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Minnesota Vikings set stage for 2026 QB battle as confidence in J.J. McCarthy wavers
The Minnesota Vikings (4-8) are a team in flux. Undoubtedly talented, but held back by the most crucial position in football - the quarterback. Today's reports suggest they're making contingency plans to avoid a similar situation next year.
After handing 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy the keys to the offense and watching him come up short with six touchdowns to 10 interceptions this season,
From
@NFLGameDay Morning: The #Commanders get QB Jayden Daniels back today after dislocating his elbow, while #Vikings QB JJ McCarthy returns with a focus on decision-making. pic.twitter.com/rxzV5wnc2n— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 7, 2025 ">NFL insider Ian Rapoport reports that the Vikings may go after a veteran quarterback to add competition in 2026.Minnesota may want somebody who can run the offense cleanly if things go sideways, and someone who’ll force McCarthy to earn the job rather than inherit it. Someone, ostensibly, like Carson Wentz, the 32-year-old who started five games in McCarthy's stead this year.
They drafted McCarthy to be the guy, and they still hope he can be. But the tone seems to be changing, and the leash may be shorter.
The starting job in 2026 may be one that has seemingly moved from “assumed” to “up for grabs.” For McCarthy, it’s a wake-up call. For the team, it’s a hedge.
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