The Minnesota Vikings‘ embarrassing primetime loss to the Los Angeles Chargers has left many wondering what could have been with Sam Darnold, Daniel Jones, or even Aaron Rodgers.
Any quarterback would have reveled landing in Minnesota with Kevin O’Connell and Justin Jefferson at their disposal. However, the Vikings’ plans to forge ahead with J.J. McCarthy as their starter for the 2025 season ultimately warded off starting-caliber quarterbacks who wanted an opportunity to play.
While Darnold and Jones signed with new teams in March, the flirtation with Rodgers lasted weeks leading up to the NFL Draft. Instead, the Vikings opted for Carson Wentz, who replaced Sam Howell as the veteran backup in September after Howell did not prove capable in training camp.
Following a blowout 37-10 loss to the Chargers with Wentz under center, the Vikings (3-4) have a 5% chance of making the postseason, according to The Athletic. What transpired on Thursday night was a whooping that even Rodgers may not have overcome.
However, the Vikings would be in a much better position approaching the midpoint of the season.
Rodgers’ camp drove the conversation about his potential fit in Minnesota, but according to The Athletic’s Alec Lewis, “plenty of people” within the Vikings organization supported the idea that would allow “more developmental time” for McCarthy.
Instead, the Vikings are watching Darnold, Jones and Rodgers excel elsewhere, while they are on the outside looking in at the playoff chase the rest of the season.
Vikings QB JJ McCarthy Facing Immense Pressure
GettyMinnesota Vikings quarterback, JJ McCarthy, looking on during the second quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles on October 19, 2025.
The Vikings’ long-term plans with McCarthy were to insulate him with a ready-to-win roster that would not put all the pressure of winning on the quarterback position.
However, through seven weeks, the Vikings (3-4), who splurged in free agency, have not seen their investments pay off due to an abundance of injuries. The defense cannot stop the run, and the patchwork offensive line has failed to protect the quarterback.
McCarthy, who is anticipated to return in Week 9 against the Detroit Lions, will have the team’s hopes for this season resting on his shoulders.
Given the number of supporters of the Rodgers plan in the building, there’s also grounds for a potential rift in the organization if McCarthy cannot turn this season around.
The 22-year-old quarterback is a few months from being halfway through his rookie deal. Yet, the Vikings’ quarterback plan that was hatched three years ago with the hiring of Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and O’Connell has barely taken off.
Aaron Rodgers, Jordan Love Timeline May Have Been the Better Option for Vikings
McCarthy may make everyone forget about the quarterback crisis of this season, but realistically, there are going to be detractors who argue the Vikings should have signed one of the veterans and given McCarthy another year to develop.
Jordan Love is a prime example of a quarterback that an organization identified as raw but talented and could use several years to develop. Rodgers’ mentorship of Love has been rehashed glowingly approaching their reunion on Sunday.
Instead, the Vikings have 10 games to gain a better understanding of where McCarthy is in his development.
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