Is Vikings' possible J.J. McCarthy replacement a current Colts QB?

Barring a surprising development over the next month and a half, the Minnesota Vikings will almost certainly acquire a quarterback during the upcoming offseason who will compete with second-year pro J.J. McCarthy for the starting job. 

For an article published on Wednesday, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler suggested that the Vikings' starting quarterback for Week 1 in 2026 could be a member of the Indianapolis Colts.

What Vikings may have learned from Colts regarding future of J.J. McCarthy

"A few people inside the league I've spoken to wonder whether Minnesota can follow the Colts' blueprint from this past offseason, bringing in a veteran/reclamation project to compete with McCarthy and potentially start — similar to Daniel Jones versus Anthony Richardson Sr. in Indy," Fowler wrote. 

Jones finished the 2024 season as an unused backup with the Vikings after being released by the New York Giants in November of last year. Minnesota then allowed Jones to reach free agency in March, and he ultimately beat out Richardson for the Colts' starting job. Jones has since led the Colts to an 8-3 record, while Richardson is on injured reserve (orbital fracture) and may never take another in-game snap for the team. 

Unless Jones turns into a pumpkin before Week 18 ends, there's probably no chance the Colts will let him hit the open market. According to Fowler, Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell might see Richardson as a project who could be a long-term option for Minnesota. 

Why Anthony Richardson Sr. for Vikings?

"O'Connell also has respect for Richardson," Fowler added, "who could be the next reclamation QB to thrive elsewhere. Richardson has interest in playing for a coach from the Sean McVay tree, either the man himself or a disciple like O'Connell."

O'Connell previously served as the Los Angeles Rams' offensive coordinator under McVay. 

Regarding McCarthy, he reportedly won't be available when the Vikings face the Seattle Seahawks this Sunday after entering concussion protocol earlier this week. He spent his rookie season recovering from a full meniscus repair and then missed time this fall due to an ankle injury. So far, the 2024 first-round draft pick has only six career regular-season starts. 

To compare, Richardson has started 15 games since the Colts selected him in the first round of the 2023 draft. 

According to Pro Football Reference, McCarthy began Wednesday ranked last in the NFL among qualified players with a 24.8 adjusted QBR, a 57.9 passer rating and a 54.1 percent completion percentage. If undrafted rookie quarterback Max Brosmer plays well for the Vikings in Seattle, O'Connell could decide to keep McCarthy sidelined through most of December.