Kevin O'Connell provided an update on J.J. McCarthy as a massive quarterback decision looms for the Minnesota Vikings.

The potential terms of Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell's contract extension are expected to align with J.J. McCarthy's development plan.

The quarterback position was central to the conversation at the end of season press conferences that the Vikings held on Thursday.

Quarterback J.J. McCarthy was at the helm of the Michigan Wolverines a year ago at this time when his team pushed around the Washington Huskies, 34-13, to win t

Kevin O'Connell is high on J.J. McCarthy heading into next season as he draws a clear line with pending quarterback situation.

Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell should be aligned contractually with the two offensive players who will most determine this franchise’s future: J.J. McCarthy and Justin Jefferson.

Last summer, Minnesota Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell gave J.J. McCarthy a ringing endorsement as the team's quarterback of the future. "Everyone should be excited that we got our young franchise quarterback in the building,” O’Connell said in August after McCarthy underwent season-ending knee surgery.

The Vikings general manager told reporters Thursday that Darnold is among the “good options” the Vikings have at quarterback while adding that J.J. McCarthy has returned to on-field training.

Should the Vikings pay Darnold after his (mostly) excellent season? Or should they go with McCarthy and spend that money at other positions?

Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy's physical readiness for the 2025 season will sway their decision on Sam Darnold; he took a step forward this week.

Kevin O'Connell is high on J.J. McCarthy heading into next season as he draws a clear line with pending quarterback situation. Las Vegas Raiders v Minnesota Vikings / Stephen Maturen/GettyImages ...

"His appearance was a visual symbol of the neutral terms Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and coach Kevin O'Connell used last week in discussing his immediate future," Seifert added. Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell said McCarthy is on track to where they hoped he'd be after undergoing a full meniscus repair in August.