Minnesota Vikings’ quiet offseason did everything to maximize the one thing Kevin O’Connell needs to get right
Sometimes, it’s not just about making big splashes, and the Minnesota Vikings used that as their big focus this year.
One of the biggest frustrations with the Minnesota Vikings was the lack of big moves.
Even though it was to be expected, it was still a source of frustration for a team that went 9-8 the previous season. They were a stone’s throw away from both making the playoffs and winning the NFC North. Pretty surprising outcome when you consider the abysmal quarterback play the Vikings had.
Vikings’ offseason elevated the quarterback position
No matter who was playing quarterback for the Vikings, it was a disaster. J.J. McCarthy was one of the worst quarterbacks in the league across his 10 starts, Carson Wentz’s limitations were a major hindrance, and Max Brosmer wasn’t ready to play in the NFL.
It was the biggest issue in 2026, and the Vikings addressed just that by signing Kyler Murray. ESPN’s Kevin Seifert highlighted that when talking about the quarterback position.
It’s debatable whether the Vikings have improved the team around their quarterbacks, but what is objectively clear is that the position itself is deeper and stronger than it was a year ago. The Vikings entered OTAs in spring 2025 with a depth chart that featured J.J. McCarthy, Sam Howell and Max Brosmer. This spring, it will go like this: Kyler Murray, McCarthy, Carson Wentz and Brosmer. The upshot is that the Vikings’ season is not tied to McCarthy’s development. Either McCarthy will make a huge leap and beat out Murray in camp, or — more likely — the Vikings will have a proven veteran in Murray who could reach new heights in this offense. Re-signing Wentz for extra insurance demonstrates how serious the Vikings were about elevating their depth.
ESPN’s Kevin Seifert
Right now, the Vikings have three quarterbacks who are capable of starting a game tomorrow, which is what they need. Head coach Kevin O’Connell has started at least three quarterbacks in two of his four seasons in Minnesota. Having flexibility with the most important position in football has been a major focus for O’Connell.
Now that the Vikings have Murray in the fold, it’s a much-improved position. Even so, there are still questions to be answered over the next few months. It’s important that they use that time to maximize every aspect of the position. If they do, the Vikings can take a major step forward.