NFL Analyst Sees 'Major Progress' for Vikings with 1 Key Factor

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler believes the Vikings are close to a breakthrough, if they can address their QB situation.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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According to ESPN NFL analyst Jeremy Fowler, the Minnesota Vikings are not far off from making a major leap, despite missing the playoffs last season. Fowler believes the Vikings' talented roster and coaching staff can get things figured out, with the key being competent play at the quarterback position. The Vikings have several areas of strength, including a physical and opportunistic defense, an offense full of playmakers, and a coaching staff led by Kevin O'Connell. However, the quarterback situation remains a huge question mark heading into the offseason.

Why it matters

The Vikings have been stuck in a cycle of inconsistency in recent years, failing to capitalize on their talented roster. This offseason represents a critical juncture, as the team looks to take the next step and become a legitimate Super Bowl contender. Addressing the quarterback position will be the top priority, as it has been the main factor holding the team back from making major progress.

The details

Fowler believes the Vikings are 'a few moves away' from being a playoff team again, with the quarterback position being the biggest area of concern. The team is expected to add a veteran QB to compete with current starter J.J. McCarthy, as the position has been a weakness for the Vikings in recent seasons. The offensive line also needs to stay healthy, while the defensive line needs to bounce back after a down year. If the Vikings can get competent QB play, along with continued strong performances from stars like Justin Jefferson and the defense, Fowler thinks they can be in the thick of the NFC North race.

  • The Vikings finished the 2025 season with a 9-8 record, missing the playoffs.
  • The Vikings fired GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and hired Matt Thomas as an interim GM before finding a permanent replacement.
  • The 2026 offseason is a critical one for the Vikings as they look to address their QB situation and make other key roster moves.

The players

Jeremy Fowler

An ESPN NFL analyst who provided an assessment of the Vikings' offseason outlook.

Kevin O'Connell

The Vikings' head coach, who has a 43-27 record through four seasons and is looking to lead the team to the playoffs.

J.J. McCarthy

The Vikings' current starting quarterback, who will face competition for the job this offseason.

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What they’re saying

“The hope for a quick turnaround: Kevin O'Connell's 43-27 record through four seasons suggests the Vikings will be in the thick of the NFC North race yet again. The defense is among the league's most physical and opportunistic. The offense is still full of playmakers, and the offensive line should be healthier.”

— Jeremy Fowler, ESPN NFL Analyst (ESPN)

“Why it might take longer than hoped: The quarterback position remaining a huge question entering the fifth season of this regime is concerning. It looks like Minnesota will add a veteran to compete with J.J. McCarthy.”

— Jeremy Fowler, ESPN NFL Analyst (ESPN)

What’s next

The Vikings will look to add a veteran quarterback to compete with J.J. McCarthy for the starting job, while also addressing other roster needs through free agency and the 2026 NFL Draft.

The takeaway

The Vikings have the talent and coaching to make a playoff push, but their ability to find competent quarterback play will be the key factor in determining whether they can take that next step and become a legitimate Super Bowl contender.