The Vikings parted ways with their 2024 starting quarterback, Sam Darnold, who joined the Seattle Seahawks in free agency after an unexpectedly strong season in Minnesota.
Currently, the only quarterbacks on the roster are 22-year-old J.J. McCarthy and Brett Rypien. While there were discussions with Aaron Rodgers, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah indicated in late March that the team is leaning toward naming McCarthy the starter.
However, that doesn’t rule out the possibility of Minnesota bringing in another quarterback this offseason.
“We’ve taken a patient approach, looking at various options,” said head coach Kevin O’Connell. “We’re considering trades, free agents, and even the draft. It’s about identifying the right player to round out our quarterback room. With J.J. and Brett already working with us starting today, we’ll eventually add someone to create a competitive environment.”
McCarthy, selected 10th overall in the 2024 draft after leading Michigan to a national title, had surgery to repair a torn meniscus in mid-August following his appearance in the Vikings’ preseason opener.
But now, as he gears up for his second year, the outlook is much more positive. On Monday, April 21, the team announced that McCarthy is fully healthy and ready to take part in all preseason activities.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell told ESPN’s Kevin Seifert, “I think he’s ready to hit the ground running.” Seifert also noted that McCarthy has spent most of the past three months training at the team facility to get into playing shape.
While that’s great news for Minnesota, the quarterback situation isn’t completely settled. The team still needs to determine who will back up McCarthy and possibly serve as a mentor. Given O’Connell’s background as a former NFL quarterback and one of the league’s top offensive minds, bringing in a veteran might not be as urgent as it would be for other teams. Still, having an experienced QB on hand as a fallback option in case McCarthy falters or gets hurt again is crucial.
Currently, the only other quarterback on the roster is Brett Rypien. The Vikings already passed on signing Aaron Rodgers in free agency, but ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Monday that Minnesota has re-entered trade talks for Kirk Cousins. The Atlanta Falcons are willing to move Cousins but want the acquiring team to cover $20 million of the remaining $37.5 million on his contract. While Schefter noted that scenario is unlikely, he mentioned the Vikings and Steelers as potential suitors willing to cover $10 million of that amount.
Cousins knows O’Connell’s system and is familiar with much of the Vikings roster, making him a logical fit. However, he holds a no-trade clause and might reject a move to Minnesota if he doesn’t believe he’ll get a legitimate chance to compete for the starting job alongside McCarthy.