Detroit Lions' NFC North rival among CBS' worst 10 QB rooms

TL;DR

The Minnesota Vikings rank No. 8 on CBS' list of the worst quarterback rooms for the 2026 NFL season, featuring J.J. McCarthy, Carson Wentz, and Kyler Murray. Despite Murray's Pro Bowl history, his recent performance has raised concerns.

Key points

Minnesota Vikings ranked No. 8 in worst QB rooms by CBS
J.J. McCarthy had the worst quarterback performance in 2025
Kyler Murray signed a 1-year, $1.3 million contract with the Vikings

Minnesota VikingsDetroit LionsJ.J. McCarthyCarson Wentz

While it takes more than just a star quarterback to consistently chase and win championships in the NFL, poor play at the position is one surefire way to morph into a bad or mediocre football team quickly.

According to CBS, one of the Detroit Lions' top rivals is in that boat. The Minnesota Vikings were ranked No. 8 in CBS' list of the top 10 worst quarterback rooms entering the 2026 NFL season.

That group includes J.J. McCarthy, Carson Wentz, Max Brosmer and former Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray, who signed a 1-year, $1.3 million contract with the Vikings.

One would think the Minnesota Vikings' signing of two-time Pro Bowl quarterback Kyler Murray would keep them off this list, but that's not the case. Murray earned his Pro Bowl selections in 2020 and 2021. That's a lifetime ago in NFL years. From 2022 to 2025, Murray missed 30 of his possible 68 games. In the five games Murray played for the Cardinals in 2025, he averaged a career low 227.0 total yards per game.

Recent first-round pick J.J. McCarthy was the worst quarterback in the NFL in 2025, which sparked the signing of Murray. McCarthy's performance was simply incredible considering the offensive ecosystem under 2024 Coach of the Year Kevin O'Connell. Despite an electrifying supporting cast, McCarthy ranked dead last in the league in completion percentage (57.6%), touchdown-to-interception ratio (11-12), and passer rating (72.6).

Q&A

Why are the Minnesota Vikings ranked among the worst QB rooms in the NFL?

The Vikings are ranked among the worst due to poor performances from J.J. McCarthy and concerns about Kyler Murray's recent injury history and form.

What is J.J. McCarthy's performance record in the NFL?

In 2025, J.J. McCarthy was the worst quarterback in the NFL, ranking last in completion percentage, touchdown-to-interception ratio, and passer rating.

How did Kyler Murray's signing affect the Vikings' quarterback situation?

Kyler Murray's signing was intended to improve the Vikings' QB situation, but his recent struggles and injuries have led to skepticism about his impact.