Get ready for more of this until a starter is named
It's just the way its going to be (got to be) at this stage of the off-season...
I also wonder if Frank Smith will be one of those under the radar coaching hires that can make an impact?
================================
PHOENIX – An air of satisfaction hung over Vikings brass early this week at the NFL’s annual league meeting.
That’s deserved, at least for now. In the month since the last league-wide gathering, the NFL scouting combine, they achieved exactly what they said they wanted to at the quarterback position, even with salary cap constraints: build a competitive room from which a bona fide, 17-game starter can emerge.
In March, they added Kyler Murray the first overall pick in the 2019 NFL draft, at a league minimum price tag. And they re-signed veteran Carson Wentz, who was the fill-in starter last season until injured.
The Vikings say they still believe in developing youngsters J.J. McCarthy, who ran the team at the start of the 2025 season, and Max Brosmer, who was thrown into the fire as an undrafted free-agent rookie.
“That blend is going to be great in the room,” Vikings co-owner Mark Wilf said Monday, March 30. “Both experience and development, and talent on all fronts. It’s a great situation to have, and we’re going to come out a lot better for it.”
The Vikings would prefer, as coach Kevin O’Connell has said more than once, to have to start only one quarterback in a season instead of three or four. After a cheeky comment following Murray’s signing that a starter didn’t need to be named in March, O’Connell said Monday that it’s too early to even begin thinking about how reps are divided in the lead-up to the season.
His approach in the next phase of the calendar, organized team activities starting in late May, centers on “learning and teaching.”
O’Connell said he expects OTAs will include the full group of receivers, including Justin Jefferson, who had a voice in the quarterback discussions this offseason as the Vikings’ franchise player. Jefferson attended OTAs in full last year, too, as the Vikings looked to build his chemistry with McCarthy.
Getting every quarterback a high amount of reps with every member of that receiving group and the rest of the offense is more important to O’Connell than funneling them all to a potential No. 1.
“You can’t go into it with a mindset of trying to elevate your quarterback room and get as many talented players as you can in there and then start carving out the reps in March,” O’Connell said. “It really doesn’t work like that.”
It helps, then, that the four QBs are already spending time in Minnesota working together and establishing rapport.
Murray, whose signing last month comes after seven years living in Arizona while with the Cardinals, is in town a few days a week. The two-time Pro Bowl choice and former Heisman Trophy winner is the presumed 2026 starter. It’s hard to imagine the outcome any other way, with the Cardinals paying the bulk of his $36.8 million salary (the Vikings are paying him the league minimum $1.3 million) after he chose Minnesota as the place to try to rejuvenate his career.
The one obstacle could be Murray struggling to pick up O’Connell’s scheme, though that seems unlikely, too. The 28-year-old’s football IQ and recall have been lauded by members of the organization. Additionally, O’Connell seems open to adapting his offense to fit some of Murray’s skill set and previous experience, particularly as an elusive runner.
The Vikings coach also brought in Frank Smith as assistant head coach ahead of Murray’s signing to help adapt the Vikings’ running game and evolve the overall offense.
“I see a lot of ways that we’ll be able to continue the evolution of our offense here in Year 5, but at the same time, principles that I believe Kyler will be able to not only make his own but provide different layers to what we do with some of his experiences,” O’Connell said.
McCarthy, meanwhile, returned recently from training in Southern California with former NFL QB and 3DQB trainer John Beck. O’Connell said he believes McCarthy gained “perspective” through his 10 starts last season, but the Vikings would still like to see a level of consistency from McCarthy on and off the field that they didn’t quite get in 2025.
That is as much a reason for their building out of the quarterback room as anything else: giving McCarthy room to develop and ample resources to help him do so.
The Vikings seem to have a better plan in place than they did before last season, although Wentz is recovering from a season-ending shoulder injury.
Does Murray have the smarts and talent to be the key to the Vikings’ first playoff win five years into O’Connell’s tenure?
“We feel really good about the combination of depth, talent and the fact that we’ve got a room that’s going to push each other,” O’Connell said. “All those guys are gonna have great offseasons and be ready to rock and roll.”
Strib
Hurry-up Vikings, we ain't getting any younger!
QBs aren't putting on extra weight these days. Tom Brady, Matthew Stafford, etc all slimmed down jn recent years. Stafford was on a Breaking 50 episode with Bryson Dechambeau last year and they were talking about playing weight vs performance. Stafford said he came into the league trying to keep his weight around 240 because he thought he needed that to withstand the hits in the NFL. He said in the past 5+ years he's shed the extra to get himself down to around 215-220 lbs. Says he feels way better and feels like his performance is better at a lighter, more natural weight.
