**Could Tua Tagovailoa Be a Fit in Minnesota? Jared Allen Thinks So, But What About J.J.
McCarthy? **
J.J. McCarthy’s first season on the field for the Minnesota Vikings was, in a word, uneven.
The former No. 10 overall pick finally got his shot in 2025 after missing his entire rookie campaign with a torn meniscus. But when he did take the reins, the results were mixed: 1,632 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, 12 interceptions, and four rushing scores across 10 starts.
The Vikings went 6-4 in those games, but the numbers paint a picture of a young quarterback still finding his footing.
Now, a familiar face in Minnesota is stirring the pot with a bold suggestion. Jared Allen, the Hall of Fame defensive end who spent six seasons terrorizing quarterbacks in purple and gold, floated the idea of bringing in Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa to compete with McCarthy.
“I’ll be honest. I think people might hate me for it, but I think Tua is actually an interesting option,” Allen said on the Up & Adams show.
“The dude won a championship in college, right? He shows signs.
And if you put Kevin [O’Connell] with that offense, you get a good offensive line - it can work.”
It’s a headline-grabbing idea, and one that comes at a fascinating time for both quarterbacks.
McCarthy's Rocky Road
Let’s not forget what McCarthy has been through. After being drafted in 2024, he didn’t take a single snap as a rookie due to that preseason knee injury.
Then in 2025, just as he was beginning to settle in, injuries struck again. A high-ankle sprain sidelined him from Weeks 3 through 8.
He later missed another game with a concussion, and then the Week 17 Christmas matchup due to a fractured hand.
That’s three separate injuries in one season - not exactly ideal for a young quarterback trying to establish rhythm and consistency. And while he flashed mobility and playmaking ability at times, the 12 interceptions are a red flag. There were moments when McCarthy looked like the guy the Vikings hoped he’d be, but just as many when he looked like a rookie still adjusting to NFL speed.
Tua's Uncertain Future
On the other end of the spectrum, Tua Tagovailoa is coming off a very different kind of season - one that started with a massive payday and ended with questions about his future. After signing a four-year, $212.4 million extension with Miami in the 2024 offseason, Tagovailoa was benched late in 2025. That move sparked a wave of speculation about whether the Dolphins might be ready to move on and explore trade options.
If that’s the case, the Vikings could be an intriguing landing spot. Tagovailoa brings experience, accuracy, and a quick release - traits that could mesh well with Kevin O’Connell’s offensive system. And while he’s had his own share of injury concerns over the years, he’s shown he can play at a high level when healthy.
What Would a QB Competition Mean in Minnesota?
Allen’s suggestion isn’t just about Tua - it’s about competition. And that might be exactly what McCarthy needs.
The Vikings invested a top-10 pick in him, but they haven’t seen enough to declare him the long-term answer. Bringing in a proven veteran like Tagovailoa could elevate the entire quarterback room and give Minnesota a clearer picture of where things stand.
It’s also worth noting that the Vikings have a talented offensive core. With the right quarterback under center and a healthy offensive line, this team has the pieces to compete in the NFC. The question is whether McCarthy can take that next step - or if the Vikings need to hedge their bets.
The Bottom Line
Jared Allen’s idea may ruffle some feathers, but it’s not without merit. McCarthy’s 2025 season showed promise in spurts, but it also left the door open for questions. If the Vikings want to push for contention sooner rather than later, exploring a quarterback competition - even one involving a high-priced veteran like Tua - could be a worthwhile move.
For now, McCarthy remains the guy in Minnesota. But as the offseason unfolds, don’t be surprised if the Vikings at least explore their options. Because in today’s NFL, quarterback depth isn’t just a luxury - it’s a necessity.