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The Evidence for J.J. McCarthy as Vikings QB1 in 2026
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- The Evidence for J.J. McCarthy as Vikings QB1 in 2026
Robert Deutsch
The Minnesota Vikings are one of the hot topics of the 2026 offseason, and most of the chatter centers on the team's quarterback situation. In the two years since the Vikings drafted JJ McCarthy with the 10th overall pick, it has not gone according to plan for the young QB.
McCarthy's Third Season Could Define the Vikings' Quarterback Timeline
There is a clamour from people looking in from the outside for the Vikings to do something. In reality, something has to happen; McCarthy has played only 10 games because of injuries. It has delayed his development, but it also leaves questions over his ability to stay on the field. Max Brosmer is the only other QB currently under contract to the Vikings. If you still want to give McCarthy a chance, there needs to be a better plan B.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy celebrates after a touchdown during the first half at AT&T Stadium, with the date Dec. 14, 2025 marking a road matchup against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington. The moment reflected Minnesota's early offensive rhythm as McCarthy responded to a successful drive and energized teammates following the score. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj–Imagn Images
Last season, Minnesota left it late to bring in Carson Wentz ; he played five games before a left shoulder dislocation, a torn labrum, and a fractured socket put him on season-ending injured reserve. Depending on his injury status, the Vikings could bring Wentz back, but going again with the trio of McCarthy, Wentz, and Brosmer would certainly raise some eyebrows.
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McCarthy's Development
There were some positives to work with in McCarthy's debut season. Minnesota had a 6-4 winning (4-2 in the division) record when McCarthy played, including winning the last four games of the season. He showed he could face adversity head-on, both on the field and off.
Leading a comeback win at Chicago and going to Detroit to lead the Vikings were the highlights on the field. Having been written off in the media, he returned to win four games at the end of the season. There is certainly a winning mentality to McCarthy.
The issue is that, though his QB play was less disastrous towards the end of the season, it still wasn't great. There is a long way to go before McCarthy looks anything like what Kevin O'Connell wants his QB to be. Does the sacking of Kwesi Adofo-Mensah change the landscape in Minnesota?
On November 9, 2025, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) warmed up before kickoff against the Baltimore Ravens at U.S. Bank Stadium. The rookie signal-caller went through his pregame routine under the lights, focusing on timing and precision throws ahead of the high-stakes interconference matchup. His calm demeanor during warmups reflected growing confidence and leadership as the Vikings aimed to rebound from a challenging midseason stretch. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.
O'Connell famously said, "I believe organizations fail young quarterbacks before young quarterbacks fail organizations."
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Does he stick to that philosophy, or does it go out the window with the departed general manager? You only have to look at former Vikings QB Sam Darnold to see the value in patience with a young QB. He was discarded by the Jets and Panthers before finally finding his feet and becoming a Super Bowl-winning QB.
Do the Vikings have the patience to stick it out with McCarthy? Is O'Connell under pressure to deliver on the field at all costs this year? These are the burning questions surrounding Minnesota at the moment.
What Should the Plan Be?
It's too early to be discarding McCarthy, but with a new GM to come and a HC potentially on the hot seat, his position is a precarious one. It would be a brave decision to back McCarthy fully as the guy again next season. I think a number two option that should push McCarthy from Day 1 is a must.
Michigan Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) speaks during Vrbo Fiesta Bowl media day at Camelback Inn in Scottsdale on Dec. 29, 2022.. NCAA Football Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Media Day. © Cheryl Evans/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK.
What are the options in that regard? Malik Willis , Marcus Mariota , Jimmy Garoppolo , and Gardner Minshew are currently on the free agent market. The likes of Kyler Murray , Tua Tagovailoa , and Geno Smith may become available and be QB1 options for teams, and might have to be that for them to come to Minnesota.
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If the Vikings want to give McCarthy another shot, then one of the four names available in free agency is a must. He needs experience and competition to push him to become better, and the Vikings need that insurance should he struggle again with performance and/or injury. Minnesota waited a long time for a QB drafted at the top end of the first round.
It would seem premature to discard that plan already, but patience has an endpoint.
