US EditionDo the Vikings Know if McCarthy Is Worth Committing to? His Bruising, Unsteady Debut Left a Mystery
The Vikings are exploring veteran quarterback options after J.J. McCarthy's inconsistent season and injuries limited him to 10 starts, leaving his long-term role uncertain.
- On Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy pulled himself from the season finale with right-hand discomfort after an 8-yard swing pass, and backup Max Brosmer replaced him as the Vikings won 16-3 over the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium.
- McCarthy's injury history, including a torn meniscus, high right ankle sprain, concussion, and a hairline fracture diagnosed recently after Week 16, limited him to 10 starts and reduced availability.
- He completed 14 of 23 passes for 182 yards in just over a half, showing both promise and flaws, mixing impressive throws with mistakes including a 15-yard taunting penalty while connecting often with Justin Jefferson.
- Minnesota plans to explore veteran quarterback options this winter and spring, Dianna Russini reported, while the Vikings will keep McCarthy under contract despite a $38.3 million salary-cap shortfall next year.
- That development leaves Minnesota unable to `pencil McCarthy in` as the 2026 starter and forces options, including declining his fifth-year option or drafting another quarterback in April.
49 Articles
49 Articles
Dane Mizutani: J.J. McCarthy isn’t the franchise quarterback the Vikings promised
Let’s hop in a time machine and take a trip back to August 2024. The future looked bright for the Minnesota Vikings, largely because of how rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy was progressing in training camp. Never mind that journeyman quarterback Sam Darnold had been penciled in to be the starter. The growth that McCarthy had put on display was enough to make some wonder whether he could overtake Darnold. The dazzling performance that McCarthy pu…
Justin Jefferson’s offseason plan with QB J.J. McCarthy? ‘Getting my young’un right.’
Justin Jefferson used the nickname endearingly but in a tone fitting of a soon-to-be seventh-year veteran who took on a new level of leadership during the 2025 season. “Young’un’” is what he called quarterback J.J. McCarthy after the Vikings’ season-ending…
Kevin O’Connell Refuses to Confirm JJ McCarthy as Vikings’ Starting QB in Strong ‘Offseason’ Message
J.J. McCarthy has followed a familiar pattern in the 2025 season: Injuries. The difference this time is in scale. He missed his entire rookie year due to a torn meniscus. And in 2025, he was sidelined for seven games with an ankle issue, a concussion, and a hand injury. And even when he was available, his play for the Minnesota Vikings was uneven. That context explains why, after the Vikings wrapped up the regular season, Kevin O’Connell was ask…
Pioneer Press
Shipley: J.J. McCarthy didn’t make a good case to be the Vikings’ starter
After 10 games, a 56.7 completion percentage and more interceptions (12) than touchdowns (11), J.J. McCarthy didn't make a case to be the Vikings' starting quarterback.
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