Vikings Linked to Surging Veteran QB as JJ McCarthy Repla...

By Matt Audilet

Contributing Sports Writer

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The Minnesota Vikings are dealing with some serious uncertainty at the quarterback position as J.J. McCarthy struggles through his debut campaign as the team's QB1.

McCarthy is working through the NFL's concussion protocol after suffering a head injury during Week 12's loss to the Green Bay Packers. In that 23-6 defeat, the second-year QB completed 12 of his 19 pass attempts for 87 yards, zero touchdowns and two interceptions — marking his third consecutive game with multiple interceptions.

The Vikings showed full confidence in McCarthy heading into the 2025 NFL season, parting ways with veteran quarterback Sam Darnold after an impressive 2024 campaign. The franchise brought in Carson Wentz as a veteran backup for McCarthy, but he's out for the remainder of the season with a left shoulder injury.

Undrafted rookie signal caller Max Brosmer is expected to make his first career start for the Vikings against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday.

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This coming offseason, the Vikings are expected to explore new plans at the quarterback position.

ESPN NFL Insider Jeremy Fowler believes Minnesota should make a play to acquire veteran quarterback Daniel Jones, who's currently enjoying a career resurgence as starting quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts.

With his solid 2025 play, Jones is expected to land a big-time contract with either the Colts or another prospective NFL team.

"A few people inside the league I've spoken to wonder whether Minnesota can follow the Colts' blueprint from this past offseason, bringing in a veteran/reclamation project to compete with McCarthy and potentially start -- similar to Daniel Jones vs. Anthony Richardson Sr. in Indy," Fowler reported.

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Jones served as Darnold's backup in Minnesota throughout the 2024 NFL season.

"Still, the Vikings really liked Jones, and their situation this offseason will be far different than the one from a year ago. Making a play for Jones would give him multiple options to consider," Fowler continued.

Without McCarthy, the Vikings will kickoff against the Seahawks at 4:05 p.m. ET on Sunday.

Jones and the 8-3 Colts will face off against the Houston Texans at 1 p.m. ET.

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