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The Vikings’ Entire Offseason Will Start with One Question
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- The Vikings’ Entire Offseason Will Start with One Question
Kirby Lee
The Minnesota Vikings' offseason begins in about a week and a half, and, per usual, the months-long process will carry the utmost importance. For general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah — if he remains in his job — the entire plan starts with one central question: Is J.J. McCarthy trustworthy as the QB1 in 2026 beyond the shadow of a doubt?
Minnesota can juggle cap math and roster depth later, but every 2026 decision flows through McCarthy's durability and availability.
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Minnesota drafted McCarthy in April 2024. Since then, he's been available for approximately 25% of all games. Will the Vikings keep the faith?
J.J. McCarthy Sets Minnesota's 2026 Blueprint
Unsurprisingly, Minnesota's offseason begins with the McCarthy question.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) surveys the field during the first half on Dec. 7, 2025, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. The snapshot captures McCarthy operating the offense early, managing tempo and reads as Minnesota worked through its opening script against a divisional opponent. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.
Step One: Is McCarthy Still the Primary QB1 Plan?
Minnesota ended the Kirk Cousins era after the 2023 campaign, following an unfortunate Achilles tear for Cousins and fulfilling a longstanding request by fans to build around a quarterback on a rookie contract. Accordingly, the franchise arrived on McCarthy's doorstep at pick No. 10 in Round 1, when the New England Patriots reportedly refused to budge on a would-be Drake Maye trade.
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Since, McCarthy missed his entire rookie season, looked unprepared in the first six games of his career, and then began to turn the corner in the last 2.5 games.
In fact, McCarthy somehow went from utterly atrocious to a damn near Pro Bowl level from starts 1-6 to starts 7-9. He skipped the "being average" process that often follows young passers.
With the suspect injury history, though, the Vikings must decide whether McCarthy's health will stabilize or if he's just habitually injury-prone. That, indeed, happens in sports. Guys like Greg Oden can attest.
SI.com 's Matt Vederame on McCarthy earlier this month: "If McCarthy can show those numbers are representative of a player who is in the past, the Vikings can enter the offseason with confidence and optimism as the front office looks to surround him, not replace him."
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"But if these wins and his performances over the Commanders and Cowboys are nothing more than a brief respite from the play he's put forth for much of 2025, then everything goes back on the table. In a lost season with nothing but pride and the future to play for, everything from the film sessions to the tarmac feels like a slog. But if McCarthy proves worth the investment, everything starts to feel shorter. Most of all, the timeline for contention in Minnesota."
Step Two: Find a Capable Alternative No Matter What
McCarthy's injury resume — five injuries in two years — has proved that the Vikings need a better QB2 than Carson Wentz or Max Brosmer , almost no matter what. It might be a criminal offence to roll into 2026 with McCarthy and Brosmer as the QB1 and QB2 again (unless Brosmer tosses 8 touchdowns in the next two games or something similar).
Therefore, whether it's a veteran quarterback like Malik Willis, Jimmy Garoppolo, Russell Wilson, or even Aaron Rodgers, Minnesota will at the very least need a QB2 upgrade.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) hands the ball to running back Aaron Jones Sr. (33) during first-half action on Sep. 14, 2025, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. The exchange highlighted Minnesota's early commitment to balance as the offense tested Atlanta's defensive front in Week 2. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.
Adofo-Mensah could also shoot for the stars via trade, acquiring a signal-caller like Kyler Murray or Mac Jones to push McCarthy to the brink at training camp and in the preseason.
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But determining the franchise's confidence level in McCarthy is the foremost question. If Adofo-Mensah and head coach Kevin O'Connell just love McCarthy to death, signing a player like Willis might suffice. If they're nervous, trading for Murray or Jones makes the most sense.
Step Three: Navigate Cap Hell
After determining McCarthy's role — clear-cut QB1 or competitor in a summer battle — Adofo-Mensah must navigate cap hell of his doing.
Minnesota will start the offseason about $36 million over the salary cap, which is, of course, less than ideal. To peek his head above water, the Vikings boss must restructure player contracts (Brian O'Neill or T.J. Hockenson, for example), and explore tough roster cuts, possibly involving veterans like Javon Hargrave and Aaron Jones.
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Then, on a slim budget, the Vikings will have to pursue free agency to bring in fresher, more productive faces than last March brought in.
It's the only way to contend in 2026 after Adofo-Mensah has drafted so poorly in his first four attempts.
Step Four: Finally Nail a Draft
Speaking of the draft, Adofo-Mensah — or the new general manager in the off-chance that Adofo-Mensah is fired — must draft a haul of picks that actually turn into something. And, no, this doesn't mean Adofo-Mensah hits on a single 1st-Rounder like Jordan Addison a few years ago.
To make up for too many failed picks since 2022, the Vikings must orchestrate one of their finest drafts in recent memory. We're talking 4-7 players who pan out — not the standard 0, 1, or 2.
Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah watches from the sideline on Oct. 7, 2023, at Huntington Bank Stadium in Minneapolis during the Golden Gophers' matchup with Michigan. His presence reflected ongoing evaluation work, blending in-state scouting with broader roster planning responsibilities for the Vikings. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images.
If it feels like the Vikings are "old" per roster construction right now, it's because Adofo-Mensah has a less than 20% success rate in finding rookies in the draft .
That must change.
