The Minnesota Vikings find themselves at a pivotal crossroads with quarterback J.J. McCarthy - and the ripple effects of their next move could stretch far beyond the Twin Cities.
With the recent firing of general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, the man who drafted McCarthy 10th overall in 2024, the future of the young quarterback is suddenly murky. And for teams like the Browns, Cardinals, and Colts, that uncertainty could open the door to a potential opportunity.
Let’s start with the situation in Minnesota. McCarthy’s rookie year never got off the ground due to a knee injury that sidelined him for the entire season.
In 2025, he finally got on the field, starting 10 games and leading the team to a respectable 6-4 record. But the numbers behind that record paint a less encouraging picture: 10 touchdown passes against 11 interceptions, a ratio that simply doesn’t cut it in today’s NFL.
Add in a string of injuries - an ankle issue, a concussion, and a hairline fracture in his throwing hand - and it’s clear McCarthy hasn’t had the chance to build any real momentum.
Now, with Adofo-Mensah out and head coach Kevin O’Connell under increasing pressure after missing the playoffs for the second time in three years, the Vikings may be shifting priorities. According to reports, there’s a growing sense inside the organization that “all bets are off” when it comes to McCarthy’s role as the starter. That could mean Minnesota is ready to look for a veteran quarterback who can win now - someone who can stabilize the offense and help O’Connell keep his job.
That’s where things get interesting for other teams around the league.
If the Vikings decide to move on from McCarthy, he suddenly becomes a potential target for quarterback-needy teams - especially those looking for a low-risk, high-upside option. Despite his rocky start, McCarthy is still just two years removed from being a top-10 pick. He’s young, talented, and has flashed enough potential to warrant a second look in the right environment.
Take the Cleveland Browns. There's buzz that they could move on from Shedeur Sanders before he even takes a snap in 2026. McCarthy could be a more experienced alternative - someone who’s taken NFL snaps, dealt with adversity, and might benefit from a fresh start in a new system.
In Arizona, Kyler Murray’s future remains cloudy. The Cardinals are entering a new era under head coach Mike LaFleur, and McCarthy could serve as a bridge quarterback - a young, cost-controlled option who could hold down the job while the franchise figures out its long-term plan.
Then there’s Indianapolis. The Colts are expected to bring back Daniel Jones, but with Anthony Richardson’s injury concerns, adding McCarthy as a backup - or even a potential challenger - would be a smart depth move. GM Chris Ballard has never been shy about taking calculated risks, and this one could pay off if McCarthy finds his footing.
Bottom line: J.J. McCarthy’s situation in Minnesota is suddenly fluid, and that puts several teams on alert. Whether he stays and fights for his job or gets a fresh start elsewhere, his next chapter could be one of the more intriguing quarterback storylines to watch this offseason.