The Minnesota Vikings seem poised to move forward with J.J. McCarthy as their starting quarterback after his rookie year was cut short by injury. However, one analyst suggests the team may still consider adding a seasoned veteran as a backup option.
After parting ways with Sam Darnold—who led the Vikings to 14 wins in a career-best season before a wild-card playoff loss—the team looks ready to elevate McCarthy back into a leading role. Though he’s recovering from a knee injury that ended his first season, McCarthy revealed in March that the team hasn’t officially named him the starter.
“And I’m glad they haven’t,” McCarthy told Kay Adams. “I want to earn it every single day. I never want it handed to me. It’s an honor just to have the opportunity, and I’m going to give it everything I’ve got.”
While some have speculated about Aaron Rodgers possibly landing in Minnesota—head coach Kevin O’Connell even confirmed Rodgers had reached out—Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox sees veteran Joe Flacco as a better fit.
“There’s been a lot of chatter about Rodgers and the Vikings, but Joe Flacco would be a more practical choice,” Knox wrote. He emphasized that Flacco, once a $120 million quarterback, has recently embraced the mentor role and could provide steady support without the spotlight that comes with Rodgers.
“Flacco showed with the Colts last season that he can guide a young QB and still step in when needed,” Knox added. “He could bring the same value to Minnesota, minus the distractions that Rodgers would inevitably bring.”
