JJ McCarthy has failed to secure the starting quarterback position with the Vikings after becoming a first-round pick two years ago, with Minnesota letting two starting quarterbacks leave last year
08:43 ET, 01 Mar 2026
JJ McCarthy has been ruled out for the Christmas Day game against the Detroit Lions.
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The Vikings may move on from McCarthy this offseason(Image: 2025 Getty Images)
The Minnesota Vikings might already be looking to move on from JJ McCarthy, with the team likely be scouring their options at the quarterback position.
NFL insider Tony Pauline has reported that the Vikings are looking at an 'exit strategy' for McCarthy while considering bringing in another quarterback this offseason.
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The Vikings appear to have made a monumental mistake in letting Sam Darnold leave the team, after he won 14 games with them in 2024 - as Minnesota chose to start McCarthy. Darnold eventually signed a reasonably low-cost deal with the Seattle Seahawks, winning 14 games again before capturing a Super Bowl ring.
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McCarthy has gone on to struggle with inconsistent play and injuries in his first two years in the league, having been a first-round pick which many had seen as a gamble at the time.
Mirror US Sports has taken a look into five options who the Vikings could consider bringing in to compete with McCarthy this off-season, likely being able to do so at a low-price while needing to make other moves to their roster.
Kirk Cousins (likely free agent)
Justin Jefferson - Kirk Cousins
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Kirk Cousins could re-join the Vikings (Image: Getty Images)
The Atlanta Falcons are expected to cut Cousins after the veteran lost his starting position to Michael Penix Jr, with the Vikings being able to bring him back to the team on a significantly smaller contract. Cousins got the best out of Justin Jefferson and is beloved by Minnesota fans.
Although many will point to this being an obvious landing spot, there's legitimate questions to ask whether O'Connell will want to bring Cousins back. The 37-year-old is not a natural fit for his West Coast offensive scheme, with limited mobility and an issue in telegraphing some of his reads.
Spencer Rattler (New Orleans Saints)
While Cousins is not an ideal fit for O'Connell's scheme, Rattler would be perfect. A former five-star recruit who has shown glimpses of greatness in college and with the Saints, many would argue that Rattler losing his position as the starting quarterback was harsh.
The 25-year-old threw for eight touchdowns and five interceptions in an offense that really struggled, while having an impressive passer rating of 86.5. He has all the talent and can make plays across the field, just needing to cut down on mistakes. Rattler is now the back-up with Tyler
Mac Jones (San Francisco 49ers)
Mac Jones has boosted his NFL prospects after stepping up for the San Francisco 49ers.
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Mac Jones has boosted his NFL prospects after stepping up for the San Francisco 49ers.(Image: 2025 Cooper Neill)
Jones is under contract with the Niners for another year with the team reportedly looking to keep him after he played so well last year. But with San Francisco in their Super Bowl window, they'd be likely to consider trading him should they receive a day two draft pick.
The former first-round pick showed he's comfortable in the West Coast offense with the Niners this past year, playing some of the best football we've seen from him.
Drew Lock (Seattle Seahawks)
A former second-round pick who's numbers are better than you may think, Lock has the capabilities of running an offense at a high level. Go and watch his 2023 win over the Philadelphia Eagles.
Lock has all the tools. He has a big arm, reads the field well and can make plays with his legs. If he's able to limit mistakes, like O'Connell was able to achieve with Darnold, then he could be an intriguing option - at least to compete with McCarthy. The Seahawks have Jalen Milore waiting in the wings to become their back-up, likely allowing Lock to be traded for a day three draft pick.
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Garrett Nussmeier (NFL Draft)
LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier.
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LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier.(Image: 2025 LSU Athletics)
An intriguing quarterback prospect to keep an eye on in the NFL Draft, Nussmeier is extremely tough to project. Nussmeier is shorter quarterback with an injury history having been hurt last year, but he had some Round One caliber tape on film in 2024 - he made a mistake in returning to college last year.
Nussmeier does not have the strongest arm, but like Brock Purdy he's able to make incredible anticipatory throws while being able to read a defense as well as any quarterback in the class. He's more than capable of playing the point guard role in getting the ball where it needs to be, something which O'Connell's offense needs. If Minnesota can get him in the third round then they'd be in a good spot having him compete with McCarthy.