As the Minnesota Vikings gear up for the 2026 NFL offseason, all eyes are on their quarterback situation, with J.J. McCarthy at the center of the conversation. After a rocky start to his career, the young quarterback is looking to bounce back from an injury-marred debut season as the team's starter.
McCarthy, who missed his entire rookie year due to a knee injury, was thrust into the spotlight in his second year. Unfortunately, his 2025 campaign was riddled with injuries and inconsistent performances on the field.
This has sparked rumors that the Vikings might bring in some quarterback competition during the offseason. While it's unclear if Minnesota is considering a long-term replacement, they're certainly open to the idea of having McCarthy share snaps next season.
Amid the swirling speculation, McCarthy's standout wide receiver, Justin Jefferson, has stepped up to defend his teammate. When asked to describe McCarthy, Jefferson's response was succinct yet telling: "Young Bull." These two words encapsulate Jefferson's unwavering belief in McCarthy's potential and his view that the quarterback is on an upward trajectory.
In the 2025 season, McCarthy appeared in only 10 games, completing 57.6% of his passes for 1,632 yards, along with 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He also contributed 181 rushing yards and four touchdowns on the ground. Meanwhile, Sam Darnold, the quarterback McCarthy replaced, led the Seattle Seahawks to a Super Bowl victory, adding another layer of pressure on the young Viking.
Jefferson's own performance took a hit due to the instability at quarterback. He managed 84 receptions for 1,048 yards and two touchdowns over a full 17-game season. These stats marked career lows for Jefferson, excluding his injury-shortened 2023 season.
As the offseason progresses, McCarthy will undoubtedly be under the microscope. The Vikings are expected to explore options for bolstering their quarterback depth.
Whether this means McCarthy will face direct competition for the starting role remains to be seen. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Minnesota navigates this pivotal offseason.