Derek Carr would give the Vikings one other QB possibility in addition to J.J. McCarthy
In 2025, the Vikings gave 2024 choose No. 10 McCarthy the beginning job after letting QB Sam Darnold signal a three-year, $100.5M take care of the Seattle Seahawks in free company. Boy, do they appear silly, particularly after Darnold piloted his new staff to a Tremendous Bowl LX victory.
McCarthy went 6-4 in 10 begins however ranked thirty ninth amongst 42 eligible QBs in completion proportion (57.6%) and thirty sixth in QBR (35.6). The QB additionally tossed extra interceptions (12) than landing passes (11).
On the NFL Scouting Mix in Indianapolis, Vikings president of soccer operations Rob Brzezinski expressed confidence in McCarthy however admitted they could give the QB competitors this offseason.
Per Ben Goessling of The Minnesota Star Tribune, Brzezinski said Tuesday the staff is “exploring all prospects” at QB, together with signing or buying and selling for a longtime starter.
The Vikings might match Carr’s standards. On the “Dwelling Grown” podcast on Feb. 12, the QB said he would come out of retirement if he might play for a Tremendous Bowl contender. The NFC North membership might grow to be that with higher QB play.
The Vikings missed the playoffs in 2025 however completed 9-8. Minnesota options star vast receiver Justin Jefferson and head coach Kevin O’Connell, a QB guru, making it an much more interesting vacation spot.
The Vikings will likely be linked to Cousins, whom the Falcons plan to release on March 11, the beginning of the brand new league yr. The QB, after all, performed for Minnesota from 2018-23. The four-time Professional Bowler is aware of Minnesota’s offense, however Carr might stay the higher possibility.
In 2024, Carr had a 5-5 beginning file, finishing an above-average 67.7% of his passes for two,145 yards, 15 landing passes and 5 interceptions. Cousins, in the meantime, went 5-3 in eight begins for the Falcons this previous season, finishing a subpar 61.7% of his passes for 1,721 yards, 10 TD passes and 5 interceptions.
The Vikings do not consider McCarthy is the reply, they usually should not. With restricted choices within the 2026 NFL Draft and free company, Carr’s clearly one in every of their higher choices if he comes again, and it appears like he might.
