Shipley: J.J. McCarthy didn’t make a good case to be the Vikings’ starter

McCarthy’s ability to start was the biggest question at the season’s onset and it’s still — at best — a question as the Vikings limp into the offseason.

McCarthy gives Vikings another mixed-bag performance in season finale, including another injury exit

McCarthy did add one play to his 2025 highlight reel on Sunday, though it was another mixed result. On the Vikings' first drive of the game, McCarthy sprinted out of the pocket and took off running. Along the way, he flattened linebacker Ty'Ron Hopper with a stiff-arm before slamming into cornerback Keisean Nixon on the sideline.

NFL Rumors on J.J. McCarthy's Vikings Future, Team Linked to 'Established' QB Options

Amid a disappointing first season as the Minnesota Vikings No. 1 quarterback, J.J. McCarthy will not be guaranteed the starting job in 2026.
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J.J. McCarthy escapes the pocket pressure and delivers a dot to Justin Jefferson

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy escapes the pocket pressure and delivers a dot to wide receiver Justin Jefferson for 12 yards.
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