O’Connell vaguely outlined training camp as a decision point to name a starting quarterback, which certainly isn’t revolutionary.

Vikings QB1 Decision Will Probably Stretch into Training Camp

O’Connell on the QB Battle Timing

ESPN’s Lindsey Thiry tried diligently to nail O’Connell down on a quarterback decision timeline, and predictably, O’Connell danced.

He told Thiry, “I have an idea of the appropriate time to then transition to preparing whoever that player is going to be to get ready to go. You can have an idea all you want, but we’ve got a great plan in place. We want to make sure that when we get to training camp, we’ve got a great plan.”

“You don’t have a ton of time, but it does set up well to check a lot of boxes from a standpoint of elevating that room, letting the competition play out, but also being able to make a decision and move forward the best way that we know the ultimate decision is going to come down to what’s best for the Minnesota Vikings.”

The clues seem to point toward a verdict after a week or two of training camp.

So … Right before the Preseason

The only takeaway to glean from O’Connell’s statement is that he’d rather have a QB1 in place before the last minute. Some teams with quarterback battles might take the competition all the way through the preseason, but that doesn’t sound like a viable strategy for Minnesota.

There’s an outside chance that O’Connell declares a winner after Vikings minicamp this month, taking off the gloves and letting Kyler Murray prepare for a full workload at training camp with the first-teamers. But then one might argue that a quarterback competition really never happened in the first place.

Therefore, the clues point to a week or two of training camp, and if O’Connell can spot a clear victor — probably Murray — the QB1 will be in place a full five weeks before the start of the regular season on September 13th.

Murray as the Heavy, Heavy Favorite

By the time the first week of OTAs wrapped up, the quarterback situation seemed pretty clear: Murray’s the guy to beat. That’s not a dig at McCarthy, just the vibe in the room. Murray sounded like the seasoned frontrunner, acted like one, and showed off the skills that made him the top pick in 2019. His arm, his accuracy, his speed — they’re all legit. And the oddsmakers agree, putting him at -1000 to snag the job, which basically means they think he’s got a 90% shot.

McCarthy could still shake things up, though. He’s young, takes coaching well, and probably has more long-term potential with the team than people realize. A solid summer could close the gap. And an injury, big or small, could totally flip the script in a flash.

But for now, Murray’s got the easier road. He’s actually played and won real NFL games since 2019, and his skill set can really mess with defenses in ways McCarthy hasn’t shown he can. There’s a reason Murray went first overall, and McCarthy landed at No. 10 five years later.

Here’s a caveat: McCarthy apparently looked sharper on day one of minicamp. That’s a big deal. It doesn’t make him QB1, but it definitely keeps the conversation going.

Vikings.com’s Lindsey Young noted Tuesday, “Part of the process throughout OTAs and minicamp, and preparing for training camp, is continuing to learn from Vikings quarterbacks coach Josh McCown and the 16 seasons of NFL playing experience he brings to the table.”

“Though this is Murray’s first time working directly with McCown, he is well-acquainted with the QB-turned-coach. Both are Texas natives and have crossed paths multiple times over their careers, including during respective training sessions in the Lone Star State.”

One of the Few QB Battles around the NFL

If one assumes that Fernando Mendoza will eventually take Kirk Cousins’s job in Las Vegas — he will — the NFL only has a few quarterback battles on tap this summer:

• Atlanta Falcons (Michael Penix Jr. v. Tua Tagovailoa)
• Cleveland Browns (Deshaun Watson v. Shedeur Sanders)
• Arizona Cardinals (Jacoby Brissett v. Carson Beck v. Gardner Minshew)

Penix Jr. against Tagovailoa will turn heads, but the Vikings’ intrigue will take the cake over Cleveland’s and Arizona’s, since those franchises will likely roll with Watson and Brissett, respectively.

So get ready to hear daily updates about Murray v. McCarthy until O’Connell makes good on his promise to name a starter.

McCarthy did not sound like a guy who would request a trade anytime soon; perhaps the rumor mill will die down.

McCarthy Would Rather Just Stay Put. Source? Him.

McCarthy: This Is Where I Want to Be

A media member asked McCarthy about recent trade rumors, and without hesitation, the 23-year-old replied, “I think I made it very clear I wanted to be here before I got here, and I love this organization. I love the coaching staff. I absolutely love these players and that this is where I want to be.”

“I feel like I can thrive in this system. Everything played out exactly how I wanted it. I wouldn’t want anything else to change.”

The odds of Minnesota trading McCarthy are quite low, but one theory suggests that he could grow disgruntled in a backup quarterback’s role.

A QB2 Role Likely Incoming

While McCarthy, in theory, could dethrone Murray for the QB1 job, it will take a monumental effort and a surprise. Murray didn’t sign with the Vikings to play second fiddle, and as a former first overall pick, Murray has all the tools for the QB1 job, along with seven years of experience.

McCarthy has incumbency, youth, and height on his side — and that’s about it.

