Vikings Weighing Multiple Paths at Quarterback
The Vikings finished 9-8, third in the NFC North, with quarterback play the biggest reason they didn’t make the playoffs. Yes, the offensive line was injured throughout the season, but 2nd-year QB J.J. McCarthy’s inconsistent playing time due to injuries and below-average results has kept the ongoing discussion among analysts and fans about whether the Vikings can go back to him again in 2026.
If you are going to change this quarterback room, is it for someone else to start for one year, change direction at quarterback completely, challenge J.J. in a competition, or push McCarthy, but end up as a solid backup who can mentor him for the future?
It remains unclear and recently Tom Pelissero said on the Vikings Entertainment Network, “You have to find that balance of someone who is really going to push him (J.J. McCarthy) and not expending a ton of resources to do it. One of those quarterbacks that has guaranteed money that the Vikings could pay the minimum, if and when he is released, and they (Vikings) would probably have dibs on those guys because everyone wants to play quarterback in Minnesota”.
So who are the options, and who is likely the best fit?
Potential Quarterback Options for the Vikings
Here’s a look at the major names and why or why not they are a fit with the Vikings:
Aaron Rodgers
Why: A future Hall of Famer, Rodgers would bring experience and improved efficiency to Minnesota. Helped push the Steelers to the playoffs in 2025 and would have better offensive weapons in Minnesota, where he wanted to originally play last season. He signed a one-year, $13.65 million contract with the Steelers last year, and coming to Minnesota at age 42 has to be in that ballpark or less in 2026 to be viable.
Why Not: He is 42 and considering retirement with short-term help but little long-term value for the team as a veteran stopgap that possibly isn’t interested in mentoring a young J.J. McCarthy. Would both he and the Vikings entertain it after Minnesota opted not to pursue him last year, despite his efforts to make it well known that his top choice was the Vikings?
Kirk Cousins
Why: Minnesota’s former franchise QB is likely to be cut by the Falcons, making him a possible cheap option with experience in this offense and chemistry with the players. His leadership and consistent play could stabilize the room, backed by a better defense than he had in Minnesota in previous seasons.
Why Not: The Vikings have previous experience with Kirk Cousins, and know what he is capable of, but he has only been able to muster a single playoff win with the Vikings in 6 years. Why will it be any better at age 38? Even with the situation in Atlanta, Michael Penix is on record saying Kirk has been helpful as a mentor. Would he do the same for McCarthy?
Kyler Murray
Why: Kyler Murray is a super athletic playmaker whose mobility has the potential to unlock the Vikings’ explosive weapons if he gets outside of the pocket. If released from the Arizona Cardinals, he is arguably the best younger option available.
Why Not: There is the argument made that he isn’t a good fit for the Kevin O’Connell system. He likes to run, and doesn’t like to stay in the pocket due to his size at 5’10″. Could KOC mold the offense to his set of skills? That was a problem in 2025.
Derek Carr
Why: Carr’s career has shown he has the ability to produce above-average results at quarterback. He is young enough, yet, if healthy, to provide multiple years of stability at the position if he succeeds.
Why Not: Coming out of a one-year retirement after a torn labrum that was also described as having a degenerative rotator cuff injury makes you wonder how healthy or ready he is at 34 for an NFL season. The New Orleans Saints own his rights, and it would likely require a mid- to late-round draft pick and a contract restructuring to acquire him.
Carson Wentz
Why: Wentz provided respectable play with 1,216 yards, 6 TDs, and 5 INTs in five starts before getting injured in 2025, showing better completion rates and efficiency than McCarthy. If healthy, he could return as an experienced backup.
Why Not: He has had an injury-prone career and doesn’t protect his body, adding a torn labrum and fractured shoulder to a long list of injuries in his career. The Vikings might need someone more reliable next to McCarthy.
Malik Willis
Why: Willis has shown glimpses of growth as a quarterback in recent play in Green Bay, suggesting he is ready for another shot as a starter in the NFL. He is athletic as a runner but can also stay in the pocket as a passer.
Why Not: A bidding war will ensue among teams like the Dolphins, Cardinals, and Jets, among others, in the rumored $30+ million-per-year range, which will be too rich for the Vikings. He is 2-1 in (3) starts for the Packers. Are his stats in those games enough to gamble on a long-term contract for this team?
Tua Tagovailoa
Why: Tua is an accurate pocket passer over his career who thrived with weapons in Miami like Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. If you could guarantee his health, he would be a possible bridge QB.
Why Not: Health is a major concern with concussions. Tua’s overall stats don’t “wow” anyone. Brian Flores’ presence on the coaching staff could also complicate that scenario. That scenario appears unlikely given current team dynamics and potential cost.
Anthony Richardson
Why: Richardson is an athletic freak at 6-4, 244 lbs. With his size and rushing ability, he is one of the most tantalizing athletes available, underscored by 10 rushing touchdowns in only 17 games played. KOC may want to try to rehab him as a QB project.
Why Not: Doesn’t help the team if he can’t stay healthy. Besides health, he has many of the same faults as J.J. McCarthy, highlighted by concerning accuracy as a passer, and he hasn’t been able to stay on the field. Trade compensation could also be steep for Richardson, their former 1st-round draft pick. Unless it is a mid- to late-round pick, that could be considered too expensive for Minnesota.
J.J. McCarthy
Why: McCarthy is a former 1st-round pick the Vikings also traded up for, who is still on his rookie contract. He showed a possible breakthrough in weeks 14-16 after a change in philosophy and play-calling from KOC. After an offseason of adjusting the playbook to J.J. McCarthy’s strengths, can he further develop and build on that progress in 2026?
J.J. McCarthy led the team in passing with 1,632 yards, 11 TDs, and 12 INTs in 10 games, showing flashes but also inconsistency and struggles with turnovers. After only 10 games, you don’t truly know if McCarthy is a bust or if he has a chance to become a good quarterback in this league.
Why Not: Can he stay healthy? He was injured in his rookie season, which cost him all of 2024, and had three separate injuries throughout 2025, and a re-injury in Week 18. If J.J. McCarthy can’t stay healthy, continue the positive development trajectory, and just be an accurate QB that moves the chains, this team needs to move on after 2026 if he is the starter or beat out in a competition in camp.
Other Notable Quarterback Options
Geno Smith, Jimmy Garoppolo, Marcus Mariota, Mitchell Trubisky, Zach Wilson
Final Thoughts
This will be a pivotal off-season for not only the Vikings but also Kevin O’Connell. His job is on the line more than ever, as he will face personnel decisions with questions at GM, and ultimately will own the direction of personnel and the results of this team on and off the field. We don’t know if any of these top-level experienced quarterbacks will even entertain any competition and may be a starting option only.
Ultimately, Minnesota’s QB choice will reflect how strongly KOC still believes in J.J. McCarthy, whom he inevitably had a strong voice in supporting before the Vikings’ non-committal stance to Sam Darnold, or if he is selecting a QB to replace McCarthy that may give breathing room for his job and to a possible pivot at quarterback in the long term.
