The Minnesota Vikings head into the 2026 offseason with one of the NFL’s most pressing questions under center. After a rocky campaign that saw them fall short of the playoffs, the team is facing a critical decision: stick with J.J. McCarthy and hope he develops into the quarterback they envisioned, or bring in a veteran to compete - or even take over - at the position.
McCarthy, the former Michigan standout, had his first full season as a starter in 2025. And while there were flashes of promise, the overall result was underwhelming.
The Vikings’ playoff hopes faded down the stretch, and McCarthy’s inconsistency played a significant role in that collapse. Now, as the front office evaluates the roster, the quarterback position looms large - and nothing appears to be off the table.
According to ESPN’s Kevin Seifert, the team’s stance on McCarthy is wide open, with “all bets off” regarding his future as the starter.
That brings us to a potential trade scenario that’s started to gain traction. ESPN’s Bill Barnwell floated an intriguing deal: Minnesota acquiring Mac Jones from the San Francisco 49ers. On the surface, it’s a logical move for a team in quarterback limbo - a chance to add a proven NFL starter who’s still just 27 years old.
Let’s break down the proposed trade. The Vikings would send a second-round pick to the 49ers in exchange for a future third-rounder, with several conditional picks attached.
The conditions are tied to Jones’ playing time and long-term status in Minnesota. If he starts at least four games in 2026, the Vikings would owe a fifth-rounder.
If he starts 12 games, that jumps to a third-rounder. And if Jones re-signs after the season and starts at least one game in 2027, San Francisco would receive another third-round pick.
It’s a deal structured with flexibility - and protection - for both sides. If Jones ends up as nothing more than a backup to McCarthy, the cost is minimal.
But if he wins the starting job and becomes the answer in Minnesota, the 49ers would be compensated accordingly. From the Vikings’ perspective, it’s a calculated risk with a clear upside.
And here’s the thing: Mac Jones may be worth that bet.
After a turbulent stint in New England, Jones got a fresh start in San Francisco in 2025 and quietly put together a strong showing. Filling in for an injured Brock Purdy, he completed nearly 70% of his passes for over 2,100 yards, tossing 13 touchdowns against just six interceptions. He led the 49ers to a 5-3 record as a starter - a stretch that helped stabilize the team during a critical point in the season.
That resurgence has made Jones a viable trade chip. He’s no longer just a reclamation project - he’s a quarterback who’s proven he can win games, manage an offense, and play clean football. And at 27, he still has time to grow into a long-term solution.
For the Vikings, that’s exactly the kind of player they need. Whether Jones is brought in to compete with McCarthy or to take the reins outright, he brings experience, poise, and a higher floor than what we saw from the young signal-caller last season. He wouldn’t just push McCarthy in training camp - he could very well pass him on the depth chart.
Of course, the biggest question is whether the 49ers are actually willing to move him. Head coach Kyle Shanahan has publicly stated that he expects Jones to be part of the team in 2026. And by all accounts, that’s not just coach-speak - San Francisco values what Jones brings as a backup and potential insurance policy behind Purdy.
But in the NFL, everything has a price. And if Minnesota puts the right offer on the table - like the one Barnwell outlines - it’s hard to imagine the 49ers turning it down.
This is a pivotal offseason for the Vikings. They’ve got talent on both sides of the ball, a coaching staff that’s shown it can scheme with the best of them, and a fan base hungry for a return to playoff football.
But none of it matters without stability at quarterback. Whether that answer is McCarthy, Jones, or someone else entirely, Minnesota can’t afford to get it wrong again in 2026.