Therefore, McCarthy’s commitment to the Vikings could be tested in two months if head coach Kevin O’Connell names Murray the starter, as widely expected. McCarthy doesn’t have much experience as a backup quarterback, meaning on-the-job training is near.

Saying you don’t want to be traded in June when you’re competing for QB1 is a bit different than in late August as a QB2.

McCarthy also said Tuesday about his performance at minicamp, “I feel the best I’ve ever felt playing the game of football, especially in this team. I think things being instinctual when you hear it, being able to pop into your mind very clear and very fast. And that helps a lot with just playing instinctual out there and making the right plays when the ball snaps.”

No Hints from Vikings about a Trade

Trading McCarthy? A shaky idea. Injuries have derailed two of Minnesota’s last three seasons. Trading a young QB now is exceptionally risky, especially since the acquisition of Murray was intended to prevent a single snap from derailing their entire season.

Murray provides the Vikings with a crucial element they lacked last year: a robust contingency plan. Both McCarthy and Murray possess a legitimate chance at earning the starting role, which represents a marked improvement. It alleviates the pressure on Minnesota to gamble their entire future on a single young quarterback developing perfectly while disregarding other viable options.

The glaring flaw in the Vikings’ 2025 QB strategy became evident pretty quickly. They had committed entirely to McCarthy, with Sam Howell, Carson Wentz, and Max Brosmer as their backup plan. The strategy backfired when the quarterbacks underperformed. McCarthy didn’t quite meet expectations, the Vikings missed the playoffs, and now the quarterback situation is once again uncertain.

While Murray isn’t a miraculous solution for flawless QB performance, having both Murray and McCarthy offers Minnesota two credible long-term options, rather than relying solely on one highly speculative prospect.

NBC Sports‘ Josh Alper noted on the Vikings’ quarterback battle, “Reports from an open OTA practice in late May pegged Murray as the leader in the battle for the No. 1 job and McCarthy was asked if he’s given any thought to what his future might hold if he fails to win the job.”

“McCarthy may have a different view on that last point if Murray is officially named the team’s starter, but, for now, the next rep is the sole focus for the quarterback.”

Who Could Come Calling?

Suppose McCarthy changes his mind later this summer or before the NFL trade deadline in November. These teams might come calling about his trade price:

• Arizona Cardinals
• Indianapolis Colts
• Los Angeles Chargers
• Miami Dolphins
• New York Jets
• Philadelphia Eagles
• Pittsburgh Steelers
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Cardinals make the most sense because they’re on deck to feature Jacoby Brissett, Carson Beck, and Gardner Minshew at quarterback — not a dazzling cocktail. The Colts, too, could check some boxes if Daniel Jones‘ Achilles tendon recovery takes a nasty turn.

Ultimately, McCarthy says he doesn’t want to leave, and his word should probably be accepted at face value.

It’s happened before, but as a whole, most coaches entering Year No. 5 have already won in the postseason.

Vikings Regular Season Success Needs a January Payoff

Recent Example of HCs with No Playoff Wins in First 4 Seasons

In modern NFL history, only a handful of coaches have survived long enough to begin Year No. 5 with the same organization without a playoff win on their resume.

These are the examples from the last 45 years:

• Jeff Fisher (Rams)
• Dick Jauron (Bears)
• Jim Schwartz (Lions)
• Jack Del Rio (Jaguars)
• Sam Wyche (Bengals)
• David Shula (Bengals)
• Dan Reeves (Broncos)
• Marvin Lewis (Bengals)
• Dennis Green (Vikings)
• Dave Wannstedt (Bears)
• Kevin O’Connell (Vikings)
• Norv Turner (Commanders)

Ironically, Dennis Green began his career the same way, and he stuck around the Twin Cities until 2001.

How Those Coaches Fared in Year No. 5

How did those coaches fare in their fifth campaign — which is where O’Connell is at right now? A mixed bag.

• Jeff Fisher: 4-9 (Fired Midseason)
• Dick Jauron: 7-9 (Fired)
• Jim Schwartz: 7-9 (Fired)
• Jack Del Rio: 11-5 (Divisional Round)
• Sam Wyche: Reached Super Bowl
• David Shula: 1-6 (Fired Midseason)
• Dan Reeves: 11-5 (No Playoffs)
• Marvin Lewis: 7-9 (Fired)
• Dennis Green: 9-7 (Playoff Loss)
• Dave Wannstedt: 4-12 (Retained)
• Norv Turner: 6-10 (Retained)
• Kevin O’Connell: We Shall See.

Wyche had the peak of a Super Bowl appearance with the Cincinnati Bengals, losing to the San Francisco 49ers in 1988. Fisher, Jauron, Schwartz, and Lewis were fired. The average? Coaches without a playoff win, venturing into Year No. 5, typically finish around 8-9 (scaled to a 17-game season), which is ironic because the Vikings are forecast to win 8.5 games by sportsbooks.

Hot Seat for O’Connell?

