Chances are, the Minnesota Vikings will be remaking their quarterback room this offseason after firing Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and promoting Rob Brzezinski to general manager. Making changes doesn’t guarantee that J.J. McCarthy won’t be returning to the roster, possibly even as the starting QB.
Teams don’t typically move on from quarterbacks they’ve selected 10th overall, especially just two seasons after the draft occurred. But that doesn’t mean the 23-year-old wouldn’t benefit from some strong competition.
Some quarterbacks who have already been linked to the Vikings include a pair of Pro Bowlers in Kirk Cousins and Derek Carr. But retired former Vikings defensive tackle John Randle doesn’t think either quarterback is worth the chase. The Hall of Famer told SKOR North that he believes his former team can do better.
“I’m not a big fan of Derek Carr. I’m sorry. He retired. The talk about Kirk Cousins coming back. We’ve been down that road. No. We want to move on from you. You’re trying to say the right things, but not bringing in the right people. You have one playoff game; I want more. If it’s finding a quarterback, maybe he’s not that great of a quarterback, but a guy who can manage on the offense. We want somebody who can do that.”
John Randle
If Carr and/or Cousins aren’t the answer, then who is? Could the Vikings get lucky by getting another former Pro Bowl QB like Tua Tagovailoa or Kyler Murray for a bargain rate? Kevin O’Connell, Justin Jefferson, and Jordan Addison can certainly help during the recruitment process, but the Vikings will certainly have to clear some cap room first.
Otherwise, the Vikings have to hope McCarthy makes major strides in his development this offseason. If so, the offseason conversation could be moot, but with Carson Wentz set for free agency, the Vikings undoubtedly have to add another competitor in the QB room. For now, it’s just McCarthy and 2025 undrafted rookie Max Brosmer set to return in 2026. That’s not enough.
Related: Derek Carr Responds to Minnesota Vikings Trade Rumors