When I look at JJ McCarthy he doesn't look skinny to me. Even in the clip someone posted? He looks athletic. I'd rather have my QB at a strong, natural weight than a bloated size where he's adding extra weight and stress to his body that will likely lead to more injuries than playing at a more natural size for his tall frame. Kid is also 23 years old. He'll probably add an easy 10 lbs as he matures into his mid-late 20s.
This kid has gotten waaaaaay too much negative scrutiny from fans and the media. Not sure why either, he's a good kid and easy to root for.
Happy Easter
Happy Passover
Happy Sunday
MAD GAINZ wrote:
This kid has gotten waaaaaay too much negative scrutiny from fans and the media. Not sure why either, he's a good kid and easy to root for.
The whole weight thing was an over-reaction in this thread imo. Thats the way it goes on forums sometimes.
Honestly, I thought to myself that he looked thin in that clip too, b4 anything was ever posted on it.
Sure QB's always get scrutinized and get the glory too. He can handle it fine (I think). QB's have always been polarizing here for one reason or another. JJ is just the latest.
I agree he's an easy kid to root for. He's also dug himself a hole after last season and has to work out of that.
Interesting dual truths.
Hurry-up Vikings, we ain't getting any younger!
MAD GAINZ wrote:
QBs aren't putting on extra weight these days. Tom Brady, Matthew Stafford, etc all slimmed down jn recent years. Stafford was on a Breaking 50 episode with Bryson Dechambeau last year and they were talking about playing weight vs performance. Stafford said he came into the league trying to keep his weight around 240 because he thought he needed that to withstand the hits in the NFL. He said in the past 5+ years he's shed the extra to get himself down to around 215-220 lbs. Says he feels way better and feels like his performance is better at a lighter, more natural weight.When I look at JJ McCarthy he doesn't look skinny to me. Even in the clip someone posted? He looks athletic. I'd rather have my QB at a strong, natural weight than a bloated size where he's adding extra weight and stress to his body that will likely lead to more injuries than playing at a more natural size for his tall frame. Kid is also 23 years old. He'll probably add an easy 10 lbs as he matures into his mid-late 20s.
This kid has gotten waaaaaay too much negative scrutiny from fans and the media. Not sure why either, he's a good kid and easy to root for.
I thought you knew, Brother. We just signed a future HOFer that will bring us our first Lombardi this year. A massive deal is already a foregone conclusion.
All BS aside, JJ is getting too much scrutiny, I agree with you. Everyone fills out. His size isn't an issue but to those that have a hard on for Murray.
Canthony wrote:
All BS aside, JJ is getting too much scrutiny, I agree with you. Everyone fills out. His size isn't an issue but to those that have a hard on for Murray.
Curious what is all this scrutiny he is getting? Cause some said he looked thin?
He was the 10th pick in the draft, he has played 10 games in 2 years and when he has played he has played poorly. Does he not deserve any kind of criticism?
For all intent purposes take JJM off as a subject matter on this board, because apparently you will be ripped and ridiculed for saying anything that can be misconstrued as negative.
The emperor has no clothes........sorry.......scratch that :)
JR44 wrote:
Curious what is all this scrutiny he is getting? Cause some said he looked thin?
He was the 10th pick in the draft, he has played 10 games in 2 years and when he has played he has played poorly. Does he not deserve any kind of criticism?
For all intent purposes take JJM off as a subject matter on this board, because apparently you will be ripped and ridiculed for saying anything that can be misconstrued as negative.
The emperor has no clothes........sorry.......scratch that :)
Apparently, you missed how he played during the winning streak.
Canthony wrote:
Apparently, you missed how he played during the winning streak.
To my recollection, he played 4 out of the five game win streak. Threw for over 200 yards one time. Then tapped out after halftime the last time he suited up.
I missed the part where he transfigured to Brady 2.0.
That’s our standard, right? Super Bowl victories and HOF bust assured.
“Hell is empty and all the devils are here”
Shakespeare
JustInTime wrote:
To my recollection, he played 4 out of the five game win streak. Threw for over 200 yards one time. Then tapped out after halftime the last time he suited up.
I missed the part where he transfigured to Brady 2.0.
That’s our standard, right? Super Bowl victories and HOF bust assured.
Talk to your boy that has been all over Murrays junk. Until then, don't you have a No Kings protest to get to and put your makeup on. I see he called you in, go get it. TTYL.
Canthony wrote:
Talk to your boy that has been all over Murrays junk. Until then, don't you have a No Kings protest to get to and put your makeup on. I see he called you in, go get it. TTYL.
