The Minnesota Vikings are the epitome of the saying, “Oh, how the might have fallen.” After going 14-3 with Sam Darnold leading the way in 2024, Minnesota decided they did not want to pay the Pro Bowl quarterback. Instead, they placed their faith in JJ McCarthy, who missed his entire rookie season with a torn ACL.
The Vikings, of course, drafted McCarthy with the 10th overall pick in 2024, and (for some reason) thought that a year sitting behind Darnold while rehabbing from a torn ACL was all the preparation he needed.
They were wrong.
In 10 games last season, McCarthy had a 57.6% completion percentage, 1,632 yards, 11 touchdowns, 12 interceptions, and a passer rating of 72.6.
Darnold, meanwhile, won the Super Bowl with the Seattle Seahawks.
Minnesota Vikings add Carson Wentz after also signing Kyler Murray
Minnesota Vikings, Carson Wentz
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz (11) scrambles in the first quarter of the NFL Week 3 game between the Minnesota Vikings and the Cincinnati Bengals at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis on Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025.
Last week, Minnesota signed former two-time Pro Bowl quarterback Kyler Murray following his release from the Arizona Cardinals. It is a one-year deal, and the team hopes that adding Murray, who has struggled over the past few years, will help McCarthy improve through competing for his job.
And now too even more intrigue to the situation, the Vikings have also re-signed Carson Wentz:
Welcome back, Carson!
The #Vikings have agreed to terms to re-sign @cj_wentz.https://t.co/YD77xV34Ac pic.twitter.com/QhvwPkpBC8
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) March 19, 2026
Wentz appeared in five games for the Vikings last year, putting up a 65.1% completion percentage, 1,216 yards, six touchdowns, five interceptions, and an 85.8 passer rating.
Now, the Vikings have McCarthy, Murray, and Wentz competing to be their starting quarterback in 2026.
Two years ago, Minnesota gave Darnold a shot to be their starter after McCarthy went down in training camp. He took that opportunity to become a Pro Bowl quarterback and led the Vikings to 14 wins. But the organization decided that they did not want to pay him in free agency and remain focused on McCarthy.
It was a grave mistake.
Now, they have the aforementioned three quarterbacks, Wentz, Murray, and McCarthy, in the mix to be their starter. Darnold, meanwhile, has a Super Bowl ring.
Oh, how the mighty have fallen, indeed.
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