The Minnesota Vikings’ quarterback carousel continues to spin - and not in the direction fans were hoping for.
After a pivotal decision to roll with J.J. McCarthy, a former first-round pick who missed his rookie season due to injury, the Vikings now appear to be eyeing Green Bay backup Malik Willis as a potential addition to the QB room. That’s according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, who reports that Minnesota is exploring the idea of bringing in Willis to compete with McCarthy for the starting job.
Let’s unpack what that really means.
A Risky Bet on a Rookie
The Vikings’ commitment to McCarthy was always going to be a gamble. Drafting a quarterback with high upside is one thing - but handing the keys to a player who had yet to take a regular-season snap due to injury?
That’s a bold move, and it came with consequences. The decision ultimately cost general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah his job, and the Vikings have been trying to stabilize ever since.
McCarthy’s second season didn’t do much to inspire confidence. He threw more interceptions (12) than touchdowns (11), missed seven games, and struggled to find rhythm in an offense that, on paper, had the tools to succeed. For a team that boasts one of the league’s most dynamic wide receivers and a creative offensive mind at head coach, the quarterback position has become an anchor instead of an engine.
Enter Malik Willis
Willis, meanwhile, has quietly put together a compelling case for a starting job. Backing up Jordan Love in Green Bay, he made the most of limited opportunities.
In three starts over two seasons, Willis went 2-1 while completing nearly 79% of his passes for 972 yards, six touchdowns, and zero interceptions. Add in 261 rushing yards and three scores on the ground, and you’re looking at a dual-threat quarterback with real upside.
His passer rating over that stretch? A scorching 134.6.
It’s no surprise, then, that Willis is drawing interest from multiple teams - including the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns - where he’d likely have a clearer path to a starting role. That’s the key here: Willis isn’t just looking for a roster spot; he wants a genuine opportunity to lead a team.
So the question becomes: can Minnesota offer that?
QB Competition or QB Confusion?
If the Vikings do land Willis, he would enter a competition with McCarthy - a battle that could define the team’s 2026 season. But it also raises questions about the Vikings’ long-term vision at quarterback. Are they still committed to developing McCarthy, or are they already pivoting?
Either way, this isn’t the first time Minnesota has found itself in quarterback limbo. Not long ago, the team reportedly had opportunities to bring in veterans like Daniel Jones and Sam Darnold - and even had interest from Aaron Rodgers.
Instead, they doubled down on youth and potential. That decision, fair or not, has set the tone for where the franchise is now.
A Roster Built to Win - Held Back by the QB Spot
What makes all of this more frustrating for Vikings fans is how strong the rest of the roster looks. This isn’t a team in the middle of a rebuild.
With a high-end receiver, a capable defense, and an innovative coach, the pieces are there. But without stability under center, the ceiling remains capped.
It’s a stark contrast to what’s happening in Green Bay. The Packers have found their guy in Jordan Love and are trending upward, while Minnesota is still trying to figure out who their quarterback of the future - or even the present - is going to be.
What Comes Next?
Whether or not Willis ends up in Minnesota, the message is clear: the Vikings are still searching for answers. And if they do land him, it could spark one of the more intriguing quarterback battles of the offseason.
Willis brings experience, efficiency, and mobility. McCarthy brings potential and a first-round pedigree.
But potential doesn’t win games - performance does.
With the NFC North heating up and teams like the Packers ascending, the Vikings can’t afford another misstep at the game’s most important position. They’ve got the talent to contend. Now they just need someone to take the reins and lead the way.
The clock is ticking.