Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images
The Minnesota Vikings may have finished above .500 (9-8) last season, but for those paying attention, the results look much better on paper, than they did in real time.
Worse yet, just two years removed from drafting a JJ McCarthy higher than any other QB time in franchise history, the Vikings suddenly have far more questions at the quarterback position, than they have answers.
Last spring/summer, Minnesota sidestepped multiple veteran quarterback options, in favor of JJ McCarthy, who was coming off a knee injury/surgery that stripped him of his entire rookie season — a decision that ultimately cost the Vikings a playoff run, and general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah his job.
Minnesota Vikings changing QB plans?
This offseason, head coach Kevin O’Connell and his staff are trying to avoid that same mistake. It’s been no secret that the MN Vikings are trying to bring in better competition for McCarthy, than Sam Howell — who entered training camp last summer as Minnesota’s QB2.
But in an article he posted today at ESPN, Vikings insider Kevin Seifert reports that, not only is the QB search going to be different this time around, but that “all bets are off” between JJ McCarthy and the Vikings.
Does this change the Vikings’ plans for QB J.J. McCarthy?
The best way to put this, based on what sources have said, is that all bets are off. The general manager who drafted McCarthy No. 10 in 2024 has been fired, and the coach who was in full agreement with that decision is now under considerably more scrutiny.
If anything, [the events this offseason] increase the chances that the Vikings will take a big swing at finding a veteran quarterback who could start in 2026. The only thing more damaging than making the mistakes the Vikings made last season would be to repeat them this year.
Clearly, nobody at TCO Performance Center feels safe from scrutiny, if the Minnesota Vikings struggle through another disappointing season. After Adofo-Mensah was fired, the pressure to win now is palpable.
Vikings worried about winning, not JJ McCarthy
According to Seifert, it’s ‘win or who knows’ time in 2026, which is why I expect much better results in their QB search, especially if they really are willing to make a “big swing”.
It’s fair to wonder about the long-term incentives, or lack thereof, for any temporary leadership structure. At this point, the Vikings’ only enduring plan — as it pertains to player acquisition or anything else — is to return to the playoffs in 2026.
When winning games is the number one priority, a football team will look much harder to find the best possible QB for the job. Outside factors on the future and development of draft picks suddenly matter much less, which is exactly what this organization needs.
If JJ McCarthy really is the Minnesota Vikings starting quarterback of the future, then he will persevere through whatever happens over the next 10-12 months.
Related: MN Vikings Expected to Make Push for Familiar GM
And if he’s anywhere near the QB we thought he was when drafted, McCarthy will show up to camp ready to give whatever quarterback the Vikings bring in a run for his starting money.
Unlike last season, however, JJ McCarthy will have to earn whatever opportunities he gets in 2026.
Mentioned in this article: J.J. McCarthy
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