As the NFL offseason rolls on with teams deep in Organized Team Activities (OTAs), the Minnesota Vikings have been navigating this critical period with confidence, particularly with their quarterback situation. Rookie J.J. McCarthy has been taking all the starting reps during what head coach Kevin O’Connell has described as the “teaching and coaching” phase of the offseason. This hands-on approach is expected to elevate McCarthy’s game significantly as the regular season approaches, solidifying his role as the Vikings’ quarterback of the future.
However, the Vikings’ offseason hasn’t been without its challenges. The team faced relentless speculation about their quarterback plans, despite their transparency about McCarthy being their guy. One notable move was signing Daniel Jones in November last year, with the intention of acclimating him to the franchise as a potential backup for 2025. The strategy was straightforward: if Jones stayed, he’d provide depth; if he left, the Vikings could secure a compensatory draft pick. Jones, however, opted to sign with the Indianapolis Colts, believing he’d have a better shot at playing time.
This brings us to a seismic development that has sent shockwaves through the NFL and could spell disaster for the Vikings’ long-term plans. Colts head coach Shane Steichen recently announced that their starting quarterback, Anthony Richardson, is sidelined with a shoulder injury and will miss mandatory minicamp. Worse yet, his return remains uncertain, with a potential absence extending into training camp. This injury doesn’t just affect the Colts—it has massive ripple effects for the Vikings.
The Compensatory Pick Conundrum
Jones’ departure to Indianapolis was set to net the Vikings a valuable compensatory draft pick, likely a fifth-rounder, based on the NFL’s formula, which factors in a player’s contract value and snap count. If Jones plays a significant role for the Colts, this pick could even climb to a fourth-rounder—potentially 40 spots higher in the draft. Such draft capital is critical for a team like the Vikings, who are building around a young core. However, Richardson’s injury throws a wrench into this equation. With Jones now likely to see increased playing time in Indianapolis, the compensatory pick’s value could rise, but it also raises questions about the Vikings’ quarterback depth and future strategy.
The Anthony Richardson Connection
The bigger story lies with Anthony Richardson himself. The Colts’ former fourth-overall pick was a player the Vikings coveted during the 2023 NFL Draft, nearly pulling off a trade with the Arizona Cardinals to secure him. Now, with Richardson’s injury clouding his future in Indianapolis, speculation is swirling about whether the Colts might cut ties with the talented but injury-prone quarterback. While it’s rare to give up on a high draft pick so soon, NFL teams have become more decisive about moving on from quarterbacks who don’t meet expectations.
Per Shane Steichen – QB Anthony Richardson is dealing with a shoulder injury and will not participate in mini-camp next week. pic.twitter.com/obF7ggLAvk
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) June 5, 2025
For the Vikings, this presents a tantalizing opportunity—and a potential risk. Head coach Kevin O’Connell, renowned for his ability to develop quarterbacks, is reportedly a huge fan of Richardson. O’Connell’s “quarterback rehab program” has already shown promise, and bringing in a player of Richardson’s caliber could align perfectly with Minnesota’s philosophy of maintaining a strong quarterback pipeline. A developed Richardson could serve as a high-value backup to McCarthy or even become a trade asset down the line, potentially fetching more compensatory picks.
The Stakes for the Vikings
The implications of this situation are enormous. On one hand, Jones’ increased role in Indianapolis could boost the Vikings’ compensatory pick, providing valuable draft capital to bolster their roster. On the other hand, pursuing Richardson could be a high-risk, high-reward move. If O’Connell can work his magic, Richardson could become a cornerstone of the Vikings’ long-term strategy, either as a reliable backup or a trade chip. However, if Richardson’s injury issues persist or he fails to develop, the Vikings could be left with a costly misstep, diverting resources from their McCarthy-led future.
As the NFL world reels from this injury news, the Vikings find themselves at a crossroads. Their offseason, once marked by optimism around McCarthy’s development, is now fraught with uncertainty. Will they capitalize on the draft capital from Jones’ departure? Could they take a bold swing on Richardson to secure their quarterback depth? One thing is certain: the Minnesota Vikings are teetering on the edge of a collapse—or a masterstroke—that could define their franchise for years to come.