The question of who's the Minnesota Vikings quarterback used to have a very simple, one-word answer: Kirk. But those days are long gone. Right now, if you walk into U.S. Bank Stadium, the name on the back of the starting jersey is J.J. McCarthy.
He’s the guy. The future. The 2024 first-round pick that Kevin O’Connell bet his reputation on.
But honestly? Being "the guy" in Minnesota right now is a bit like holding a handful of sand. The harder you squeeze, the more it slips through your fingers. As we roll through January 2026, the situation under center for the Vikings is way more complicated than just a name on a depth chart.
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The Current State of J.J. McCarthy
J.J. McCarthy finished the 2025 season as the definitive starter, but it wasn't exactly a victory lap. He took over the reins after a 2024 season where Sam Darnold basically revived his career and then cashed out elsewhere (specifically with the Colts, where he was lighting it up before an Achilles injury).
McCarthy's 2025 campaign was a rollercoaster. One week he’s carving up the Cowboys for 250 yards and two scores; the next, he’s struggling to break 100 yards against the Giants. He finished the year ranked near the bottom of several efficiency metrics, specifically the PFSN NFL QB Impact Metric, where he landed at 37th. That’s... not great.
You’ve got a quarterback who is clearly talented but wildly inconsistent. He’s got the character. He’s got the arm. But the "incomplete information" the Vikings front office admitted to having when they drafted him is starting to show on the field.
The Depth Chart Behind the Starter
If McCarthy is the lightning rod, the guys behind him are the insurance policies that haven't quite paid out. For most of the 2025 season, the room looked like this:
- J.J. McCarthy: The Starter.
- Carson Wentz: The Veteran Backup (currently on IR with a shoulder injury).
- Max Brosmer: The Young Project.
- Brett Rypien / John Wolford: The journeymen fillers.
The problem? When McCarthy struggled or got banged up, there wasn't a "Sam Darnold moment" waiting to happen. Carson Wentz didn't push for the starting job; he mostly just held the clipboard until his shoulder gave out. This lack of internal pressure might have actually hurt McCarthy’s development. Without someone breathing down his neck, the urgency to fix those footwork issues or deep-ball overthrows just wasn't the same.
Why the Front Office is Getting Anxious
Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, the Vikings GM, recently made some pretty candid remarks that sent ripples through the Twin Cities. He basically admitted that the team might have mismanaged the quarterback transition. Specifically, they thought they had a better chance of keeping a veteran presence like Daniel Jones before he bolted for Indianapolis.
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It’s rare to hear a GM admit they drafted a player on "incomplete information," but that’s where we are. They like J.J. They believe in his "soul," as O'Connell likes to say. But "soul" doesn't win playoff games when you're throwing two picks in the first half against the Bears.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Vikings QB Situation
A lot of fans think the Vikings are "stuck" with McCarthy. That’s not how Kevin O'Connell operates. O'Connell is a quarterback whisperer, but even whispers have a volume limit.
The biggest misconception is that there is no "Plan B." In reality, the 2026 offseason is shaping up to be a massive "competition" year. O'Connell has already gone on record saying he wants a "competitive situation" in that room. That is coach-speak for: J.J., you better look like a franchise QB by August, or we’re bringing in someone who will take your job.
Looking Toward the 2026 Season
So, who's the Minnesota Vikings quarterback going to be when the next season kicks off?
If you're betting money, it’s still McCarthy. He’s too young and too expensive to give up on yet. But don't be surprised if the Vikings are aggressive in free agency or even use another high-value pick to bring in a legitimate "1B" option. They need someone who can mentor McCarthy but also win 10 games if he falters.
The defense, led by Brian Flores (assuming he doesn't get poached for a head coaching gig), is too good to waste on a bottom-tier passing attack. Justin Jefferson is in his prime. The window is open, but the quarterback position is currently a drafty window that needs some serious weather-stripping.
Actionable Insights for Vikings Fans
If you're tracking the QB situation, keep your eyes on these three things over the next few months:
- The Scouting Reports: Watch who the Vikings are meeting with at the Senior Bowl and Combine. If they're looking at top-tier talent, they're worried about J.J.
- Free Agency: Look for "reclamation projects" like O'Connell's previous successes. A veteran like Geno Smith or even a returning Sam Darnold (if the Colts move on) would signal a true open competition.
- Health Updates: McCarthy ended the season with some lingering hand issues. His ability to participate in early spring workouts will be the first indicator of his 2026 trajectory.
The Vikings are a team that is one consistent quarterback away from being a Super Bowl contender. Whether McCarthy can become that person or if he’s just a bridge to the next guy is the only question that matters in Minnesota right now.