Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy faces ongoing challenges. As the 10th overall pick in 2024, his rookie season was marred by a torn meniscus. Meanwhile, Sam Darnold led the team to a 14-3 regular-season record.
In 2025, McCarthy seemed poised for success in Minnesota. However, the team fell to a 9-8 record, missing the playoffs. A high ankle sprain limited his playing time and his performance was lackluster. The team won six of the ten games he started, but his touchdown to interception ratio was 11 to 12.
Ahead of the 2026 season, the Vikings signed Heisman Trophy winner and former first overall pick, Kyler Murray. Murray claimed the starting job, pushing McCarthy down the depth chart.
Alec Lewis of The Athletic
According to reporter Alec Lewis, McCarthy risks losing his backup spot to Carson Wentz, an experienced but inconsistent passer. “McCarthy took all of the No. 2 reps in last week’s joint practices,” wrote Lewis. “His performance varied, and another chaotic preseason could see Wentz as the preferred backup if Murray gets injured.”
Wentz, drafted second overall in 2016, has moved through various teams, including Indianapolis, Washington, Los Angeles, and Kansas City. If McCarthy fails to secure the backup position, he may need to seek playing time with another team.
Lewis observed that training camp indicates the Vikings might be shifting away from McCarthy. “Expect the Vikings to adopt more shotgun formations in 2026,” he noted. “Additionally, Minnesota plans to reshape the passing game based on Murray’s strengths.” These changes aim to improve the team, which hasn’t won a playoff game since 2019.
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