INDIANAPOLIS — The Minnesota Vikings are on the lookout for new quarterback options to boost their performance in 2026. Rob Brzezinski, the executive vice president of football operations, recently shared this goal during his first comments since taking charge of the team temporarily.
J.J. McCarthy was the starter in 2025, but his injuries and inconsistent play have led the team to consider other contenders. Both Brzezinski and head coach Kevin O’Connell spoke at the NFL combine, and neither committed to keeping McCarthy as the starting quarterback.
Brzezinski described the search for a new quarterback as “casting a wide net.” He emphasized that they are open to all possibilities, saying, “I don’t think we’re ruling anything out.” He pointed out that it’s crucial for the team to have reliable quarterback play to succeed.
While McCarthy was once seen as the franchise’s future—especially after a promising start—O’Connell acknowledged that the team’s situation has evolved. He still believes in McCarthy’s potential but stresses the need to adapt to the current circumstances.
“Different levels” of quarterbacks could be available, O’Connell mentioned, although he couldn’t discuss specific players. Candidates range from established starters to those who might serve as strong backups. Players like Kyler Murray from the Arizona Cardinals and Aaron Rodgers from the Pittsburgh Steelers are expected to be at the top of the list, while others like Marcus Mariota may offer solid backup support.
Interestingly, many teams are facing similar challenges. A recent survey by the NFL Players Association revealed that around 60% of players believe their team’s quarterback situation needs improvement. This shows how critical quarterback stability is across the league.
Brzezinski, with nearly three decades with the Vikings, will lead personnel decisions until a new general manager is hired. Owner Mark Wilf emphasized collaboration during this transition, ensuring that the decision-making process remains unified.
Overall, the Vikings’ quarterback situation is reflective of a broader trend in the NFL. As franchises grapple with performance issues at the position, the 2026 offseason is shaping up to be pivotal in reshaping the future of many teams.
For more details on current NFL player statistics, you can check out the full report from the NFL Players Association here.
