The Minnesota Vikings are at a crossroads with their quarterback situation, following a less-than-stellar 2025 season. With J.J.
McCarthy at the helm, the team is contemplating bringing in some veteran competition to bolster the position. Names like Kyler Murray and Geno Smith are emerging as intriguing possibilities, given the uncertainty surrounding their current teams.
NFL insider Tom Pelissero shared his thoughts on the matter, highlighting why these quarterbacks could be a good fit for Minnesota. "Kyler Murray makes sense to me," Pelissero noted.
"He's played a lot, though not in this particular offense. Learning from Kevin O’Connell could unlock his playmaking abilities now that he's fully healthy.
Geno Smith also presents a solid option as a competitive presence. Even if they start over McCarthy, there's always the option to transition back."
Pelissero also dismissed potential reunions with Kirk Cousins or pursuing Aaron Rodgers, as these moves could hinder McCarthy's development.
The Vikings' quarterback landscape has shifted dramatically over the last couple of years. After Sam Darnold led the team to an impressive 14-3 record in 2024, the Vikings decided to hand the reins to McCarthy.
Meanwhile, Darnold went on to win a Super Bowl with the Seattle Seahawks. In 2025, the Vikings slipped to a 9-8 record, missing the playoffs.
McCarthy, at 23, showed some growing pains, throwing for 1,632 yards in 10 games with a 57.6% completion rate, 11 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. His passer rating stood at 72.6, with a QBR of 35.6. He also contributed 181 rushing yards and four touchdowns, though he fumbled three times.
On the other hand, Kyler Murray, now 28, played only five games for the Arizona Cardinals before a foot injury ended his season. He managed 962 passing yards, six touchdowns, and three interceptions with a 68.3% completion rate, achieving an 88.6 passer rating.
Murray also added 173 rushing yards and a touchdown. The Cardinals ended the season at 3-14, finishing with Jacoby Brissett as their quarterback.
Geno Smith, 35, had a challenging season with the Las Vegas Raiders, completing 67.4% of his passes for 3,025 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 17 interceptions. His passer rating was 84.7, with a QBR of 34.1, and he added 109 rushing yards. The Raiders also concluded their season with a 3-14 record.
While it's uncertain if the Vikings will ultimately bring in a veteran quarterback, the organization seems poised to explore options that could provide healthy competition and help determine McCarthy's future with the team.