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NFL free agency is the time for teams to better their rosters, and in doing so, players' futures are put in doubt, and the same can be said for Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy.
After a poor 2025 season, some thought Minnesota was "out" on J.J. as the starter, but that was nothing more than rumors...until the Vikings signed Kyler Murray in free agency.
Now, McCarthy has a genuine battle to retain the starting role, and in fact, many expect him to lose it, and if he does, many wonder what that will mean long-term for J.J. in Minnesota.
Due to the Vikings' signing Murray, CBS Sports' Garrett Podell has named McCarthy as one of the "losers" of free agency.
"Now, Minnesota appears to be ready to move off of McCarthy as its long-term quarterback answer," Podell wrote. "The Vikings signed 2019 No. 1 overall pick Kyler Murray to a one-year deal, and he appears primed to beat out McCarthy to start in 2026."
More: Chiefs' RB prediction horror scenario for AFC
Can McCarthy have future with Vikings?
Absolutely, he can. And it can start with beating out Murray for the starting role.
Granted, most know that Murray is going to get his chance to outduel McCarthy this offseason, and if he does, J.J. will likely be relegated to QB2...or even worse, as Carson Wentz is also returning.
So, McCarthy has two veteran quarterbacks he has to overcome this offseason.
The path towards being the starter is clear for McCarthy. Beat out two Pro Bowl quarterbacks.
And that is likely a big reason he's one of the losers of free agency.
More NFL news:
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- Latest Vikings QB move a red flag for J.J. McCarthy
- Commanders' free agency shift key to 2026 bounce back
- Analyst predicts Steelers' QB situation headed down path fans won't like
- Raiders again linked with Pro Bowl QB
- Analyst gives compelling reason for Chargers' slow free agency approach
- Commanders linked with star WR for Jayden Daniels
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