The Minnesota Vikings are heading into the 2026 season with a quarterback room that’s more question mark than exclamation point - and that’s by design. J.J.
McCarthy is the guy they’re looking to build around, but the key word there is “looking.” Because while the upside is real, the sample size is still painfully small, and the Vikings know they can’t afford another collapse like the one they just endured.
McCarthy is the centerpiece of Minnesota’s QB plan - for now. But the front office also understands the importance of having a more reliable safety net behind him.
This isn’t just about adding a veteran backup to hold a clipboard. It’s about preparing for every scenario, including the very real possibility that McCarthy might not be ready to take the reins for a full season.
That’s the balancing act the Vikings are facing: develop the young talent, but don’t let the season go off the rails if growing pains turn into full-blown struggles.
Pro Football Focus recently labeled the Vikings’ quarterback situation as “Young QB Under Evaluation,” which is about as accurate as it gets. McCarthy, who has just 310 career dropbacks under his belt, is still very much in the early stages of his NFL development.
He was one of the most polarizing young quarterbacks in 2025 - not always for the right reasons - but there were flashes that turned heads. Only Matthew Stafford posted a higher big-time throw rate last season, which is no small feat.
That stat alone hints at the kind of arm talent McCarthy brings to the table.
But for every highlight-reel throw, there were also moments that reminded you just how raw he still is. Some early comparisons are drawing lines to a Jameis Winston-type profile: big arm, big plays, and the potential for big mistakes.
That’s not a death sentence for a young quarterback, but it does mean the Vikings need to be calculated in how they manage his development. Right now, McCarthy is essentially entering his second year as a rookie - still learning, still adjusting, still proving he can be the long-term answer.
And that’s where the backup plan becomes crucial. If things start to slide early in the season, the Vikings need to be in a position to pivot.
The schedule hasn’t been finalized yet, but if the Bye Week lines up just right and they’ve got a veteran in the wings, a midseason change wouldn’t be out of the question. It’s not about giving up on McCarthy - it’s about protecting the locker room, the season, and the long-term vision of the franchise.
The reality is this: Minnesota is walking a tightrope. They want to believe in McCarthy, and they should.
There’s enough raw talent there to justify the investment. But belief alone won’t win games.
The Vikings need to see growth - not just flashes, but consistency. And until that happens, they’ll have to keep one eye on the future and the other on the sideline, ready to make a move if the moment calls for it.
This is a pivotal season for the Vikings - not just for McCarthy, but for the entire direction of the franchise. Are they truly all-in on the young quarterback?
Or are they still searching for the guy who can lead them back to relevance? Either way, we’re about to find out.