The only QB scenario we should be talking about

Questions at QB and RB , but this is still a pretty good roster with a near elite D.

Cant have a bare-bones QB room again. That would be insane imo - fireable offense.

If the Vikings existed only for my own personal amusement, I might agree with you. Problem is, there are jobs on the line. There are elite players on this team whose patience has an expiration date.

I agree.

The toll of bad drafts is gonna catch up with this roster in 2026. Vikings need to plan accordingly.

Vikesrock wrote:
So why are we even entertaining this scenario?  

KOC job preservation.  Vet heavy roster probably doesn't want to spend another year doing JJM FAFO.  Wilfs mainly think about short term feels, not long term strategy.

I would play JJM another year on the chance he turns into something, even though history is not really on his side at this point.  But I have no say and nothing at stake unlike KOC et al.

I agree with OP the team's Plan A should still be JJ McCarthy. I think there's a better than 50/50 chance he can take us to the playoffs next season... if he can stay on the field.

I disagree that if McCarthy doesn't pan out, the team should tank. While I wouldn't be mad at this approach and I greatly prefer it to letting someone like Rodgers start 17 games for us, I still think they need to try and upgrade the backup QB position over last year. Running it back with Brosmer as QB2 is a recipe for getting everyone fired and "losing the team", even moreso if the locker room has doubts about JJ McCarthy.

Internet opinion here. The Vikings have fumbled the QB position so bad it should be a personal foul roughing the fans. Getting a bandaid QB is like rebranding the phrase competitive rebuild with Cracker Barrel rebranding results. The Vikings screwed the pooch so bad on the QB situation Packer fans have hope with animals again.

Like I said a few weeks ago, every fan of this organization wants McCarthy to be the starter for better or for worse because we want the questions to be emphatically answered. Too small a sample size and we want to know if he can stay healthy for a full season. Bringing in a one year veteran rental to start (of which the names have bern discussed), does nothing in answering those questions or getting this team to a Super Bowl, so what's the point, right? Unfortunately we have coaches on short leashes and instead of making the best long term decision at quarterback, they are going to do what's best for them to keep their jobs. That's why I say, firing Kwesi when we did and not immediately bringing in a new GM to run the operation with a long term view, is just the latest in a long line of poor decisions by ownership. We are all just unfortunately along for the ride while the Wilfs fumble and bumble their way through another offseason

supafreak84 wrote:
Like I said a few weeks ago, every fan of this organization wants McCarthy to be the starter for better or for worse because we want the questions to be emphatically answered. Too small a sample size and we want to know if he can stay healthy for a full season. Bringing in a one year veteran rental to start (of which the names have bern discussed), does nothing in answering those questions or getting this team to a Super Bowl, so what's the point, right? Unfortunately we have coaches on short leashes and instead of making the best long term decision at quarterback, they are going to do what's best for them to keep their jobs. That's why I say, firing Kwesi when we did and not immediately bringing in a new GM to run the operation with a long term view, is just the latest in a long line of poor decisions by ownership. We are all just unfortunately along for the ride while the Wilfs fumble and bumble their way through another offseason

If the Wilf's would have decided Kwesi's fate right after the season they could have gotten a new GM on board in time for free  agency instead they decided to go with familiarity and give the temporary title to Brzezinski.  They would still have time to hire a GM in time for the draft but no lets just see how the new triangle works out.  If they hire Brzezinski to be full time GM wonder who takes over as the cap guy, he would not have time for both jobs, oh I know let KOC have that power also.

In another head scratcher I read that Josh McCown got a new title added to his name.  He is now the passing game coordinator and quarterback coach.  Things can only go up from here.

MaroonBells wrote:
If the Vikings existed only for my own personal amusement, I might agree with you. Problem is, there are jobs on the line. There are elite players on this team whose patience has had an expiration date.

fixed it!

Greylock wrote:

If the Wilf's would have decided Kwesi's fate right after the season they could have gotten a new GM on board in time for free  agency instead they decided to go with familiarity and give the temporary title to Brzezinski.  They would still have time to hire a GM in time for the draft but no lets just see how the new triangle works out.  If they hire Brzezinski to be full time GM wonder who takes over as the cap guy, he would not have time for both jobs, oh I know let KOC have that power also.

In another head scratcher I read that Josh McCown got a new title added to his name.  He is now the passing game coordinator and quarterback coach.  Things can only go up from here.

