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!
Hopefully K1 can be as virtuous as the men coming out of Michigan.
Glass houses people, LOL.
“Hell is empty and all the devils are here”
Shakespeare
StickierBuns wrote:
He's dripping in virtue:
https://www.nfl.com/news/cardinals-remove-independent-study-clause-from-kyler-murray-s-contract
Anything more current than nearly 4 years ago? You know this was removed, right? Try harder.
Don’t worry, at some point the utter embarrassment of your non stop glazing over JJ McRosen will wear off.
“Hell is empty and all the devils are here”
Shakespeare
StickierBuns wrote:
Wasnt me that came into a thread dropping a slam on Michigan out of nowhere....didn't relate to anything in this thread. But that's you in a nutshell. And then of course the gem above. On brand.
Why take the bait lol. JJ does have to mature, no doubt. He was 22 and had his first child during the start of his first year with the keys. Not ideal timing, we know. I am not worried that JJ can grow into the player I believe he will. He has the mindset for sure. Has some work to do, give it up to Murray and continue to work. Camp wont be that much fun, Murray will most likely get most of the attention I am guessing.
StickierBuns wrote:
Wasnt me that came into a thread dropping a slam on Michigan out of nowhere....didn't relate to anything in this thread. But that's you in a nutshell. And then of course the gem above. On brand.
Hit a nerve did I? And you of course have nothing to do with this discourse.
Classic Sticky.
“Hell is empty and all the devils are here”
Shakespeare
purplefaithful wrote:
KM gives us a better chance to win more now. But my heart is still with JJM tbh...I really wanted to see the kid grow and ultimately win here. It's a bit odd because I agree with MB that the Vikings got handed a gift from the football gods, but I have a bit of melancholy about it for JJM.
Maybe it still works out for him here...
The first two years have not been easy on any of the fans or JJ for that matter. I wanted clarity last season and got none.
I'll root for KM cause he's going to be the guy come September (unless the unspeakable happens) but a piece of me will still be rooting for #9.
I think the good news is as QB2/3 JJ will get more reps in the preseason. I think that will help his development as long as the offseason work on his dreadful mechanics takes root. John Beck is highly thought of.
“Hell is empty and all the devils are here”
Shakespeare
JustInTime wrote:
I think the good news is as QB2/3 JJ will get more reps in the preseason. I think that will help his development as long as the offseason work on his dreadful mechanics takes root. John Beck is highly thought of.
I'm curious to see how he does this pre-season...Am hoping arrow is way up on the kid.
JJM showing lots (more) promise and KM blowing the roof off USB is a good problem for the Vikings Org to have.
I think its all been hashed/re-hashed...Let's get through the draft, start ota's.
Oh and bring in a new GM who will have their own opinions
Hurry-up Vikings, we ain't getting any younger!
JustInTime wrote:
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.
Agreed, and I think because there are decent safety prospects you can get later on, it alleviates the need to take one early and I still think Harry is coming back. Using the 18th pick in a safety not named Downs would be a tough one for me.
Any other players or positions you like at 18?
purplefaithful wrote:
I'm curious to see how he does this pre-season...Am hoping arrow is way up on the kid.
JJM showing lots (more) promise and KM blowing the roof off USB is a good problem for the Vikings Org to have.
I think its all been hashed/re-hashed...Let's get through the draft, start ota's.
Oh and bring in a new GM who will have their own opinions
If K1 does blow the roof off USB stadium, we’ve got ample cap room in 27 to make him the long term answer.
We had 2 teams throw for less yards than us last year, the Jets and the Browns.
We had 3 teams throw for less touchdowns than us last year, the Titans, Browns, and Jets. That’s with Justin Jefferson totaling 2 touchdowns.
We bring in one of two quarterbacks who for their career throw for 230+ a game and run for 30+ a game. A gift from the heavens indeed. Not sure how anyone with a football IQ above room temperature can see this as anything other than a gift.
Maddening.
“Hell is empty and all the devils are here”
Shakespeare
JustInTime wrote:
If K1 does blow the roof off USB stadium, we’ve got ample cap room in 27 to make him the long term answer.
