Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy. Yannick Peterhans / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Latest Vikings QB reunion another bad sign for J.J. McCarthy's future

By Eric Smithling | Last updated Mar 20, 2026 8:01 AM ET

After signing quarterback Kyler Murray earlier in free agency, the Minnesota Vikings double-dipped at the position by reuniting with a former starter.

On Thursday, NFL insider Ian Rapoport shared that Carson Wentz is re-signing with the organization on a one-year deal after spending the 2025 season in Minnesota.

Last year, Wentz started five games for the Vikings, going 110-of-169 (65.1 percent) for 1,216 yards (7.2 yards per attempt), six touchdowns and five interceptions. When also accounting for sacks and rushing attempts, he averaged 5.768 yards per play, which ranked No. 26 out of 40 quarterback to make at least five 2025 starts. While his days as a full-time starter are in the rearview, he is a serviceable backup at this stage of his career, more so than J.J. McCarthy, whose stock continues to decline.

J.J. McCarthy could be pushed further down depth chart with Carson Wentz signing

The #Vikings are adding QB depth, signing Carson Wentz to a 1-year deal, per The Insiders.

Despite significant injury last year, Wentz started five games and kept the team alive. Now, back with JJ McCarthy and Kyler Murray. pic.twitter.com/AHEOZf4xQs
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 19, 2026

While the quarterback position is still officially open, conventional wisdom says that Murray will earn the starting gig entering Week 1. He's produced a much stronger body of work than McCarthy over the years, and as a former No. 1 overall pick still in his 20s, Murray's peak may still be in front of him.

With McCarthy likely battling to be Murray's backup, his chances of earning the role took a hit with Wentz's signing. He struggled mightily in his first season as a starter, completing just 57.6 percent of his pass attempts for 1,632 yards (6.7 yards per attempt), 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.

McCarthy's future in Minnesota has never looked dimmer, but after an uninspiring 2025, his trade value might be close to nonexistent. He could be best served operating as the Vikings' emergency third quarterback, which would mark a stunning fall after being selected No. 10 overall in 2024.

The writing may be on the wall for McCarthy following Wentz's return. Considering the Vikings' offseason moves, they may have already seen enough.

Eric Smithling

Eric Smithling is a writer based in New Orleans, LA, whose byline also appears on Athlon Sports. He has been with Yardbarker since September 2022, primarily covering the NFL and college football, but also the NBA, WNBA, men’s and women’s college basketball, NHL, tennis and golf. He holds a film studies degree from the University of New Orleans

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