The Minnesota Vikings are at a critical juncture with their quarterback situation, as second-year signal-caller J.J. McCarthy struggles to find his footing in the 2025 preseason. Selected as the No. 10 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, McCarthy missed his entire rookie season due to injury, raising concerns about his readiness to lead a championship-caliber roster that posted an impressive 14 wins last year. Recent practices have only amplified these worries, with McCarthy throwing interceptions on three consecutive days against his own defense. For a team with Super Bowl aspirations, these early struggles signal a need for immediate action to secure a reliable backup plan.
McCarthy’s Struggles Raise Red Flags
It’s not uncommon for a 22-year-old quarterback entering his second NFL season to face growing pains, especially after missing his rookie year. However, McCarthy’s recent performance in practice—marked by costly turnovers against a Vikings defense already familiar with the team’s scheme—suggests potential trouble ahead. Smart organizations don’t ignore such warning signs, especially when the stakes are as high as they are in Minnesota. The Vikings’ lack of a proven alternative at quarterback could jeopardize their season if McCarthy falters or suffers another injury.
The Cleveland Browns’ experience with Dorian Thompson-Robinson serves as a cautionary tale. A fifth-round pick, Thompson-Robinson dazzled in the 2023 and 2024 preseasons but floundered in regular-season action, posting a 1-4 record, a 52.6% completion rate, 880 yards, 1 touchdown, and 10 interceptions. Recently traded to the Philadelphia Eagles, his story underscores the gap between preseason promise and regular-season production. While McCarthy, a top-10 pick, faces stiffer competition against Minnesota’s starters compared to Thompson-Robinson’s matchups against second-stringers, the broader lesson remains: the Vikings cannot afford to rely solely on McCarthy without a viable contingency plan.
The Case for Kirk Cousins’ Return
One potential solution lies in reuniting with a familiar face: Kirk Cousins. The veteran quarterback, who previously played under head coach Kevin O’Connell in Minnesota, is reportedly on the trading block after just one season with the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons are eager to move on from Cousins’ $27.5 million base salary in 2025 and are willing to absorb a portion of it to facilitate a trade. ESPN’s Seth Walder proposed a deal on June 4, 2025, in which the Vikings would send backup quarterback Sam Howell to Atlanta in exchange for Cousins, with Minnesota covering approximately $12 million of his salary.
This trade would provide the Vikings with a seasoned veteran capable of stepping in if McCarthy struggles or gets injured. Cousins’ familiarity with O’Connell’s system and some of the Vikings’ roster makes him an ideal fit, though his presence could potentially undermine McCarthy’s confidence or standing within the team. Still, for a franchise aiming to capitalize on its championship window, the upgrade from Howell—who lacks Cousins’ experience and proven track record—is a prudent move.
Anthony Richardson: A High-Upside Alternative
For a bolder approach, the Vikings could explore a trade for Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson. Drafted No. 4 overall in 2023, Richardson has shown flashes of elite potential with his arm strength and mobility but has been hampered by injuries and inconsistent play. After a challenging second season that saw him benched in favor of Joe Flacco, Richardson’s future in Indianapolis is uncertain, especially following the death of Colts owner Jim Irsay and the subsequent shift in team leadership under his daughters.
Richardson, with two years remaining on his $34 million rookie contract, represents a high-upside option. His 8-7 record as a starter reflects more experience than McCarthy, and his athletic gifts could thrive under O’Connell’s coaching. The two share a connection, evident last season when O’Connell encouraged Richardson after a Vikings win, saying, “You’re a bad dude, and you’re going to play a long time in this league. Go to work every day. Good things will happen for you. I still believe in you.”
While Richardson may not be ready to lead Minnesota to a title in 2025, his potential to develop into a superstar makes him an intriguing long-term investment. Additionally, his presence would foster healthy competition, which McCarthy has publicly welcomed this preseason.
The Stakes Are High for Minnesota
The Vikings’ championship-caliber roster demands a quarterback room that can deliver in 2025. Relying solely on McCarthy, who has yet to take a regular-season snap, is a gamble that could derail a promising season. Failing to secure a reliable backup—whether a proven veteran like Cousins or a high-potential talent like Richardson—would be a critical oversight. By acting decisively, Minnesota can protect its investment in McCarthy while ensuring the team remains competitive, no matter what challenges arise at the quarterback position.