ESPN Suggests the Unthinkable for Vikings at QB

J.J. McCarthy competes in his first preseason game for the Minnesota Vikings in August 2024 against the Las Vegas Raiders. The rookie quarterback suffered a meniscus tear during the outing, ultimately missing his entire first NFL season as veteran Sam Darnold stepped in. Mandatory Credit: (YouTube)

The Minnesota Vikings will uncork J.J. McCarthy at quarterback this season after the 22-year-old healed from his season-ending meniscus tear that he suffered one year ago.

A new ESPN article suggests a shocking route for the Vikings’ quarterback future, one that could shake up J.J. McCarthy’s long-term outlook in the Twin Cities.

Like most youthful signal-callers, McCarthy will take time to develop, and the Vikings’ leadership has suggested it’s willing to cultivate McCarthy for the long haul.

But ESPN’s Bill Barnwell came along this week to suggest that Minnesota could have a one-year trial in mind for the Michigan alumnus — a wild take from a seasoned writer.

A One-Year Trial for the Vikings’ QB?

Bill Barnwell at ESPN claims Minnesota could have McCarthy on a short leash.

J.J. McCarthy (9) throws during warmups on Aug. 10, 2024, at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings hosted the Las Vegas Raiders in a preseason game as McCarthy prepared for his first NFL action. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.

ESPN Claims J.J. McCarthy Might Have One-Year Trial

This theory, coming from Barnwell, seemed to come out of nowhere.

Barwnell wrote Thursday, “It would be silly to suggest the Vikings have soured on McCarthy, simply because they’ve barely seen the 2024 first-round pick on the field, as he tore his right meniscus after 17 pass attempts in the first preseason game a year ago.”

“They are hardly naive to the benefits of having a first-round pick on a rookie contract at the most important position in sports, and while they traded for Sam Howell, this is McCarthy’s job in 2025. If he plays as well as Darnold did last season and Minnesota returns to the playoffs, there won’t be any quarterback debate.”

Then, he cut to the chase regarding the one-year trial: “If McCarthy disappoints, would the Vikings be more aggressive in bringing in a veteran to compete with the 22-year-old in 2026? Jones will be a free agent, and Darnold’s three-year deal with the Seahawks is essentially a one-year pact for $39 million.”

“Kirk Cousins, who played well in O’Connell’s offense before tearing his right Achilles midway through the 2023 season, will likely be a free agent after eventually parting ways with the Falcons. McCarthy would still be the favorite to start versus those experienced passers, but he might have more riding on his debut season than other unproven signal-callers across the league.”

Barnwell’s bold take feels like a first of its kind from a non-clickbait source.

A Bombshell Take from a Well-Respected Writer

McCarthy will take lumps this season; it’s just the way it goes. He might even play lousy more than he displays elite tendencies.

Yet, to suggest that Minnesota will need Cousins, Darnold, or Jones next year in any other capacity than a backup quarterback is a rim-rattling notion. Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell said this offseason that “organizations fail quarterbacks before quarterbacks fail organizations,” implying that his staff will stick with McCarthy through hell and high water.

Panicking and rushing to the open market for Cousins, Darnold, or Jones as the savior doesn’t seem like the O’Connellian way.

Free Agent Options if Barnwell Is Right

Let’s assume for the sake of argument that Barnwell is onto something, although he’s probably not.

Aaron Rodgers (12) warms up before the Packers’ season finale against the Detroit Lions on Dec. 30, 2018, at Lambeau Field. The veteran quarterback was wrapping up another campaign as Green Bay’s leader under center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports.

Other than Cousins, Darnold, or Jones, these quarterbacks could be available from 2026 free agency:

Jimmy Garoppolo

Aaron Rodgers

Malik Willis

Zach Wilson

Aside from Rodgers, the list feels like QB2 types, and it would be mind-boggling for the Vikings to choose Zach Wilson, for example, over McCarthy.

Long story short, the quarterback free-agent class of 2026 is underwhelming now that the San Francisco 49ers have locked down Brock Purdy. He was the remaining straggler who could’ve hit free agency next offseason.

Trades, Too?

The trade options, on the other hand, are slightly more fascinating. If one assumes a) McCarthy plays terribly and the Vikings don’t believe in him for 2026 b) the following players encounter subpar 2025 campaigns, these passers could be attainable via trade:

Justin Herbert

Will Levis

Kyler Murray

Dak Prescott

Anthony Richardson

Matthew Stafford

Justin Herbert (10) walks the field postgame on Dec. 26, 2022, after leading the Chargers to a win over the Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. The star quarterback guided Los Angeles into playoff position late in the season. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports.

Almost all of these names would provide some level of intrigue or excitement — if Barnwell is anywhere near a ballpark of accuracy about McCarthy.

Bryce Young in CAR Under the Microscope

Barnwell also raised the stakes for Carolina Panthers passer Bryce Young.

He noted, “There were glimpses of Young at his improvisational best, and instead of trying to find the answer that kept him from having his head taken off, he was able to create big plays downfield.”

“The would-be touchdown that could have given the Panthers a lead in the final minute against the eventual Super Bowl champion Eagles in Week 14 is a good example, as he turned down an open drag route on second-and-4 that would have produced a first down to (correctly) take a shot on a deep post against quarters coverage. If not for a drop by receiver Xavier Legette, the Panthers might have pulled off Young’s signature drive and victory as a pro.”

J. J. McCarthy (9) and Sam Darnold (14) warm up during Vikings training camp practice on Aug. 2, 2024, in Eagan. The two quarterbacks rotated reps as part of the team’s early preseason evaluation. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports.

Young enters a pivotal year No. 3, and his experience of an all-in season in 2025 is much more believable than McCarthy’s.

Barnwell added, “After another offseason spent adding new receivers and playmakers to the offense, the Panthers enter 2025 hoping they can gain some level of certainty about their quarterback situation. The coaching staff and general manager who traded for Young aren’t in the building anymore, and while Canales surely joined the Panthers expecting to turn Young into a viable starter, Carolina will face a decision on his future after the season.”

“Will it pick up an option for 2027 that would guarantee him a salary likely north of $27 million? Will it decline the option and make plans to move on? Or could there be another offseason in which the Panthers insist they just need to get the right players around their quarterback for him to thrive?”

McCarthy begins his quest as the Vikings’ QB1 at the Chicago Bears in 6.5 weeks.