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Frederick: Should J.J. McCarthy Be Vikings 2026 Starting QB? Depends on Brian Flores

The Minnesota Vikings must decide whether J.J. McCarthy will be Plan A to start the 2026 season, as Kevin O'Connell and Kwesi Adofo-Mensah will address McCarthy questions this week.
The team's scouting view came from a Year 1, 10-game evaluation of J.J. McCarthy, quarterback, showing escapability, arm strength, flaws, as he turns 23 this month.
Defensive uncertainty centers on Brian Flores' free-agent status and potential departure, with veteran safety Harrison Smith likely retiring and Eric Wilson possibly signing elsewhere, risking Minnesota Vikings defense dominance in 2026.
If the defense stays elite, Minnesota Vikings must pursue a quarterback upgrade via free agency or trade, but a defensive drop-off means average play won't boost competitiveness.
Because 2025 opportunities may not repeat in 2026, timing on roster choices is urgent as Kevin O'Connell, head coach, and Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, general manager, must prioritize evaluating the defense.

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The Ben Maller Show

Overnight Sports podcast

Hour 2 - Vague Vikings

The Ben Maller Show examines the Vikings GM's ambiguous stance on JJ McCarthy's 2026 starting role.

6 days ago

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Sports Illustrated

Lean Left

Vikings GM admits mistakes on Daniel Jones; J.J. McCarthy drafted on 'incomplete information'

Kwesi Adofo-Mensah acknowledged missteps in Daniel Jones’ free agency and said the Vikings drafted J.J. McCarthy with limited information, leaving the door open for quarterback competition.

6 days ago·New York, United States

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