The Minnesota Vikings could contend for a Super Bowl in 2025, but their strategy hinges on the performance of second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy. Head Coach Kevin O’Connell is operating with a bold, almost audacious, confidence, betting heavily on the young passer who hasn’t yet taken a regular-season snap.
While swinging big on a 22-year-old player is understandable, particularly with a coach like O’Connell – a former offensive coordinator with the Los Angeles Rams – the Vikings’ current situation behind McCarthy raises concerns. They’re relying on a chain of backups that currently lacks proven talent. Sam Howell is slated to be QB2, boasting a 5-13 record in 20 games with a negative touchdown-to-interception ratio. Behind him, Brett Rypien and Max Brosmer round out the QB3 and QB4 positions, both of whom are undrafted rookies.
The Vikings have strategically built their financial advantage by positioning McCarthy as the starter on a $22 million rookie contract. However, this advantage is only sustainable if McCarthy delivers on the expectations of a top-10 overall draft pick from 2024.
Should McCarthy struggle, or suffer another injury, the Vikings will need a capable backup – one significantly better than Howell. Options include pursuing free agent signings like Carson Wentz or exploring a deal with Joe Flacco, currently embroiled in a four-quarterback competition with the Cleveland Browns.
Furthermore, former starter Kirk Cousins is currently a QB2 with the Atlanta Falcons. Atlanta owes him $27.5 million this season and is actively seeking a trade.
Matt Holder of Bleacher Report suggests the Falcons should prioritize a trade for Cousins. “There aren’t many starting quarterback spots open around the league right now, so Cousins might be stuck in Atlanta until another team suffers an injury in training camp,” Holder wrote on July 16th. “If that happens, the Falcons should act quickly and just get what they can for the 36-year-old since the team doesn’t plan on playing him this season.”
The Vikings could potentially acquire Cousins for a Day-3 draft asset and an agreement to take on roughly $10 million of his 2025 salary. This would provide a viable veteran backup QB, acting as a crucial security blanket as the Vikings pursue a campaign defined by legitimate Super Bowl potential.
*This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 17, 2025.*