O’Connell has had a commendable four-year tenure as head coach of the Vikings, guiding them to the playoffs twice. However, the crucial hurdle remains: the absence of a postseason victory. Playoff wins are the ultimate measure of a head coach, and the Vikings haven’t secured one in six years, dating back to Kyle Rudolph’s memorable catch against the New Orleans Saints.

O’Connell’s coaching record also boasts several high points. He was named NFL Coach of the Year in 2024, and his winning percentage since 2022 ranks fifth in the league. Furthermore, his defense has been exceptional, leading the NFL in EPA/play over the same period. His teams also demonstrate remarkable discipline, accumulating the sixth-fewest penalties since his arrival. It’s a long way saying that O’Connell isn’t running a clown show. The Vikings are good on his watch.

Supporters of O’Connell often advocate for providing him with a consistent starting quarterback and improved draft selections. His teams perform exceptionally well, achieving a 37-15 record (.711 winning percentage) when his primary quarterback is healthy. Unfortunately, former general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s draft misses have compounded the challenges.

Despite these obstacles, O’Connell has successfully cultivated a winning culture. The next step — obviously — is to translate that culture into tangible success, as Minnesota is in dire need of victories in January.

O’Connell probably isn’t on the hot seat at this specific moment, but an emphatic losing season could change that in a hurry.

A Roster for His Breakthrough Year?

The Vikings’ roster should have all the trimmings for a playoff win — if one assumes that Kyler Murray will click with the offense. Minnesota’s offense is known for complexity, so Murray, a seven-year veteran, must grasp it sooner rather than later for O’Connell to achieve his optimal scenario.

The defense is already there; Brian Flores’ group has finished in the NFL’s Top 3 per EPA/Play and DVOA in back-to-back seasons. The Vikings also used their 1st-Round pick in April on Caleb Banks, who has All-Pro upside if his injury concerns fade.

And the weaponry is available for O’Connell and Murray. Most teams don’t have the personnel caliber of Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, Jauan Jennings, and T.J. Hockenson as pass-catchers.

Some rosters don’t have the juice for a playoff win prognostication — the Miami Dolphins, Arizona Cardinals, and Cleveland Browns, for example. The Vikings aren’t like that.

It’s time for O’Connell to secure his elusive playoff triumph. After that, fans will hope his coaching and roster are enough to beat the Los Angeles Rams, who feel like a superteam from a summer standpoint.

The following is a depth chart projection — with training camp seven weeks out. All rookies are noted in bold.

Vikings Roster Battles Come into Focus before Training Camp

— Offensive Roster —

Quarterback

QB1: Kyler Murray
QB2: J.J. McCarthy
QB3: Carson Wentz
QB4: Max Brosmer

The first week of OTAs — and probably upcoming minicamp — taught the masses that Murray is the unabashed frontrunner to win the Vikings’ QB1 job. It’s not that mysterious.

Running Back

RB1: Aaron Jones
RB2: Jordan Mason
RB3: Demond Claiborne
RB4: Zavier Scott
RB5: Kejon Owens

Claiborne flashed at OTAs, and he’ll have three more months to do that before perhaps getting some rookie touches in September. He’s got the speed for the job — 4.37.

Fullback

FB1: Max Bredeson

With C.J. Ham freshly retired, Minnesota won’t abandon the fullback spot; Bredeson is in the house as a replacement.

Wide Receiver

WR1: Justin Jefferson
WR2: Jordan Addison
WR3: Jauan Jennings
WR4: Tai Felton
WR5: Myles Price
WR6: Jeshaun Jones
WR7: Dontae Fleming
WR8: Dillon Bell
WR9: Luke Wysong
WR10: Marcus Sanders
WR11: Terrill Davis
WR12: Michael Briscoe
WR13: Trayvon Rudolph

The Jennings acquisition made this group to die for — and perhaps the NFL’s top WR corps. Bell, an undrafted free agent, has already turned heads this month.

Tight End

TE1: T.J. Hockenson
TE2: Josh Oliver
TE3: Ben Yurosek
TE4: Gavin Bartholomew
TE5: Bryson Nesbit

This is the single untouched roster spot from the 2026 offseason, though Ben Sims left for the Miami Dolphins.

Left Tackle

LT1: Christian Darrisaw
LT2: Caleb Tiernan
LT3: Caleb Etienne
LT4: Tristan Leigh

Darrisaw said he feels the best he has in two years, and that his ACL is “great” overall. That makes fans feel, well, great.

Right Tackle

RT1: Brian O’Neill
RT2: Ryan Van Demark
RT3: Walter Rouse

Expect O’Neill contract extension talks to heat up between now and September.

Center

C1: Blake Brandel
C2: Michael Jurgens
C3: Gavin Gerhardt

Brandel took all starting snaps at OTAs. He’s “the guy” at center in 2026, believe it or not.

Left Guard

LG1: Donovan Jackson
LG2: Henry Byrd
LG3: Delby Lemieux

Jackson said last week that he felt like a “headless chicken” learning the Vikings’ playbook as a rookie and that he now feels more acclimated.

