The Minnesota Vikings’ 2025 season left the franchise in an awkward middle ground at quarterback. Their investment in J.J. McCarthy has not delivered the steady play they hoped for, and a 9-8 finish without a clear step forward has intensified scrutiny on the former first-round pick
With expectations to compete now rather than wait for a prolonged rebuild, projections have begun linking Minnesota to a veteran alternative.
One detailed outlook has the Vikings emerging as a logical destination for 257-touchdown quarterback Derek Carr if he ends his brief retirement and returns to the NFL.
Vikings Could Hand QB1 Role To Derek Carr Amid J.J. McCarthy Criticism
Carr walked away from football after rotator cuff surgery, closing an 11-season career that included stints with the Las Vegas Raiders and New Orleans Saints and four Pro Bowl selections. However, reports indicate his retirement may not be permanent.
NFL insiders have noted that Carr could return for the “right situation,” and that several teams did due diligence on him during the 2025 season, when injuries hit around the league. One report cited the Cincinnati Bengals contacting Carr after Joe Burrow suffered a turf toe injury, signaling that clubs still see him as a viable starter.
In that context, PFSN’s Nicholas McGee named the Vikings as one of the most plausible fits if Carr resumes his career. Minnesota committed heavily to McCarthy last offseason, passing on other options, including Sam Darnold, who went on to win a Super Bowl with the Seattle Seahawks.
After a 9-8 campaign in which McCarthy “struggled markedly,” McGee’s breakdown suggests the organization has to be considering competition at the position. Their offensive structure under head coach Kevin O’Connell and supporting cast, headlined by Justin Jefferson, makes the Vikings an appealing destination for an experienced passer.
Carr would not arrive simply as a mentor or short-term insurance option. Instead, he is viewed as a genuine threat to take the starting job. McCarthy finished the season ranked No. 37 in PFSN’s QB Impact Metric, a placement that underscores how far his performance fell below the league’s upper and middle tiers.
By contrast, Carr’s track record includes 257 career touchdown passes and stretches of high-level production in multiple offensive systems, including a strong start under Klint Kubiak in 2024 before injury curtailed his season.
“For a Vikings franchise that will be desperate to get back into playoff contention, Carr is an interesting quarterback alternative to consider,” McGee wrote. concludes. The implication is that if Minnesota wants to reset expectations quickly, bringing in a veteran with Carr’s résumé would both stabilize the room and raise the floor of the offense.
Given O’Connell’s reputation as a quarterback-friendly play-caller and the presence of Jefferson, the fit is painted as mutually beneficial: Carr would get a chance to work with a top offensive mind and an elite receiver, while the Vikings would gain a proven starter capable of running a timing-based, pass-heavy scheme.
Reports about Carr’s potential return also emphasize that he is open to situations where he can step in as the clear QB1 rather than a long-term backup.
For now, there is no formal agreement or active trade reported between the Vikings and Carr’s camp. Current projections instead outline a scenario: if Carr decides to un-retire and Minnesota’s leadership concludes that McCarthy’s 2025 performance is not enough to carry them back into the postseason, the Vikings could explore a deal to bring in the 257-touchdown veteran.
