J.J. McCarthy’s job could be in jeopardy.
After an up-and-down first season as the Vikings’ starting quarterback, the franchise might be looking elsewhere for 2026.
The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reported Saturday that Minnesota brass is expected to have McCarthy on the roster next season, but isn’t promising he’ll be the QB1.
“The Vikings were looking for emphatic proof this season that he’s the long-term answer, and because of a series of injuries, they never got it,” Russini wrote, adding that “Minnesota plans to explore established options via trade or free agency to strengthen its quarterback room.”
Last month, NFL.com reported that the Vikings were open to bringing in a veteran to compete with McCarthy for the starting job next year.
Minnesota had previously been linked to 49ers backup Mac Jones and Colts starter Daniel Jones before he suffered a season-ending Achilles injury.
McCarthy, 22, hasn’t quite found his footing in Minnesota since being selected No. 10 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Before his rookie season, McCarthy underwent knee surgery to fix a torn meniscus, taking him out for the entire year.
This season, McCarthy has played in just nine games, missing time with a high ankle sprain and later a concussion.
Results haven’t quite been what the Vikings hoped for either.
McCarthy has thrown for 1,450 yards with more interceptions (12) than passing touchdowns (11), while completing just 57.3 percent of his passes.
The Vikings have gone 5-4 in his starts and McCarthy has just two games of at least 200 yards passing.
Despite so-so play from the quarterback position, Minnesota, sitting at 8-8, has a chance to finish the season above .500 in Week 18.
McCarthy will be under center when they try to do so Sunday as the Vikings host the Packers in their final game of the regular season.
