Overview
- Minnesota finished 9-8 with a five-game winning streak yet missed the playoffs, keeping the quarterback question front and center.
- Asked about 2026, Kevin O’Connell praised McCarthy’s growth but stopped short of naming him the starter as McCarthy called his job “rented.”
- The 22-year-old logged 10 starts with 57.6% passing, 1,632 yards, 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, missed seven games to multiple injuries, and left Week 18 with a painful right hand.
- After a season of thin backup options, the Vikings are expected to pursue veteran competition and stronger depth through free agency or trades, according to multiple reports.
- PFF characterizes McCarthy as high-variance, while Justin Jefferson publicly backs him even as local voices question leadership optics and urge urgency in the quarterback plan.