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?
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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!
StickierBuns wrote:
JaMarcus Russell started 31 games. Hell, Josh Rosen started 24. Joey Harrington started 81!JJ McCarthy: 10 starts. 6-4 record as a starter. 0.0% way to know what he could or can be yet. How anyone with a straight face can say KOC isn't bailing on developing a young QB is being disingenuous. But it is what it is. Murray comes in with potential and a really REALLY nice one year contract cost. He's 'elevated the QB room'....just needs to elevate the win total and playoff victories and we will all be knee deep in candy and nuts come Christmas time.
You raise some good points and consistently...
I personally believe JJ can still get developed and will grow this season. As much as playing? Nope
Not to beat a dead horse, but would u have passed on Murray this year under the circumstances?
Hurry-up Vikings, we ain't getting any younger!
MaroonBells wrote:
I think we're all smart enough to know the difference. Sanders threw 7 TDs and 10 INTs. Yes, that's a joke. There have been several like this, especially at QB.
Kyler Murray's first Pro Bowl came after he threw for 4,000 yards, rushed for 800 more, with 37 total TDs and 12 INTs. His second came after 4200 total yards, 29 TDs, 10 INTs and a 100+ passer rating.
Do you have his poster above your bed? If he doesn't win a SB and become a HOFer I will be so disappointed. I don't trust him worth a damn lick when the game is on the line. There are things Murray just doesn't have and you are missing that point.
Canthony wrote:
Do you have his poster above your bed? If he doesn't win a SB and become a HOFer I will be so disappointed. I don't trust him worth a damn lick when the game is on the line. There are things Murray just doesn't have and you are missing that point.
So he has to win a Super Bowl and go to the Hall of Fame before spending zero draft capital and $1.3M becomes worth it in your eyes? Why is this so hard for you to understand?
MaroonBells wrote:
So he has to win a Super Bowl and go to the Hall of Fame before spending zero draft capital and $1.3M becomes worth it in your eyes? Why is this so hard for you to understand?
Because the way you have talked and rubbed since we signed him is that he is the second coming of Tom Brady. If a random person was reading all this over the last couple weeks that knew little to nothing about the NFL, they would think we just got a HOF QB to lead the Vikings.
Canthony wrote:
Because the way you have talked and rubbed since we signed him is that he is the second coming of Tom Brady. If a random person was reading all this over the last couple weeks that knew little to nothing about the NFL, they would think we just got a HOF QB to lead the Vikings.
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.
MaroonBells wrote:
...
If it’s any encouragement to you, 3 of the last 5 QBs to win a Super Bowl were “deadbeats” who were signed after their teams failed to hit on a QB in the draft.
Last 5 SB winning QBs are Stafford, Mahomes, Mahomes, Hurts, Darnold.
Of those I think only Darnold really has a Deadbeat label. Hurts is a quality QB that won a SB with the team that drafted him mid second round. Stafford and Mahomes are both high pedigree QBs that were very successful. Stafford wasn't really cast off his team though, as much as he was there for a billion years and out of respect they allowed him to be traded to a team that didn't suck to finish out his career and the Lions got a haul for him in the trade.
The 5 before that are Brady, Foles, Brady, Mahomes, Brady. Foles probably counts in that regard as he was a backup but on the team that drafted him.
Of the 10 before, they're all pretty highly regarded QBs who probably are going to be in the HOF, except for Flacco who snuck a win in there as a high draft pick on the team that drafted him.
If you want to compare Stafford who got traded for two firsts, a 3rd, and a starting QB to Murray, who just got cut and who's team is eating a ton of dead cap ... I guess.
StickierBuns wrote:
JaMarcus Russell started 31 games. Hell, Josh Rosen started 24. Joey Harrington started 81!JJ McCarthy: 10 starts. 6-4 record as a starter. 0.0% way to know what he could or can be yet. How anyone with a straight face can say KOC isn't bailing on developing a young QB is being disingenuous. But it is what it is. Murray comes in with potential and a really REALLY nice one year contract cost. He's 'elevated the QB room'....just needs to elevate the win total and playoff victories and we will all be knee deep in candy and nuts come Christmas time.
Beyond even all this the absolute worst case scenario for the Vikings now is if Murray plays...ok. Not great, not terrible. Maybe they win 12 games and lost a 1st round playoff game, or even pull something out of their ass and make it to the divisional round. Now, going in to 2027, what the hell do you do for the future? Give Murray 50 million a year? You have to make a decision on McCarthy for his 5th year, and what if that is not with much more information then you have right now? You will have pushed yourself out of the 27 QB draft class. So guess where you are? Right where you are today....no where.
medaille wrote:
Last 5 SB winning QBs are Stafford, Mahomes, Mahomes, Hurts, Darnold.
