Vikings future for J.J. McCarthy on thin ice for analyst

Vikings future for J.J. McCarthy on thin ice for analyst originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Minnesota Vikings' quarterback position is looming as one that will capture the attention of the NFL world once the offseason begins.

With J.J. McCarthy fighting for his starting life with Kyler Murray and even Carson Wentz, for some, the writing is on the wall for McCarthy if he can't usurp Murray for the starting role.

But Minnesota signed Kyler to be the starter, right? So that would make McCarthy the backup...if he can overtake Wentz.

For NFL.com's Kevin Patra, McCarthy's time in Minnesota could be winding down.

"The assumption is that Murray signed to be the starter, and little we’ve heard suggests otherwise,” Patra wrote. “But we need to see the QBs on the field to cement that belief. The future of J.J. McCarthy is the big question. Will he push Murray? Will he wash out and even be leapfrogged by Carson Wentz?

“Kevin O’Connell has always spoken positively about McCarthy, but the Vikings' offseason actions in the QB room tell a different story.”

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What does 2026 have in store for McCarthy?

In short, everything potentially.

He could beat out Murray and end all questions over his ability to be the starter for the Vikings.

Or he could see Murray take over as the starter and become the backup. Or, and this is the worst of the options, he gets overtaken by both Murray and Wentz to become third-string in 2026.

So, there are several ways this thing can go, and training camp looms as the defining moment for McCarthy.