JJ McCarthy has yet to prove himself as the franchise quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings, but Cris Carter welcomed the idea of signing a veteran option to increase competition
13:54 ET, 03 Mar 2026Updated 13:54 ET, 03 Mar 2026
JJ McCarthy could face competition from a veteran quarterback next season
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JJ McCarthy could face competition from a veteran quarterback next season(Image: Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
Minnesota Vikings legend Cris Carter believes that J.J. McCarthy must have competition next season, after admitting that the organization can't rely on the young quarterback to stay healthy.
McCarthy has played in just 10 NFL games since he was selected in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft and missed his entire rookie season due to injury. McCarthy suffered three separate injuries last season, causing him to miss seven games, and leaving the Vikings exploring other quarterback options.
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Carter has already expressed concerns over McCarthy, admitting that he's "very apprehensive" about the 23-year-old being the franchise quarterback. Carter has welcomed healthy competition, amid reports that the Vikings are looking to acquire a veteran.
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During an exclusive interview with Mirror US Sports via the popular platform CasinoGrounds, known for its detailed online casino reviews, Carter said: "Everyone should have competition. They have to improve the position.
"They're relying on J.J. McCarthy, but given his health, you can't rely on that. Yes, you're going to have to bring in some veteran as competition to be the quarterback for the Vikings."
Several veteran options have been linked with the Vikings, including former star Kirk Cousins, who is set to leave the Atlanta Falcons. Daniel Jones, Geno Smith, and Kyler Murray are also names that have been speculated.
Kirk Cousins has been linked with a return to the Minnesota Vikings
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Kirk Cousins has been linked with a return to the Minnesota Vikings(Image: Getty)
To prioritize McCarthy, the Vikings allowed Sam Darnold to leave the organization, even though the team had won 14 games in 2024. Darnold signed a three-year, $105 million deal with the Seattle Seahawks last offseason and led them to the Super Bowl championship.
The decision to let Darnold go, along with questionable draft picks, led to general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah losing his job. He has since been hired as a personnel executive with the San Francisco 49ers.
When asked for his preferred veteran option, Carter refused to provide an answer, instead hoping that McCarthy can prove him wrong and become a franchise star. "I'd like to see J.J. McCarthy play well," Carter added.
Vikings legend Cris Carter hopes that McCarthy can turn things around
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Vikings legend Cris Carter hopes that McCarthy can turn things around(Image: Carlos Gonzalez/The Minnesota Star Tribune via Getty Images)
It's a big season for the Vikings, especially as it could determine whether they stick with McCarthy or part ways with the former first-round pick. It's also a pivotal year for wide receiver Justin Jefferson, who was starved in 2025 with just two touchdowns.
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Carter believes that the roster must step up to ensure Jefferson remains in Minnesota. Despite expressing concerns over McCarthy, he wants to see the Vikings protect and support him as much as possible.
"You've got to support your quarterback," Carter said. "There were no teams in the playoffs that didn't have an established guy or a young guy on the up-and-coming.
"You look at the quarterbacks in our division, very impressive. So you're not going to win with average quarterback play. This is pretty simple stuff."