Overview
- Head coach Kevin O'Connell on Wednesday officially listed Kyler Murray as the starter, Carson Wentz as the primary backup and J.J. McCarthy as the third-string quarterback for Week 1.
- O'Connell described the backup spot as a week-to-week decision and said McCarthy will continue to get work and can earn his way back onto the active rotation.
- McCarthy missed the 2024 season with a torn meniscus and finished 2025 with a 57.6% completion rate, 1,632 yards, 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, factors teams and analysts cite for Minnesota's move to add Murray and prefer an experienced backup.
- Analysts and outlets identify McCarthy as a possible trade candidate this season, but his injury history, uneven play and roughly $5–6 million in guaranteed salary limit his near-term market value ahead of the NFL trade deadline on Nov. 10, 2026.
- What to watch next: general manager Nolan Teasley’s public support keeps McCarthy on the roster for now, but the Vikings will reassess weekly and the most likely triggers for a role change are clear on-field improvement, a Murray injury, or a trade offer the team finds acceptable.