The Minnesota Vikings have some questions to answer when it comes to their quarterback position in 2026, and while JJ McCarthy is the presumed starter, Minnesota almost certainly will bring in a veteran for competition.
The Vikings could go the bold route of trading for someone like Kyler Murray, Tua Tagovailoa, Mac Jones, or signing someone like Malik Willis, but the veteran route of someone like Kirk Cousins or Jimmy G makes too much sense.
Here’s why Jimmy G would fit like a glove in the Kevin O’Connell system, and why he truly makes sense as a potential free agent aquisition.
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The Vikings ultimately moved on from their general manager largely because of how the quarterback situation was handled. In 2024, Minnesota had both Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones on the roster.
One went 14–3 and later replicated that success in Seattle, while the other became one of the feel good breakout stories early in the 2025 NFL season before suffering a season ending Achilles tear. That contrast only intensified scrutiny around the organization’s long term decision making at the position.
There have also been rumblings that head coach Kevin O’Connell was not fully sold on J.J. McCarthy. This sets up a potential scenario similar to what we have seen with Trey Lance or Anthony Richardson, where a team brings in another high upside quarterback as insurance.
If McCarthy struggles or deals with injuries, the replacement could seize the opportunity and never relinquish the starting role.
At the same time, Minnesota may look toward proven veteran quarterbacks in free agency to steady the offense. The decision to dismiss the general manager underscores just how critical ownership believes the quarterback position is to the franchise’s future.
“There’s no doubt in my mind he is a starting quarterback in this league, and I think he’ll get a chance to be able to do that again.”
You could take this quote from Los Angeles Rams Head Coach Sean McVay as “homerism” or you can take it as the truth, because that’s what it is. Garoppolo has been the Rams trusted backup quarterback for a contending team, and with him being at 34 years old, he’s likely in some of his last possible years as a potential starter.
If there is one team that could be legit contenders that could see Jimmy G as a fit outside of the Arizona Cardinals, it’s the Vikings.
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