Right Guard

RG1: Will Fries
RG2: Joe Huber
RG3: Vershon Lee
RG4: Tomas Rimac

It’s a big year for Fries. Minnesota spent big on him last offseason, but can somewhat easily offload him next offseason if he proves to be a dud.

— Defensive Roster —

Outside Linebacker

OLB1: Andrew Van Ginkel
OLB2: Dallas Turner
OLB3: Bo Richter
OLB4: Tyler Batty
OLB5: Chaz Chambliss
OLB6: Cam’Ron Stewart
OLB7: Arden Walker

The Vikings will embark on a regular season without Danielle Hunter or Jonathan Greenard for the first time since 2014.

Defensive End

DE1: Jalen Redmond
DE2: Caleb Banks
DE3: Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins
DE4: Isaiahh Loudermilk
DE5: Eric Johnson
DE6: Smith Vilbert
DE7: Monkell Goodwine
*Please Note: Most NFL terminology considers this spot “defensive tackle.”

With Loudermilk and Johnson signed in the last several weeks, Minnesota keeps stacking DT depth.

Nose Tackle

NT1: Domonique Orange
NT2: Levi Drake Rodriguez
NT3: Taki Taimani
NT4: Elijah Williams

This group has a lot of beef, which is exactly what you want from a nose tackle room.

Middle Linebacker

MLB1: Eric Wilson
MLB2: Ivan Pace Jr.
MLB3: Jacob Roberts
MLB4: Bangally Kamara

Some think Pace Jr. could be cut in August if rookie Jake Golday is the real deal.

Weakside Linebacker

WLB1: Blake Cashman
WLB2: Jake Golday
WLB3: Josh Ross
WLB4: Keli Lawson

Like O’Neill, Cashman is eligible for a contract extension, although he turned 30 this offseason.

Cornerback

CB1: Byron Murphy Jr.
CB2: Isaiah Rodgers
CB3: James Pierre
CB4: Charles Demmings
CB5: Dwight McGlothern
CB6: Zemaiah Vaughn
CB7: Da’Veawn Armstead
CB8: Marcus Allen
CB9: Tyreek Chappell

This group doesn’t have stars, but it finally has a bit of depth. That eluded the Vikings last year while Murphy Jr. and Rodgers somehow didn’t miss a single game.

Safety

S1: Josh Metellus
S2: Jay Ward
S3: Theo Jackson
S4: Jakobe Thomas
S5: Tavierre Thomas
S6: Kahlef Hailassie
S7: Jacob Thomas

Vikings Nation remains on Harrison Smith Watch. We bet he returns for one more year.

— Special Teams Roster —

Kicker

K1: Will Reichard will battle Brandon Aubrey from the Dallas Cowboys in 2026 for the title of best kicker in football.

Punter

P1: Johnny Hekker
P2: Brett Thorson

Thorson won the award for best college punter in 2025, and he’s somehow not automatically the Vikings’ main punter in 2026.

Long Snapper

LS1: Andrew DePaola

DePaola is the oldest man on Minnesota’s roster.

Kick Returner

KR1: Myles Price

Price wants to play more on offense in 2026; we shall see if that’s real or just a summer talking point.

Punt Returner

PR1: Myles Price
PR2: Tai Felton

The landscape has changed a bit since my 2025 RB rankings, with one notable player leaving the division in David Montgomery.

Minnesota’s Backfield Lands behind Three Division Rivals

The NFC North boasts some of the best backs across the league, which will make the battle on the ground important during head-to-head games. Here is how I rank the RB groups this year, with the main focus on each team’s top two backs.

1. Detroit Lions — Jahmyr Gibbs and Isiah Pacheco

Jahmyr Gibbs is in the conversation for best RB in the league. His rushing numbers were slightly down on his phenomenal 2024 season, but the 2025 season still brought 1223 rushing yards at 5 yards per carry and 13 touchdowns. Gibbs is a dual-threat RB, catching 77 passes for 616 yards and 5 touchdowns last season.

The Lions have dominated on the ground in recent seasons, but the loss of Montgomery, who was like a 1b to Gibbs’ 1a, and some big losses on the offensive line have weakened them.

Detroit will hope that free-agent signing Isiah Pacheco can rediscover his form from a couple of years ago, or at least be a competent RB2. The fact that Gibbs is now a clear RB1 raises the question of what he is capable of if his carries over the course of the season reach the 300 mark for the first time in his career.

2. Chicago Bears — D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai

D’Andre Swift had to play second fiddle for three years in Detroit, but a move to Philadelphia gave him his first 1,000-yard rushing season and a trip to the Pro Bowl. A big money move to Chicago followed, and Swift has flourished in the Windy City as the team’s clear RB1.

Swift had his best season yet in terms of rushing yards and touchdowns under the guidance of new head coach Ben Johnson last season, while continuing to be effective in the passing game. Chicago’s seventh-round rookie Kyle Monangai proved to be a capable backup in his rookie year with 783 yards and five touchdowns. Under Johnson’s leadership, the Bears should be aiming to

3. Green Bay Packers — Josh Jacobs and Chris Brooks

Green Bay signed Josh Jacobs to a huge 4-year, $48 million contract in 2024, and Jacobs has delivered over 2000 rushing yards and 28 touchdowns across his first two seasons as a Packer. One of the best rushers in the league, Jacobs gives the Packers an excellent spearhead to their rushing attack.

