The Minnesota Vikings are heading into the 2026 offseason with significant uncertainty at the quarterback position.
After drafting J.J. McCarthy 10th overall in 2024, the team opted to move on from a successful bridge year with Sam Darnold, handing the keys to McCarthy in 2025. His debut season was marred by injuries — he missed several games — and inconsistent performance, posting a low completion percentage and a passer rating that ranked near the bottom.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell and the new front-office regime emphasized the need for competition and better insurance to avoid another disappointing season. Under O’Connell, Minnesota has become an attractive destination for quarterbacks due to his ability to develop and turn quarterbacks around, playmaker Justin Jefferson, O’Connell’s offensive scheme and the surrounding pieces.
While McCarthy remains the default starter for now, the team is widely expected to add a veteran or high-upside option to bring in competition. Here are three NFL quarterbacks (outside of McCarthy) most likely to emerge and compete for the next starting quarterback for the Vikings in 2026.