Vikings Coach O'Connell Shares 7 Key Roster Updates

From J.J. McCarthy's offseason work to Kyler Murray's fit, the Vikings head coach provided a flurry of details on the team's plans.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 1:50pm

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Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell delivered seven revealing roster updates on Monday, including notes on quarterback J.J. McCarthy's offseason training, the team's plans for veteran EDGE rusher Jonathan Greenard, the future of safety Harrison Smith, the role of new QB Carson Wentz, the emergence of center Blake Brandel, and how the addition of Kyler Murray will impact the offense.

Why it matters

As the Vikings look to build on their 9-8 season and return to the playoffs, O'Connell's updates provide valuable insight into the team's offseason priorities and the evolving depth chart. The quarterback competition between McCarthy and Murray, the future of longtime defensive leader Harrison Smith, and the continued development of young offensive linemen like Brandel will all be key storylines to watch as the Vikings prepare for the 2026 season.

The details

O'Connell said that McCarthy has been in the team's facility most days, working out in the weight room after spending the early part of the offseason training in California. The coach also acknowledged that Murray is likely to win the QB1 job, with McCarthy destined for the QB2 role. On the defensive side, O'Connell expects Greenard to remain with the team, though he left the door open for a potential trade. Regarding Harrison Smith, the coach said the team is giving the veteran safety space to decide on his future, whether that's returning for another season or retiring. O'Connell also confirmed that Brandel is the favorite to take over as the starting center, though the team will explore the draft for potential replacements. Finally, the coach expressed confidence that the Vikings can build an offense that maximizes Murray's unique skillset, including his ability to make explosive plays with his arm and legs.

  • McCarthy spent the early part of the offseason training in California.
  • The Vikings signed Kyler Murray from free agency three weeks ago.
  • Ryan Kelly retired from the Vikings earlier this month.
  • The deadline for the Vikings to exercise Jordan Addison's fifth-year option is after the draft.

The players

J.J. McCarthy

The Vikings' second-year quarterback who is competing with Kyler Murray for the starting job.

Kyler Murray

The veteran quarterback the Vikings signed from free agency three weeks ago, who is expected to win the starting job.

Jonathan Greenard

The veteran EDGE rusher whose future with the team remains uncertain, with O'Connell leaving the door open for a potential trade.

Harrison Smith

The longtime Vikings safety who is weighing whether to return for another season or retire.

Blake Brandel

The offensive lineman who is the favorite to take over as the Vikings' starting center following Ryan Kelly's retirement.

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What they’re saying

“Yeah, I expect him to be part of our team. I know there's always conversations. There's conversations this week. There's conversations throughout the offseason, and we'll continue to kind of attack things at the different phases. We're getting ready to really jump heavily into draft meetings when we get back.”

— Kevin O'Connell, Vikings Head Coach

“He knows how I feel about him, how we feel about him. But we also want to be respectful and give him space to kind of continue to figure out what he wants to do.”

— Kevin O'Connell, Vikings Head Coach

“What we're going to attempt to do is put Kyler in an offense that he can be comfortable with... any time Kyler Murray drops back with the ball, defenses have to really think twice about the double teams on Justin Jefferson with his type of explosive athleticism, if he does get out of that pocket, it can be a huge play that changes the dynamic of the game.”

— Kevin O'Connell, Vikings Head Coach

What’s next

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The takeaway

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