Kevin O'Connell has two well-earned reputations. First, he happens to know about quarterbacks. Second, he tends to offer plenty of words while not revealing much.
A single answer demonstrates both .
After the Week 18 victory over the Packers , Coach O'Connell stepped in front of the Minnesota media. Is he willing to commit the 2026 Vikings to J.J. McCarthy ? The answer delves into the growth from the No. 10 selection from the 2024 NFL Draft alongside how much remains in front of him. At no point was the uncertainty fully extinguished, though.
At present, there's a pile of chatter out there about DC Brian Flores , another leading issue in Minnesota.
The online football chatter has discussed Coach Flores taking over as the head coach for the Raiders ( Mike Florio ) or as the defensive coordinator for the Cowboys ( Dianna Russini ). Quite possibly, Flores really will skedaddle. He is, after all, a proven coach who gets a ton out of his players. He's excellent as a leader and as a tactician.
Jan 4, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores looks on against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images.
But even as Flores demands much attention in Minnesota, no story is more prominent than the path forward at quarterback.
So, is Kevin O'Connell willing to fully commit to Mr. McCarthy? To begin, O'Connell explains that the offseason is a process: "I think every year you're coming back to build a team throughout the offseason, throughout the draft."
Okay, that's true. A team still needs to be built. But where is the love for McCarthy?
O'Connell goes on: "I think he's improved throughout the season, I think he's grown like a lot of young quarterbacks do throughout the season. Today was his tenth start. I can't wait to work with him in the offseason and absolutely look forward to the continued development and improvement."
Not too long afterwards, O'Connell lands the plane by bringing things around to himself and the team more broadly, explaining that he welcomes the "challenge of being the best version of [himself] for not only J.J. but this entire team."
Dec 21, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) and head coach Kevin O'Connell hug before the game at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images
Now, step back a touch from Kevin O'Connell.
The simple fact that the question gets asked — should J.J. McCarthy start for the Vikings in 2026? — communicates much. Nobody is asking that question in Chicago , Washington , or New England . These three teams picked passers out of the 1st Round of the 2024 NFL Draft and are now feeling very confident in employing franchise passers.
Not so in Minnesota.
McCarthy's play has grown better and better. I, for one, believe that he'll develop into a very good quarterback. Truly elite? Remains to be seen (at least to my untrained eye). But I've seen enough from him on and off the field to believe that what he can be is a QB1 who helps a team win.
The grand mystery isn't whether he's getting better. Rather, the grand mystery is whether he can arrive at complete and full health, so far an elusive goal for the 22-year-old quarterback. Getting and staying healthy is vital.
Dec 14, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) slaps hands with Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell after a made field goal against the Dallas Cowboys during the second half at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images.
But while Kevin O'Connell is correct to highlight growth and development, Kevin O'Connell not committing is notable enough. McCarthy got the nod coming into a 2025 season where Minnesota was planning on competing for it all (with nary a sight of legitimate competition for the top spot in the offseason).
In fairness, Coach O'Connell was skittish about formally naming his young passer as the starter last offseason. Rather, the team's inaction said much, confirming that the sophomore was the plan since nobody was being added who could legitimately be considered a threat for the QB1 throne.
Maybe the best path forward, then, is to see whether the Vikings do pull off a trade for a promising passer and/or make an effort to sink strong money into a quarterback during free agency. Actions speaking louder than words, as some have pointed out.
Kevin O'Connell is going to continue supporting J.J. McCarthy. At the very least, there's an ongoing commitment to his development. McCarthy's spot on the quarterback throne, though, is far from assured.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) celebrates scoring a touchdown during a game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium, Dec 21, 2025, East Rutherford, NJ, USA. © Yannick Peterhans / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.
McCarthy, to his credit, offered a great response when asked if was the starter for next year: "After today, maybe, but tomorrow there's nothing promised. The next day there's nothing promised. That's something I take very seriously. It's not something that you buy and you get for the rest of your life. You rent it, you lease it every single day, and I'm just trying to make daily deposits to make sure I'm in this house for a long time."
At the very least, Coach O'Connell and McCarthy are venturing into a pivotal offseason where nothing is guaranteed for the oft-injured passer who has a ton to prove. That basic reality points toward the turbulence Minnesota has experienced at quarterback since sinking the No. 10 selection into the Michigan Wolverine who was supposed to become to new franchise passer.
NFL free agency begins in the middle of March.
