Yahoo Sports NFL on J.J. McCarthy
From the article
J.J. McCarthy has fallen from the Vikings' franchise quarterback of the future to a third-stringer. McCarthy is No. 3 on the depth chart. McCarthy missed his entire rookie season with a knee injury and then did not play well when given the opportunity to start in 2025. Now McCarthy is opening 2026 buried on the depth chart.
STACKED’s take
McCarthy buried at No. 3 QB after injury, poor 2025 play; Vikings moving on.
McCarthy has fallen from franchise quarterback prospect to third-string on the Vikings depth chart behind starter Kyler Murray and backup Carson Wentz heading into the 2026 season opener against the Packers. The source notes McCarthy missed his entire 2024 rookie season with a knee injury and did not perform well when given starting opportunities in 2025, leading the Vikings to move on despite his guaranteed four-year, $21.8 million rookie contract. Head coach Kevin O'Connell stated Wentz's nearly 100 career starts made him the better backup option, though O'Connell insisted McCarthy would continue to receive developmental work. The source suggests it is entirely possible McCarthy has played his last game as a Viking.
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