Green Bay finds itself in third place because there’s not much behind Jacobs, with Chris Brooks currently slated to be RB2. Brooks has less than 400 rushing yards to his name across three seasons in the league so far. It’s a concern, especially with an off-field issue hanging over Jacobs.

4. Minnesota Vikings — Jordan Mason and Aaron Jones

Turning 32 during the season, this is possibly Aaron Jones’ last rodeo, with Father Time and injuries catching up with him. For me, Jordan Mason should be RB1 this season. He led the team in rushing yards and touchdowns last year, and while he’s not the most dynamic back around, he will churn out yards and has a nose for the end zone.

Running back was an area many thought the Vikings might look to improve this offseason; however, the only addition was sixth-round rookie Demond Claiborne. The Vikings’ rushing attack looks somewhat off compared to their divisional counterparts and will need to find enough consistency so it doesn’t become a problem.

BR’s Kristopher Knox published a list of the most benchable quarterbacks this year, and sadly, Murray made the cut.

Not Everyone Is Sold on the Vikings’ QB1 Solution

BR: Murray Could Be Benched

On a list that included players like Jacoby Brissett and Geno Smith, Murray got benchable treatment. Knox wrote, “According to ESPN’s Kevin Seifert, Murray currently leads the competition, and the gap between the quarterbacks is ‘not close.’ Murray is a dynamic dual-threat and was a Pro Bowler early in his career with Arizona.”

“He should give Minnesota a boost at quarterback this season, and at 28 years old, he could potentially become a long-term answer for Minnesota. However, there’s no guarantee that Murray will do either of those things. He never showed consistency as a passer with the Cardinals — the offense was more effective with Brissett behind center last season — and he has never delivered a playoff win.”

While Murray has never notched a triumph in the postseason, the Vikings haven’t won a playoff game since 2019.

“It’s easy to think that Murray will be better under Kevin O’Connell and with weapons like Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison at his disposal,” Knox continued.

“If he isn’t, though, Minnesota may eventually give McCarthy another chance to redeem himself. McCarthy, after all, is only two years into his rookie contract, while Murray is only signed through this season.”

Well … Insert for McCarthy for a Sequel

Should Murray get benched, McCarthy would step in, presenting his true shot at redemption. He would need to be prepared, and the Vikings would quickly assess his capabilities. He notably displayed flashes of potential in 2025, particularly in late-game situations. Following Week 14, he was even ranked as the NFL’s sixth-best quarterback per EPA+CPOE.

It’s entirely conceivable that McCarthy could enter, stabilize the offense, and permanently secure the starting position.

Furthermore, he still has ample time. First-round quarterbacks are eligible for a fifth-year option, and McCarthy will only be 23 this season. If he excels by 2028, Minnesota can exercise that option, maintaining its long-term strategy. It’s one of the distinct advantages of having both Murray and McCarthy: the Vikings gain an immediate upgrade while preserving McCarthy’s potential for an additional three years.

The sole reason for a trade would be if McCarthy himself demanded one. Should he desire to leave, Minnesota would face a decision. Until then, exercising patience remains the most prudent course of action.

In short, if Murray gets benched per the BR speculation, well, the Vikings planned for this, and his name is J.J. McCarthy.

The Murray Price Is Still Worth It

Murray arrived in Minnesota with a $1.3 million price tag. That’s absurdly affordable. In fact, every team in the NFL should’ve jumped on Murray’s availability, including teams with elite quarterbacks, like the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs, solely because the value was just so tremendous.

Consider this: if Murray flames out in Minnesota or gets hurt this summer, adding him for $1.3 million was still worth the gamble.

If you believe in sports hacks, this is the grandaddy — obtaining Murray for the veteran minimum. The value gets no better.

Two Other Ex-Vikings on the BR List

Daniel Jones, who stopped by the Vikings in 2024, also made Knox’s list: “Jones, who was recently cleared for 7-on-7 work, will need to replicate his 2025 success. If he can’t, the Colts may try to salvage the season with Richardson — if he’s still on the roster — or Riley Leonard, while keeping an eye on that 2027 QB class. Unfortunately, playing well on a year-to-year basis wasn’t something Jones did during his six seasons with the New York Giants.”

So did Kirk Cousins, who quarterbacked the Vikings from 2018 to 2023, though a benchable Cousins is to be expected after the Las Vegas Raiders drafted Fernando Mendoza in April.

“Let’s not forget that the Falcons went 5-3 with Cousins as the starter last year and might well have won the NFC South if it had leaned on him all season. If Las Vegas is a surprise playoff team with Cousins at the helm, hold off on passing the proverbial torch,” Knox opined about Cousins.

