After seeing J.J. McCarthy make it through just 10 games in the past two seasons, it’s clear Kevin O’Connell needs to find a solid backup plan. Possibly even one who can help push the 23-year-old to new heights.
Last year’s QB plan went south. Carson Wentz suffered a season-ending shoulder injury. Undrafted rookie Max Brosmer performed as one might expect from a first-year pro who was overlooked throughout the draft process.
This time around, the Vikings need to do better, in case McCarthy’s injury woes return. Or, if their 2024 first-round pick doesn’t take a significant step in his development as he heads to Year 3.
So, who could Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah target this offseason? Sports Illustrated‘s Albert Breer tossed out a few suggestions, and they’re all former Pro Bowl QBs.
“The Vikings will bring in competition for J.J. McCarthy, but may have to do it on a budget,” Breer wrote. “They’ve explored the reclamation project path that worked so well for them with Sam Darnold in 2024. Tua Tagovailoa and Kyler Murray could be ideas, just not on their current contracts. Jones—who, like Darnold, would be coming from San Francisco—would make a good amount of sense.”
Tagovailoa and Murray are believed to be available. But as Breer notes, moving their contracts won’t be easy. Tagovailoa has a guaranteed salary of $54 million next season. Murray has a cap hit of $53.6 million. Plus, it’s not like the Vikings are kicking off their offseason with a ton of cap space. They’re actually projected to be over the cap.
Thus, if Tagovailoa or Murray are willing to drastically adjust their contracts, they could certainly be in play for the Vikings. As for Jones, 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan indicated he’d be “very surprised” if the former first-round pick isn’t on San Francisco’s roster next season. However, he also said the 49ers will always consider trade offers.
Of the three, Jones would be the most cost-effective solution, as he has an incredibly low million cap hit of $3.9 million in 2026. Though he may also require the most trade capital to acquire, being that the 49ers aren’t eager to trade him.
Related: Could Minnesota Vikings Turn Back to Kirk Cousins in 2026?
