A new claim about JJ McCarthy adds some more context to the Minnesota Vikings’ potential pursuit of a new quarterback this offseason.
The Vikings had serious concerns with McCarthy’s passing touch during the 2025 season, according to Alec Lewis of The Athletic. McCarthy’s ability was such a concern that the Vikings removed most of their over-the-middle passing concepts during the season to try to simplify the quarterback’s line of sight.
Such passing concepts are fairly basic in an NFL offense, and the fact that the Vikings did not trust McCarthy to pull them off would be concerning. It raises questions about whether the team can trust the former No. 10 overall pick to improve quickly, or if he might be supplanted as the team’s starter next year.
The Vikings have already been linked to one high-profile quarterback in trade rumors. That alone suggests the team has doubts about McCarthy and is trying to strengthen the position for 2026.
McCarthy went 6-4 for the Vikings in ten starts last season. However, his underlying numbers were poor, as he threw for a modest 1,632 yards with 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He also dealt with multiple injuries, raising concerns about his durability along with his play.
