again during those playoff runs. The Vikings saw enough to use a draft pick on him rather than risk losing him as an undrafted free agent.
"This was a guy that was given almost no opportunity," Vikings Director of College Scouting Mike Sholiton said of Bredeson's early college days. But opportunity is exactly what he's getting now—and it might just be the confidence boost McCarthy needs to turn his NFL career around.