“If the Raiders aren’t in a position to make a run, however, they’ll turn things over to Mendoza once they feel he is prepared to start. As Gagnon put it, the reigning Heisman winner and national champion is “the long-term dude” for Las Vegas.”

Murray will turn 29 in August, and if BR has it wrong about his benchability, he could latch on as the Vikings’ QB1 for the next half-decade-plus.

After the Tuesday Vikings minicamp practice, Coach Flores stepped in front of the assembled media. The coach’s reflections on James Pierre meant offering exclusively positive thoughts, calling him a “pro’s pro” who works hard and is professional. All of these abilities and attributes led to coveting the corner for a while: “He’s a name that I’ve been bringing up for a while. Glad we finally got him. And I think he’s going to be a good addition.”

Brian Flores has Been After James Pierre for a While

Once upon a time, Flores advocated for Isaiah Rodgers. The corner with all-world speed became a Viking after agreeing on a two-year deal totalling $11 million in promised pay (OTC). At that rate, Rodgers is a bargain.

So, too, did Pierre get added after a reasonably modest two-year agreement. His is even lower than the Rodgers deal, coming in a touch above $8.5 million. Note: that’s not per season. Rather, Pierre’s compensation comes in at an average of $4.25 million annually, meaning there’s a pile of room to outperform the compensation.

The Vikings’ group of three top corners is a cluster of talent where each offer an extreme attribute.

At CB1, Byron Murphy Jr. is unusually versatile. Tasking him with journeying into the slot is standard stuff, almost bland given how commonly he does so. At CB2, Isaiah Rodgers is remarkably fast, allowing him to keep up with the other team’s speed demon(s). At CB3, James Pierre is a long-and-strong corner who takes care of the small details of his profession so he can play bully ball along the outside.

Indeed, he’s a 6’2″ coverage player who isn’t otherworldly in his size but who nevertheless has some presence on the field. Seeing him operate in practice for a day gives some insight about why he got added. He moves well and can drape himself over his man, offering snarl and sticky coverage that Flores will appreciate.

Combined, the Vikings’ air-traffic controllers should make passing the pigskin difficult.

Last year, Pierre earned a truly sizzling PFF grade sitting at 86.8. Most impressive is the 89.7 coverage grade, which finished off at 1st among the 114 corners in the ranking. Being able to replicate that level of brilliance would be a major boost to the Vikings’ secondary.

Apparently, passers had a combined 52.8 passer rating when going after him in 2025. Any QB who had that passer rating would be benched in short order. Just as a point of reference, Max Brosmer had a 53.0 passer rating last season. The comparison isn’t perfect, but the general takeaway is that QBs looked a bit like Brosmer when they went after Pierre last year.

Brian Flores has established himself as being among the preeminent strategists in football. Rolling into his fourth season as the Vikings’ DC, Flores appears likely to continue with his blitzing ways.

What will be fascinating to see, though, is if he can get a touch friskier in the secondary. Can he roll out different coverages now that James Pierre lets the Vikings go toe-to-toe with huge receivers such as Christian Watson, Mike Evans, A.J. Brown, and others with an imposing build?

Mr. Pierre is 29 but hasn’t played a ton in his career. Minnesota is hoping he can offer up a minimum of two excellent seasons, but maybe he’ll outlast the normal shelf life for a corner due to the professionalism and work ethic Flores was so keen to praise.

Pierre’s work continues tomorrow as the Vikings move forward into the second day of mandatory minicamp.

With that in mind, these are the most likely landing spots, assuming Kyler Murray wins the QB1 job in August and McCarthy wants out.

The destinations are listed in ascending order of likelihood (No. 1 = most likely trade partner).

Arizona Tops the List for a Hypothetical McCarthy Pivot

8. Philadelphia Eagles

While Jalen Hurts is not a bad quarterback — he’s pretty awesome, in fact — his stock feels like it’s at an all-time low, as onlookers wonder if he has the stomach for a pass-happy offense. As Hurts ages, his legs won’t be quite as much of an option. Ask Cam Newton.

The Eagles also don’t seem totally enamored with Hurts — compared to a year or two ago — so if McCarthy became available, they could pounce and make him the QB behind Hurts. Andy Dalton is the current QB2, but McCarthy is 15 years his junior.

7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Buccaneers made the cut for one reason: what if Tampa Bay’s brass already knows that it will not pay Baker Mayfield $50 million or $60 million per season? Mayfield appears to be at odds with the Buccaneers’ front office, and if that holds, he’d hit free agency next March.

Tampa Bay general manager Jason Licht could fire off a 4th-Round pick to Minnesota for McCarthy.

6. Miami Dolphins

Malik Willis is the proposed solution for Miami in 2026, with the team led by former Green Packers personalities Jon-Eric Sullivan (general manager) and Jeff Hafley (head coach). Willis may work out just fine for the Dolphins. But what if his success in Green Bay was a small-sample mirage? McCarthy, as an option going forward, could check some boxes, paired with Quinn Ewers in the Dolphins’ quarterback room behind Willis.

