The Minnesota Vikings still believe in J.J. McCarthy. They used a first-round pick on him in 2024, so walking away is not really an option. His rookie season got erased by a knee injury, and 2025 brought more setbacks that kept him off the field.
The front office has not lost faith, but they are not about to hand him the starting job without a fight for it in 2026. This offseason’s quarterback market is shaping up differently than usual, which opens some doors for Minnesota.
Advertisement
MORE: Patriots are backing away from A.J. Brown trade for one major reason
The team could target veterans willing to sign short-term deals to rebuild their value. Bringing in an established name might create the kind of competition McCarthy needs to prove he belongs.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy warms up prior to the game against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler recently mentioned the Vikings are considering Kyler Murray and Geno Smith as potential fits. Tua Tagovailoa and Kirk Cousins have surfaced in conversations too.
Advertisement
Fowler suggests analysts have divided those four quarterbacks into two tiers, with Murray and Smith landing in the higher group.
“Kyler Murray and Geno Smith are strong considerations for Vikings at QB, with Tua Tagovailoa and Kirk Cousins on the radar as well.” Fowler wrote on X.
Advertisement
None of these quarterbacks are free agents at the moment, but that could shift quickly. Cousins appears headed toward the open market, and the others could become available through trades or outright releases.
League sources expect Murray, Smith, and Tagovailoa to hit the market unless contract talks pick up speed.
Quarterback Kyler Murray
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray leaves the field after defeating the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Minnesota has appeal as a destination. Quarterbacks around the NFL view the Vikings as a steady situation with pieces in place. Smith has not been mentioned as often in connection with Minnesota, but the fit makes sense.
He has owed $18.5 million guaranteed in 2026, with another $8 million becoming guaranteed early in the league year. His contract structure gives the Vikings a bridge option while keeping McCarthy in the mix and forcing both to compete.
—Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead—
NFL:2026 NFL salary cap space rankings by team
NHL:Auston Matthews’ Olympic gold, Donald Trump visit, draws surprising reaction in Toronto
MLB:Dodgers manager bothered by Tanner Scott quote
ENTERTAINMENT:Team USA hockey stars set for ‘SNL’ cameo after Winter Olympics
SPORTS MEDIA:NBC Sunday Night Football set to make major change for 2026 NFL season
WORLD CUP:Iran could withdraw from 2026 FIFA World Cup amid Middle East tension