Overview
- Minnesota remains committed to JJ McCarthy as the 2025 starter after he missed his entire rookie year with a knee injury and has yet to make a regular-season NFL start.
- Camp and preseason reports say Sam Howell has underwhelmed and Brett Rypien has struggled, while undrafted rookie Max Brosmer has impressed enough to enter the backup conversation.
- Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay has proposed sending a late-round pick to the Giants for Jameis Winston, a suggestion reiterated in new coverage as a practical way to secure experienced insurance.
- Kay has also floated acquiring Kenny Pickett from the Browns for a 2026 sixth-round pick to strengthen the room behind the untested starter.
- A Star Tribune column surveyed multiple backup options and coverage notes receiver absences are stressing the roster, while long-range ideas such as Arch Manning are described as speculative.