The Athletic writer dropped a nugget about next year for Minnesota.
Following his first season as Vikings quarterback, J.J. McCarthy was prepared to head into his third season in the NFL, but his second as a starter after an up-and-down season. With one game to go, McCarthy has passed for 1,450 yards with 12 interceptions, 11 touchdowns, and a 57.3 completion percentage. Now, McCarthy's season has been marred by injuries, but overall, his first season left much to be desired on the field.
There have been multiple reports about Minnesota trying to retain Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones, while being interested in Mac Jones to add to the quarterback room, even with McCarthy fully recovered from his rookie injury.
Now, Dianna Russini of the The Athletic reports the Vikings will add a quarterback to strengthen the room and it is no guarantee that McCarthy will start in 2026.
“The Vikings were looking for emphatic proof this season that he’s the long-term answer, and because of a series of injuries, they never got it,” Russini wrote, adding that “Minnesota plans to explore established options via trade or free agency to strengthen its quarterback room.”
While this report isn't a vote of confidence for McCarthy, there is still a possibility McCarthy wins the job against any competition next season. But, who is the competition? Russini mentions trade or free agency. The name acquired will clue you in on which player has the advantage.
If the name acquired via trade is Joe Burrow or Lamar Jackson, it's clear they would start. If Minnesota decides to bring in someone like Aaron Rodgers for a final season, he would start. Names like Russell Wilson, Malik Willis, Zach Wilson, or Geno Smith implies a competition. Jones could be a name to watch also, if the 49ers make the backup quarterback available for potential draft compensation.
Not everyone is giving up on McCarthy. Former NFL MVP Kurt Warner chimed in on McCarthy's evaluation recently.
"He hasn't shown me that he's going to be great at this point," Warner recently told ESPN. "But I didn't expect that. It's fun when a guy can do that early in his career and show you, 'Oh man, I've got the potential to be great.' But that's unique. It doesn't happen very often.
"And he hasn't really gotten a fair shake, from them being expected to be a Super Bowl team, and with comparisons to Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones or Aaron Rodgers. It was never going to be that good this season. With J.J, there are some lumps being taken. ... I don't see enough to have a real good feel on what he's going to be."
Patience may be the way to go, but this roster is ready to go and win right now.