Flores returns, but Vikings face a QB quandary. Analysts debate offensive line needs and potential trades to escape "quarterback purgatory."
The dust is beginning to clear on the Minnesota Vikings' 2026 offseason prospects. And while nobody around the organization is super thrilled that former quarterback Sam Darnold is in the Super Bowl and the Vikings are not, things are looking up for the Vikings heading into next season.
The biggest news is that Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores appears to be returning next year. The news leads to a collective exhale for Minnesota supporters and members of the organization. With the defense likely to be good again and the floor set for the upcoming season, now the team can build on its floor by making necessary improvements on offense.
We have highlighted a few ways the team can improve, most notably by adding a quarterback of the caliber of players like Sam Darnold, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones and San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones, but there are other ways the team can improve as well.
David Stefano and Darren Campbell of SB Nation discussed all the major concerns surrounding the team's 2026 prospects. They made interesting claims about the offensive line.
"Four starters locked (Christian Darrisaw, Brian O’Neill, Donovan Jackson, and Will Fries), but center Ryan Kelly likely retires due to concussions. Campbell says, 'The writing is on the wall that Kelly won’t be back.' Draft prospects like Connor Lew and Logan Jones eyed; depth concerns addressed with potential cuts like Justin Skule. Coaching hire crucial names like Dwayne Ledford floated; Campbell on Chris Kuper’s release critiques, 'One of the big criticisms… he didn’t make the guys… better.'”
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones (10) warms up before the game against the Cleveland Browns at Huntington Bank Field. Scott Galvin-Imagn ImagesThe duo discussed other elements like trading star wide receiver Jordan Addison and the potential return of defensive coordinator Brian Flores, but the most interesting topic for the team is still the quarterback position. Certainly, it's the one Vikings fans want to hear about.
SB Nation summarized the podcasters' comments on the quarterback situation.
"Vikings lag behind Jared Goff (consistent 4,000+ yards), Jordan Love (low turnovers), and Caleb Williams (near-4,000 yards season). Campbell states, 'They both know the Vikings are losing the arm’s race in the NFC North and losing it badly.' Options like Aaron Rodgers, Kirk Cousins return, or trades for Kyler Murray/Mac Jones are debated; Stefano laments 'quarterback purgatory.'"
Quarterback purgatory might be too strong a designation. And while the team does not love being stuck in rent-a-quarterback mode, there are worse places for an NFL franchise to live.
Certainly, the team would rather have drafted a franchise quarterback. Time will tell if McCarthy ever becomes that. But if the Seattle Seahawks' success with not only Sam Darnold but Geno Smith before him is any indication, you can have postseason caliber football with what used to be called journeymen quarterbacks.
With Flores back and having seen what Seattle has done this year, it only further validates the Vikings chances to contend in 2026. They will look to add enough at quarterback and offensive line to advance in the postseason next year.