After a disappointing start to J.J. McCarthy‘s career, the Minnesota Vikings would be wise to add competition to the quarterback room for next season.
Many names have surfaced. The ideal candidate would be a quarterback who can push McCarthy in training camp and also be capable of realizing the Vikings’ offensive potential if needed.
The Vikings had that in Daniel Jones, who they signed last December before he opted to take his chances with the Indianapolis Colts in March free agency. Jones was well on his way to landing a multiyear deal in Indianapolis before a Week 14 Achilles tear put his job security in jeopardy.
ESPN’s Dan Graziano reported on December 10 that he’s heard a “few theories” about Jones’ future, including a reunion with the Vikings.
“Another [theory] is that it would make sense for him to go back to Minnesota, where he finished last season as Sam Darnold’s backup, and rehab there with a staff that knows him and wanted to retain him but couldn’t guarantee him the starting job this past offseason,” Graziano wrote.
Jones, 28, proved he could excel in a new situation after the New York Giants released him a year ago. In 13 games, Jones averaged 238 yards passing, threw 19 touchdowns to nine interceptions and tied for seventh with a 100.2 passer rating.
While Jones’ recovery will likely stretch into the 2026 regular season, he would be a viable midseason replacement if McCarthy struggles.
Vikings’ Kevin O’Connell Reveals Change That Helped JJ McCarthy’s Career-Best Performance in Week 14
Before the offseason quarterback drama unfolds, McCarthy has four more games to rewrite the narrative of his first season as a starter.
He took a strong step forward in Week 14, completing 16 of 23 pass attempts for 163 yards, three touchdowns and a career-high 129.2 passer rating in a 31-0 shutout of the Washington Commanders.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell spoke throughout the week about simplifying not only the offense, but also what he asks of McCarthy.
For weeks, there was nitpicking at McCarthy’s mechanics, throwing in rhythm and footwork.
But for Week 14, O’Connell had to undo many of the worries that built up in the young, cerebral quarterback.
“In certain times of the season, you would get a response of ‘I thought this player was gonna do that’ speaking about a defensive player.” O’Connell said on KFAN-FM 100.3 on December 9.
“Or, ‘Hey I played with Mike Sainristil at Michigan, he’s real instinctive, he might try to do this.’ Stop, just quiet your mind and let’s not overthink anything other than what is my job on the play, and making good decisions, putting the ball in play..every play there is a positive outcome and you hold the cards to go finding that positive outcome.”
JJ McCarthy Has Primetime Opportunity to Prove Himself Against Cowboys
In what is likely the final standalone primetime game of the Vikings’ season, McCarthy has an opportunity to reassert himself as a viable NFL starting quarterback this week.
The Dallas Cowboys rank 31st in points against and 29th in yards allowed. Meanwhile, Dak Prescott has his offense humming, ranked third in points for and first in total yards.
McCarthy will need to sustain and piece together scoring drives to keep pace with Prescott, but the Vikings defense will also be a much better backstop that could aid a Week 15 upset for McCarthy and Minnesota.
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