As the Minnesota Vikings shift into offseason mode, head coach Kevin O’Connell and general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah are already fielding questions about the most important position on the roster: quarterback. Specifically, all eyes are on J.J. McCarthy, the young signal-caller whose development could shape the franchise’s future.
When asked directly whether McCarthy would be the starter in 2026, Adofo-Mensah gave a thoughtful - albeit noncommittal - response. His message was clear: the Vikings are focused on building a competitive quarterback room, not handing out job guarantees in January.
“I want the Vikings to achieve our goals,” Adofo-Mensah said. “One of those goals is to make playoff runs.
I think [McCarthy] has the character and ability to be that person. But if I say that in 2026, that kind of binds us into a certain area.”
Translation: McCarthy has potential, but the team isn’t locking itself into anything yet. It’s a pragmatic approach, and one that hints at the likelihood of adding competition this offseason.
Whether that’s in the form of a mentor, a backup, or a legitimate challenger remains to be seen - but the message is unmistakable. The Vikings aren’t closing the door on any possibilities.
Adofo-Mensah emphasized the team’s long-term vision, referencing a “corridor” they’ve built to give themselves multiple shots at success. It’s a strategy rooted in flexibility - not just at quarterback, but across the roster. And when it comes to the most important position in the game, that flexibility could mean bringing in someone who can push McCarthy or step in if needed.
Now, let’s be clear: Minnesota isn’t likely to swing for a blockbuster name like Joe Burrow, Justin Herbert, or Lamar Jackson. That kind of move lives more in the realm of fan dreams than front-office reality. But that doesn’t mean the Vikings will stand pat, either.
Enter Marcus Mariota.
According to recent predictions around the 2026 quarterback carousel, Mariota could be the ideal addition for Minnesota - not as a franchise savior, but as a stabilizing presence behind McCarthy. The fit checks a lot of boxes.
Over the past two seasons in Washington, Mariota quietly put together a solid resume while filling in for Jayden Daniels. In 14 appearances, he posted a 93.4 passer rating, threw 14 touchdowns against just seven interceptions, and completed nearly 64% of his passes. He also added value on the ground, rushing 50 times for 297 yards and a touchdown - proving that even at 32, his legs are still a weapon.
That dual-threat ability, paired with experience and poise, makes Mariota a compelling option. But there’s another layer to this potential reunion: Kevin O’Connell knows him well.
Before his NFL coaching days, O’Connell worked as a private quarterback tutor. One of his clients?
Marcus Mariota. In fact, O’Connell orchestrated Mariota’s Pro Day throwing session back in 2015, just before the Oregon star was drafted No. 2 overall.
That familiarity could go a long way in making Mariota comfortable in Minnesota’s system - and in helping McCarthy develop under the guidance of someone who’s seen the highs and lows of NFL quarterbacking.
This isn’t about replacing McCarthy. It’s about insulating the team from risk and giving the young QB every chance to succeed - while also protecting the season if things don’t go according to plan.
Mariota offers a cost-effective, low-drama solution. He can step in if needed, keep the offense on schedule, and even win games if McCarthy struggles or gets hurt.
For a team that’s trying to balance development with competitiveness, that’s a valuable insurance policy.
Bottom line: The Vikings aren’t tipping their hand about McCarthy’s future just yet, and that’s by design. But if they’re looking to bring in a veteran presence who can support - and, if necessary, step in for - their young quarterback, Mariota might be as close to a perfect fit as they’ll find on the market.