The journey of Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy continues to be challenging. As the 10th overall pick in 2024, his rookie season was disrupted by a torn meniscus. During this period, Sam Darnold revived his career and led the team to a 14-3 regular season record.
In 2025, hopes were high for McCarthy in Minnesota, but the team fell to a 9-8 record, missing the playoffs. A high ankle sprain further limited his time on the field, and his performance was not ideal. McCarthy started in ten games, securing six wins with a touchdown to interception ratio of 11 to 12.
Approaching the 2026 season, the Vikings acquired Kyler Murray, the Heisman Trophy winner and former first overall pick. Murray surpassed McCarthy, becoming the starting quarterback. Reports suggest McCarthy might even lose his backup role to Carson Wentz, a seasoned passer often seen as a bust.
Alec Lewis from The Athletic indicated McCarthy was struggling to maintain the No. 2 quarterback position during joint practices. “His performance was up and down,” Lewis noted. Another erratic preseason from McCarthy, contrasted with Wentz’s steady execution, might make Wentz the preferred backup if Murray faced injury.
McCarthy, unable to outpace Wentz for the backup position, might need to seek opportunities elsewhere for more playtime. Lewis observes, “training camp has offered some clues” on the Vikings potentially moving away from McCarthy.
As Lewis writes, “Expect the Vikings to play more from the shotgun in 2026.” The coaching staff plans to reorient the passing strategy to emphasize Murray’s strengths. These adjustments are crucial in the broader context for a franchise aiming to break the playoff victory drought since 2019.
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