2 surprise Vikings 2026 preseason roster cuts to watch out for before Week 1

The Minnesota Vikings went into training camp with one of the most important questions heading into the 2026 season. Unlike most teams, the Vikings and head coach Kevin O’Connell had to figure out who their starting quarterback would be for the upcoming season. The Vikings had a first-round draft pick in J.J. McCarthy heading into his third season with the team and they had also traded for talented Kyler Murray.

The two were facing a battle for the QB1 spot. Most observers believed that the battle would go to Murray. When he had been healthy with the Cardinals, he displayed overwhelming athleticism, arm strength and the ability to read defenses. McCarthy had his first season ruined by a torn meniscus and his second season saw him struggle with accuracy and nagging injuries.

When McCarthy had a chance to play and was given time by his offensive line, he did one thing that had made Murray the favorite to win the job. He failed to get the ball consistently to Justin Jefferson — even when the stellar receiver had more than a step on opposing defensive backs.

This inability registered on the face of Jefferson, who suffered through his least productive season. That look probably did more to convince O’Connell that he had to go with Murray as his starting quarterback. He could not risk the Vikings’ 2026 season being ruined by the same problem it had last year.

O’Connell may have known what he was going to do all along, but he had said that the Vikings would hold a legitimate QB competition. Before either man had a chance to take a snap in a preseason game, O’Connell named Murray as the starter. The decision was made based on what O’Connell and his coaches saw on the practice field.

Vikings have key moves to make

Since Murray is the starter, that apparently means that McCarthy is the backup. However, the Vikings have another veteran quarterback in Carson Wentz. They also have a young and unproven quarterback in Max Brosmer.

O’Connell has not certified that McCarthy would go into the season as the No. 2 quarterback and he has said that Wentz has a chance to beat him out.

It seems clear that a move will be made with either McCarthy or Wentz. It is very unlikely that both will be with the team when the season gets underway against the Green Bay Packers in Week 1.

McCarthy was the No. 10 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, and while the returns on his performance last season were not good, they were not conclusive.

If it’s about fairness, McCarthy deserves another chance with the Vikings. However, if it’s about putting the best team on the field and the one with a chance to compete no matter who is under center, the decision may be made in Wentz’s favor.

Vikings need to retain some value if they are going to part with McCarthy

If that is the way the Vikings are going to proceed, O’Connell has to know it already. That information should have been shared with new general manager Nolan Teasley. If the Vikings are not going to keep McCarthy, they need to get something of value for him in a trade.

Since Teasley did not draft McCarthy, he should have no trouble parting with him and getting a second- or third-round draft pick.

McCarthy had some up-and-down moments in this week’s practices with the Baltimore Ravens. He connected with wideout Myles Price on a 40-yard pass, but he missed other open receivers. McCarthy also was hesitant when it came to throwing the ball. He had a hitch in his delivery that allowed the Ravens to deflect a pass at the line of scrimmage.

The former Michigan quarterback who led the Wolverines to a national championship is not a finished product.

Vikings have been waiting for offensive line to live up to the hype

O’Connell knows that no matter who is at quarterback, the offense needs a consistent performance from the offensive line to have a chance at success.

Offensive tackles Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill will both be All-Pro candidates if they can stay healthy, and that’s a big if. However, the big issue for the offensive line has been its interior play.

The Vikings have confidence that left guard Donovan Jackson and right guard Will Fries are both capable of holding up under a strong rush from opponents. However, the issue may be Blake Brandel in the middle of the offensive line. He is a 5-year veteran who has played both tackle and guard for the Vikings and now he is being asked to play in the middle of the offensive line.

He is quite willing to play the position, but it is a much different assignment and it may be difficult for Brandel to hold up at the position.

If he is not going to perform well at the position, there is a chance that the Vikings will have to find a new center.

The post 2 surprise Vikings 2026 preseason roster cuts to watch out for before Week 1 appeared first on ClutchPoints.