One Vikings 53-Man Roster Decision Could Quickly Blow Up in Kevin O'Connell's Face

Vikings fans have been keeping close tabs on roster updates since Sunday to see how the team handles its quarterback room. It was already a given that Kyler Murray would be the starter, but past that, everything was up in the air.

J.J. McCarthy was named the backup, but head coach Kevin O'Connell left the door open for a quarterback to unseat him for that role before the start of the 2026 NFL season. That is exactly what seemed to happen, as Carson Wentz looked like the player who should be the Vikings' QB2.

Based on the preseason and training camp, it wouldn't have been surprising to see Minnesota keep three quarterbacks, despite many teams only bringing two onto their initial 53-man rosters. The Vikings took a different route, and now there's a chance that risk could blow up in their face.

Vikings might have made a big mistake keeping 4 QBs on their initial 53-man roster

Instead of choosing between McCarthy and Max Brosmer, the Vikings kept them both and kept all four. This is frustrating because it shows the front office and coaching staff couldn't decide on the most important position in football.

J.J. McCarthy after throwing a ball. — The Vikings would've been better off committing fully to either J.J. McCarthy or Max Brosmer, but not both. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Not only that, but keeping four quarterbacks takes a roster spot away from a player who could have contributed at a different position. A player who could have helped on special teams or provided more depth at a position of need, like center or edge rusher, wound up being cut in favor of a quarterback who has been frustrating and disappointing during practices and the preseason.

Players like running back Zavier Scott, defensive lineman Isaiahh Loudermilk, and safety Tavierre Thomas could have been assets to the team instead of holding a roster spot hostage. The decision not to keep one of those players in favor of a bloated QB room is baffling.

While it would be disheartening to part ways with McCarthy or Brosmer, these are the kind of tough decisions teams need to make when assembling a roster. Unless there is a bigger plan for one of these two young quarterbacks, keeping both around is illogical.

The Vikings might be trying to get some kind of asset in return for McCarthy instead of releasing him, as other QB-needy teams might be willing to roll the dice on the former first-rounder. They might also be waiting to release Brosmer so they can sneak him onto the practice squad when other teams are set at quarterback.

Unless one of these is what the Vikings are planning for, keeping four quarterbacks is a huge mistake that could backfire in a massive way sooner rather than later.

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