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Head coach Kevin O’Connell of the Minnesota Vikings and J.J. McCarthy #9.
The Minnesota Vikings are rolling into 2026 with question marks yet again all over the QB position.
It feels like a hot-seat season for fifth-year head coach Kevin O’Connell, albeit one where he has heaps of roster control. With GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah banished from the organization, the pressure is on O’Connell to produce.
O’Connell is likely to have much more personnel control than ever before, which could be a good thing. Long-time Vikings EVP Rob Brzezinski is the interim GM through the 2026 NFL Draft.
For this reason, it’s not entirely clear what the plan at quarterback is. Can O’Connell really mortgage his Vikings future on J.J. McCarthy? That remains up in the air, and many aren’t sold on that idea. Bleacher Report‘s Mae Moton is among them.
Vikings Predicted to Make QB Swap with NFC Foe
GettyEAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – DECEMBER 21: J.J. McCarthy #9 of the Minnesota Vikings in action during the game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on December 21, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Minnesota Vikings won 16-13. (Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images)
Moton predicted a major swap at QB between the Arizona Cardinals and Minnesota Vikings.
While a simulated trade package wasn’t provided, Moton justified the deal from the Cardinals‘ side. Moton also added that Arizona could add Kirk Cousins to round out their QB room.
“Because of the perceived gap between Fernando Mendoza and the other quarterback prospects in the 2026 draft class, the Cardinals are unlikely to add a signal-caller with the No. 3 pick.
Instead, they can develop McCarthy, who’s only 23, and have him battle Cousins for the lead job. If Arizona doesn’t think the former is ready to play, the latter can run the offense as the unquestioned starter for at least a year.”
Moton also justified it from Minnesota’s side, touching on the sketchy cap situation in the Twin Cities.
“An undersized, mobile quarterback, Murray would benefit from playing indoors, as he did in Arizona. Because of his deep-ball accuracy, the dynamic signal-caller can maximize the Vikings’ talented pass-catching group, which includes Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson in addition to Jefferson.
The Vikings are $40.2 million over the cap threshold. So they would likely prefer that the Cardinals release Murray. In a trade scenario, Minnesota can restructure deals, including the quarterback’s contract, and cut veterans like Javon Hargrave, Ryan Kelly, and Aaron Jones to create space for him.”
Minnesota Has Right to Pull Plug Early on McCarthy
GettyJ.J. McCarthy #9 of the Minnesota Vikings warms up prior to a game against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium on January 04, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
While it may seem too early or unfair, the Vikings are within reason to move on from McCarthy already. It’s not only about it being a pressure-filled season for O’Connell, it’s also about recent history.
Take a look at some other young QB’s that were moved on from within their first two or three years in the pros. Will Levis, Anthony Richardson, Josh Rosen, and Trey Lance were all “given up on” by the beginning of their third season. Rosen was even replaced after just his rookie season by Kyler Murray.
All bets are off in the NFL, especially when the pressure to win rises, and jobs are on the line.
Brevan Bane Brevan Bane is a sports scribe covering the NFL for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Minnesota Vikings and Cincinnati Bengals. Brevan began his writing career by making a platform on Twitter and leveraging his presence into writing and content creation opportunities for outlets like PurplePTSD, Vikings Territory, The Noise, Hockey Wilderness, and the VikesNow YouTube channel. You can follow him on X @brevmanbane. More about Brevan Bane
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