Everything changed when Sam Darnold signed a three-year, $100.5 million contract with the Seattle Seahawks back in March of 2025. Suddenly, the "safety net" was gone. Minnesota was left with the keys to the kingdom and a very young, very talented, but very injured J.J. McCarthy.
If you’re a Vikings fan, the 2025 season felt like a fever dream. We saw McCarthy flash elite potential, then vanish to the trainer's room. We saw Carson Wentz—yes, that Carson Wentz—slinging it in purple for five starts. We even saw an undrafted rookie named Max Brosmer lead a game-winning drive against the Lions on Christmas Day.
But as we look toward the 2026 horizon, the Vikings quarterback plans 2025 recap reveals a front office that is no longer content with just "hoping" their blue-chip prospect stays healthy. Head coach Kevin O’Connell basically said as much in his season-ending presser this January. He wants competition. Real competition.
The J.J. McCarthy Rollercoaster: 10 Starts and a Lot of Ice Packs
Let’s be real about J.J. McCarthy’s 2025 campaign. It was promising and terrifying all at once. He finished the year with a 57.6% completion rate, 11 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. On paper? That’s mediocre. Honestly, it's a bit worse than mediocre when you consider the weapons he has in Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison.
However, the context matters.
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McCarthy was an absolute warrior. He became the first starting QB since Steve Young in 1985 to overcome a 10-point fourth-quarter deficit in his NFL debut. He had three games with multiple passing touchdowns and a rushing score—a feat no other player in NFL history has achieved in their first eight games. But the injuries were relentless:
- High Ankle Sprain (Week 2): Sidelined him until Week 9.
- Concussion: Cost him more time in the middle of the season.
- Hand Fracture: A hairline fracture suffered against the Giants that forced him out of the late-season push.
Because McCarthy has only started 10 out of a possible 34 games over his first two professional seasons, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and O’Connell are in a tough spot. You can’t build a 2026 Super Bowl contender on a "maybe."
The "Darnold Effect" and the Search for a New Veteran
The Vikings learned a hard lesson in 2025: a backup isn't just a guy who holds a clipboard; he’s a guy who has to win you four games. Carson Wentz did his best, going 2-3 in his starts, but the drop-off from what O’Connell wants to execute was noticeable.
So, what is the move now?
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Rumors are already flying about the 2026 offseason. Some folks are dreaming of a blockbuster trade for a guy like Joe Burrow or Lamar Jackson, but let’s be sensible. The draft capital required for that would basically gut the roster. The more likely path is finding the "2026 version of Sam Darnold"—a veteran with a high ceiling who needs a fresh start in a quarterback-friendly system.
Names like Daniel Jones are already surfacing. Jones spent time on the Vikings' practice squad at the end of 2024 before a wild stint with the Colts. While he’s coming off a ruptured Achilles, he’s the exact kind of "low-risk, high-reward" veteran the Vikings like. Other names floating around the purple rumor mill include Mac Jones or even a trade for someone like Kyler Murray if the Cardinals decide to blow things up.
Why Competition is the Only Way Forward
Kevin O'Connell was surprisingly blunt during his January 13th press conference. He stated that a "deep and talented quarterback room" is the only way to ensure the offense thrives.
He’s not giving up on McCarthy. Not by a long shot. But the Vikings are shifting from "Protect J.J." mode to "Push J.J." mode. By bringing in a legitimate starter-level veteran, they do two things:
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- Insurance: If McCarthy’s ankle or hand acts up again, the season isn't over.
- Development: McCarthy thrived at Michigan when he had to earn his spot. The Vikings think that fire will help him fix the "valleys" he hit in November.
Interestingly, McCarthy's late-season surge—specifically that 31-0 shellacking of the Commanders where he posted a 129.2 passer rating—shows he has the "it" factor. He and Justin Jefferson are already planning to spend the 2026 offseason working together to fix the timing issues that led to those 12 interceptions.
Moving Toward a Stable 2026
The Vikings finished 9-8 in 2025. It was a "what if" season. What if McCarthy hadn't stepped on that defender's foot in Week 2? What if the defense hadn't had to carry the load for the entire month of October?
Going into the next cycle, the plan is clear. They will likely:
- Sign a high-end veteran backup: Someone who can legitimately challenge McCarthy in training camp.
- Prioritize McCarthy's mechanics: Specifically his footwork under pressure to avoid those lingering lower-body tweaks.
- Keep the "TCO Performance Center" revolving door moving: Don't be surprised if they carry three active QBs again, including a developmental project like Max Brosmer.
The Vikings quarterback plans 2025 era was defined by transition and toughness. Now, the 2026 era needs to be defined by availability.
To stay ahead of the curve this offseason, keep a close eye on the salary cap moves in March. If the Vikings clear space by restructuring veteran contracts, it’s a massive signal that they’re going big on a QB2 who can play like a QB1. You should also watch the recovery reports on McCarthy’s hand; if he isn't throwing at 100% by the start of OTAs, the urgency to sign a big-name veteran will skyrocket. The goal is no longer just finding a franchise guy—it's making sure the franchise doesn't crumble when he's on the sideline.