For former No. 10 draft pick J.J. McCarthy, the Minnesota Vikings quarterback room has flipped in his short career and the tables turned from being the unquestioned starter to part of the competition.
After not playing in 2024 due to injury and struggling in 2025, McCarthy will have to beat Carson Wentz and Kyler Murray for the starting job this year. Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell recently told ESPN’s Kevin Seifert that McCarthy is getting ready for that competition.
“Kevin O’Connell said that J.J. McCarthy is back in Minnesota after spending the early part of the offseason training in California, and has been in the building most days working out in the weight room,” Seifert wrote via X.
More News: Former Cowboys DE Issues Challenge Over NFL Future
More News: Chiefs Dealt Bad Draft News Amid Failed AFC Free Agency Deal
McCarthy threw for 1,632 yards and 11 touchdowns versus 12 interceptions in 10 starts last season. He completed 57.6% of his passes and averaged 6.7 yards per attempt. As a runner, McCarthy showed some promise with 181 yards and four touchdowns on 37 carries.
Minnesota first signed Murray to challenge McCarthy this offseason. Murray completed 68.3% of his passes for 962 yards and six touchdowns in five games for the Arizona Cardinals last season amid injury.
However, Murray has enjoyed more success in the past with a 67.1% career completion rate for 20,460 yards and 121 touchdowns. The former No. 1 pick is a two-time Pro Bowler who can make plays with his legs, with 3,193 yards rushing and 32 touchdowns in his career.
Wentz likewise has enjoyed prior success in his career, which began as a No. 2 pick by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2016. He contended for the MVP award in 2017 before injuries derailed his career and led to backup quarterback roles.
Last season, Wentz started five games for the Vikings in place of McCarthy, with 1,216 yards passing for six touchdowns versus five interceptions. Wentz completed 65.1% of his passes, and he rushed for 57 yards on 11 carries.
Wentz re-signed in March for a second season with the Vikings, which sets up a completely opposite scenario for McCarthy from 2025. Last year, the Vikings committed to McCarthy and let seasoned veterans Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones walk in free agency. McCarthy will have to win the starting job this time around in 2026.
More News: Ex-Bills Coach Sean McDermott Dealt More Criticism