Vikings reveal next QB steps after J.J. McCarthy's injury-plagued, inaccurate season

The Minnesota Vikings know what this offseason is about: They have to figure out the most important position in sports.

Will J.J. McCarthy be the long-term starter at quarterback? Or is their next QB out there somewhere to be found?

There are a lot of options to choose from, even if most aren't overly inspiring. But the Vikings aren't leaving any doors closed.

Executive vice president Rob Brzezinski spoke with reporters on Tuesday, and he was asked about quarterback.

"We're exploring every option that can be out there," Brzezinski said, via The Athletic's Alec Lewis.

MORE: This QB may actually be the biggest prize of free agency

It's not a great draft class for quarterbacks. Indiana's Fernando Mendoza is expected to go No. 1 overall to the Raiders, and after that, it's not clear there's even a surefire first-round talent in the group.

Free agency is expected to include Malik Willis from the Packers, who has some upside but will likely have a lot of suitors.

The trade market will likely be led by Mac Jones, but the 49ers seem likely to want to keep him for 2026. Beyond him, the Vikings could look into a deal for Kirk Cousins from the Falcons.

There almost certainly is no perfect solution for McCarthy, but he wasn't good enough in 2025 to not at least find a potential alternative.

If McCarthy can't stay healthy or improve his accuracy, he won't be the long-term answer for the Vikings. They've got no choice but to keep their options open.

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