The Vikings’ Offseason Has the NFL Talking

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The Vikings’ Offseason Has the NFL Talking

The Vikings' Offseason Has the NFL Talking — The Vikings’ Offseason Has the NFL Talking

Adam New · Vikings Territory

Wed, Feb 11, 2026 ·

4 min read

The NFL's Eyes Are on the Vikings' Next Move

Darnold's success throughout the 2025 season has drawn ridicule from some quarters, and that was rubber-stamped when Darnold hoisted the Lombardi Trophy after the Seattle Seahawks won Super Bowl LX.

Kwesi Adofo-Mensah bet big on his first-round quarterback J.J. McCarthy in 2025, and it cost him his job as the Vikings general manager. Opinion was mixed after Darnold melted down in the final two games of the 2024 season, but with the benefit of hindsight, the Vikings should have done everything possible to keep Darnold.

Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy at the New York Giants. Minnesota Vikings offseason.

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy warms up before kickoff during pregame routines on Dec. 21, 2025, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The rookie passer went through timing drills and footwork as Minnesota finalized preparations ahead of a late-season road matchup. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

I don't think Minnesota would have won the Super Bowl if they'd kept Darnold. However, on the back of Brian Flores' strong defense, the team finished just half a game out of the playoffs despite historically bad QB play. McCarthy ranked last in the NFL in completion percentage (58%), touchdown-interception (11-12), and passer rating (72.6). He also struggled with injury again, meaning Carson Wentz and Max Brosmer started seven games. A Darnold-led Vikings probably makes the playoffs.

The pressure mounted on McCarthy and the decision-makers in Minnesota when veteran players like Justin Jefferson and Aaron Jones spoke to the media during Super Bowl week and suggested that letting Darnold leave was a mistake. It will be particularly important to keep Jefferson happy, who had career lows in receiving yards (1,048) and receiving touchdowns (2). The national media doesn't need an excuse to try to push a Jefferson trade agenda.

The NFL World is Watching

CBS Sports ranked the Vikings No. 1 on its list of teams to watch this offseason — the others were the Los Angeles Chargers , Las Vegas Raiders , Cincinnati Bengals , and Tennessee Titans . The big talking point surrounding the Vikings, of course, is what the team will do at QB. With Adofo-Mensah gone, all options remain open.

Kevin O'Connell addresses reporters at the Sport Ireland Campus in Dublin.

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell speaks during a media session held at the Sport Ireland Campus on Sep. 26, 2025, in Dublin, Ireland. The appearance came ahead of Minnesota's international slate, with O'Connell outlining preparation details and roster updates while fielding questions in a setting far removed from the usual Twin Cities routine. The event marked another stop on the franchise's global tour. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.

The focus will be on head coach Kevin O'Connell. With Minnesota not beginning its search for a new general manager until after the draft, this will be viewed as O'Connell's show. His future in Minnesota likely lives or dies on the upcoming QB decision. Another season where the Vikings are relying on the defense, and they might want to think twice about letting Flores go into the next head coaching cycle.

So how will the Vikings address the quarterback position this offseason? Even if it's just for the morale of their offensive players, like Jefferson . Minnesota has to bring in a veteran quarterback this offseason to compete with and/or mentor McCarthy. Aaron Rodgers and former Viking Kirk Cousins would meet that mentor role in the final years of their playing days.

Kyler Murray scrambles for a first down during the second half against the Rams at SoFi Stadium.

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray takes off on a scramble as pressure collapses during the second half of a divisional matchup at SoFi Stadium, showcasing his trademark mobility and acceleration. The sequence unfolded on Dec. 28, 2024, in Inglewood, where Murray extended the drive with his legs against the Los Angeles Rams, stressing the defense horizontally and vertically in a moment that highlighted his dual-threat value. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images.

Bringing in one of those would give the Vikings a chance to let McCarthy step back and maybe come back. Alternatively, someone like Kyler Murray or Mac Jones would be competition for the long-term role.

Onlookers are fascinated by what Minnesota's offseason approach will be. It will be one of the league's big storylines this offseason.