Vikings Expected To Pursue Veteran QB Addition

By Adam La Rose | at January 4, 2026 11:10 pm

Entering the 2025 season, a central question concerning the Vikings was J.J. McCarthy‘s ability to develop into an established starter. Things have not gone according to plan on that front, and the position will be one to watch over the course of the spring.

Minnesota saw Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones depart in free agency last offseason. Darnold has enjoyed an impressive debut season with the Seahawks, helping them secure the NFC’s No. 1 seed. Jones, meanwhile, was on course for a career year prior to suffering an Achilles tear. He is in line for a new Colts contract or a pact sending him to a different QB1 gig.

McCarthy has dealt with a number of injuries in 2025, a worrying trend given the fact his entire rookie year was lost to meniscus surgery. The former No. 10 pick is making his 10th career start on Sunday as the Vikings aim to finish the season on a five-game winning streak. The team has long been out of playoff contention, though, and rebounding on that front in 2026 will require more consistent play from under center.

Entering Week 18, McCarthy has completed only 57.3% of his attempts while throwing more interceptions (12) than touchdowns (11). The Michigan product entered the league with a college track record including a national championship but also concerns about his true upside as a passer. Establishing a strong connection with All-Pro wideout Justin Jefferson in particular has proven to be a challenge this season, and it has led to calls for McCarthy to face veteran competition for the starting spot this offseason.

It appears as though that will be the case. Both Dianna Russini of The Athletic (subscription required) and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport (video link) report Minnesota is expected to pursue the addition of an established passer this spring. The trade and free agent markets will each be explored, Russini adds. Selecting a passer early in April’s draft would of course come as a surprise, but adding an experienced presence would help ensure a higher floor at the quarterback spot for 2026.

Carson Wentz‘s debut Vikings season ended early due to shoulder surgery, but bringing him back into the fold could be an option. Looking into others is something which was foreshadowed in November, making these latest updates unsurprising. Expensive veterans such as Kyler Murray and Tua Tagovailoa could find themselves on the move this offseason, although their respective stocks are not particularly high given how the current season has unfolded.

Jones is on track for free agency, but it remains to be seen if the Colts will meet their goal of retaining him for at least one more year. Provided that takes place, the market will consist of Malik Willis along with several options viewed as having less upside. The Vikings are currently one of several teams projected to be over the cap for 2026, so the extent of their cost-shedding moves will be key in determining their ability to add a notable QB presence.