Vikings' best 2026 QB options to replace J.J. McCarthy & Max Brosmer, save Justin Jefferson

Vikings' best 2026 QB options to replace J.J. McCarthy & Max Brosmer, save Justin Jefferson originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Minnesota Vikings have seen their 2025 quarterback go from bad to worse. It's been a rough sophomore season for J.J. McCarthy, seeing his first starting action with a knee injury wiping out his rookie year. But an undrafted rookie backup brought the passing game to new lows in Week 13.

With McCarthy concussed and out for the game against the Seahawks, the Vikings were shut out in Seattle, 26-0 on Sunday. The play of Brosmer (19-of-30, 126 yards, 4 INTs, 4 sacks, fumble lost) made it impossible for Minnesota to score points. He also dragged No. 1 wide receiver Justin Jefferson to a new career low with four receiving yards on only two receptions.

McCarthy has been healthy to start only six games this season with his own ineptitude and inefficiency. Carson Wentz struggled filling in before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury in Week 8.

Offensive-minded head coach Kevin O'Connell saw his team go 14-3 last season with Sam Darnold, who started against his team for the winning Seahawks. He also produced a 13-4 season with Kirk Cousins, who started for the Falcons in Week 13.

McCarthy, Wentz and Brosmer are a combined are 4-8 this season. The Vikings need to then explore some QB replacement options for 2026 to not waste receivers such as Jefferson, Jordan Addison and tight end T.J. Hockenson. Here's a look at where they can go to revive what was one of the league's best aerial attacks:

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Vikings' best quarterback options in 2026

Draft Dante Moore

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The Vikings would pick just outside the top 10 overall in the 2026 NFL draft, which might keep them out of reach for Indiana's Fernando Mendoza and Alabama's Ty Simpson based on their current early prospect stock. But Moore had a big enough season with Oregon showing all-around promise to be an intriguing quick return first-round foray to replace McCarthy.

Sign Daniel Jones

Jones has been huge for the Colts, helping them replace Anthony Richardson, as his play is a big reason they are in the AFC playoff picture at 8-4. Before then, after his fall as the Giants starter, he finished the 2024 season as a Viking. Should Indianapolis hesitate to lock up Jones long-term, Minnesota should be ready to jump on him, trying to reverse the fortunes of not keeping Darnold.

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Trade for Jameis Winston

Winston signed a two-year deal with the Giants and given Russell Wilson is a pending free agent near the end, there's a good chance he's retained to be Jaxson Dart's clear top backup. But should a coaching change prompt personnel moves, the Vikings could go after the gunslinging, team-lifting QB who turns only 32 in January.

Sign Jimmy Garoppolo

Garoppolo has been out of sight, out of mind since leaving the 49ers and having a forgettable starting stint with the Raiders. He's been holding the clipboard for Matthew Stafford and absorbing the Sean McVay system while also starting plenty for Kyle Shanahan. The 34-year-old going to O'Connell has a chance to produce passable results.

Sign Joe Flacco

Flacco has become the new Ryan Fitzpatrick or Josh McCown in his second post-Ravens act. He gave the Bengals a mini-spark minus Joe Burrow and showed he can be effective in a Rams adjacent system under Zac Taylor when given two top wide receivers. O'Connell could get the most out of Flacco as a 41-year-old to be.

Sign Trey Lance

This would be more of a backup contingency move for the Minnesota native and former North Dakota State star who succeeded Wentz in college. Lance learned in a good system behind Justin Herbert with Jim Harbaugh and may be ready for a real chance. He doesn't turn 26 until next May, so he would be a worthy flier to at least upgrade No. 2.

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