Minnesot Vikings quarterback, JJ McCarthy
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - DECEMBER 21: J.J. McCarthy #9 of the Minnesota Vikings in action during the game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on December 21, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Minnesota Vikings won 16-13. (Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images)
The Minnesota Vikings are heading into a pivotal 2026 season, especially head coach Kevin O’Connell.
O’Connell is heading into year 5 with zero playoff wins to his name in his tenure with Minnesota. Amid the questions about his future and about QB J.J. McCarthy, Kyler Murray has entered the fray.
Minnesota scored Murray after his release from the Arizona Cardinals. Due to offset language in Murray’s Arizona contract, the Vikings were able to sign Murray for the $1.3 million league minimum.
This is a welcome signing with the questions surrounding J.J. McCarthy. Because of his shaky play in the 33% of his career games he’s been healthy, Minnesota couldn’t simply just hand him the keys again uncontested like they did in 2025.
With the signing of Murray and yesterday’s re-signing of Carson Wentz, the QB room in Minnesota is wide open.
Vikings Get Ranked Dead-Average In 2026 Power Rankings By PFF
Minnesota Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell during an NFL game.
GettyEAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – DECEMBER 21: Head coach Kevin O’Connell of the Minnesota Vikings takes the field before the start of the NFL 2025 game between Minnesota Vikings and New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on December 21, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Pro Football Focus recently published a power ranking of all 32 teams in the NFL. Obviously, with it only being March, these rankings only matter but so much.
However, they do still paint a good picture of the expectations for franchises rolling into the new year. In these rankings, the Vikings found themselves ranked 18th.
“The Vikings’ massive cap deficit in the lead-up to free agency largely hindered the team’s ability to pursue even middle-of-the-market talent. To address some of the most pressing needs on the roster, Minnesota had to get creative and play into the upside of potential targets, which led to the signings of Kyler Murray and cornerback James Pierre.
Getting Murray at the veteran minimum is an incredibly savvy move for the team and player, allowing the Vikings to add viable competition at the position following J.J. McCarthy’s struggles, while also allowing Murray to play under Kevin O’Connell, who has a strong track record for quarterback development.”
Minnesota is ranked right behind the Bengals at 17th and a spot of ahead of the Steelers at 19th. The Vikings are the last-ranked NFC North team, with the Bears at 15th, Lions 6th, and Packers 5th.
Minnesota Re-Signs QB Carson Wentz
Carson Wentz, Minnesota Vikings
GettyCarson Wentz #11 of the Minnesota Vikings looks to pass the ball against the Los Angeles Chargers during the first quarter in the game at SoFi Stadium on October 23, 2025 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Tom Pelissero shared the report via an X post.
“Veteran QB Carson Wentz is re-signing with the Vikings, sources tell The Insiders. So Minnesota’s QB room now features three former top-10 picks: Kyler Murray, J.J. McCarthy and Wentz, who played well last season before a shoulder injury.”
Pelissero elaborated on the Vikings’ QB situation via a repost of his report.
“The Vikings went 9-8 last season and probably make the playoffs if Carson Wentz doesn’t get hurt, forcing undrafted rookie Max Brosmer into action. This time, they have Kyler Murray, J.J. McCarthy and Wentz in one of the NFL’s most fascinating QB rooms.”
Minnesota now has a QB room of Murray, McCarthy, and Wentz. All are former top 10 selections in the NFL Draft, with Murray and Wentz being top 5 picks. Murray, of course, went first overall in 2019.
Now, it can be assumed that Wentz will be the QB3 behind the loser of the McCarthy and Murray QB competition. That is, if the Vikings are still confident enough in McCarthy to even have him bare the QB2 responsibilities.
The signing makes sense for both side. Minnesota made it clear they desire veteran depth at the QB position. As for Wentz, it’s unclear that he would’ve had an equal or better opportunity to make a roster on another team.
The agreement with Wentz is a one-year deal.