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Here Comes a Massive Week for J.J. McCarthy
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- Here Comes a Massive Week for J.J. McCarthy
Jeffrey Becker
The Minnesota Vikings will begin signing new players next week, along with retaining ones they want back from the 2025 squad. At the top of the ticket, this process will have massive implications for quarterback J.J. McCarthy , who watched in late January as the man who drafted him was fired.
Minnesota 's free agency decisions could quickly change McCarthy's role this spring.
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In short, McCarthy will better understand whether he's on the brink of a summer quarterback competition or the new QB2 for the Vikings .
Why Minnesota's Next QB Move Matters So Much for McCarthy
Entering Year No. 3, the stakes couldn't be higher this week for McCarthy.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) escapes pressure and scrambles during the second quarter as Minnesota faced the Las Vegas Raiders on Aug 10, 2024 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota, showing his mobility while extending the play during preseason action in front of the home crowd. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports.
A Demoted Youngster?
All the momentum right now points to Kyler Murray signing with the Vikings. Minnesota is the betting market frontrunner; Murray grew up as an unabashed Vikings fan; and the Vikings' leaders have stated their primary goal this offseason is to build a deep quarterback room.
Regarding McCarthy, the (eventual?) Murray signing will represent an instant demotion. The team's leaders may try to sell the general public on a "quarterback battle" between McCarthy and Murray, but your 89-year-old grandma, who doesn't watch sports, knows who will win that competition.
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The acquisition of Murray (or someone like Aaron Rodgers ) puts McCarthy on the back burner — a rough spot to bounce back from, historically speaking, at least with the same franchise.
A 2025 Colts-Like Battle on the Way?
Let's pretend the Vikings sign Geno Smith or Jimmy Garoppolo . Well, that's a different story. It would be "game on" for McCarthy, who faces a realistic chance of slaying either combatant in Eagan this summer. The non-Murray and non-Rodgers tier of quarterback options would set up a true competition, which McCarthy probably should have faced last summer. Instead, McCarthy "duked it out" with Sam Howell , a trainwreck that was later traded to the Philadelphia Eagles .
If McCarthy wants to keep his QB1 job — he probably does — he basically has to cheer for a signing not named Kyler Murray or Aaron Rodgers .
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McCarthy can , in theory, take down Smith or Garoppolo at training camp if he has worked on his mechanics all offseason.
League Seems to Think Kyler Murray Is on the Way
Murray to Minneapolis has gained steam in recent days since the Cardinals dropped him.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) stands at the line of scrimmage directing the offense before the snap during a matchup with the Houston Texans on Oct 24, 2021 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, surveying the defense while preparing to begin the play during the regular-season contest. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports.
For example, NFL reporter Connor Hughes tweeted , "The Jets might not target just one quarterback in free agency. Belief from agents who met with them at the NFL Combine is that they prefer to add two — if they can. It's similar to what the Giants did a year ago ( Russell Wilson , Jameis Winston ). Kyler Murray was discussed, but he is expected to sign with the Vikings, per sources."
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"No Kirk Cousins , but watch Geno Smith & Carson Wentz . There is interest there. Jacoby Brissett , too, if Cardinals can be convinced to part. Was told that's "doubtful," with Jimmy Garoppolo expected to stay in LA. JG signing with the Cardinals would change that. Wentz might surprise some, because of the notion Frank Reich/Wentz relationship fell apart in Indianapolis . From my understanding, that was more GM/owner, not coach. The two remain very close."
Many are acting like Murray-MIN is a done deal. If so, McCarthy will have an awkward spring and summer.
Our Brevan Bane wrote this week , "After what we saw from McCarthy, and not doing any projecting, every single option can at least compete with McCarthy, if not beat him, for the starting job. It's not to say that he can't get better; he probably will. However, you have to put yourself in the shoes of Kevin O'Connell."
"Is he going to triple down on McCarthy? He tied his job to the QB when he approved drafting him in 2024. His commitment was doubled down in 2025 when Sam Darnold walked. Now, GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah is gone and O'Connell is likely on the hot seat. If you're KOC, are you pushing all your chips in on McCarthy taking a major leap? Or are you taking the more likely option that Kyler Murray absolutely electrifies U.S. Bank Stadium?"
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Probably Sticking Around No Matter What
The refreshing part for McCarthy is that outside of a trade for Joe Burow , for example, he's not going anywhere. The Vikings have no reason to quit on McCarthy. He's affordable, and he still has ample upside.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) shares a pregame embrace with head coach Kevin O'Connell before Minnesota's matchup with the New York Giants on Dec 21, 2025 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, as the quarterback and coach connect moments before kickoff during the late-season road game. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images.
The fact of the matter is that Murray will likely sign with the Vikings, leaving McCarthy as the QB2 in 2026.
If Murray gets hurt, McCarthy would have his chance to reemerge and shine.
