Sportsnaut
Five starts into J.J. McCarthy’s NFL career, the Minnesota Vikings understandably don’t know whether they have a franchise quarterback yet. Trying to determine how good a 22-year-old first-round pick will be at his peak is nearly impossible this early, but the initial results haven’t been overwhelmingly positive.
Plus, McCarthy not only missed his entire rookie season with a knee injury, he also missed five starts this season while dealing with an ankle injury. In other words, even when McCarthy enters the 2026 as the Vikings’ starter (and he will), there’s no guarantee he’ll end the season as QB1.
Thus, the Vikings must address their quarterback depth again this offseason. That was already a given, considering the only other healthy QB on the roster is undrafted rookie Max Brosmer. Carson Wentz was only signed to a one-year contract. Brosmer is under contract for two more seasons.
Chances are, the Vikings will either be signing, drafting, or trading for another quarterback. Though, since their QB room is so young, odds are they’ll hunt for a veteran, and Vikings trade rumors are already pointing to a one-time Pro Bowler.
According to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, “there’s already chatter in some circles that the Vikings will explore trading for Mac Jones.” Jones, who the San Francisco 49ers signed to a two-year contract last offseason.
However, the Vikings surely won’t be the only team interested in the former New England Patriots first-round pick who’s led the 49ers to a 5-3 record this season. Jones, despite previously being named as a Pro Bowl alternate, is playing the best football of his career, and he’s just 27 years old.
He’d certainly fit the Vikings’ profile too as a QB who’s now mastered coach Kyle Shanahan’s offense, which shares many of the same principles as Kevin O’Connell’s. Though, there’s no guarantee the 49ers, who also value good QB play, will be willing to part with their top backup.
Related: Minnesota Vikings Considering QB Change After Bad J.J. McCarthy Game?
More must-reads:
