![\"Minnesota](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/minnesota-vikings-quarterback-j-j-118273345.jpg\")
J.J. McCarthy did not impress in his second year. AP<\/p>\nBeing a franchise quarterback is more than just having the necessary physical tools.<\/p>\n
Vikings second-year signal-caller J.J. McCarthy has struggled with some of the \u201cmore elemental aspects\u201d of the position, and it\u2019s becoming a league-wide talking point, according to The Athletic.<\/p>\n
Those issues, plus his uneven play, have the Vikings considering alternative options at the game\u2019s most important position, despite using the No. 10 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft to select the former Michigan star.<\/p>\n
J.J. McCarthy did not impress in his second year. AP<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Vikings also knew they were drafting a young player. What they did not envision, especially following an encouraging first training camp that preceded his torn meniscus, was the challenge posed by some of the more elemental aspects of being the face of a franchise,\u201d The Athletic\u2019s Alec Lewis wrote.<\/a> <\/p>\n \u201cThese growth hurdles have become widely known among NFL executives and coaches, and they were frequent topics in Indianapolis (for the NFL Combine).\u201d<\/p>\n The Vikings drafted McCarthy, hoping the 23-year-old could be a long-term fix at the position, yet there are more questions now than when they selected him after he won a national title in college.<\/p>\n He did not play his rookie year after tearing his right meniscus, which led to Sam Darnold leading the team to an unexpected 14-3 record in 2024.<\/p>\n Having McCarthy factored into why the Vikings allowed Darnold to leave for the Seahawks in free agency, but that decision backfired with Darnold winning a Super Bowl as McCarthy underwhelmed.<\/p>\n McCarthy threw 11 touchdown passes and 12 interceptions across 10 games, while tallying just 1,632 passing yards.<\/p>\n The Athletic reported that several team sources described McCarthy\u2019s play as \u201cinconsistent, adding that staffers did not know what to expect each week.<\/p>\n \u201cThis resulted in visible stress for (coach Kevin) O\u2019Connell in interviews and privately around the TCO Performance Center,\u201d Lewis wrote.<\/p>\n The team is reportedly hoping McCarthy improves his footwork and processing, but also aiming to upgrade the options beyond him, should he falter.<\/p>\n The Vikings aren\u2019t seeking a franchise quarterback to supplant McCarthy, according to The Athletic, but are looking for a veteran who does not cost much either in free agency or via trade.<\/p>\n Ex-Vikings starter Kirk Cousins has been linked to the team now that the Falcons are moving on from the veteran<\/a>, along with the Cardinals\u2019 Kyler Murray and the Raiders\u2019 Geno Smith.<\/p>\n![\"Minnesota](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/reacts-getting-tackled-green-bay-118257560.jpg\")
McCarthy during a game against the Packers in January 2026. AP<\/p>\n