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.
Ya don’t say.
Mac Jones or Malik Willis.
Are you in the Vikings Reddit game chat
Max jones or Malik Willis are great choices. I’d even make calls for Flacco or Mariota
Mariota’s passer rating against NFC North opponents:
Green Bay 149.8
Detroit 115.0
Chicago 114.2
Not bad!
Russell Wilson 😵💫
lol why not?
Maybe they can go after Sam Darnold.
Please take aaron rodgers off our hands
Possibly, but Rodgers is preparing for a playoff game now. Will he even throw it to Metcalf?
Rodgers in Minnesota would be an ideal fit, but if you’re eager to try a lesser QB in that loaded Pittsburgh offense, well… go ahead.
Haha … I hope Theilen plays a bigger role against the Texans.
Oh that was directed at the above comment, of course. But I agree-Thielen is meant to be sort of a decoy, run blocker, pick play kind of guy, but Pittsburgh was in just awful shape at receiver to begin with, and they really need someone to get open.
Massive mistake they made by not bringing Darnold back
Darnold hasn’t been THAT great and he has a big contract now.
Not that great? Back to back 14 win seasons over 4000 yards 35 and 25 Tds the last two years I would say he’s done pretty well
Darnold is not responsible for wins it is such a dumb stat to attach to a QB. There are 22 other players minimum that play a part in winning and losing. If he would have gone to the Jets again and thrown for all those yards would you say he sucked?
No its not. McCarthy had the same supporting cast and couldnt do anything. Geno Smith had alot of the same players in Seattle and they missed the playoffs. Darnold elevated both teams. Yes, his teammates are equally responsible but he deserves his credit.
Last year they had a chance to re sign Darnold and they didn’t!! Had they signed him the Vikings probably would’ve had 12-13 wins this year instead of 9 As this year had shown he’s had back to back 14 win seasons with 2 diff teams
And his stats actually went down less yards less TDs and more INts. He is good and would have been good in MN but it is what it is.
I agree, Darnold has been good, but not necessarily great (though he definitely has been great at times this year and last, for sure). However, it still would have been better for Minnesota to re-sign him. After it became clear that Darnold wanted out, Rodgers was the next best option. On a team as well built as the Vikings are in terms of receiving options, he definitely would have been able to distribute and not have as much responsibility as he’s had in Pittsburgh. Minnesota’s offense is just much better, and with a good defense as they’ve had, either Darnold or Rodgers (or Cousins, if he returned) could have had a great year there.
I wasn’t really confidant in McCarthy myself, but O’Connell’s history made it possible that he could have developed him into a good quarterback. Obviously that wasn’t the case (at least not so far), but signing a veteran would have been the best insurance…as opposed to trading away Howell, signing Rypien, and ultimately having Max Brosmer as your primary backup.
Wonder if Winston will get some looks from several teams as well
Jacoby Brissett has to be an option. He just delivers solid play.
Will Levi’s might be available