As the Minnesota Vikings kick off their offseason program, head coach Kevin O’Connell isn’t panicking about one glaring vacancy: the backup quarterback spot. Despite Sam Darnold, Daniel Jones, and Nick Mullens finding new homes in free agency, and no clear addition yet to the Vikings’ depth chart, O’Connell remains calm — and confident.
Speaking with reporters Monday, O’Connell shared that patience is part of a deliberate plan. “We’ve evaluated a lot of different ways to fill that role,” he explained. “Whether through trades, free agency, or the draft, we have a detailed strategy.” With J.J. McCarthy and Brett Rypien already participating in offseason activities, the Vikings are focused on finding the right veteran presence to complete the room — but O’Connell emphasized that the timing remains flexible.
Insiders speculate the team is waiting until after the NFL Draft to make a move. Signing a veteran like Carson Wentz post-draft would avoid affecting compensatory pick formulas, while other options like Ryan Tannehill could remain in play without such concerns. Trade possibilities are also swirling, with names like Sam Howell and Aidan O’Connell floated as potential targets. But surprises could emerge once the draft reshapes quarterback situations around the league.
No matter how it unfolds, it’s clear Minnesota plans to add a veteran arm — perhaps as soon as next week — to bolster the depth behind McCarthy and Rypien.
Meanwhile, all eyes are on the Vikings’ broader draft approach. Despite holding a league-low four picks, O’Connell insists the team has prepared exhaustively. “We’ve approached it as if we had far more picks,” he said. Thanks to strategic free-agent additions across the roster — from the offensive line to the secondary — the Vikings don’t feel pressured to force a pick at any position. Instead, they’re positioned to be highly selective, prioritizing long-term sustainability and building deep competition across the roster.
“We’re in a spot where we can truly draft for the future as well as the present,” O’Connell noted, praising the team’s high success rate in signing targeted free agents.
Expect Minnesota’s leadership — O’Connell, GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, and company — to maneuver smartly this weekend. A trade down the draft board to collect more picks seems likely, setting the stage for a fascinating few days as the Vikings balance immediate needs with building a championship foundation.