Overview
- Head coach Kevin O’Connell said there “has to be” more quarterback competition, and GM Kwesi Adofo‑Mensah emphasized building a deeper, more competitive room after an uneven 2025.
- Kyle Shanahan said he’d be “very surprised” if Mac Jones isn’t with the 49ers next season; Jones is under contract through 2026 and would require a trade.
- Former Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph urged adding a veteran who can compete with McCarthy, arguing last year’s approach lacked a true challenger and pointing to the Packers’ sit‑and‑learn model.
- CBS Sports analyst Ran Carthon called this offseason critical for McCarthy’s development without rehab and expects Minnesota to line up a veteran fallback if needed.
- Reports and analyst speculation have linked names such as Aaron Rodgers, Tua Tagovailoa, Kyler Murray, Kirk Cousins, Malik Willis, Joe Flacco, Jimmy Garoppolo and Russell Wilson, though large contracts, trade costs and the Vikings’ limited cap space complicate feasibility.