The Minnesota Vikings have been forced to start three different quarterbacks this season. So far.
While they would have liked for J.J. McCarthy to make it through all 17 games, a long and grueling season didn’t make that possible. While Carson Wentz provided a steady hand for five starts, he’s now out with a season-ending shoulder injury, and he may not return to the team next season after his one-year contract expires this offseason.
Undrafted rookie Max Brosmer will be under contract in Minnesota again next year, just like McCarthy, but both players lack experience. That means the Vikings are a strong bet to bring in another QB, likely one with more experience than their youngsters.
Recently, ESPN’s Dan Graziano suggested that “it would make sense for” Daniel Jones to return to Minnesota once he becomes a free agent again this offseason.
“Another is that it would make sense for him to go back to Minnesota, where he finished last season as Sam Darnold’s backup, and rehab there with a staff that knows him and wanted to retain him but couldn’t guarantee him the starting job this past offseason. Either way, the idea of a lucrative, long-term contract extension in Indianapolis (or somewhere else) probably slides to the back burner in light of Jones’ most recent season-ending injury.”
ESPN on Daniel Jones
Jones had been enjoying the best season of his young career prior to his Achilles tear. Set to turn 29 before the 2026 season kicks off, Jones could be a viable franchise solution, either with Indianapolis, Minnesota, or any other team in hunt of an upgrade.
The only catch is that Jones likely won’t be available to play for the bulk of the 2026 season, if at all. Still, if teams don’t mind waiting for him to recover and help him get back to top form, Jones could fill his team’s starting role for years to come.
Still, the question is, how much money will teams be willing to commit to the former No. 6 overall pick after 13 games of Pro Bowl-caliber performance as he works to overcome his Achilles injury? We’re only a few months away from finding out, when NFL free agency kicks off in March.
Related: 2025 NFL QB Rankings: Where’s J.J. McCarthy?
