J.J. McCarthy and Carson Wentz
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The Vikings aren't going to make a decision on their long-term starter between Carson Wentz and J.J. McCarthy until they have to
It’s been quite the long path for the Minnesota Vikings to get to the current times with J.J. McCarthy as starting quarterback.
In 2024 when they drafted him, it was presumed that McCarthy would likely sit for a good chunk of 2024 behind Sam Darnold. This is what ended up happening. Except, it was because McCarthy tore his meniscus, leading him to being out for the entire season.
Fast forward to 2025, and the Vikings eventually got to where they wanted to be. J.J. McCarthy is the starter, even though Darnold had a career year in the purple. To salt the wound, Darnold may be even better now in his current ventures as Seattle Seahawks starting signal caller.
The Vikings essentially handed McCarthy the starting job of the Vikings’ operation. They didn’t try that hard to retain Darnold, and Daniel Jones didn’t like their offer to stay.
They did trade for Sam Howell during the 2025 NFL Draft, but he always was the presumed back up, until he wasn’t. Howell didn’t even make the roster, as the Vikings traded him to the Eagles before the regular season even began. They then went on to sign Carson Wentz, who did go on to start a handful of games for Minnesota while McCarthy dealt with a high-ankle sprain. Wentz is now out for season.
This approach is not one that Mike Florio of NBC Sports and Pro Football Talk would take. In fact, he told us exactly what the Vikings should do in his opinion.
Mike Florio Suggests Vikings QB Competition In 2026
Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio prior to Super Bowl.
GettyPro Football Talk’s Mike Florio has made the interesting suggestion for the Vikings to have an open QB competition heading into the 2026 offseason.
Dustin Baker of Vikings Territory reported the words of Florio regarding his recommended quarterback competition in Minnesota:
“Florio kickstarted the offseason dialogue this week, claiming it’s time for Minnesota to ponder a world where multiple passers vie for the QB1 title, not just McCarthy.
He said on his show, ‘The Vikings need a quarterback competition. I think they need to sign somebody in the offseason, not as the “you’re going to be the starter and J.J.’s out.” I think they need to make him earn it against someone. They need him in day-to-day competition to push him toward his ceiling. And whatever his ceiling is, it is what it is.
Right now, I am concerned the ceiling isn’t where it needs to be because we can’t have one week where it all clicks. It’s not like he’s ever going to be a gunslinger. He’s never going to be Matthew Stafford. It’s going to be about what he can do at the right time — make the right play in the right spot. Sometimes we win, sometimes we don’t.’
NBC Sports’ Mike Florio on Vikings QB Competition
Unless the Vikings know that they have an absolute gem in Max Brosmer behind McCarthy, the Vikings are a safe bet to sign a veteran QB in 2026 for the room. It could be Wentz again, but there are some other names out there in the free agency period in March.
Drew Lock, Kirk Cousins, and Mac Jones are just a few of the possibilities.