As McCarthy enters his third year with Minnesota, questions about his place on the roster are circulating among observers.
Battling for the QB2 role in Minnesota
McCarthy and Carson Wentz have been in the mix for the Vikings’ backup quarterback slot. After the addition of Kyler Murray to the roster, Murray was often viewed as the favored option to push for the top backup job, though early preseason performances hinted at a broader competition. Following a shaky preseason showing, McCarthy’s path to securing the QB2 role has become more uncertain, with Wentz entering the discussion as a legitimate challenger.
During recent practice sessions, reports indicated that McCarthy and Wentz split second-team reps, underscoring the close competition for the backup spot. Minnesota still has one more preseason game on the schedule, with an opportunity to solidify roles before the regular season.
Could Minnesota trade or waive McCarthy?
Analysts have suggested that McCarthy’s future with the Vikings is precarious as the 53-man roster deadline approaches. With Kyler Murray already on the roster as the starter, Minnesota faces a decision about who will back up the quarterback position. McCarthy, Wentz, and Max Brosmer are all contending for the job, and the team must determine the best fit for the locker room and on-field plans.
McCarthy remains under his rookie contract, with 2027 guaranteed money already in place, meaning any move would consider both current needs and future costs. The Vikings will need to decide whether to keep McCarthy as a developmental option behind Murray or to explore potential trades or waivers to optimize the roster.
Throughout the process, head coach Kevin O’Connell has reiterated that McCarthy still has a future with the Vikings and emphasized continued development and opportunity under the organization’s plans. The coming days will reveal how Minnesota chooses to navigate the backup quarterback landscape and which path best aligns with its long-term goals.