We had 2 teams throw for less yards than us last year, the Jets and the Browns.
We had 3 teams throw for less touchdowns than us last year, the Titans, Browns, and Jets. That’s with Justin Jefferson totaling 2 touchdowns.
We bring in one of two quarterbacks who for their career throw for 230+ a game and run for 30+ a game. A gift from the heavens indeed. Not sure how anyone with a football IQ above room temperature can see this as anything other than a gift.
Maddening.
There is no need to try and change peoples minds...It doesnt do anyone any good and everyone gots an opinion.
The only ones that'll matter (and we know this) is KOC and the NEW GM.
That new GM could be (probably will be) a real wild card in who the Vikings long-term QB is.
Hurry-up Vikings, we ain't getting any younger!
supafreak84 wrote:
Agreed, and I think because there are decent safety prospects you can get later on, it alleviates the need to take one early and I still think Harry is coming back. Using the 18th pick in a safety not named Downs would be a tough one for me.
Any other players or positions you like at 18?
Honestly, there’s no one I really love at 18 unless there’s a slider. Thieneman would be fine, but there’s just too many options later that would be fine with me. Faulk would be ok as he’d come in Day 1 and be an effective guy vs the run. Woods seems to be tracking the same way Ed Oliver did a few years ago but I wouldn’t exactly pop the champagne if he was the pick.
If McCoy, Bain, Downs, or Love slide, that would move the needle. Good year to have a half dozen Day 2 picks. If we’re truly going BPA it’s going to be Tyson or Sadiq. And they both scare me.
“Hell is empty and all the devils are here”
Shakespeare
supafreak84 wrote:
Agreed, and I think because there are decent safety prospects you can get later on, it alleviates the need to take one early and I still think Harry is coming back. Using the 18th pick in a safety not named Downs would be a tough one for me.
Any other players or positions you like at 18?
Not speaking for JIT...
Not sure about Harry, but it sounds like there is some decent S in later rounds this draft, which is good.
We're not going OL again, IDL probably poor value at 18 and CB is something they can work with what they got and bring in depth.
To me that leaves LB, WR and RB..And RB at 18 would be a reach unless they are named Love.
I think this spot screams trade up or down a few to get who they want at the position they want.
Hurry-up Vikings, we ain't getting any younger!
purplefaithful wrote:
Not speaking for JIT...
Not sure about Harry, but it sounds like there is some decent S in later rounds this draft, which is good.
We're not going OL again, IDL probably poor value at 18 and CB is something they can work with what they got and bring in depth.
To me that leaves LB, WR and RB..And RB at 18 would be a reach unless they are named Love.
I think this spot screams trade up or down a few to get who they want at the position they want.
Not sure of the points value, but the Commodes don’t have a second. 18 and 49 for the 7 if Love gets past the Titans and Giants? Love on turf 9-10 times per year? That’s like putting Gibbs in the backfield.
“Hell is empty and all the devils are here”
Shakespeare
JustInTime wrote:
Honestly, there’s no one I really love at 18 unless there’s a slider. Thieneman would be fine, but there’s just too many options later that would be fine with me. Faulk would be ok as he’d come in Day 1 and be an effective guy vs the run. Woods seems to be tracking the same way Ed Oliver did a few years ago but I wouldn’t exactly pop the champagne if he was the pick.
If McCoy, Bain, Downs, or Love slide, that would move the needle. Good year to have a half dozen Day 2 picks. If we’re truly going BPA it’s going to be Tyson or Sadiq. And they both scare me.
Agreed and I've been saying for weeks now that I think if Peter Woods is there, that pick makes sense from a needs standpoint and he fits the preference of what Flores has traditionally wanted along the defensive line. Otherwise, I think receiver is a very strong option as there will be one or two really good players there that represent value with the pick and unless they are really high on Felton filling that 3rd receiver roll behind the scenes, then it's a huge need in the OConnell offense because that's a bare cupboard otherwise.
supafreak84 wrote:
Agreed and I've been saying for weeks now that I think if Peter Woods is there, that pick makes sense from a needs standpoint and he fits the preference of what Flores has traditionally wanted along the defensive line. Otherwise, I think receiver is a very strong option as there will be one or two really good players there that represent value with the pick and unless they are really high on Felton filling that 3rd receiver roll behind the scenes, then it's a huge need in the OConnell offense because that's a bare cupboard otherwise.
