The Minnesota Vikings have made it clear that J.J. McCarthy is their primary focus moving forward and is expected to be the leading candidate for the starting quarterback role in training camp this summer. However, during the NFL owners’ meetings in Florida on April 2, Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah emphasized that the team plans to add more depth to the quarterback position, which currently includes only McCarthy and Brett Rypien—who finished last season as the fourth quarterback on the depth chart and was relegated to the practice squad.
“We want [McCarthy] to be our starting quarterback for a long time,” Adofo-Mensah told Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. “Obviously, he had an injury and a setback, but we’re excited about everything he’s done since then, and we’re moving forward with him. We’ll continue to add depth to that room and improve it.”
As for Aaron Rodgers, it seems that the Vikings are no longer pursuing him, following a brief period of consideration late last month. Although Rodgers remains a free agent, the Pittsburgh Steelers appear to be his only viable option, with the Vikings seemingly out of the picture.
If Rodgers is off the table, the Vikings are likely to explore adding a veteran quarterback to support McCarthy during his second season, which will essentially serve as his rookie year in many ways. The team is looking for a veteran who can help guide McCarthy and step in if he struggles or faces another injury.
The most experienced veterans still available include Ryan Tannehill, Joe Flacco, and Carson Wentz. These quarterbacks have notable career achievements but would not pose a significant threat to McCarthy’s starting role or his standing with fans if he faces challenges.
Rodgers is seeking a starting role, a final contract, and a chance for one last shot at success. Tannehill, who turned down offers last season to wait for a starting opportunity, is 37 years old and coming off an entire season sidelined. However, he boasts a winning record over 12 seasons, with roughly 100 more touchdown passes than interceptions, a Pro Bowl appearance, and an AFC Championship Game appearance. The Vikings have already made contact with him, although nothing has been finalized yet.
Flacco, at 40, is a former Super Bowl champion who started several games for the Indianapolis Colts last season and led the Cleveland Browns to a playoff berth the year before. He remains a free agent and is seeking to play at least one more season.
Wentz, the youngest of the three at 32, was the backup quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs last season.
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