It's highly speculated that Brzez doesn't want the job and only agreed to take over for this short transition period as the Wilfs "go to" guy when they need to get something done. Brzez was the guy who bartered the Thielen trade after the Wilfs told him to get it done...not Kwesi. This just further illustrates the dysfunction of this organization under Wilf ownership. The "Triangle of authority" was a colossal bust the first go around, so what would lead anybody to believe it turns out any different this time? The Wilfs put too much into "collaboration" and not enough into just having one voice with a long term vision who knows their shit when it comes to the draft, free agency, and roster building. Always trying to reinvent the wheel...

I don’t think this is really much of a triangle of authority.

I think KOC’s got one year to continue the plan we’ve had in place, to win a playoff game, and to show that he really is a QB whisperer with either JJM or whichever castoff we can bring in. I think KOC is going to have for the most part his pick of draft picks and Brez is just going to be a guy to bounce ideas off, and manage the rest of the scouts and their day to day activities and also be the voice of reason in the case that KOC tries to do something detrimental to the future versions of the team, like go out and mortgage the future by spending a ton in FA to try and save his job.

I think if KOC fails to develop JJM or a veteran and/or fails to win a playoff game, he’s out. I don’t really think we needed to bring in a different GM to muddy the water this offseason or develop a vision or a plan. We already have those. The plan we had in the past included this upcoming offseason. They spent big in FA last year because they traded a bunch of picks to try and get a QB. This year, it’s more about the draft. I think you get the roster the way KOC wants, and then bring in a GM to get acclimated to the group, and I’m fine with that. I think the only real weirdness is if KOC does well after having noticeable roster say, can they pull that away from KOC and pivot back to a GM with roster authority?

supafreak84 wrote:
Like I said a few weeks ago, every fan of this organization wants McCarthy to be the starter for better or for worse because we want the questions to be emphatically answered. Too small a sample size and we want to know if he can stay healthy for a full season. Bringing in a one year veteran rental to start (of which the names have bern discussed), does nothing in answering those questions or getting this team to a Super Bowl, so what's the point, right? Unfortunately we have coaches on short leashes and instead of making the best long term decision at quarterback, they are going to do what's best for them to keep their jobs. That's why I say, firing Kwesi when we did and not immediately bringing in a new GM to run the operation with a long term view, is just the latest in a long line of poor decisions by ownership. We are all just unfortunately along for the ride while the Wilfs fumble and bumble their way through another offseason

I think for us it is a small sample size as we only have gotten to see him play in 10 games.  However, for the coaches and players, they have a much larger view of him from being through two full pre seasons and practices during the regular season.  At the level of experience of the coaches and players, I think they have a much more solid view on whether or not they think JJM is the guy moving forward.  I have no idea what that is, but I think we will find out based on the QB they pick up, if it is someone like Cousins who is more of a backup at this point or if they make a trade for a younger guy with more upside.

medaille wrote:
I don’t think this is really much of a triangle of authority.

I think KOC’s got one year to continue the plan we’ve had in place, to win a playoff game, and to show that he really is a QB whisperer with either JJM or whichever castoff we can bring in.  I think KOC is going to have for the most part his pick of draft picks and Brez is just going to be a guy to bounce ideas off, and manage the rest of the scouts and their day to day activities and also be the voice of reason in the case that KOC tries to do something detrimental to the future versions of the team, like go out and mortgage the future by spending a ton in FA to try and save his job.

I think if KOC fails to develop JJM or a veteran and/or fails to win a playoff game, he’s out.  I don’t really think we needed to bring in a different GM to muddy the water this offseason or develop a vision or a plan.  We already have those.  The plan we had in the past included this upcoming offseason.  They spent big in FA last year because they traded a bunch of picks to try and get a QB.  This year, it’s more about the draft.  I think you get the roster the way KOC wants, and then bring in a GM to get acclimated to the group, and I’m fine with that.  I think the only real weirdness is if KOC does well after having noticeable roster say, can they pull that away from KOC and pivot back to a GM with roster authority?

But this is the trap we keep playing in to.  Over and over again a short time, short sighted goal and be damned the long term success of the organization.  I think, as Supa was saying, the correct long term health of the team is a proper GM with the aspect and sights set on the future and a Super Bowl. That way, if we do need to look for a new college QB in 2027, we can without worrying about everyone's job.  At some point KOC is either going to be fired or leave, and that can't ever be a primary deciding factor on the future of the team any farther then who the head coach will be.  I think with KOC and Flores being the primary roster builders now, of course their primary function is going to be save their own hide, and not necessarily the teams future.  Realistically though, the best steps the team could take right now is to find out if JJM is the guy, or be ready to take the next guy in 2027, when there is some guys to be taken...

