J.J. McCarthy will enter the 2026 season in a far different position than many expected when the Minnesota Vikings selected him 10th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. The former Michigan star was once viewed as the organization’s quarterback of the future, but his path back to the field has become considerably more complicated.
McCarthy missed his entire rookie season after tearing his meniscus in the preseason and struggled to establish himself after taking over the starting job in 2025. Minnesota then signed Kyler Murray this offseason and named him the starter, leaving McCarthy to compete with veteran Carson Wentz for the backup role.
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McCarthy was dealt another blow on Wednesday when head coach Kevin O’Connell announced his decision at quarterback for Week 1.
Wentz will serve as Murray’s No. 2 quarterback Sunday against the Green Bay Packers, while McCarthy will be QB3, according to O’Connell. The decision confirms the veteran has moved ahead of the former first-round pick heading into the regular season.
McCarthy’s place on the roster was not always guaranteed this summer. Minnesota kept him through the final roster cuts on Aug. 30 despite speculation that the Vikings could release or trade him. McCarthy eventually made the 53-man roster, ending the immediate uncertainty surrounding his future with the organization.
General manager Nolan Teasley said last week that McCarthy remains part of Minnesota’s plans and that his role is to continue developing, improving, and supporting his teammates. The Vikings still view the 23-year-old as a player worth developing despite his fall down the quarterback order.
McCarthy’s next opportunity could depend on how quickly he can close the gap on Wentz and perhaps Murray. The veteran has significantly more NFL experience, while McCarthy has only 10 career starts and is still trying to regain the trajectory he had before his rookie injury.
The Vikings open the season Sunday against the Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium. Murray will get the start, Wentz will be the first quarterback off the bench, and McCarthy will have to wait for his next opportunity.
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