The Minnesota Vikings have made significant upgrades this offseason, aiming to convert last season’s weaknesses into strengths. They improved the offensive line by acquiring Will Fries and Ryan Kelly from the Colts and drafting Ohio State guard Donovan Jackson in the first round to reshape the interior line.
On defense, they added linemen Jonathan Allen (from Washington) and Javon Hargrave (from San Francisco), giving coordinator Brian Flores a more formidable front four.
As the team prepares through OTAs and minicamp, most positions appear solid—except quarterback. The Vikings are placing their trust in untested second-year QB J.J. McCarthy.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell, known for developing quarterbacks, believes McCarthy is ready to take over as starter. A standout at Michigan, McCarthy led the Wolverines to a national title in 2023 before being drafted 10th overall by Minnesota. However, his rookie season ended prematurely due to a meniscus tear in the first preseason game.
Sam Darnold stepped in and led the Vikings to a 14-3 season but was not part of the long-term plan and left for Seattle in free agency. McCarthy, now fully healthy, feels confident in his readiness, citing the support of his coaches and teammates.
To back him up, the Vikings acquired Sam Howell from the Seahawks. While Howell brings experience from time with Washington and Seattle, he remains unproven. Still, O’Connell and GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah are optimistic—especially with Howell’s modest $1.1 million salary.
O’Connell has a strong track record, having revived careers for Matthew Stafford and Kirk Cousins, and even got impressive results from Darnold. The Vikings are counting on his coaching to develop McCarthy and, if needed, Howell. But it’s a high-stakes bet they can’t afford to lose.
Leave a Reply