The future of J.J. McCarthy in Minnesota remains uncertain, despite him making just 10 starts over the past two seasons after being selected in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
He missed his entire rookie year due to a preseason knee injury and then dealt with multiple injuries last season that caused him to miss seven games.
Beyond his health concerns, McCarthy’s play has been inconsistent — which is to be expected from a young quarterback. Still, considering the Minnesota Vikings went 14-3 in 2024 with Sam Darnold as the starter before missing the playoffs this past season, it raises questions about whether they are truly maximizing a roster that features arguably the NFL’s best wide receiver in Justin Jefferson.
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As a result, rumors have circulated this offseason about the Vikings potentially adding a veteran quarterback to compete with McCarthy for the starting job next season. While names such as Kyler Murray, Kirk Cousins, Tua Tagovailoa, and Geno Smith have surfaced, there are also reports of interest in a currently retired quarterback who is open to a potential NFL comeback.
That player is 34-year-old Derek Carr. According to California Post’s Vincent Bonsignore, “there was a lot of talk in Indy about the Vikings” in connection to Carr if he chooses to return — presumably for a contender.
One wrinkle in this scenario, however, is that Carr technically remains under contract with the New Orleans Saints, meaning they would hold his rights if he decides to come back.
While he likely wouldn’t require significant trade compensation, it is still a hurdle in the process. Carr stepped away from football following a shoulder injury in May 2025, so he is not far removed from playing.
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