Of those I think only Darnold really has a Deadbeat label. Hurts is a quality QB that won a SB with the team that drafted him mid second round. Stafford and Mahomes are both high pedigree QBs that were very successful. Stafford wasn't really cast off his team though, as much as he was there for a billion years and out of respect they allowed him to be traded to a team that didn't suck to finish out his career and the Lions got a haul for him in the trade.
The 5 before that are Brady, Foles, Brady, Mahomes, Brady. Foles probably counts in that regard as he was a backup but on the team that drafted him.
Of the 10 before, they're all pretty highly regarded QBs who probably are going to be in the HOF, except for Flacco who snuck a win in there as a high draft pick on the team that drafted him.
If you want to compare Stafford who got traded for two firsts, a 3rd, and a starting QB to Murray, who just got cut and who's team is eating a ton of dead cap ... I guess.
The last 5 QBs to win a super bowl are Darnold, Hurts, Mahomes, Stafford and Brady. Darnold, Stafford and Brady were brought in via trade or free agency. Neither was a QB drafted and developed by the teams organically, which was the point made by the poster I was responding to. Deadbeat was his word not mine.
Vikesrock wrote:
Beyond even all this the absolute worst case scenario for the Vikings now is if Murray plays...ok. Not great, not terrible. Maybe they win 12 games and lost a 1st round playoff game, or even pull something out of their ass and make it to the divisional round. Now, going in to 2027, what the hell do you do for the future? Give Murray 50 million a year? You have to make a decision on McCarthy for his 5th year, and what if that is not with much more information then you have right now? You will have pushed yourself out of the 27 QB draft class. So guess where you are? Right where you are today....no where.
Why not wait to see how it plays out before wringing our hands over what to do in 2027? I tend to think 2026 and how it plays out will have a lot to say about the decision we make in 2027.
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.
Don't patronize me. What I said has a valid point on how you talk about Murray. You think instantly, your words, that he will have his best year with the right team. That watch out MN, we will be making a decision to pay Murray big time money in 2027. So, I do have a point. Murray already has a huge contract from the Vikings in 2027 and get ready Vikings fans, you guys will see just how amazing Murray is. GTFO. DAL.
Vikesrock wrote:
Beyond even all this the absolute worst case scenario for the Vikings now is if Murray plays...ok. Not great, not terrible. Maybe they win 12 games and lost a 1st round playoff game, or even pull something out of their ass and make it to the divisional round. Now, going in to 2027, what the hell do you do for the future? Give Murray 50 million a year? You have to make a decision on McCarthy for his 5th year, and what if that is not with much more information then you have right now? You will have pushed yourself out of the 27 QB draft class. So guess where you are? Right where you are today....no where.
Thats certainly one of 100 scenarios that can play itself out this year...
Bottom line is that this is a done deal, the upside is there and the value is off the charts. No long term commitment either.
Not picking on you or anyone else posting here, but we're at that time where fans need to decide how they are going to move forward; Hope for the best? Or just stew over things and be angry the next 9 mos?
I'm a season tix holder and decided to hopefully be entertained and win a SB.
But thats my religion and I'm not looking to convert anyone.
Hurry-up Vikings, we ain't getting any younger!
MaroonBells wrote:
Why not wait to see how it plays out before wringing our hands over what to do in 2027? I tend to think 2026 and how it plays out will have a lot to say about the decision we make in 2027.
Because according to you, the Vikings are already making a decision to pay Murray big money in 2027. It's a wrap.
Canthony wrote:
Because according to you, the Vikings are already making a decision to pay Murray big money in 2027. It's a wrap.
You're kind of an idiot, aren't you. Either that or you're like 14 years old.
MaroonBells wrote:
... Neither was a QB drafted and developed by the teams organically, which was the point made by the poster I was responding to. Deadbeat was his word not mine.
Sorry for misreading that. I don’t reread all the comments that people are replying to, so missed that context. I thought you were saying that Murray was on the level of those guys.
But yeah, I think the best path to a SB is still drafting your own guy and they work out, but bringing a veteran onto a stacked roster or one that at least has like 3 years of mortgaging the future left seems like a viable option. Brady and Stafford caliber QBs, if you can get them seems optimal for that strategy, but Darnold level QBs isn’t a complete waste of time.
MaroonBells wrote:
You're kind of an idiot, aren't you. Either that or you're like 14 years old.
Name calling, I like it. Pretty standard for your kind. I am just reminding you the rhetoric that you have spewed since we signed him.
