On Tueday, Kevin O’Connell and Kwesi Adofo-Mensah held a post-season presser. They, of course, opened up for questions from the media.
Many questions consisted of the usual wonderings about whether or not J.J. McCarthy is the projected starter in 2026. Neither of the gentlemen were looking to commit to it.
They also both were heavy on the point of having a competitive QB room that gives the Vikings the best chance to succeed.
Vikings’ HC Kevin O’Connell Opens Up About QB Room
GettyMINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – SEPTEMBER 14: Head coach Kevin O’Connell of the Minnesota Vikings talks with J.J. McCarthy #9 before the game against the Atlanta Falcons at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 14, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
Vikings’ head coach Kevin O’Connell opened up about his QB room:
“Ultimately, I think in the quarterback room, it’s about having just the deepest, [most] talented room you possibly can, every single year.
What that looks like at a pretty impactful position on your salary cap, when you’re able to possibly plan for your depth chart looking in a way where you can be competitive no matter what.”
It seems like a pretty “PR” way to answer the question, and it is. O’Connell isn’t going to come out and say the Vikings are doomed if McCarthy is the guy. However, behind the answer, you can still tell the full confidence in the young signal caller isn’t there.
O’Connell continued:
“I think there has to be (competition at quarterback). I think that’s what’s gonna make everybody better in that room. It’s gonna be what makes our entire offense thrive through that competition.”
This isn’t usually something a team that knows they have their guy would say. Still, McCarthy has only played in 10 career games. It’s fair to say that the Vikings may want that competition to actually further the point that he is their guy.
The Vikings would not be doing their job if they didn’t sure-up the QB room with so many question marks in the air about “Nine”.
“KOC” Opens Up About J.J. McCarthy’s 2025 Season
GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – SEPTEMBER 08: Head coach Kevin O’Connell of the Minnesota Vikings speaks with J.J. McCarthy #9 prior to the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on September 08, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Kevin O’Connell also revealed his true feelings about J.J. McCarthy’s pseudo-rookie campaign in 2025:
“J.J., I was really encouraged by the type of football he started to play towards the second half of the season and finishing the way he did.
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