Since becoming the Vikings’ head coach in 2022, O’Connell has received great play — whether it’s a full season or a few games — from Kirk Cousins, Joshua Dobbs, Sam Darnold and even McCarthy. McCarthy struggled more than he shone in 2025, though, with his lead and some clutch rallies not enough to overcome a mercurial game and some bad decisions. He injured his ankle and hand and suffered a concussion last season. In McCarthy’s absence, veteran Carson Wentz was battered and rookie Max Brosmer struggled.
Making matters worse was the optics, as the Vikings did not retain Darnold, who had the NFL’s winningest season in 2024 with McCarthy out for the year with a torn meniscus. Darnold captained the Seattle Seahawks to the Super Bowl. Daniel Jones, who was also on the Vikings’ roster in 2024 but did not play, left for the Indianapolis Colts and had a great campaign before tearing his Achilles.
So, time is of the essence, as McCarthy needs competition — and rapid development — after Minnesota’s disappointing 9-8 season.
Jones was traded to Indy to compete with Anthony Richardson, who the Colts had flipped as a franchise QB prospect with a first-round pick.
This seems to be just the kind of scenario the Vikings envision: real competition, may the best QB win.
Since Brzezinski and Co. are open to “exploring all possibilities,” may not be able to judge any facility.
As mentioned, the Arizona Cardinals and Miami Dolphins haven’t taken anything off the table regarding their QB woes with Kyler Murray and Tua Tagovailoa, respectively. Both clubs are expected to move on from their previous faces in the campaign, be it through a release or hopefully a trade. Could either of them be an option for the Vikings?
Minnesota is $43.2 million over the cap, so financially, not exactly all is well.
Cousins, who will be released by the Atlanta Falcons and is familiar with O’Connell’s scheme, could be a viable option.
Derek Carr is considering retirement. Aaron Rodgers has not made a decision for 2026, and his name was linked to the Vikings in 2025 when he was awaiting decisions. Geno Smith is also likely to be released from the Las Vegas Raiders roster, so there are plenty of moving parts in the 2026 QB carousel.
The Vikings have indicated that while they’re still hoping — and aiming — for the best from McCarthy, they’re open to anything and everything at the quarterback position.