Anyways, I hate to say, this really all is probably just a pipe dream, considering how the organization has been run since, well forever, even before the Wilfs.

StickierBuns wrote:
During the latest episode of the “Scoop City” podcast, Diannia Russini of The Athletic claims she doesn’t believe the Vikings will pursue Cousins. Instead, she thinks the franchise is going to focus on developing JJ McCarthy.

“Minnesota, to me, it makes sense on paper, but I just don’t see it happening, I don’t,” said Russini. “I think they really want to develop JJ. I really think they want to get JJ going. And I learned that actually, this week, more than ever.”

Russini also agreed with Palmer that even if the Vikings are all in on developing McCarthy, it doesn’t necessarily rule the club out from acquiring a veteran this offseason. So, Cousins could still be in play, but Russini thinks Minnesota is more likely to pursue a different option.

Although Kirk Cousins to the #Vikings makes sense on paper, @DMRussini says she doesn’t see it happening, she mentioned on @ScoopCityShow. She mentioned how she’s learned this week “more than ever” how important JJ McCarthy’s development is to Minnesota:

“I think they really… pic.twitter.com/qVpw3MYDRj

— VikingzFanPage (@vikingzfanpage) February 25, 2026

If we are bringing in a QB, why not somebody thay may have a future with the team?  Cousins, Wilson and to some extent Carr dont fill that role.  I dont like Murray at all,  but would prefer that shit show over cousins and Wilson.   I think Carr could have a few good years left with minimal interruption to JJMs development,   but cousins and Wilson would be a distraction not worth the time lost with JJM.

StickierBuns wrote:

I think the point is KOC doesn't want any time lost with JJM....he just wants to push him to better play and solidifying QB1. That's the whole exercise. QB2 will be improved regardless. None of these candidates are going to have 'futures' with the team, if JJ shits the bed in 2026, they'll be drafting a QB in '27 and that vet QB2 will be the bridge QB. But I firmly believe the organization believes in McCarthy, but they need to push him and have a security blanket. That's fair.

KFAN1003
@KFAN1003
·
11h
"J.J. has everything it takes to be successful in this league."

Listen back to
@PAOnTheMic
's full conversation with #Vikings Acting GM Rob Brzezinski, including their discussion on the current QB situation, on today's podcast here: https://iheart.com/podcast/462-paul-allen-26980875/

I think it would be fair to ascertain that if JJM fails, no matter if the Vikings bring in a competent backup, doesn't that spell doom for KOC?  10-7 and a first round playoff loss with Kirk Cousins is still a failure in my book.

Doubling down on JJM is right if thats what their gut say.

If Russini is spot on, it'll be a Dalton, Flacco type...Experienced, a good team player and can win a game if need be - but doesnt have to start to be happy.

I dont think Carr is that guy though - he'll want to start.

Vikings Plan for J.J. McCarthy's Development Includes Healthy Offseason & Competitive Room
Feb 25, 2026 at 03:44 PM
Author Image
Craig Peters
Senior Editor

INDIANAPOLIS — The past 33 years in the NFL and 27 with the Vikings have shaped Rob Brzezinski's philosophy that the business is "about the people and an alignment."

He explained that Tuesday at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine when asked during a session with Twin Cities media members about who will be Minnesota's ultimate decision maker during free agency and the draft.

"K.O. (Vikings Head Coach Kevin O'Connell) and I are going to work very, very closely together to make sure that the personnel staff and the coaching staff are aligned, and that we're just going to stack good decisions here in this time period," Brzezinski said. "We're not going to try to manufacture anything that's not there. We're going to do what's in the best interest of the Minnesota Vikings in 2026 and beyond. And I just feel very, very confident about my relationship with K.O. and in the relationships in the building overall."

The quarterback position is again central to Minnesota's offseason as the team prepares for free agency, which opens March 11, and the draft (April 23-25).

The continued development of J.J. McCarthy and an effort to add competition and depth will be incredibly important.

O'Connell spoke with Paul Allen and Pete Bercich during an interview that aired on KFAN and Vikings.com Wednesday and noted McCarthy is taking advantage of being healthy this offseason, participating in workouts with private quarterbacks coach John Beck, a 2007 second-round pick of the Dolphins.

"He's going to have a healthy offseason, which with his journey up until this point, he's gotten 10 starts where we've been able to see a lot of the things that we really, really liked about J.J. when we drafted him," O'Connell said. "We've seen some growth, some of that development over time, but we're still talking about quite a few opportunities of that growth and development phase missed.

