The Vikings’ Quarterback Question Continues Shifting
Turn back the clock by a few months.
The Vikings’ quarterback question rested on whether Sam Darnold could end up being retained. There was also some speculation about an ongoing relationship with Daniel Jones, someone who seemed perfect for the Vikings as a high-upside QB2. Goodness, there was even a public flirtation with Aaron Rodgers. The Rodgers speculation got confirmed by the team’s top leaders before (mercifully) coming to an end when the passer journeyed to the AFC North instead of the NFC North.
Indeed, none of these options materialized, instead giving way to the most obvious outcome: J.J. McCarthy leading the charge in 2024 (apparently, a future existed where he could have been the Bears’ starter).
Something truly disastrous would need to occur to see a near future where Mr. McCarthy isn’t the team’s top passer. Yes, Kevin O’Connell has been a bit evasive, hiding behind a knowing smile as he has refused to formally name a starter. The basic reality, however, is that the only things capable of unseating McCarthy from the top spot are injury, consistent brutal play, or a horrible blend of both. As a result, there is a shift when it comes to Minnesota’s passers and the questions that flow therefrom.
The Vikings’ Quarterback Debate Has Shifted
Look no further than some of what was said by Kevin O’Connell at the press conference that he shared with Kwesi Adofo-Mensah to kick off training camp on Tuesday.
Maybe predictably, Coach O’Connell was quite outspoken in his praise for McCarthy, noting that the 22-year-old player has a “presence” that helps him to lead. More broadly, there’s “leadership on both sides of the ball,” a reality that helps make McCarthy “comfortable” while nevertheless “challenging him to attack” the season ahead.
In short, the show belongs to J.J. McCarthy. Who’s next in line?
There was a bit of a hint from Adofo-Mensah on that point. The question was about quarterback and cornerback, noting some inexperience at each spot. The GM pushed back by uplifting a specific player: “I’d push you a little bit on the experience. Sam Howell has started some games in the NFL. Obviously, he’s not a multi-year veteran, but he has started games in the NFL.” Adofo-Mensah then offers praise to Howell for what showed up in film study.
Only 24, Sam Howell accumulated significant work in Washington during the 2023 season. As in, he started all seventeen games. He had a horrendous win/loss record, going 4-13, but that’s at least partly due to the support around him (or lack thereof). He completed 63.4% of his passes while picking up 3,946 yards, 21 touchdowns, and 21 interceptions. The young passer was sacked a staggering 65 times.
Howell was a trade acquisition during the draft. His youth and experience combine to make him the clear favorite to be the QB2 for the duration of the 2025 season.
Where things get really interesting is at QB3. For some, the job isn’t particularly exiciting since it’s so far down the depth chart. Do remember, though, that poor circumstances can arrive in the NFL, an unpredictable workplace where injuries can pile up in a hurry. Just go back to the 2023 season for an example.
Veteran Brett Rypien is competing against UDFA rookie Max Brosmer (one Brosmer piece and then another). My best guess is that Mr. Brosmer will end up being the choice due to his combination of youth and intelligence. Now, the rookie can’t mirror the experience that Rypien has accumulated — a quarterback who has been in the league since 2019 who has worked for the Broncos, Rams, Seahawks, Jets, and Bears — but there’s more upside in Brosmer.
Plus, Rypien could realistically be an option for the practice squad, allowing the veteran to stick around as a coach who wears a helmet and shoulder pads. There’s a risk that he gets poached by another team, but that’s always the case when sliding down someone to the practice squad.
All eyes are going to be on J.J. McCarthy through training camp and into the preseason. Makes sense. Do note, though, that the real jostling for positioning on the depth chart is going to be taking place between Sam Howell, Max Brosmer, and Brett Rypien.
Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Reference and Over the Cap helped with this piece.
