NFL Combine Buzz Suggests J.J. McCarthy May Already Be Out as Vikings' 2026 Starter
Sports Illustrated • • sports
Key Points:
- NFL beat reporters Matthew Coller and Ben Goessling suggest J.J. McCarthy's chances of being the Minnesota Vikings' Week 1 starting quarterback in 2026 are very low, possibly even below 10 percent, based on comments from head coach Kevin O'Connell.
- O'Connell indicated that while he still believes in McCarthy's potential, the timeline for McCarthy becoming the franchise QB has shifted, implying the Vikings expect a different starter by 2026.
- Goessling noted McCarthy would need to show dramatic improvement in decision-making, durability, accuracy, and mechanics to regain confidence and the starting role, as he no longer has the benefit of the doubt.
- Potential alternative starters for the Vikings in
