The Minnesota Vikings’ quarterback situation has been under a microscope ever since Sam Darnold led the Seattle Seahawks to a Super Bowl title this past Sunday. And naturally, the conversation has circled back to Minnesota’s decision last offseason to part ways with Darnold and hand the keys to rookie J.J. McCarthy.
Now, two respected voices with deep ties to the Vikings-former linebackers Anthony Barr and Eric Kendricks-have added their perspective to the mix. In a recent clip making the rounds online, the longtime defensive duo offered a candid take on how the team approached its quarterback transition in 2025.
“Most people in that building knew that J.J. just wasn't quite ready yet,” Barr said. “I think he needed an older mentor to kind of shadow for another two years.”
That’s a telling comment-especially coming from someone who’s been in the locker room and knows the culture inside out. Kendricks echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the value of veteran leadership at the quarterback position.
“Mentorship is crucial,” Kendricks added. **“There’s some positions where it pays to have a veteran in front of you, and a little bit of experience goes a long way.
I mean, we see the resurgence of Sam Darnold’s career.” **
It’s hard to argue with that logic. Darnold’s breakout in Seattle wasn’t just a feel-good story-it was a case study in what can happen when a talented QB finally lands in the right system with the right support. Meanwhile, McCarthy was thrown into the fire in Minnesota, expected to carry a franchise that hasn’t seen a Super Bowl win in its history.
“The city’s dying for a champ,” Barr said. “The state’s dying for one.”
And that’s the backdrop to this entire discussion. The Vikings didn’t just make a football decision last offseason-they made a franchise-defining one. And while Barr and Kendricks were clear that they’re not giving up on McCarthy-“We’re not counting him out,” Kendricks said-they also acknowledged the steep learning curve that comes with being a young starter in the NFL.
Barr summed it up well: “I think they do regret not signing a vet to let J.J. learn from for another one or two years. I mean, quarterbacks, they're not granted or afforded the same patience that a lot of different position players are given.”
That’s the reality of the position. Quarterbacks don’t get the luxury of slow development-not when the spotlight is this bright and the stakes are this high.
To be fair, the Vikings did bring in Carson Wentz last year, but it was a late signing-just before the regular season. That meant McCarthy missed out on key developmental time during OTAs and training camp with a seasoned vet in the room. It’s one thing to have a mentor on the roster; it’s another to have one in the building from day one, helping shape your approach, your preparation, your understanding of the game.
Instead, Minnesota entered the 2025 offseason with a quarterback room that lacked meaningful NFL success. McCarthy and fellow rookie Max Brosmer had never started a game.
Sam Howell and Brett Rypien had a combined 7-15 record as starters before 2025. That’s not exactly a support system built for nurturing a young franchise quarterback.
So where do the Vikings go from here?
If they’re serious about giving McCarthy the best chance to grow in Year 2, they need to surround him with the right kind of experience. That means bringing in a veteran quarterback-not just a body, but someone who’s been there, won games, and understands the grind of a full NFL season.
Not in August. Not in Week 1.
But now-before OTAs, before camp, when habits are formed and confidence is built.
McCarthy still has the tools. The arm talent, the athleticism, the leadership potential-it’s all there.
But even the most gifted young quarterbacks need guidance. And if Minnesota wants to turn potential into production, they’d be wise to learn from last year’s missteps and make sure McCarthy isn’t navigating the 2026 season alone.