J.J. McCarthy’s Struggles Spark Quarterback Crisis in Minnesota
J.J. McCarthy’s rocky start to his NFL career has plunged the Minnesota Vikings into a quarterback quandary. With just six games under his belt, McCarthy’s lackluster performance has raised alarms, prompting speculation that the Vikings may shift their focus in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft towards finding another signal-caller.
High Hopes Turned Sour
The Vikings believed they had secured their franchise quarterback when they traded up to select McCarthy with the 10th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. However, his initial results have been alarming enough to draw comparisons to the Arizona Cardinals’ situation with Josh Rosen in 2018. That year, Rosen struggled mightily, going 3-10 as a starter, completing only 55.2% of his passes for 2,278 yards, with 11 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. His passer rating of 66.7 and QBR of 24.1 were glaring indicators that a change was necessary, leading Arizona to select Kyler Murray first overall the following year.
McCarthy’s early record mirrors Rosen’s in troubling ways. Currently, he sits at 2-4 as a starter, having completed just 54.1% of his passes for 929 yards, six touchdowns, and ten interceptions. His performance has resulted in a passer rating of 57.9 and a QBR of 24.8, with 21 sacks complicating matters. Notably, while Rosen was intercepted 14 times over 14 games, McCarthy’s rate is particularly concerning given that he’s only played half that many.
Comparative Stats: A Troubling Trend
Player | Games | Comp% | Yards | TD | INT | Sacks | Rate | QBR
| — | — | — | — | — | — | — | —
Rosen | 14 | 55.2 | 2,278 | 11 | 14 | 45 | 66.7 | 24.1
McCarthy | 6 | 54.1 | 929 | 6 | 10 | 21 | 57.9 | 24.8
Both players entered the league at a young age, with Rosen starting at 21 and McCarthy at 22. However, McCarthy missed his entire rookie season due to a torn meniscus. In college, McCarthy’s experience at Michigan featured 713 attempts over 40 games, while Rosen played 30 games at UCLA, attempting 1,170 passes.
Compounding McCarthy’s struggles is the fact that he inherited a team that had just posted a 14-win season. The Vikings have invested in a solid offensive line and surrounded him with dynamic playmakers such as Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, T.J. Hockenson, and Aaron Jones. In contrast, Rosen’s rookie year was spent with an aging Larry Fitzgerald and a recovering David Johnson, who was still regaining form post-ACL tear.
A Bleak Outlook for the Vikings
Currently, the Vikings sit at 4-7, facing the grim prospect of double-digit losses this season. With upcoming games against formidable opponents—including Seattle (8-3), Dallas (5-5-1), and the Detroit Lions (7-4)—their path to victory appears fraught with challenges. Even the struggling New York Giants (2-10) could pose a threat at home.
If Minnesota finishes the season with a record of 4-13, 5-12, or even 6-11, a top 10 or top 15 pick in the 2026 draft seems likely. The pressing question will be whether they can secure a quarterback before other teams in need—such as the Jets, Raiders, and Saints—make their move.
2026 Draft Landscape: Potential Quarterback Prospects
As teams eye their future quarterbacks, several college players are generating first-round buzz. Quarterbacks like Fernando Mendoza (Indiana), Dante Moore (Oregon), Ty Simpson (Alabama), and LaNorris Sellers (South Carolina) are among those attracting attention. Others, including Garrett Nussmeier (LSU), Arch Manning (Texas), and Sawyer Robertson (Baylor), could rise in stock as the draft approaches.
Should the Vikings find themselves unable to land a promising rookie quarterback, the trade market may beckon. Arizona’s Kyler Murray could be an intriguing option, although his hefty contract—projected cap hits of $53.2 million, $43.5 million, and $46.3 million over the next three seasons—would require significant financial maneuvering and draft compensation.
Additionally, there are whispers surrounding Mac Jones, who showed promise with the 49ers before Brock Purdy’s return from injury. Reports suggest the Vikings may explore options to trade for Jones during the 2026 offseason.
The Road Ahead for McCarthy
While the current outlook appears bleak, the situation may pivot if McCarthy can reverse his fortunes in the remaining games of the season. The stakes are high, and the next few weeks could determine not just his future but the trajectory of the Vikings’ franchise for years to come.
