Minnesota Vikings HC Kevin O’Connell doubles down on their quarterback strategy ahead of 2026 season, focusing on one key stat
The Minnesota Vikings made sure that they had a strong quarterback room exiting free agency with Kyler Murray and Carson Wentz after a second season with at least three starting quarterbacks.
Throughout the offseason, the Minnesota Vikings have made adding to the quarterback position their biggest priority.
J.J. McCarthy spent the majority of the last two seasons injured, having started and played in just 10 of a possible 35 games. 2025 was the second season in Kevin O’Connell’s four seasons where they had to start at least three quarterbacks.
Kevin O’Connell doubles down on quarterback strategy
The discussion surrounding the signing of Kyler Murray has been focused on whether or not he’s a great fit. As O’Connell talked to Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, it’s more about winning football games.
“When you look at 2022 and 2024, we had one quarterback play the majority of the season, and we won 13 and 14 games respectively. But, in those other two years, we played at least three. And in 2023, we played four quarterbacks. What we’ve learned is we want to make sure we’ve built a team that can be really competitive, and we feel very strong about our team, but then we know how important the quarterback room [is], and elevating the entire room as a whole.”
Vikings HC Kevin O’Connell
O’Connell is spot on. 27 wins combined when they had just a single starting quarterback the entire season showcases exactly why the position is so important. It’s why the Vikings have made having three capable starters a major priority.
Now, are they high-end options for the Vikings? That is up to interpretation. Murray is one of the more intriguing players in the class. He thrives with his arm talent and mobility, elevating the offense to a different level. His issue, just like that of McCarthy and Carson Wentz, has been missing time. If one or two of them miss games, O’Connell has a quarterback he can trust to start.
Will that strategy end up working? Hopefully, he doesn’t have to find out, but is prepared if it does.
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