QB option nobody is talking about...

[supafreak84]

Derek Carr would be another interesting name you could bring in short term without giving up completely on McCarthy. The problem is, if Carr starts (presumably) and JJ sits the bench as the backup all year, you'd essentially have three years of incomplete data on McCarthy on a four year rookie deal where you'd need to decide sooner rather than later on picking up his 5th year option. Not ideal, and any advantage to building on a rookie quarterback contract goes out the door in the last gasp of the Kwesi building blueprint.

[AGRforever]

Pull Stroud's stats (I didn't watch the Texans). He's no better then JJM. He's just got more experience.

[purplefaithful]

Levis or A. Richardson

A real competition for JJM to win or lose. He hasn't nailed down anything yet

[kmillard]

Pull Stroud's stats (I didn't watch the Texans).  He's no better then JJM.  He's just got more experience.

I look at the QBR charts for the 2025 season as a pretty good indicator of play. Stroud was ranked 11, JJ was somewhere off the charts (below 28). I would be happy if JJM gets to the stroud level.

[supafreak84]

Levis or A. Richardson

A real competition for JJM to win or lose. He hasn't nailed down anything yet

I'd be in favor of Levis, although it's not likely to happen as KOC would not put his job on the line for Levis and would want a more experienced, proven veteran. Levis has talent though...

Richardson, even before the eye injury, is just such a massive question mark. OConnell may like him, but I can't see to the point he'd stake his job to it.

[JimmyinSD]

I'd be in favor of Levis, although it's not likely to happen as KOC would not put his job on the line for Levis and would want a more experienced, proven veteran. Levis has talent though...

Richardson, even before the eye injury, is just such a massive question mark. OConnell may like him, but I can't see to the point he'd stake his job to it.

How are you staking your job if you give up a day 3 pick for a QB2?  Which is all either would be until they learned the offense well enough to compete with JJM,  which isn't likely a day 1 situation.

[Canthony]

It all depends on OConnell and what he truly thinks about McCarthy for this upcoming season (where his job might be on the line) and into the future. Nobody knows, but all indications are that they will explore all options to upgrade the position. If he doesn't trust McCarthy, then all options are on the table with him essentially now calling the shots on personnel. Stroud fits the KOC offense better as a more polished pocket passer that can make all the throws. To me, if this was a realistic possibility, it's option 1A..

They used this phrase well more than once. He said, "upgrade the room" Not upgrade the position at the starter level. Translation, they want to get a serious back up that can make the room better and put that extra pressure on JJM.

[supafreak84]

How are you staking your job if you give up a day 3 pick for a QB2?  Which is all either would be until they learned the offense well enough to compete with JJM,  which isn't likely a day 1 situation.

Because OConnell needs an upgrade at quarterback that can run his offense the way he wants. Whether that's short term or long term. If that quarterback is an unproven guy like Levis or Richardson, why would he do that when I think we can all agree, he probably needs a playoff win to keep his job beyond this upcoming season. Guys like Carr, Rodgers, and even Cousins, fit that profile. A short term, reliable veteran that can run the offense is most likely.

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They used this phrase well more than once. He said, "upgrade the room" Not upgrade the position at the starter level. Translation, they want to get a serious back up that can make the room better and put that extra pressure on JJM.

I think he was vague for a reason and that was not to shake McCarthy's confidence by benching him before even adding another quarterback. I think he will definately be looking for a starting caliber quarterback with experience and the ability to run his system

[JimmyinSD]

Because OConnell needs an upgrade at quarterback that can run his offense the way he wants. Whether that's short term or long term. If that quarterback is an unproven guy like Levis or Richardson, why would he do that when I think we can all agree, he probably needs a playoff win to keep his job beyond this upcoming season. Guys like Carr, Rodgers, and even Cousins, fit that profile. A short term, reliable veteran that can run the offense is most likely.

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I think he was vague for a reason and that was not to shake McCarthy's confidence by benching him before even adding another quarterback. I think he will definately be looking for a starting caliber quarterback with experience and the ability to run his system

KOCs O is often the problem with the O not getting it done,  we've all talked to length about the lack of shorter routes and a run game to counter an aggressive pass rush.   Rogers and Cousins wont change that,  as they wont survive the beating they will get.  With each passing year,  and our OL cast offs playing better in other systems convince me that whoever it is having to hold the ball is going to take a lot of hits unless the O changes,   young guys at least provide a mobile aspect to the position that those 3 dont.   That will do more for his O than guys in their mid to late 30s and 40s.  Carr sitting out a year and no experience in the O would be an interesting back up,  but I wouldn't expect him to do much either.

Unless they are giving up on JJM and the dream of a serious run with a rookie deal,  then they need to stay with the plan,  even if it means another struggling year,  but weve been down this road so many time where the organization bails on their plan its getting sickening.  Its no damn wonder they have struggled for so long.

[MaroonBells]

KOCs O is often the problem with the O not getting it done,  we've all talked to length about the lack of shorter routes and a run game to counter an aggressive pass rush.   Rogers and Cousins wont change that,  as they wont survive the beating they will get.  With each passing year,  and our OL cast offs playing better in other systems convince me that whoever it is having to hold the ball is going to take a lot of hits unless the O changes,   young guys at least provide a mobile aspect to the position that those 3 dont.   That will do more for his O than guys in their mid to late 30s and 40s.  Carr sitting out a year and no experience in the O would be an interesting back up,  but I wouldn't expect him to do much either.

Unless they are giving up on JJM and the dream of a serious run with a rookie deal,  then they need to stay with the plan,  even if it means another struggling year,  but weve been down this road so many time where the organization bails on their plan its getting sickening.  Its no damn wonder they have struggled for so long.

Man I couldn't disagree more. This is not a rebuilding team and there's too much at stake. You have one of the best defenses in the NFL. You have one of the best WR rooms in the NFL. You have one of the best offensive lines in the NFL (when healthy). And you're OK wasting another year of Justin Jefferson and Brian Flores for some silly "stick to the plan" nonsense? We should all be grateful that Justin Jefferson is a good dude. But how long do we try his patience? 

There should be no doubt in anyone's mind that the Vikings, who missed the playoffs by a half game, would've coasted into the playoffs with just average QB play. Andy Freaking Dalton would've taken this team to the playoffs. Sure, stick to the plan; keep developing JJ. But they have to have a much better failsafe this year.