J.J. McCarthy has been massively disappointing for the Minnesota Vikings since being drafted in the first round. He missed his entire rookie season with an injury before being unimpressive in year two. This has created speculation that the franchise could explore other options, including a breakout quarterback from last season.
Vikings Rumored to be Considering a Replacement for J.J. McCarthy in 2026 NFL Offseason
The Vikings made the bold decision last offseason to move on from Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones to give McCarthy an opportunity to be their starter.
Darnold went on to win a Super Bowl with the Seattle Seahawks, and Jones had a breakout year with the Indianapolis Colts, while McCarthy finished just 37th in the PFSN NFL QB Impact Rankings in the 2025 season.
Jones is now pending free agency as he signed just a one-year contract with the Colts. Peter Schrager recently speculated on a potential reunion between him and the Vikings, who are rumored to be interested in bringing him back to Minnesota.
“There’s also another team that’s lingering there … A team I would watch as a possible longshot, but also one that could be angling here, is the Minnesota Vikings. Daniel Jones spent half of the season with them a year ago … I think the Vikings were surprised that the Colts gave Jones the money that he got last offseason. Keep an eye on the Vikings if the transition tag is applied,” explained Schrager.
“Get Up” by ESPN posted the video on X, captioning, “Daniel Jones to the Minnesota Vikings? -@PSchrags weighs in on the team “lingering” to sign Daniel Jones.”
Daniel Jones to the Minnesota Vikings?
—@PSchrags weighs in on the team “lingering” to sign Daniel Jones 🍿 pic.twitter.com/2wiZ0y41tR
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) March 3, 2026
The transition tag, which the Colts are reportedly considering using on Jones, would essentially allow the quarterback to hit free agency with a contingency. They would be given the opportunity to match any offer that he received from another team before he would be permitted to sign there.
Apparently, Schrager thinks the Vikings could be a team that makes him an offer if he were to become available. Jones has totaled 109 touchdowns during his career, including 89 passing and 20 rushing, and is coming off his first career year with the Colts.
He finished the season with a passer rating higher than 100 for the first time in his seven NFL seasons. Jones served mostly as a backup for Darnold in Minnesota before being given the opportunity to start in Indianapolis.
Most believe the Colts are looking to sign him long-term, but an Achilles injury could complicate matters, potentially making him available. Given how bad McCarthy was last season, as well as their familiarity with Jones, their rumored interest seems to make sense.
