As the Minnesota Vikings open their 2026 Training Camp, all eyes are on the quarterback position where Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy are supposedly locked in a tight competition for the starting nod. Could the free-wheeling Murray adjust to a more multifaceted offense than he was accustomed to in Arizona? Or can McCarthy make the huge leap forward after a dismal, injury-ridden rookie campaign?
Whoever wins the starting quarterback position must receive better protection from a Vikings offensive line that was porous last season. And will defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ elite defense survive the departures of edge rusher Jonathan Greenard and possibly future Hall of Fame safety Harrison Smith?
Vikings Quarterback Situation
Early disclaimer: this article will not delve into the Vikings quarterback competition. Why? Because there is and never was a competition. From the time that Murray signed with the team, the job was his to lose. And nothing that has occurred since then has changed that fact. The charade continues as a ploy by Minnesota head coach Kevin O’Connell and new general manager Nolan Teasley to restore some confidence in McCarthy after his disastrous 2025 season.
But there is some value in keeping a close eye on the signal-caller position. Does McCarthy take a full complement of snaps with the first team? And in exhibition games, is he slotted into situations similar to those a starting QB would play in? These factors will be key to determining whether the Vikings still view him as their quarterback of the future.
Offensive Line Questions
Things did not work out as expected last season for the Vikings and their offensive line. Pro Bowl left tackle Christian Darrisaw never fully recovered from knee surgery and missed valuable time because of it. Rookie left guard Donovan Jackson looked like a deer in the headlights in the first half of the season but finished the year on an upbeat note. Unfortunately, center Ryan Kelly continued to be plagued by concussions that led to his retirement announcement after the season.
Right guard Will Fries struggled all season, eventually ending the year with a 61.8 overall Pro Football Focus (PFF) grade. Right tackle Brian O’Neill, who just signed a new four-year deal, was his usual consistent self, but nagging injuries robbed him of some playing time. As the Vikings opened camp, Darrisaw and O’Neill appear to be healthy, especially Darrisaw, who was a full participant at yesterday’s opening practice. Jackson should show improvement playing next to Darrisaw on a consistent basis.
There will be a lot of attention paid to the middle of the line as Fries looks to rebound and the center position is now helmed by former versatile reserve Blake Brandel. How the center of the offensive line performs will portend how effective the Vikings offense will be. And the upgrade at the swing tackle positions with the addition of veteran Ryan Van Demark and rookie Caleb Tiernan should lead to more consistent protection for Murray and Minnesota’s running backs.
Murray’s Connection to His Receivers
After a season where McCarthy consistently missed wide-open targets, the Vikings will look to Murray to make better use of the Vikings’ excellent receiver corps. All-Pro Justin Jefferson will look to rebound after an 84-catch season marred by poor rapport with McCarthy. Jordan Addison, in a contract year, just continues to improve and, with Jefferson, form one of the NFL’s best receiving duos.
The acquisition of Jauan Jennings not only gives Murray and the Vikings a great third or fourth option as he goes through his progressions, but he is also one of the best blocking receivers in the NFL. There will be an interesting competition for the fourth receiver position between last year’s third-round dart pick Tai Felton and 2026 UDFA speedy Dillon Bell. And Kyler will be happy to have two old vets like tight end T.J. Hockenson and running back Aaron Jones around for short-yardage tosses and check-off passes.
New Faces and Several Questions on Vikings D-Line
Jalen Redmond has locked down one of the interior positions with his inspiring all-around play last season. 2026 first-round draft pick Caleb Banks, who was a full participant at practice yesterday, will be given every chance to nail down the other tackle spot. Elijah Williams will be around to spell Banks as needed. The nose tackle position will see a competitive battle between 2026 third-round pick Domonique Orange and returnee Levi Drake Rodriguez. Both should see plenty of playing time this season.
The Vikings’ edge positions are manned by the incredible Andrew Van Ginkel and former first-rounder Dallas Turner, whom much is expected of. Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins and Bo Richter provide depth, but betting money is that they add a veteran to this unit before camp breaks. Keep an eye on Kyle Van Noy or Hassan Reddick as possible veteran signees. And 2026 second-round selection linebacker Jake Golday will see some action here as Flores likes his speed and aggressiveness.
Who Do the Vikings Start at Safety
The Vikings safety unit is usually a little more crowded than most NFL teams. In addition to their two deep safeties, the team uses Josh Metellus as a monster back, moving him all over the field. Minnesota will also, in certain situations, use a safety in their nickel slot position. Veterans Theo Jackson and Jay Ward should get first look at the deep safety positions, but don’t count out rookie Jakobe Thomas, who impressed in offseason workouts. Veteran Jamal Adams was just added for depth at safety and inside linebacker.
Look Ahead
As always, there will be plenty of intrigue as the Vikings progress through their exhibition games and training camp. The team and their fans hope the changes will ultimately lead to a long playoff run for the team.