"He knows this is a big offseason for him. He didn't need anybody to tell him that. He certainly didn't need me to tell him that, but what I've really enjoyed about our conversations early on is he is hungry," O'Connell added. "He's out in California right now working with John Beck and some of the guys that he worked with pre-draft, very detailed in what he wanted to decompress after the season and go through layer by layer: 'What do I need to individually work on to make sure I come back ready to roll in April?' He's working on those things.

"His continued growth in our offense and schemes will be a natural thing. He's a really smart player. I think he's going to be able to use a lot of that experience of those 10 games in the journey so far to get himself in position to have the best 2026 he can. We've talked about it, we want him to be in a competitive situation because of some of that time lost," O'Connell added. "We've really got to push the gas pedal down and not replace development and coaching and teaching with anything but really enhance it with a really competitive situation that I think our whole team will benefit from. pretty early in that process, but I'm excited about it."

Brzezinski said QB is "the most important position on our team" and compared the focus on competition to every other position on the roster.

"We have a ton of confidence in J.J. McCarthy. He's been through a lot of adversity, and guess what? This is a really, really hard job with a lot of pressure," Brzezinski said. "I think even in our organization and with our history, everybody's yearning for that young franchise quarterback."

Brzezinski said he believes some criticism of McCarthy has been excessive.

"He is a fabulous person, he cares, he works really hard, he wants to be successful and he wants to win," Brzezinski said.

As to what the Vikings could do within the room, a return of veteran Carson Wentz, who is scheduled to become a free agent, has not been ruled out.

"I think we were incredibly fortunate to have Carson join our team when he did last year," O'Connell said. "You look back at some of the things Carson did when he stepped in for J.J, Carson Wentz showed up about five days before the season started. He was not a part of our offseason program, not a part of the greater sum of training camp, and for him to come in the way he did and be ready to step in the way he did … plays a phenomenal game against Cincinnati, and that is a veteran quarterback that has done a lot of things at a high level throughout his career. He absolutely is a guy that made our quarterbacks room better, even with our late arrival and is definitely somebody that we're thinking about."

If the Vikings don't return the 33-year-old with 99 career regular-season starts, then they could sign another free agent (either one with a contract scheduled to expire or one who is released) or execute a trade.

"I don't think we're ruling anything out. I mean, honestly, we're exploring all possibilities. And what we do know is we need a level of baseline quarterback play for us to be effective," Brzezinski said. "A lot of this has been J.J. , with some of the injuries and things that he's dealt with, but we're going to explore every opportunity, and I don't think there's anything specifically we're looking for. Again, we can't manufacture anything that's not there. So number one, what are the options? Is it reciprocal? Is it financially doable? All those things. There's just a lot of factors that go into it."

StickierBuns wrote:

Exactly. That's all I'm really saying. Its all you can do, go with your gut. The upside with JJ is massive and KOC knows this. We've already seen some throws from him that not many other starting QBs make. The Retread Factory won't get you close to the same zip code. They weathered the storm with JJ last year, this is the year they see land on the horizon.

Imagine we bring in Cousins and he starts over McCarthy. There's virtually no world where it's not a total circus by like, week 3. The first time Kirk checks it down late in a game, 50% of fans will be sharing clips on X of McCarthy-to-Nailor on 4th down from last year and the media vultures will be circling. And people think THAT is how O'Connell is gonna save his job? Good luck...

We need either a clear upgrade at QB or a backup to JJM. Open competition is courting disaster.

StickierBuns wrote:

Exactly. That's all I'm really saying. Its all you can do, go with your gut. The upside with JJ is massive and KOC knows this. We've already seen some throws from him that not many other starting QBs make. The Retread Factory won't get you close to the same zip code, the team ideally wants a long term franchise QB. Invest some time. They weathered the storm with JJ last year, this is the year they see land on the horizon.

YES!  This!  And I know we all want JJ to work out, but if he doesn't be ready to restart in 2027.  I know others have said bring in someone with a future here.  But why?  Any of the available options I don't see much hope in winning a Super Bowl (Although you could have knocked me over with a feather if you told me Sam Darnold would be a Super Bowl champion a year later after the Vikings/Rams playoff game.)  Tank for Manning if JJM is not going to be the guy?  We already screwed this up once in 2012 when we could have had Andrew Luck!

Here's the way I see it. After KAM was let go, KOC was told Superbowl or bust by the owners. KOC knows he needs to get to the Superbowl this coming season or he's gone. So, he has weighed his options and is either going to go after a veteran or a very good back up. I wouldn't be surprised at any QB he chooses. 
Just my opinion.