Any point in my post you care to refute?
“Hell is empty and all the devils are here”
Shakespeare
Canthony wrote:
Not to you.
lol. Glad you recognize you’re in over your head.
Kudos
“Hell is empty and all the devils are here”
Shakespeare
JR44 wrote:
Curious what is all this scrutiny he is getting? Cause some said he looked thin?
He was the 10th pick in the draft, he has played 10 games in 2 years and when he has played he has played poorly. Does he not deserve any kind of criticism?
For all intent purposes take JJM off as a subject matter on this board, because apparently you will be ripped and ridiculed for saying anything that can be misconstrued as negative.
The emperor has no clothes........sorry.......scratch that :)
JJ accounted for 7 TDs and only 2 INTs while throwing for over 64% completion with over 700 yards. Seems like a good base to build on being that he was only 22. But it is what it is, we have Oompa Loompa now. I will still support Murray. Hard for me to believe that he just will change all the narrative about him.
WTF people?
There's ZERO NEED for anything but good, football discussion and differences of opinions without personal attacks.
C'mon, its a holy day and holy time of year for gods sakes ;!
I dont see how any of this is debatable:
McCarthy and a QBR of 35 leads to the conclusion he's still got a lot to prove moving forward.
His level of play didnt earn him an automatic QB1 role in 26.
The Vikings were totally right (imo) to hedge their bets at QB and better the QB room as a whole.
The Vikings are 27/7 when they get decent QB play
Good to see you JIT, I still owe you an apology for Emanwori lol!
Canthony wrote:
JJ accounted for 7 TDs and only 2 INTs while throwing for over 64% completion with over 700 yards. Seems like a good base to build on being that he was only 22. But it is what it is, we have Oompa Loompa now. I will still support Murray. Hard for me to believe that he just will change all the narrative about him.
^^^
I agree with you, it's up to him to change the narrative.
It'll be good for all when the footballs start flying the next couple of mos.
Hurry-up Vikings, we ain't getting any younger!
Canthony wrote:
Talk to your boy that has been all over Murrays junk. Until then, don't you have a No Kings protest to get to and put your makeup on. I see he called you in, go get it. TTYL.
This is easily the dumbest digital spittle I've seen on The Longship in years....
KOC, JJM, Flores...make a good plan, or you'll be following Kwesi....
purplefaithful wrote:
WTF people?There's ZERO NEED for anything but good, football discussion and differences of opinions without personal attacks.
C'mon, its a holy day and holy time of year for gods sakes ;!
I dont see how any of this is debatable:
McCarthy and a QBR of 35 leads to the conclusion he's still got a lot to prove moving forward.
His level of play didnt earn him an automatic QB1 role in 26.
The Vikings were totally right (imo) to hedge their bets at QB and better the QB room as a whole.
The Vikings are 27/7 when they get decent QB playGood to see you JIT, I still owe you an apology for Emanwori lol!
^^^
I agree with you, it's up to him to change the narrative.
It'll be good for all when the footballs start flying the next couple of mos.
Good to be seen. No need to apologize. I think I was a one man band on Emmanwori. Just felt that one in my bones.
“Hell is empty and all the devils are here”
Shakespeare
JustInTime wrote:
Good to be seen. No need to apologize. I think I was a one man band on Emmanwori. Just felt that one in my bones.
Who you got this year?
supafreak84 wrote:
Who you got this year?
As far as safeties go, I can find one or two I like in just about any round. Thieneman would thrive in our various zone schemes. Love the way he fills in the run game. Not the lay the wood guy Emmanwori would have brought, but definitely sufficient. He closes well in zone and seems to be sticky in man with a knack for undercutting routes.
EMW I like a lot too. A little more violent. I’ve tried to get a Toledo guy the last couple years, maybe this year it works. But, like I said, I can find guys in pretty much the first five rounds I’d be happy with.
“Hell is empty and all the devils are here”
Shakespeare
MaroonBells wrote:
No, just a pretty significant upgrade for less money than we're paying Tai Felton. You're the only one talking about Tom Brady and the Hall of Fame. I guess because you think a little hyperbole gives your point more impact. It doesn't.
Hyperbole mixed in with straight up lies regarding K1 not being in town since he signed. Such a bitch move.
“Hell is empty and all the devils are here”
Shakespeare
purplefaithful wrote:
WTF people?There's ZERO NEED for anything but good, football discussion and differences of opinions without personal attacks.
C'mon, a holy day and holy time of year
God Bless, PF! ;)
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=FHO6a2H-pqY
Ya’ll keep em strait up thar!
-Rev Billy Ray Collins
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