Kevin O’Connell is determined to make the Minnesota Vikings serious contenders in the NFC North once again. While he knows the road won’t be easy, he’s going all-in for the upcoming NFL season. J.J. McCarthy appears to be the frontrunner to earn the starting quarterback job, but the head coach has not ruled out the possibility of adding a more experienced player, such as Aaron Rodgers or Kirk Cousins.
Slowly but surely, the first moves across several franchises are starting to take shape, and the Vikings are among them. After suffering a tough injury that kept him off the field last season, McCarthy is now expected to finally take over as the starter in Week 1.
With the Draft fast approaching and an offseason that’s brought plenty of buzz across the NFL, there’s still a chance that the Minnesota Vikings could bring in a competitor to challenge the young talent moving forward. Head coach Kevin O’Connell has addressed the situation, acknowledging that all options remain on the table.
“We’ve been patient, and we’ve really evaluated a lot of different ways we could potentially do that,” the HC stated to the press about adding a veteran QB. “There’s potential trades and free agency and still the draft. We’re going through a process of just figuring out who is the player we want to solidify that room with. … When that happens, the timing of it remains to be seen.”
While the potential arrival of Rodgers to the Vikings remains unresolved, head coach Kevin O’Connell previously told reporter Tom Pelissero that he’s not opposed to the idea of bringing him onto the team: “Aaron and I’ve known each other for a long time. A four-time MVP, I can’t even put into words the amount of respect I have for Aaron. So when it became a possibility that Aaron may have interest in playing for the Minnesota Vikings, it’s our job to evaluate what that looks like,” O’Connell said about Rodgers.
The full confidence placed in McCarthy
After an impressive season by Sam Darnold and the possibility of his move to the Seahawks, it was only a matter of time before the coaching staff made a decision on who would take the reins moving forward.
J.J. McCarthy, who unfortunately didn’t see any playing time due to a serious knee injury, now appears to be Kevin O’Connell’s chosen one moving forward. All the confidence is being placed in what this young talent can bring to the Vikings.
“I’d consider him full. Really, no limitations,” the HC said Monday. “I want to credit J.J. for how he’s handled these last two, two-and-a-half, three months or so where I think he’s ready to hit the ground running as of today.”
“He’s done a phenomenal job [with] what I would really call [those] invisible habits, invisible work that he’s done when really nobody’s been watching, in many ways solidifying and finalizing his rehab,” he also added. “Then, on into a phase where he’s really been able to push it on the field from a throws [standpoint] and working his technique and fundamentals and then ultimately the mental side of it as well.”
SURVEY Which other QB should the Vikings add to support J.J. McCarthy?
Which other QB should the Vikings add to support J.J. McCarthy?
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