Minnesota Vikings: Former Defensive Stars Question Team’s Plan For JJ McCarthy
The quarterback position is the most scrutinized in all of sports, and for the Minnesota Vikings, the spotlight on JJ McCarthy is burning brighter than ever. After a season of ups and downs, the young quarterback’s future is a hot topic of debate. Now, two former pillars of the Vikings defense, Anthony Barr and Eric Kendricks, have weighed in with a candid assessment that has the fan base talking.
Former Minnesota Vikings Call Out JJ McCarthy Plan
In a recent online discussion, the two former Pro Bowl linebackers shared their thoughts on McCarthy’s development and the Vikings’ quarterback plan. Their conversation provided a rare, unfiltered look from respected veterans who understand the pressures of playing in Minnesota. They didn’t hold back, suggesting that the organization may have rushed the process with their young signal-caller.
“He Just Wasn’t Quite Ready Yet”
Barr and Kendricks, who spent years leading the Vikings’ defense, have seen firsthand what it takes for a quarterback to succeed in the NFL. Their main concern with McCarthy is that he was thrown into the fire without the proper support system.
“Most people in that building knew that JJ just wasn’t quite ready yet,” Anthony Barr stated frankly. “I think he needed an older mentor to kind of shadow for another two years.”
This is a powerful statement coming from a player who was a locker room leader for eight seasons in Minnesota. It suggests that the team’s internal belief in McCarthy’s readiness may not have been as strong as the public-facing confidence.
Eric Kendricks agreed, emphasizing the importance of veteran leadership at the quarterback position. “Mentorship is crucial,” Kendricks said. “There’s some positions where it pays to have a veteran in front of you, and a little bit of experience goes a long way.”
Their comments highlight a key misstep in the Vikings’ 2025 offseason strategy. The team entered the season with a quarterback room that lacked a proven winner. While Carson Wentz was signed late in the process, McCarthy spent the crucial OTA and training camp periods surrounded by other young players or journeymen backups. The lack of a high-level veteran presence to guide him through the learning curve is what Barr and Kendricks believe was a missed opportunity.
A Flawed Plan, But Not a Lost Cause
While the two former Vikings were critical of the team’s approach, they were quick to clarify that they are not writing McCarthy off. They believe he still has the potential to be a franchise quarterback, but they worry about the pressure he faces.
“The city’s dying for a champ. The state’s dying for one,” Barr said, acknowledging the immense expectations placed on any Vikings quarterback. He followed up by saying, “I think [McCarthy] still has potential. I think he can still be great… We’re not counting him out.”
Their sentiment is clear: the problem isn’t necessarily JJ McCarthy, but the environment he was put in. Quarterbacks, as Barr noted, “are not granted or afforded the same patience that a lot of different position players are given.” By making him the full-time starter in his second year without a seasoned veteran to lean on, the Vikings may have accelerated his development timeline in a way that was not beneficial for him or the team.
“I think they do regret not signing a vet to let JJ learn from for another one or two years,” Barr concluded.
What’s Next for the Vikings and McCarthy?
The comments from Barr and Kendricks echo a sentiment felt by many fans and analysts. The Vikings are at a crossroads. Do they double down on McCarthy as their unquestioned starter for 2026, or do they follow the advice of their former stars and bring in a legitimate veteran presence?
The latter seems like the most prudent path forward. Even if McCarthy remains the starter, adding a quarterback who has a history of winning in the NFL would be invaluable. This veteran could serve as a mentor, a high-quality backup, and a source of competition to push McCarthy to be better. It would take some of the pressure off the young QB’s shoulders and provide a safety net if he struggles.
JJ McCarthy’s career is still in its early stages, and one challenging season doesn’t define him. However, the insights from respected voices like Anthony Barr and Eric Kendricks should serve as a wake-up call for the Vikings’ front office. Building a franchise quarterback takes more than just draft capital; it requires a thoughtful, patient, and supportive plan. For the 2026 season, getting that plan right is the most important thing the Minnesota Vikings can do.
