Heavyweight NFL Insider Further Clarifies Vikings’ QB Mystery
Recently, there has been some chatter from Ian Rapoport of The NFL Network about how Minnesota is going to proceed at quarterback. The same could be said for Tom Pelissero, perhaps the most plugged-in NFL insider when it comes to the Minnesota Vikings.
Prior to the Super Bowl — affectionately known as the Superb Owl on What We Do in the Shadows — Pelissero chimed in on the issue: “The Vikings have not yet made a decision [on] exactly what they’re going to do with that quarterback room, but they are expected to bring in a veteran to compete with J.J. McCarthy.” Not long afterwards, there’s mention of Mac Jones, Kyler Murray, Geno Smith, and Kirk Cousins.
NFL Insider Clarifies Vikings’ QB Plan
Worth noting that the final trio of names — Murray, Smith, and Cousins — got mentioned as Vikings fits only if something specific occurs: a cut from the current employer.
Of the trio, Murray looks like the most fascinating option. He’s only 28 and was a former No. 1 overall pick in the draft. Talent isn’t in question; he’s super speedy and accurate. The Vikings could definitely do worse than someone who is objectively above average and yet not an elite option (at least not yet).
In reality, Murray would be a fine option for the Vikings…if the price is right. Signing him as a free agent for modest money is mighty fine business. Sending over a precious draft pick(s) to inherit his beefy deal? Eh, that’s quite a bit riskier.
Note, as well, that Pelissero does well to point toward a specific outcome that’s very desirable in the Twin Cities: pushing Mr. McCarthy toward developing into becoming the Vikings’ franchise passer due partly to the added competition.
Not too long ago, folks, was it that Minnesota decided to make a modest move up the board to select McCarthy out of Michigan. Arriving in the Twin Cities meant getting selected as the No. 10 selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. Of course the Vikings want the highest-picked quarterback in franchise history to succeed. Goodness, the kid just arrived at his 23rd birthday and hasn’t yet played a full NFL season.
The thought from Tom Pelissero: “Quarterbacks all want to come to Minnesota because they’ve seen the work Kevin O’Connell has done […] The hope is also that a competitive environment is going to bring out the best in J.J. McCarthy.”
Within those thoughts from Pelissero is an important idea: bringing in a new passer functions as a sort of two-for-one deal. Hiring a new quarterback should mean acquiring someone who can step onto the field to play well. Fair enough. But then the other benefit rests in being able to hold McCarthy’s feet to the fire. Can the kid elevate his game with a competent passer sitting next to him in the quarterback room?
Already, Kevin O’Connell has publicly acknowledged his desire to build a competitive quarterback position. Doing so mean welcoming at least one more passer, but possibly two.
Minnesota has a ton of veteran talent, a roster full of players capable of winning right now. Foremost among them is Justin Jefferson. The WR1 is a playmaker who has already been in the NFL for six seasons and he has yet to experience meaningful team success.
The team that doesn’t maximize elite talent will eventually lose elite talent, creating some internal urgency in Eagan to give the sensational pass catcher someone who can unlock him.
The reporting from Tom Pelissero reinforces the notion that Minnesota is committed building up a QB room that can help rather than hinder the Vikings.
The current estimate on Over the Cap has the Vikings at roughly $40 million in cap debt. As a result, the team must first get its finances sorted out before making an add at quarterback.
Only Max Brosmer is employed to compete alongside McCarthy.
