JJ McCarthy’s future with the Minnesota Vikings appears to be murky after stunning remarks made by the team at the NFL Scouting Combine.

 

 

 

McCarthy had himself a rough first season in 2025 after missing his rookie year due to a season-ending knee injury.

J.J. McCarthy in a purple Vikings jersey with eye black.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy looks on before a game against the Baltimore Ravens on November 9, 2025

J.J. McCarthy, wearing a Minnesota Vikings uniform and helmet, sitting on the field next to a football.
McCarthy on the ground after being sacked in the team’s loss to the Green Bay Packers

The Vikings decided to give McCarthy the keys to the offense in his second season in the NFL.

But after a disappointing and injury-riddled campaign, Minnesota appears to be interested in adding to the quarterback room this offseason.

Vikings executive vice president of football operations, Rob Brzezinski, appeared at the NFL Combine and revealed his team is open to any avenue in which to add a quarterback.

“What we do know is we need a level of baseline quarterback play for us to be effective,” Brzezinski said.

 

 

 

The Vikings decided to give McCarthy the keys to the offense in his second season in the NFL.

But after a disappointing and injury-riddled campaign, Minnesota appears to be interested in adding to the quarterback room this offseason.

Vikings executive vice president of football operations, Rob Brzezinski, appeared at the NFL Combine and revealed his team is open to any avenue in which to add a quarterback.

“What we do know is we need a level of baseline quarterback play for us to be effective,” Brzezinski said.

 

 

 

“A lot of this has been J.J. in unfortunate [spots] with some of the injuries and things that he’s dealt with, but we’re going to explore every opportunity, and I don’t think there’s anything specifically we’re looking for.

“We can’t manufacture anything that’s not there.

“So, No. 1, what are the options? Is it reciprocal? Is it financially doable?

“All those things. There’s just a lot of factors that go into it.”

 

 

 

Brzezinski also said that the team will be “casting a wide net” in terms of getting better at quarterback.

“I don’t think we’re ruling anything out,” he added.

Brzezink has been in charge of personnel decisions since the team stunningly fired general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah last month.

McCarthy was inconsistent in 2025, recording 1,632 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions in 12 games.

The Vikings watched Sam Darnold, who had a breakout year with the team in 2024, join the Seattle Seahawks as a free agent last March and eventually win a Super Bowl.

 

 

 

Minnesota moved off of Darnold, but also decided not to sign Aaron Rodgers, as they were forced to start Carson Wentz and eventually Max Brosmer when McCarthy went down with injuries in 2025.

The Vikings finished 9-8 and missed the playoffs.

The team is now expected to be open to anything after Brzezinski’s comments.

Rodgers and Green Bay Packers’ Malik Willis will be free agents, Arizona Cardinals’ Kyler Murray could be on the move, and the Indianapolis Colts have to decide on Daniel Jones’ future.