Vikings Face Quarterback Crossroads Heading Into 2026 Offseason
As the Minnesota Vikings approach a pivotal offseason, one question looms large: who will be under center when the 2026 season kicks off? The answer isn’t clear yet, but what is clear is that J.J. McCarthy hasn’t locked it down.
The rookie quarterback has had his moments in 2025-flashes of the talent that made him a first-round pick-but those moments have been few and far between. More often than not, McCarthy has looked like a young quarterback still trying to figure it out at the NFL level. And while that’s not unexpected, it does leave Minnesota in a tricky spot.
Unless McCarthy makes a major leap in the final stretch of the season, the Vikings will need to bring in a veteran to push him-or possibly even beat him out-for the starting job next year. But don’t expect a headline-grabbing name to walk through the door. With the team projected to be $35 million over the salary cap in 2026, Minnesota is going to have to shop smart.
That’s why names like Tanner McKee (Eagles), Spencer Rattler (Saints), and Mac Jones (49ers) are being floated as realistic targets. These aren’t splashy acquisitions, but they’re affordable and available, which might be exactly what the Vikings need.
Let’s break down those options.
Mac Jones: The Most Proven of the Bunch
If Minnesota is looking for someone with real NFL starting experience and a recent track record of success, Mac Jones stands out.
After a rocky start to his career in New England, Jones has revived his stock in San Francisco. Stepping in for an injured Brock Purdy this season, Jones has looked sharp-completing 66.5% of his passes for 1,859 yards, 13 touchdowns, and just six interceptions over eight starts. He’s shown poise, command of the offense, and the ability to keep the 49ers’ high-powered machine running.
At a cap hit of just $2.2 million in 2026, Jones is a budget-friendly option. That said, his resurgence means the 49ers could command a decent return-possibly a Day 2 draft pick.
San Francisco will have to weigh the value of keeping a reliable backup behind Purdy versus giving Jones a chance to start elsewhere. If they decide to move him, Minnesota could be a logical destination.
Tanner McKee: Intriguing Upside, Limited Sample Size
McKee is the wild card. He’s only started one NFL game, but it was a good one.
In a Week 18 start last season, McKee completed 27-of-41 passes for 269 yards and two touchdowns without a turnover. That’s not enough to declare him a future starter, but it’s enough to pique interest-especially for a team like the Vikings that needs a low-cost option with upside.
The big question is whether McKee can replicate that performance over a larger sample. He’s still unproven, but in a cap-tight offseason, he might be worth a flyer.
Spencer Rattler: A Known Quantity, But Not in a Good Way
Then there’s Rattler. The former college star has had a rough go in the NFL, and after 14 starts, the jury isn’t just out-it’s already delivered a verdict. Rattler hasn’t shown enough to inspire confidence as a long-term starter, and while he might still have value as a backup or camp competition, he’s likely not the answer Minnesota is looking for.
The Bottom Line for Minnesota
The Vikings have built a roster with solid depth on both sides of the ball, but the quarterback position remains the glaring question mark. And with the salary cap situation tightening, they’ll need to find value-not just talent.
If McCarthy doesn’t take a significant step forward, Minnesota will need someone who can push him without pushing the team further into financial trouble. Mac Jones offers the best blend of experience, performance, and cost.
McKee brings potential, if not certainty. Rattler, at this point, feels like a fallback option.
No matter which direction they go, the Vikings can’t afford to stand pat. The quarterback room needs competition, and the front office needs to find it without breaking the bank.