Summary
J.J. McCarthy will remain with the Minnesota Vikings for the 2026 NFL season, despite a mixed performance this year. The Vikings plan to explore other veteran quarterbacks, which may lead to competition for McCarthy's starting position. McCarthy played nine games this season, with the team ending outside of the playoff race.
Key Facts
- J.J. McCarthy was drafted in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft by the Minnesota Vikings.
- He played nine games as a starter this season, completing 57.3% of his passes for 1,450 yards, along with 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
- McCarthy also added 174 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns to his stats.
- The Vikings will keep McCarthy for the 2026 season but will look into veteran quarterbacks during the offseason.
- The Vikings missed the playoffs this year, with an 8–8 record, as they could not replicate their previous season's success.
- Sam Darnold led the Vikings last year while McCarthy was injured, before moving to the Seattle Seahawks.
- The Vikings previously finished 14–3 and were one of the top teams in the NFC during the 2024 season.
- The team has already been eliminated from the current season's playoff contention.
