The Minnesota Vikings would probably be among the Super Bowl favorites if they had a surefire QB heading into Week 1, but that isn't the case -- at least not yet.
A steady stream of optimism continues to flow outward from the organization with regards to 22-year-old J.J. McCarthy. Head coach Kevin O'Connell has reportedly asked a good deal of the prospective starter during the preseason, both from physical and mental standpoints of preparation.
As the No. 10 overall pick in 2024 on a relatively cheap salary ($22 million over four years) in comparison to the pay scale of veteran starters across the league, McCarthy and the value he represents are key cogs in the Vikings' championship plans.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy.
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All that is to say McCarthy probably has at least a couple years of runway to find his footing, develop and make magic in Minnesota. However, after he missed the entirety of his rookie campaign with a knee injury, the Vikings must take their backup QB situation seriously.
Trading a fifth-round pick swap for fourth-year signal-caller Sam Howell wasn't the team being flippant about its quarterback room, but the lack of a viable veteran in the on the roster has raised some questions.
Brett Rypien is QB3 and undrafted rookie Max Brosmer is QB4, meaning the entire position group in Minnesota has a total of 22 starts under its belt and a record of 7-15. Furthermore, the average age of the QB room will be 24.75 years once Howell celebrates his 25th birthday in mid-September.
Former Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Howell.
Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
Judd Zulgad of the SKOR North podcast said in June that none of this is lost on Vikings leadership. However, Minnesota won't likely take any action until the team gets a better sense of its QB situation during training camp, which begins later this month.
"I guess the wildcard here is what does Howell show in training camp?" Zulgad said. "Does Howell firmly take hold of the No. 2 position and prove he belongs there? Do the Vikings say, 'You know what? There might be better options?'"
Alec Lewis of The Athletic said on Wednesday, July 2, that arm talent isn't the issue for Howell, but rather his in-play processing skills.
"He can make countless throws," Lewis wrote. "Decision-making remains the question."
Should that question persist into August, Minnesota could consider trading for Kirk Cousins or pursuing a free-agent option such as Ryan Tannehill or Carson Wentz.
