The Minnesota Vikings have made a move at quarterback that may not seem like a big one, but it could have a huge ripple effect on the rest of the league and may impact Aaron Rodgers and Shedeur Sanders
11:28 ET, 19 Mar 2026
Many have questioned whether J.J. McCarthy is the right quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings
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Many have questioned whether J.J. McCarthy is the right quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings(Image: Bailey Hillesheim/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The Minnesota Vikings have re-signed quarterback Carson Wentz to a one-year deal in a move that could have enormous implications for the rest of the NFL.
Wentz becomes the second quarterback to sign with the Vikings in free agency, bringing him back to the team after performing valiantly while injured throughout last season. Wentz had been linked to the Jets earlier this month.
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He joins after the team signed Kyler Murray, following his release from the Arizona Cardinals. Murray appears to be in the running to become the starting quarterback. NFL teams almost never carry four quarterbacks on their roster, with the Vikings having Max Brosmer, a rookie from the 2025 season, for whom the team appears to have high hopes.
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This leaves J.J. McCarthy in an intriguing position, potentially making him available for rival teams.
And in an NFL Draft class that is weak at the quarterback position, the likes of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns could take a look at McCarthy.
The Steelers still do not have a starting quarterback on the roster, with Aaron Rodgers not yet deciding or confirming when he'll come back to the team.
And even if he does come back, Rodgers is certainly not a long-term option for the Steelers.
Carson Wentz has resigned with the Vikings, joining a crowded QB room with McCarthy, Kyler Murray and Max Brosmer
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Carson Wentz has resigned with the Vikings, joining a crowded QB room with McCarthy, Kyler Murray and Max Brosmer(Image: Stephen Maturen, Getty Images)
This could prompt the Steelers to consider their options here, potentially landing a franchise quarterback over the next decade if they bring in McCarthy.
A former first-round pick, McCarthy's stock has plummeted after a disappointing first year as a starter. Not only did he struggle with several injuries, but his play did not live up to expectations. He threw more interceptions than touchdowns in his first year as the starter, with Wentz operating the offense at a more efficient level.
And the Steelers will not be the only team interested in McCarthy, with the Cleveland Browns making sense as a landing spot.
The Browns have yet to find their starting quarterback, with Shedeur Sanders needing to improve to win that job. McCarthy would be seen as an upgrade, or at least as good competition for the job.
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While Cleveland does have a number of draft picks and can select a player this year, the draft is unlikely to fall kindly on them, so it would make sense to select one of the very few top prospects.
The Browns could look to flip a middle-round pick for McCarthy, while keeping their top selections as they rebuild their roster.
Murray's former team, the Cardinals, is another that may take a look at McCarthy, with Mike LaFleur running a similar offense to Kevin O'Connell with the Vikings. The wide-zone, west-coast offense is one that should get the best of the young quarterback.