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J.J. McCarthy’s 2025 season for the Minnesota Vikings has been a roller-coaster ride marked by injuries, inconsistency and flashes of promise in his first year as a starter. After missing his rookie campaign in 2024 due to injury, McCarthy has started nine games this season, completing 57.3% of his passes for 1,450 yards, 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He added four rushing scores and showed toughness at times, but the Vikings’ offensive struggles were often tied to his uneven play.
McCarthy’s year started with signs of promise. He led the Vikings to a comeback win over the Chicago Bears in Week 1, throwing for 143 yards and two touchdowns with one interception while rushing for another score. However, a high ankle sprain in Week 2 forced him to miss five straight games. McCarthy has since dealt with a concussion that ruled him out for Week 13 and a hairline fracture in his throwing hand that kept him on the sidelines in Week 17.
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Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9).Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
Despite that, he led Minnesota to three straight wins late in the schedule and is expected to return from injury for Sunday’s finale.
While McCarthy battled frequent setbacks this season, his improved play during Minnesota’s late surge has fueled debate about whether he should remain the team’s starting quarterback in 2026. Supporters point to his resilience and flashes of potential, arguing that a full offseason to refine mechanics and decision-making could yield a significant sophomore leap. Critics, however, note his sub-optimal completion percentage, turnover issues and interrupted development due to injuries as reasons the Vikings should at least consider established alternatives.
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Vikings Are Exploring Other Quarterback Options
Amid the debate, The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reported Saturday that the Vikings plan to “explore established quarterback options via trade or free agency” in the offseason, even as the organization has no plans to move on from McCarthy as its starter.
She also noted that head coach Kevin O’Connell and general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah are open to adding veteran competition.
“McCarthy’s continued development will be a central storyline for the Vikings as they enter an offseason filled with questions surrounding their aging and expensive roster,” Russini added.
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Justin Jefferson, McCarthy’s All-Pro wide receiver, addressed the quarterback situation on Friday, saying he wants to see McCarthy back as the starter and believes he can be “that No. 1 guy,” while also emphasizing the need for offseason work to refine his game and strengthen their on-field connection.
Minnesota wraps up its 2025 campaign Sunday at home against the Green Bay Packers in the regular-season finale. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET and the game will be televised on CBS. With an 8-8 record and no playoff berth on the line, the matchup will still serve as a final evaluation opportunity for McCarthy and the Vikings’ offense as they turn their attention toward offseason decisions.
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Related: Vikings Announce J.J. McCarthy Injury Status Before Packers Game
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jan 3, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.