If you watch 10 minutes of Woods you see a very clear pattern of his play. He gets up field quickly. He moves well. Strong. And when it’s time to finish he typically comes up empty. He could be one of those guys who is top 25 in hits, hurries, and pressures but never produces more than a couple sacks.
If getting the QB off his mark is what you’re looking for, he’s a fit. Maybe that’s all we need with the big production coming from the edges. Definitely fits the size parameters BFlo looks for. Nice 10 yard split. Grab him and Capeheart Day 3. Sign a vet.
“Hell is empty and all the devils are here”
Shakespeare
JustInTime wrote:
Honestly, there’s no one I really love at 18 unless there’s a slider. Thieneman would be fine, but there’s just too many options later that would be fine with me. Faulk would be ok as he’d come in Day 1 and be an effective guy vs the run. Woods seems to be tracking the same way Ed Oliver did a few years ago but I wouldn’t exactly pop the champagne if he was the pick.
If McCoy, Bain, Downs, or Love slide, that would move the needle. Good year to have a half dozen Day 2 picks. If we’re truly going BPA it’s going to be Tyson or Sadiq. And they both scare me.
I completely forgot about Sadiq...I have zero idea how they feel about him
Boom or bust...Too much of a gamble???
But I can see a case to be made if TJH is not a long-term guy in their opinion
This is where it would have been nice to have a GM on board.
Hurry-up Vikings, we ain't getting any younger!
purplefaithful wrote:
I completely forgot about Sadiq...I have zero idea how they feel about him
Boom or bust...Too much of a gamble???
But I can see a case to be made if TJH is not a long-term guy in their opinion
This is where it would have been nice to have a GM on board.
Cutting a year off Hock’s deal speaks volumes. If Brez truly goes BPA, and no one slides, and if the medicals are too much for Tyson, Sadiq is the likely BPA who isn’t an OT or OG.
K1 definitely knows how to feed a TE. But, a guy like Delp Day 3 probably provides better value with nearly the same physical talent without the production.
I’d feel better about the roster if we could go out and add a vet iDL now.
“Hell is empty and all the devils are here”
Shakespeare
JustInTime wrote:
Cutting a year off Hock’s deal speaks volumes. If Brez truly goes BPA, and no one slides, and if the medicals are too much for Tyson, Sadiq is the likely BPA who isn’t an OT or OG.
K1 definitely knows how to feed a TE. But, a guy like Delp Day 3 probably provides better value with nearly the same physical talent without the production.
I’d feel better about the roster if we could go out and add a vet iDL now.
He is risen!!!
MaroonBells wrote:
He is risen!!!
Limited time offer. No warranties or insurances implied. Offer may expire without notice.
:D
“Hell is empty and all the devils are here”
Shakespeare
JustInTime wrote:
If you watch 10 minutes of Woods you see a very clear pattern of his play. He gets up field quickly. He moves well. Strong. And when it’s time to finish he typically comes up empty. He could be one of those guys who is top 25 in hits, hurries, and pressures but never produces more than a couple sacks.
If getting the QB off his mark is what you’re looking for, he’s a fit. Maybe that’s all we need with the big production coming from the edges. Definitely fits the size parameters BFlo looks for. Nice 10 yard split. Grab him and Capeheart Day 3. Sign a vet.
Flo constantly reminds us that he's more interested in pressure than sacks. I think he fits what Flo wants to do. He can be a three-down nose. But man, you sure wish there was more bang than this in a top 18 pick.
MaroonBells wrote:
Flo constantly reminds us that he's more interested in pressure than sacks. I think he fits what Flo wants to do. He can be a three-down nose. But man, you sure wish there was more bang than this in a top 18 pick.
He’s probably the best balance of BPA and need. But I go to sleep that night a little disappointed. If we trade down a bit so some team can grab an OT and we now have a 4th that eventually turns into Claiborne or Delp, that looks like a great pick.
“Hell is empty and all the devils are here”
Shakespeare
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