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(Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)
The Minnesota Vikings‘ most pressing issue in the 2026 offseason is an obvious one. The QB situation demands an answer.
There are a couple of obvious potential suitors. The most obvious is J.J. McCarthy, who is already on the roster. Names like Kyler Murray, Aaron Rodgers, Kirk Cousins, and Derek Carr are also being thrown around as candidates.
Of course, there isn’t going to be one singular answer that everyone will like on paper. Still, the position demands attention.
Vikings Receive Message About Importance of QB Decision
GettyJ.J. McCarthy #9 of the Minnesota Vikings reacts during the first quarter against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium on January 04, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
Pro Football Focus recently released a piece regarding every team’s biggest roster decision this offseason. Of course, the Vikings appeared on the list with their QB decision.
They shared their justification in the piece.
“The Vikings’ offseason has already been somewhat tumultuous after general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah was fired on Jan. 30. With Rob Brzezinski assuming his responsibilities for the time being, he’ll have to weigh if McCarthy is the unquestioned QB1 for Minnesota.
McCarthy’s first season as a starter generally didn’t go well, with the former eighth overall pick earning a 60.1 PFF passing grade and recording a 4.8% turnover-worthy play rate. At the same time, McCarthy’s overall PFF grade rose to 76.1 from Weeks 14-18.
The first six games of McCarthy’s 2025 campaign obviously left a lot to be desired. His final four games showed a little bit more of what Minnesota was hoping to see from the kid. McCarthy finished the season with a 6-4 record as a starter.
PFF continued their explanation of the Vikings’ QB decision being their most important storyline in 2026.
Considering McCarthy’s struggles and inability to stay on the field, playing just 523 snaps in two seasons, the Vikings appear likely to land at least viable depth behind him. But will that backup be someone like Kirk Cousins, who could realistically start; a genuine backup like Joe Flacco; or a developmental project like Anthony Richardson?”
This is something that Minnesota must get right. They were already proven horribly wrong when Sam Darnold hoisted the Lombardi Trophy last week with the Seahawks.
Now, the pressure is on the Vikings organization to get the QB position correct like never before.
Former Minnesota Linebacker Duo Anthony Barr and Eric Kendricks Discuss Darnold Decision
GettyMINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – SEPTEMBER 08: Middle linebacker Eric Kendricks #54 and teammate outside linebacker Anthony Barr #55 of the Minnesota Vikings react against the Atlanta Falcons in the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 08, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
The former Vikings linebacker duo of Eric Kendricks and Anthony Barr posted a clip to the internet discussing the Vikings’ decision to roll with J.J. McCarthy over Sam Darnold in 2025.
Adam Patrick of The Viking Age did a great job capturing the words between the two beloved former Vikings.
“Barr: Most people in that building knew that J.J. just wasn’t quite ready yet. I think he needed an older mentor to kind of shadow for another two years.
Kendricks: Mentorship is crucial. There’s some positions where it pays to have a veteran in front of you, and a little bit of experience goes a long way. I mean, we see the resurgence of Sam Donald’s career.
Barr: The city’s dying for a champ. The state’s dying for one.
Kendricks: I agree.
Barr: I think [McCarthy] still has potential. I think he can still be great. He’s a quarterback. He’s a year two, right? Year two, playing full-time.
Kendricks: We’re not counting him out.
Barr: I think they do regret not signing a vet to let J.J. learn from for another one or two years. I mean, quarterbacks, they’re not granted or afforded the same patience that a lot of different position players are given.”
The duo didn’t tear down the organization for the decision. Instead, they seem to deploy a more defensive stance for McCarthy.
Brevan Bane Brevan Bane is a sports scribe covering the NFL for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Minnesota Vikings and Cincinnati Bengals. Brevan began his writing career by making a platform on Twitter and leveraging his presence into writing and content creation opportunities for outlets like PurplePTSD, Vikings Territory, The Noise, Hockey Wilderness, and the VikesNow YouTube channel. You can follow him on X @brevmanbane. More about Brevan Bane
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