Anyways, anyone can cherry pick stats. Murray has lost games with his turnovers at inopportune times. Maybe he doesn't have that in him. Not sure. I know this
"Based on career statistics up to early 2026, Kyler Murray has turned the ball over 73 times (combined interceptions and lost fumbles) over 87 games, frequently influencing game outcomes. While specific "loss-due-to-turnover" counts are not officially tracked, he has a 38-48-1 record, when turnovers contributed to his team's inability to secure wins."
MaroonBells wrote:
You talk about patience, but none of the QBs you mention suffered a season-ending injury their first season, followed by a 30 lb weight loss, followed by three more injuries in their second season.
None of this is anyone’s fault. It’s just reality, and it played a big part in why McCarthy did not develop along a similar timeline. It sucks. You bet it does. Woe is us. But it doesn’t mean that McCarthy can’t still develop. In fact, I believe he will. But based on what I witnessed last year, I just don’t trust him to do it as early as September 2026. And clearly, the team wasn't ready to, once again, place its win-now roster in the hands of a win-maybe-later QB.
But I do have a hunch McCarthy's going to have a terrific summer in his 3rd season in the offense. Murray will still start, but JJ's going to give them something to think about.
Injuries can explain the delay, they shouldn’t justify more of it. At some point you’ve gotta take the training wheels off and live with the results.
IceRatz16 wrote:
Injuries can explain the delay, they shouldn’t justify more of it. At some point you’ve gotta take the training wheels off and live with the results.
Unfortunately, the decision has already been made to make Murray the starter. Maybe JJ can beat him, I think KOC already has made his decision, however. I just don't think Murray has the mental makeup for the position, and far too many times has cost his team the game because of bad decisions.
IceRatz16 wrote:
Injuries can explain the delay, they shouldn’t justify more of it. At some point you’ve gotta take the training wheels off and live with the results.
Canthony wrote:
Unfortunately, the decision has already been made to make Murray the starter. Maybe JJ can beat him, I think KOC already has made his decision, however. I just don't think Murray has the mental makeup for the position, and far too many times has cost his team the game because of bad decisions.
Maybe they dont think JJM is ready to start yet? They havent been able to work with him at all yet.
Just spit balling here.
No, I dont think JJM will beat KM out in whatever feats of strength they'll conjure up this Spring/Summer...
It's not a fair fight between the 2. And I'm already looking forward to seeing what KM does here with this staff and surround. That said, it wouldnt surprise me if McCarthy does get a chance to play this season and I hope to hell he does well if given that chance.
As much as some of us want QB behind Curtain A or Curtain B, the reality is having them both perform well would be a nice problem for the Vikings to have at year end.
Either way, lets just win and lets end this decades long QB carousel with one of these 2 guys.
A fan can dream....
Hurry-up Vikings, we ain't getting any younger!
purplefaithful wrote:
McCarthy has (far) more questions going into yr3 than any other QB drafted in that class. And I dont recall any of those teams having the option to bring in a Murray for a few coins found under the couch cushions.
Can't fault the Vikings at all on this. Id fault them for passing on this gift, hell I'd skewer them everyday on line if they passed.
We're at the point now where fans can choose to get on the Murray train or just be PO'd all season.
not true, I can maintain PO'd for several more months without it affecting my enjoyment of the season!
Why isn't Chuck Foreman in the Hall of Fame?
JimmyinSD wrote:
not true, I can maintain PO'd for several more months without it affecting my enjoyment of the season!
I laughed at this comment. It's so true.
purplefaithful wrote:
Maybe they dont think JJM is ready to start yet? They havent been able to work with him at all yet.
Just spit balling here.
No, I dont think JJM will beat KM out in whatever feats of strength they'll conjure up this Spring/Summer...
It's not a fair fight between the 2. And I'm already looking forward to seeing what KM does here with this staff and surround. That said, it wouldnt surprise me if McCarthy does get a chance to play this season and I hope to hell he does well if given that chance.
As much as some of us want QB behind Curtain A or Curtain B, the reality is having them both perform well would be a nice problem for the Vikings to have at year end.
Either way, lets just win and lets end this decades long QB carousel with one of these 2 guys.
A fan can dream....
I too just want to win. I will agree with you there. I won't be that person that hopes Murray fails. I do worry that he can't carry the team when the game matters and when the situation matters to get the win.
JaMarcus Russell started 31 games. Hell, Josh Rosen started 24. Joey Harrington started 81!
JJ McCarthy: 10 starts. 6-4 record as a starter. 0.0% way to know what he could or can be yet. How anyone with a straight face can say KOC isn't bailing on developing a young QB is being disingenuous. But it is what it is. Murray comes in with potential and a really REALLY nice one year contract cost. He's 'elevated the QB room'....just needs to elevate the win total and playoff victories and we will all be knee deep in candy and nuts come Christmas time.
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