Overview
- GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and coach Kevin O'Connell stopped short of naming McCarthy the 2026 starter and emphasized building a deep, competitive quarterback room.
- ESPN reporting says team sources could not rule out a blockbuster addition who would arrive as an unquestioned starter, with names like Joe Burrow mentioned as examples rather than expectations.
- A shifting veteran market includes Aaron Rodgers, who is reportedly unlikely to return to Pittsburgh, while Jimmy Garoppolo and Marcus Mariota are cited as attainable competition options.
- Trade speculation has linked Kyler Murray to Minnesota, though his sizable contract and guarantees would complicate any pursuit.
- Minnesota enters the offseason roughly $30–40 million over the cap, a constraint that will shape moves as the team evaluates McCarthy after an injury-limited 10-start season with uneven production.