Quarterback competition underway
The Minnesota Vikings have commenced their training camp, with rookies and select veterans reporting on Sunday, followed by the rest of the team on Tuesday. A primary focus for the team is the ongoing competition for the starting quarterback position. Head coach Kevin O’Connell confirmed that Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy will be competing for the role. Both quarterbacks are scheduled to receive repetitions with both the first-team and second-team offenses throughout the camp.
During a news conference on Tuesday, Coach O’Connell indicated that he has a specific timeline in mind for making a decision regarding the starting quarterback, though he chose not to disclose it publicly. He emphasized the importance of a thorough evaluation process, noting that both Murray and McCarthy will have ample opportunities to demonstrate their capabilities. The coach also mentioned that he met individually with all quarterbacks, including Carson Wentz and Max Brosmer, to outline the team’s vision and plan for the position.
O’Connell stressed the desire for a quarterback who can consistently elevate the team’s performance, highlighting the need for comfort and execution within the offensive system. He added that the evaluation process will involve different situations on various days, and while reps may not be evenly split, the goal is to provide clarity on the best choice for the team. The coach stated that an announcement will be made once a decision has been reached, aiming to prepare the chosen player for the upcoming season.
Contract extension and new additions
In other team news, the Vikings announced a significant contract extension for veteran right tackle and team captain Brian O’Neill. The four-year deal is set to keep O’Neill with the team through the 2030 season. O’Neill, who was a second-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, has been a five-time team captain from 2021-2025. He has started 120 of his 124 career games. In the 2025 season, O’Neill started all 14 games he appeared in, and in the 2024 season, he started all 17 games, playing 1,100 offensive snaps, which was the fifth-highest among tackles in the NFL. Reports indicate the deal is valued at up to $96 million.
The Vikings have also bolstered their roster with the signing of veteran safety Jamal Adams for the 2026 season. Adams, a three-time Pro Bowl selection, is entering his 10th NFL season. He played for the Las Vegas Raiders in 2025 and the Detroit Lions in 2024. The team is listing Adams as a linebacker, despite him having spent most of his career as a safety. Over 102 games and 87 starts, Adams has accumulated 546 tackles, 22.5 sacks, 44 quarterback hits, and four interceptions. He was also a First-Team All-Pro in 2019.
The signing of Adams has raised questions about the future of safety Harrison Smith, who is currently a free agent. Smith has played all 14 seasons of his career with the Vikings. Coach O’Connell confirmed recent discussions with Smith, noting that his status as a free agent remains unchanged since the offseason began. Smith could either return for his 15th season or choose to retire.
Honoring a franchise legend
In a separate announcement, the Vikings revealed plans to induct former running back Adrian Peterson into the team’s Ring of Honor. The ceremony is scheduled for November 9, when the Vikings host the Buffalo Bills for Monday Night Football at U.S. Bank Stadium. Peterson will become the 29th member of the Ring of Honor.
Peterson, who was the No. 7 overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft out of Oklahoma, played 10 seasons with the Vikings. During his tenure, he established franchise records for career carries with 2,418, rushing yards totaling 11,747, and 97 touchdowns. He was named the NFL’s MVP in 2012 after rushing for 2,097 yards.
Source: fox9.com
Mason Reed
Sports reporter covering football, basketball and international competitions.