Quarterback J.J. McCarthy hasn’t had the smoothest start to preseason, which could be a red flag for the Vikings. While it’s not unusual for a 22-year-old entering his second NFL season to show some rust—especially after missing his rookie year due to injury—struggling in practice against his own team is still a concern. McCarthy reportedly threw at least one interception on three straight days last week, something well-run franchises don’t simply dismiss.
The Cleveland Browns’ handling of Dorian Thompson-Robinson serves as a cautionary tale. Despite shining in the preseason across 2023 and 2024, his regular season numbers told a very different story: a 1-4 record, 52.6% completion rate, 880 passing yards, one touchdown, and 10 interceptions. He was recently traded to the Philadelphia Eagles at age 25.
To be clear, McCarthy and Thompson-Robinson aren’t entirely comparable—McCarthy was a top-10 pick, while Thompson-Robinson was a fifth-rounder who mostly faced backups. McCarthy is already working against Minnesota’s starters in practice. But the Vikings still don’t have a solid backup option if McCarthy falters or gets hurt. While it’s understandable to avoid shaking his confidence by bringing in a veteran, ignoring the need for insurance could be a costly mistake—especially for a team that won 14 games last year and is built to contend now.
Kirk Cousins Could Be the Solution
If Minnesota opts to add veteran depth, one realistic option is bringing back Kirk Cousins. The Falcons appear eager to move on after just one year, and they’re reportedly willing to cover part of his $27.5 million base salary. A deal might only require a modest asset in return.
ESPN’s Seth Walder proposed a trade in which Minnesota sends backup QB Sam Howell to Atlanta in exchange for Cousins, while taking on a portion of his salary—potentially around $12 million. This would allow Atlanta to save face and give Minnesota a proven backup at a time when stability is crucial.
If the Vikings feel Cousins’ presence could undermine McCarthy’s development or leadership role, another alternative exists: Anthony Richardson.
Anthony Richardson: A High-Upside Alternative
Richardson, the No. 4 overall pick in 2023, has had an up-and-down start to his NFL career. Injuries and inconsistent play led to a benching in favor of Joe Flacco during Year 2 with the Colts. With new ownership in Indianapolis, big changes—including at quarterback—are on the table.
Richardson still offers tantalizing upside, thanks to his elite athleticism and arm talent. In the right system, particularly under a coach like Kevin O’Connell, he could develop into a star. The two already share a connection—O’Connell was seen encouraging Richardson after a game last year, expressing belief in his potential.
While Richardson may not be as NFL-ready as Cousins in 2025, he brings more experience than McCarthy and more talent than Howell. With two years left on his rookie deal, he’d be a low-cost, high-reward option who could challenge McCarthy without derailing the team’s future.
McCarthy himself has said he’s open to competition, and bringing in a player like Richardson could push both quarterbacks to improve—making it a smart move for a Vikings team looking to stay competitive.
