Minnesota Vikings J.J. McCarthy leaves game with a hand injury.

Minnesota Vikings Reportedly Eyeing Two Former 1st Round Quarterbacks To Compete With J.J. McCarthy

Matt Brown

The Minnesota Vikings are approaching a critical offseason, and the future of the quarterback position is squarely in the spotlight. After a 2025 season where 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy continued to battle injuries and inconsistency, the front office is reportedly exploring all avenues to solidify the most important position in sports.

Minnesota Vikings Keeping Their Options Open

Recent reports have added significant fuel to the fire, indicating that the Vikings are looking beyond their current roster. According to sources, Minnesota is showing interest in two other former first-round quarterbacks: Mac Jones of the San Francisco 49ers and Anthony Richardson of the Indianapolis Colts. These rumors suggest the organization is committed to creating genuine competition and a stronger safety net, signaling that McCarthy’s role as the franchise’s future is not yet secure.

The J.J. McCarthy Dilemma

To understand why the Vikings are looking at outside options, one must first look at the state of J.J. McCarthy. Drafted as a top-10 pick in 2024, McCarthy was seen as the raw but talented quarterback of the future. However, his first two seasons have been marred by injuries and inconsistent play. While he has shown flashes of the talent that made him a high draft pick, he has also looked overwhelmed at times.

The primary concern appears to be his durability. The Vikings have invested significant draft capital in McCarthy, and they cannot afford to have another season derailed by quarterback injuries. The front office has publicly stated its desire to build a deeper quarterback room, and these latest rumors are the first concrete sign of that plan in action. The organization still has faith in McCarthy’s potential, but it is clear they are unwilling to put all their eggs in one basket.

Option 1: The Veteran Stabilizer – Mac Jones

One of the names prominently linked to Minnesota is Mac Jones. This potential connection makes a lot of sense from a strategic standpoint. After a difficult end to his tenure with the New England Patriots, Jones landed with the 49ers and performed admirably as a spot-starter for Brock Purdy in 2025, posting a 5-3 record with 13 touchdowns to 6 interceptions.

Why Mac Jones Fits

  • Proven Starter: Jones proved he can be a viable starting quarterback in the right system. He is a more traditional pocket passer who excels at timing and accuracy, traits that head coach Kevin O’Connell values.
  • Veteran Presence: He fits the mold of a veteran quarterback who can provide stability if McCarthy struggles or gets injured. He wouldn’t just be a backup; he would be legitimate competition, pushing McCarthy in training camp and being ready to step in and win games.
  • Trade Asset: Jones is under contract with the 49ers, but with Brock Purdy firmly entrenched as their starter, he is a logical trade candidate. The Vikings could likely acquire him without giving up premium draft capital.

A trade for Jones would signal that the Vikings want a high-floor option to complement McCarthy’s high-ceiling potential.

Option 2: The High-Upside Project – Anthony Richardson

The other name creating buzz is Anthony Richardson, which points to a different kind of strategy. An Anthony Richardson trade would be a swing for the fences, betting on raw athletic talent. The Vikings reportedly had a massive trade offer on the table to move up for Richardson in the 2023 draft, indicating a long-standing interest from the front office.

Why Anthony Richardson Fits

  • Elite Physical Tools: Richardson possesses a combination of size, arm strength, and mobility that few quarterbacks in the league can match. His dual-threat ability is something the Vikings’ quarterback room currently lacks.
  • Buy-Low Opportunity: Richardson’s time in Indianapolis has been hampered by injuries and inconsistent play. With the Colts appearing to commit to Daniel Jones, Richardson could be available for a relatively low trade price, similar to what the Cowboys gave up for Trey Lance.
  • Another Development Project: Like McCarthy, Richardson is still very young and raw. Bringing him in would be a move to acquire another lottery ticket, hoping that O’Connell’s staff can unlock the potential that made him a top-5 pick. This move would be less about a “safe” backup and more about doubling down on developmental upside.

What This Means for the Vikings’ Future

The Vikings’ interest in both Jones and Richardson reveals a multi-faceted approach to their quarterback problem. They are not giving up on J.J. McCarthy, but they are also not content to stand pat.

  • Competition is Coming: Regardless of who they acquire, McCarthy will face his first real challenge for the starting job. The team wants to see how he responds under pressure.
  • A Shift in Philosophy: The team is moving away from the model of a clear starter and an unproven backup. They are building a quarterback room where multiple players are capable of leading the team.
  • Flexibility for the Future: By exploring trades for players like Jones or Richardson, the Vikings are keeping their options open. If McCarthy flourishes, they have a quality backup. If he falters, they have a potential replacement ready to go without having to resort to another high-stakes draft pick.

As the offseason progresses, the Vikings quarterback rumors will only intensify. Whether they land a steady veteran like Mac Jones or take a chance on an athletic phenom like Anthony Richardson, one thing is certain: the quarterback room in Minnesota will look very different in 2026.

More Great Content