J.J.

McCarthy

The depths of the McCarthy struggles last year were obvious, but the fact that the Vikings didn’t even trust him to do some fairly remedial work adds another layer to just how fractured this offense was. It’s almost impossible to imagine McCarthy winning a starting job against whoever the Vikings bring in this offseason. In fact, with Kwesi Adofo-Mensah fired, it’s probably not far-fetched to suggest that McCarthy could be available in a trade if another team still believes in him. If he stays in Minnesota, McCarthy is an easy fantasy football fade in 2026.

“If anything, [firing Adofo-Mensah] increase the chances that the Vikings will take a big swing at finding a veteran quarterback who could start in 2026,” Seifert writes. With the GM who believed in him gone, it’s likely that McCarthy will enter training camp in a competition for his job in the best-case scenario. His dynasty stock has gone full Anthony Richardson over the last year and he should not be treated as a sure-fire starter in best ball drafts this offseason.

Russini threw cold water on Vikings’ fans wildest dreams, reporting that the Bengals have no intention of trading Joe Burrow. Still, she believes the organization will bring in a veteran quarterback this offseason. That shouldn’t come as earth-shattering news given J.J. McCarthy’s struggles last season. Teammates Justin Jefferson and Aaron Jones went on a media blitz during Super Bowl week that included both of them essentially saying the team should’ve kept Sam Darnold. The Vikings can’t go back in time, but they can be proactive about next season. Kirk Cousins, Aaron Rodgers and Mac Jones come to mind as veteran options that could be available this offseason.

J.J. McCarthy “is going to be a major emphasis” per O’Connell, but the coach said “the competition in that room will only enhance the entire team.” It sure sounds like the Vikings are going to give McCarthy a bar he’ll have to clear in 2026 to start, whether that’s something like Mac Jones, another rookie, or perhaps a different bridge quarterback. McCarthy’s dynasty value and 2026 redraft value will take a major hit until and unless he manages to beat his competition out, leaving him a best ball flier at best.

McCarthy appeared to be in severe pain after his first pass attempt of the second half, shaking his injured right hand and getting it checked out by the Vikings’ training staff. McCarthy appears to be done for the day after throwing for 182 scoreless yards against Green Bay’s backup defenders. Max Brosmer took over for McCarthy. McCarthy’s first full NFL season went about as badly as anyone could have predicted. He was woefully unprepared to take over as the Vikings’ starter after missing his rookie season with a knee injury, making baffling decisions and throwing inaccurately throughout his 11 games as the team’s starter. McCarthy was soft-benched in September for veteran journeyman Carson Wentz and missed Week 17 with the hand injury that flared up in Week 18 against the Packers. McCarthy will finish 11 touchdowns to 12 interceptions, completing 57 percent of his passes. The Vikings will have no choice but to bring in a veteran to compete for starting duties in 2026.

McCarthy has been practicing in full since Thursday, so he should be full-strength for this one. The rookie quarterback is probably only a QB2 in superflex leagues even with the Packers resting starters and down Micah Parsons. Still, there’s a chance he can close out the year on a high note and give Vikings brass something to think about as they try to figure out how — if at all — to address the position in the offseason.

McCarthy’s rehab continues to progress. He is on track to start one final time this season. McCarthy’s accuracy and decision-making have left something to be desired this season, but he can sometimes scramble his way to fantasy success, keeping him on the QB1/2 borderline.

On Monday, O’Connell told reporters that McCarthy, rehabbing a fracture in his throwing hand, is “progressing” and has a chance to play in Week 18. O’Connell provided an update today, saying McCarthy “had a positive day yesterday, going through [a] workout with trainers.” These are steps in the right direction for the young, developing quarterback. Stay tuned.

The Vikings will see how McCarthy’s grip strength is at the end of the week. It still feels like it’s more likely that McCarthy sits if they’re only really going to check him at week’s end, but the door is at least cracked a little for a Week 18 return against Green Bay. If McCarthy sits again, Max Brosmer will likely get to close out the season with his unique sack-taking stylings. O’Connell did notably say that he wants all quarterbacks (including John Wolford and Brett Rypien) to be “ready to play.”

McCarthy was sidelined for Week 17’s game against the Lions due to a hairline fracture in his throwing hand. The Vikings don’t have anything to play for in the season finale, so there will be little reason to force McCarthy back onto the field if he’s not at or close to 100 percent. The Vikings will evaluate him in the weeks leading up to next week’s game, but it wouldn’t be surprising if we saw Max Brosmer under center to close out a disappointing 2025 campaign for the Vikes.