5. Pittsburgh Steelers

Aaron Rodgers has vowed to play one more year — and then that’s it. After him on the depth chart are Mason Rudolph, Will Howard, and Drew Allar. Why not send a mid-round pick to Minnesota to make it a three-horse race of youngsters when Rodgers walks away?

Mike McCarthy — a bit of a quarterback whisperer — can help J.J. McCarthy feast with the proper mentorship, The McCarthies.

Daily Norseman‘s Warren Ludford wrote this week, “The Steelers come to mind in that regard. Aaron Rodgers is 43 and will retire after this season. They have Mason Rudolph (31) and Will Howard on their roster. Adding McCarthy could give them a better spot starter this year if Rodgers is injured and he could win the starting job next year, benefitting from a year learning from the future Hall of Famer.”

“If the Steelers view themselves as a playoff team this year, that means they won’t be in a good position to draft a top quarterback in next year’s draft either. Spending a third-round pick on McCarthy makes a lot of sense in that situation.”

4. New York Jets

Geno Smith won’t last long in New York, and Cade Klubnik is New York’s stab at a rookie passer from April’s draft. McCarthy has a more complete toolkit than Klubnik, and that’s not a bold take.

If McCarthy becomes available via trade, the Jets should trade for him, giving him a chance to cook with Breece Hall, Garrett Wilson, and Kenyon Sadiq.

3. Los Angeles Chargers

The Harbaugh Angle.

McCarthy has 2-3 years left on his rookie contract. If he decides to be done with Minnesota, he should reunite with Harbaugh for two seasons of tender, love, and care with the college coach — and be one snap away from the action if Justin Herbert misses time.

Harbaugh and McCarthy won a championship in college. They could join forces again. Harbaugh absolutely loves McCarthy.

2. Indianapolis Colts

Daniel Jones turned in a handful of sweet games for the Colts last year before tearing his Achilles. He’s evidently tracking to be ready for Week 1, but sometimes, players just don’t heal right from a busted Achilles.

The Colts will do anything to solve their post-Andrew-Luck quarterback conundrum, including swinging a deal for McCarthy if it came down to it.

1. Arizona Cardinals

This team is in quarterback hell, making the decision to drop Kyler Murray even more flummoxing. The Cardinals will showcase three quarterbacks this summer: Jacoby Brissett, Carson Beck, and Gardner Minshew. Beck is the only one with long-term QB1 upside. Brissett and Minshew are backups. Period.

Unless the Cardinals tank — does general manager Monti Ossenfort really have the clout to do that? — they should trade for McCarthy if he’s available and let him rip as the QB1 in 2026.

It’s a better solution than letting Brissett dog-walk you with a contractual holdout.

Across the three days of minicamp, Vikings Territory has access, allowing for some first-hand insight to offer our readers. So, sit back, relax, and consider a broad smattering of ideas, insights, and observations based on the on-field work today. Will be offering plenty more in the coming days, so follow along (social media, too).

Vikings Minicamp Observations: 10 Quick Notes

1) Jauan Jennings is going to be a problem. He’s listed at 6’3″ and 215 pounds; Jennings looks large out there. After practice, Kyler Murray referred to Jennings as a “dirtbag,” a compliment for his on-field snarl. Think of him as being akin to a top-six winger in hockey who loves to drive the net (Brendan Shanahan comes to mind, but that’s from a Red Wings perspective; who fits for the Wild right now?). He’s made several catches today.

2) Jake Golday didn’t lack for work. The 2nd-Round linebacker has to learn a lot quickly, but he appears to be doing well. At minimum, Mr. Golday is going to earn snaps. Will he earn starts? Safe to say the coaches are enthusiastic about where his game is going.

3) New coach Ryan Nielsen is a teacher. He appears to be very specific in what he’s asking the defensive linemen to do. Won’t be at all surprising if he helps push a young lad (or two) higher in his game. Great energy.

4) On that point, I had the chance to ask Brian Flores about the growth from Jalen Redmond since the DT1 has been in town for two years, being added in the summer of 2024. Check out the DC’s response:

5) Hard to read too much into 7-on-7 and/or 11-on-11 drills, but J.J. McCarthy did toss a nice rainbow pass to Justin Jefferson deep down the sideline. When chatting with the media after practice, McCarthy described how much more comfortable he is in the offense, using the word “instinctual” when hearing the play now. Remember: thinking is the antithesis to fast football; the more a brain is working, the slower a player is playing. Football is a fast, explosive sport, so spending time decoding things on the fly is often the kiss of death.

6) Excellent to see Christian Darrisaw taking on a hearty workload. Again, not the normal strain of trenches physicality, but he appears to be in a good spot. Minnesota matches up way better when the fantastic LT1 is out there.

7) Max Bredeson is a sneaky player to monitor going into the 2026 season. He may have a large impact on the season without touching the ball much, if at all. Seeing him run in front of Jordan Mason as Josh Oliver and Jauan Jennings block is going to be a sight to see.

8) Tai Felton is a very fast person. He did, however, drop a pass that he should have secured at one point. Catching the ball with arms extended in the middle of the gridiron isn’t for the faint of heart, but a sophomore WR4 can’t afford too many mistakes. On a more positive note, he did make some plays out there. His speed should scare the deep defender(s).

9) Will Reichard still looks like an assassin.

10) Chuck Demmings had some nice moments. In all likelihood, he’s not going to overcome James Pierre in 2026. But, to be sure, that was never the point with the pick; a team who needs a small-school, 5th-Round corner to start immediately has roster issues. Still, there’s upside here. He looks long and scrappy.

According to ESPN’s Kevin Seifert, O’Neill did light work at organized team activities but is on tap to participate in mandatory minicamp this week.

Vikings OL Stability Starts with O’Neill

The Latest on O’Neill

Kevin Seifert was straightforward Tuesday, tweeting about O’Neill, “The Vikings open mandatory minicamp today, and the word is that RT Brian O’Neill will be in uniform and participating in at least some of it. O’Neill has been an observer during OTAs while he waits on the Vikings to address his contract, which expires after this season.”

A to Z Sports‘ Tyler Forness added, “As far as right tackles only go, O’Neill is arguably No. 3 behind Penei Sewell (who is likely moving to LT) and Lane Johnson. Tytus Howard now has an average annual value of $22.5 million, which means that O’Neill should theoretically slot between them.”

Pay the Man

This doesn’t have to be complicated, nor is it a bold take to recommend extending O’Neill. O’Neill helped anchor the Vikings’ trenches during a rather dark era for the offensive line — 2018 to 2021 — and served as a shining star amid troublesome OL solutions.

He’s also 30 years old. It’s not that the Vikings have to contemplate handing a fat stack of cash to a 35-year-old who could show up to any season and begin an age-related decline. In fact, extending O’Neill for three or four more years should be just what the doctor ordered from an age standpoint.

Of course, Minnesota drafted Caleb Tiernan in Round 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft, but that doesn’t have to signal a direct replacement for O’Neill. Some teams simply pick the best player available on the board, and for Minnesota, that was evidently Tiernan.

O’Neill Resume thru Eight Seasons

O’Neill stands out as one of the Vikings’ most successful long-term draft picks of the last decade. Selected 62nd overall in the 2nd Round of the 2018 NFL Draft, he has developed into a reliable right tackle. Over eight seasons, he has played 124 games, starting 120, and earned two Pro Bowl selections for his strong play on the edge.

His performance metrics support his reputation. According to Pro Football Focus, O’Neill has accumulated 7,900 career snaps, comprising 4,840 in pass protection and 3,060 as a run blocker. His 2025 grade is an impressive 81.6 overall, with 76.4 for pass-blocking and 84.5 for run-blocking, demonstrating top-tier production.

Notably, O’Neill has never received an overall PFF grade below 63.0 in any season, and in all years, he has performed at a level exceeding that of an average starter. Coupled with his Pro Bowl selections in 2021 and 2024, it is evident that O’Neill has proven to be a stud. Plain and simple.

Other Contract Extensions

O’Neill isn’t the only Viking tapping his palm for more dough. These players can reasonably request an extension this summer or next offseason:

• Jordan Addison (WR)
• Blake Brandel (C)
• Blake Cashman (ILB)
• Jordan Mason (RB)
• Isaiah Rodgers (CB)
• Andrew Van Ginkel (OLB)
• Jay Ward (S)

O’Neill certainly deserves to be the first in line, but soon, others like Cashman, Addison, and Van Ginkel especially have a case for fresh money.

While it doesn’t seem too suspenseful whether Minnesota will actually lock in the deal, expect O’Neill’s contract to fetch something in the neighborhood of three years and $75 million.

SI.com‘s Will Ragatz recently opined, “The question is what kind of deal makes sense for both the Vikings and O’Neill, in terms of length and average value. Anything above $26 million per year would be top-five tackle money, which is probably a touch too rich.”

“But O’Neill is due a raise from his previous $18.5 million AAV and will likely become one of the league’s highest-paid right tackles. Could $24-25 million per year over three or four years be the sweet spot? Let’s say three years and $72 million, with a good chunk of guaranteed money and some extra incentives if he plays all 17 games and/or earns Pro Bowl or All-Pro honors.”

The Vikings could also lower O’Neill’s 2026 cap hit when extending his stay, perhaps freeing up short-term cap space for another position of need — like outside linebacker. Jadeveon Clowney, Joey Boss, and Leonard Floyd could make sense after the Jonathan Greenard trade in April.

Ragatz added, “That feels rather fair for both sides. It’ll be interesting to see what happens, especially considering the Vikings may have big contracts coming for Murray and Jordan Addison next offseason, if all goes right.”

“Does Teasley wait until training camp to get a look at Tiernan before deciding? Will O’Neill and his camp draw a hard line or acquiesce a bit to make sure he has long-term security before this season begins?”

O’Neill will turn 31 two days after the Vikings’ first game of 2026.