Quarterback is the most important position in sports.
And on a team like the Minnesota Vikings, with immense talent all over the field, it looms extra large when the QB may not quite be up to speed with the rest of the roster.
At times, that's where the Vikings appear to be with second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy. This is almost like his rookie season after he missed all of 2024 with a knee injury. And he's missed time hurt this season, too.
But the NFL world moves quickly. Contention windows open and slam shut. Teams have to get quarterback right.
And that's what prompted NFL insider Dianna Russini to recently hop on the Hoge and Jahns Show and ask:
"Is J.J. McCarthy going to be a Minnesota Viking quarterback next season?"
Good question.
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Will J.J. McCarthy be Vikings' QB next season?
The simple reality here is that McCarthy will almost certainly still be on the Vikings' roster. It doesn't make sense to get rid of a QB on his relatively affordable rookie deal.
But will McCarthy be the starter? That's more intriguing..
The Vikings may be a prime candidate to do much like what the Colts did this year with Daniel Jones, who was brought in to compete with Anthony Richardson.
If Minnesota could get a guy like Mac Jones (who would have to be acquired in a trade from the 49ers), it'd give them two paths to figure out what's best to win in 2026. McCarthy could still improve and beat out a more experienced player, but if he doesn't, then the Vikings have an alternative.
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