The buzz around the NFL is growing, and it's all about the potential return of veteran quarterback Derek Carr for the 2026 season. After stepping away from the game in 2025, Carr seems ready to reignite his passion for football, aiming to join a team with championship aspirations.
If Carr does make his comeback, one team stands out as the perfect fit: the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings are in dire need of stability at the quarterback position, especially after a rocky 2025 season.
JJ McCarthy's struggles with performance and injuries left the team searching for answers, while former Viking Sam Darnold led the Seattle Seahawks to a Super Bowl victory. This contrast in fortunes even led to the firing of GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah.
With the Vikings eager to find a veteran quarterback, Derek Carr could be the ideal candidate. He would step into a QB-friendly system with Justin Jefferson, arguably the league's top wide receiver, as his primary target.
The Vikings have shown they can be competitive, winning 14 games just two seasons ago. Despite their quarterback challenges in 2025, they still managed nine wins under the guidance of head coach Kevin O'Connell.
While Carr may not be a long-term solution, he could be the best option available for the Vikings in 2026. O'Connell's recent comments at the Scouting Combine hinted at the uncertainty surrounding McCarthy's future with the team.
“A lot of those feelings are still the same. It's just the timeline is in a different place for all of us than it was (in 2024),” O'Connell stated, reflecting the franchise's current predicament.
As the Vikings enter year three with McCarthy, the uncertainty remains. Unlike teams like the Bears, Commanders, Patriots, and Broncos, who have solidified their quarterback positions with deep playoff runs, the Vikings are still searching for answers. A short-term fix like Derek Carr could be precisely what they need to compete in the NFC in 2026.