As the Minnesota Vikings look to bounce back from a lackluster 2025 season, the possibility of bringing in veteran competition for quarterback J.J. McCarthy is gaining traction. With Kyler Murray and Geno Smith emerging as potential candidates, the Vikings are exploring options that could bolster their quarterback room amid some uncertainty.
NFL Network's Tom Pelissero recently shed light on this situation, suggesting that both Murray and Smith could be intriguing fits for Minnesota. Murray, who has demonstrated significant playmaking ability, would have the chance to learn from head coach Kevin O’Connell, adding a new dimension to his game. Meanwhile, Smith could provide solid competition, potentially pushing McCarthy to elevate his performance.
Pelissero also pointed out that a reunion with Kirk Cousins or a pursuit of Aaron Rodgers seems unlikely, as these moves might hinder McCarthy’s development path. The Vikings are clearly focused on nurturing their young quarterback while considering veteran presence to enhance the team's competitiveness.
The quarterback landscape in Minnesota has shifted dramatically over the past two years. After a stellar 14-3 run in 2024 under Sam Darnold, the Vikings chose to move forward with McCarthy, a decision that saw Darnold eventually leading the Seattle Seahawks to a Super Bowl victory. Unfortunately, the Vikings' fortunes took a downturn in 2025, finishing with a 9-8 record and missing the playoffs.
McCarthy, at 23, showed promise but also faced challenges, throwing for 1,632 yards with 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. His passer rating stood at 72.6, with a QBR of 35.6, while he also contributed 181 rushing yards and four touchdowns, albeit with three fumbles.
On the other hand, Murray, 28, had a shortened season with the Arizona Cardinals due to a foot injury. In his five appearances, he amassed 962 passing yards and maintained a solid 68.3% completion rate, alongside rushing contributions. Meanwhile, Smith, 35, had a more extensive season with the Las Vegas Raiders, throwing for over 3,000 yards and 19 touchdowns.
As the Vikings weigh their options, the decision to bring in a veteran quarterback remains a pivotal one. It’s clear that the organization is keen on fostering a competitive environment to ensure McCarthy's growth while keeping an eye on the team's immediate success. Whether Murray or Smith-or perhaps another veteran-joins the fold, the Vikings are setting the stage for an intriguing offseason.